Academic qualifications are based on traditional classroom learning. Vocational (practical) qualifactions are often career-based. Which option is best for you? Or do you want to do BOTH?
ACADEMIC
VOCATIONAL
Example subjects:
Art History
Biology
Psychology
Business Studies
Example subjects:
Sports Studies
Business Studies
Health Studies
Art & Design
Standard classroom setting
Often a mix of practical work environment and some classroom learning (either real-life or virtual)
Can often stay in the same school – or switch to sixth form college if you prefer
Will often take place in a new environment like a college or a mixed work/study environment
The safety of the familiar (but still a step up from what you know, and it will feel like a whole new world)
The possibility of a new approach (but you will settle into the new way of doing things quite quickly)
Likely to involve homework, coursework, exams
Likely to involve some coursework but often doesn’t require exams
Ideal for students who want to learn through discussion and reading
Ideal for students who want to learn through practical training, mentoring and some reading
ABP Foods
Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable foodEXPLORECareers in Eyecare
From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careersEXPLOREAspiration Training
Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business adminEXPLOREBauer Media Careers
Just like our iconic radio and magazine brands, we’re a mix of people from different backgrounds who come together to help inform, entertain and inspire our communities. EXPLORECareers in Racing
Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORECapita Apprenticeship Scheme
Discover better with apprenticeships that offer salaries and real-life training, with 6 career flavours to choose from.EXPLORECatch22 Youth Services
Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help.EXPLORECoach Core Apprenticeships
See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careersEXPLORECoca-Cola EuroPacific
Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people!EXPLOREEnvironment Agency Careers
Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us!EXPLOREEssex Youth Service
Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships.EXPLOREGamCare Early Careers
GamCare offer support to anyone harmed by gambling. Want to REALLY make a difference? Explore our early careers.EXPLOREGeneration: Free Skills Training
Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast.EXPLOREGet Into Teaching
You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships!EXPLOREHeidelberg Materials
Play to your strengths. Travel the world - if you want to. Work with people, money, sales, or technical skills!EXPLOREHaven
Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air!EXPLOREHistoric England
Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests.EXPLOREIxion Training
Are you a school leaver or looking for your next career steps? Ixion training helps you kickstart your career and CVEXPLOREIHG Early Careers
Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality!EXPLOREWorking in local government
Local government touches everyone's lives every dayEXPLOREMartin Brower Careers
Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo.EXPLOREMcDonald's Early Careers
You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree?EXPLORENCFE Vocational Qualifications
Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too.EXPLOREPizzaExpress Careers
Passionate about people and pizza? Explore early careers pathways with PizzaExpress!EXPLOREPret Apprenticeships & Careers
When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey!EXPLOREPrezzo Restaurant Careers
Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss!EXPLORERed Carnation Hotels
Have fun at work with internships, degree apprenticeships and management schemes when you join Red Carnation Hotels.EXPLORERoyal Air Force
There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living.EXPLOREAutomotive Careers For All
Find out more about making sustainability and progress more than just fancy words when it comes to the future of cars!EXPLORESevern Trent Careers
Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond!EXPLORESodexo
Come and EXPLORE your career at Sodexo. See what amazing opportunities come about along the way.EXPLORESurrey County Council Careers
Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORETaylor & Francis Early Careers
Our international publishing company believes in doing things differently. You could be just what we need!EXPLOREThe British Library
Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities.EXPLOREVHR Technical Recruitment
The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience!EXPLORE
Youth Employment UK Membership is a strategic step for organisations of all sizes who want support and recognition for their commitment to creating quality early career opportunities in line with Good Youth Employment Standards.
As experts on youth employment and co-founders of the Youth Employment Group, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policy makers.
