Introducing BTEC
Over the last 25 years, BTECs have helped millions of people develop the skills they need to get on in life. Engaging and inspiring, these work-related qualifications are suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
BTECs give students the skills they need to either move on to higher education or go straight into employment. For instance, a BTEC National Certificate in Business would cover all aspects of business including marketing, law, human resources and accounting.
What is a BTEC?
- BTECs are work-related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, built to accommodate the needs of employers and allow progression to university.
- They provide a practical, real-world approach to learning without sacrificing any of the essential subject theory.
- They can be taken alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels and alongside Diplomas in schools and colleges. They can also form part of the 14-19 Diploma and Modern Apprenticeships.
- BTECs are recognised by schools, colleges, universities, employers and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide.
- BTECs have been around for 25 years and their reputation is second to none.
- They continue to be developed and updated with and for industry and in response to the needs of learners.
Why is BTEC important?
- BTECs are understood and recognised by a large number of organisations in a wide range of sectors.
- They offer natural progression along a vocational path, from and to academic qualifications and university.
- BTEC qualifications are developed with key industry representatives and sector skills councils to ensure that they meet employer and student needs.
- Many industry and professional bodies offer successful BTEC students exemptions for their own accredited qualifications.
How does it work?
- BTECs are at different levels:
- Entry – for learners to develop confidence and initial skills for either a broad work sector or everyday life
- Introductory (Level 1) – a basic introduction to an industry sector. They encourage development of personal and work-related skills
- Nationals (Level 3) - specialist qualifications for students with a clear view of their future career or seeking progression to higher education
- Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3) – preparation for entry to higher education to study art and design
- Higher Nationals (Level 5) – higher education qualifications widely recognised by universities and professional bodies
- Development and Professional Development qualifications (Levels 4-8) – short courses needed for professional development
- BTEC Short Courses - available at all levels
- WorkSkills (Entry 3 - Level 2) – a suite of skills-based employability units.
- Find out more about the different types of BTEC.
- The different sizes of BTEC qualifications vary at each level. In general:
- The smallest is the Award
- The next is the Certificate
- The largest is the Diploma
- The number of units varies according to the design and focus of each qualification.
- Learners complete realistic work-based assignments, which are internally assessed.
- Edexcel regularly checks the assessment decisions and quality assurance procedures in each centre. This is undertaken by Edexcel staff or by Assessment Associates contracted as External Verifiers/Examiners and Risk Assessors.
When is it done?
- BTECs are mode-free and the time taken to complete them depends on the size and level of the qualification.
- Each BTEC programme has identified guided learning hours.
- See the Key Dates and Actions handbook for key dates and deadlines during the academic year.
Who is responsible?
- Teachers have responsibility for ensuring that appropriate programmes are chosen and that learners are recruited with integrity. All BTEC teachers should be familiar with the BTEC specifications and the assessment requirements.
- It is recommended that a Programme Manager is identified for each BTEC programme to oversee planning, delivery and assessment.
- Edexcel asks that each BTEC centre identify a Quality Nominee, who will be the main point of contact for Edexcel. The Quality Nominee should be someone who has the capacity and authority to act for your centre. They monitor and support BTEC staff across your centre. The Quality Nominee will also be requested to liaise with the appropriate Programme Managers and Internal Verifiers in your centre, and be the main point of contact for our Edexcel staff, External Verifiers and Risk Assessors.