Benefits for Students

A practical approach to study

Students have to undertake a number of units for which they present evidence, based on real-life work and studies. This allows them to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in practical situations. If you think you would succeed better working in this way, the BTEC route may be the one to take.

Some students thrive on the pressure of exams, but others often fail to achieve their potential due to worries or nerves. With a BTEC, progress is measured throughout the course, allowing students to gauge their own performance on a continuing basis, just like in a real workplace. As a result, students are more engaged and motivated, as they can see the progress they’ve made through the course rather than waiting until the end to sit an exam.

Inspiring confidence

Learning should be fun, not daunting. Students enjoy BTEC programmes because they can specialise in areas of learning linked with work that they are interested in. Students build their confidence because they are developing practical skills that will help them secure a job in the future. Answers to assignments may be in written form, but it’s just as likely they will be in other forms – such as film clips, project proposals, business plans and structured databases. Students are always given clear guidelines so they know what they have to achieve and how to do this.

Rewarding effort

Students will have to meet deadlines set by their faculties, but can do this at their own pace rather than having to perform to the time constraints of an exam. Progress is monitored individually by faculties who provide personal support and guidance, helping students develop their learning skills and reach their potential. Learning is progressive, from small-scale and simple topics to larger and more complex themes.

Working together

Teamwork is an important aspect in the world of work. Not surprisingly, it is also a key feature of BTECs. Students work on assignments - such as a group drama production or manager-employee role-play - both individually and in groups. Some students may take time to adapt to these new ways of working, but they gradually understand what is expected of them.

Staying up to date

An important consideration when deciding on a course to follow is whether the content is relevant and the course has been revised recently. If it is a BTEC, you can be assured that it has. We are continually developing and updating BTECs in response to the needs and skills required by employers. This ensures that learners gain maximum benefit from their work while qualifying, and that the qualifications stay up to date and relevant. All BTEC qualifications are now developed in co-operation with the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC), ensuring they meet the needs of employers.