Vocational Studies

Course information

The Vocational Studies course is part of our Vocational Pathway. This course is for learners who are unsure of the vocational pathway they wish to pursue for the future or do not have the entry requirements for a higher level course.

Vocational Studies aims to develop vocational and study skills, alongside behaviours and attitudes, preparing learners to make informed decisions and prepare to be successful learners on the next stage of their journey.

Learners will have the opportunity to sample different vocational areas to gain an insight into the subject, gain vocationally relevant skills, knowledge of careers available in that subject and expectations at the next stage of that chosen vocational area.

In addition to vocational skills, learners will gain personal development skills and explore career choices.

Following successful completion of this qualification learners will have the skills and knowledge to make an informed decision about future study and work.

For those who know the subject they want to specialise in but don’t have the entry requirements, we have the possibility of a Vocational Specialist Level 1 course which will allow you to focus on one specific subject specialism.

What You Will Learn

Within this pathway you will focus on developing your vocational skills ready for the next stage of your learning. This will include a focus on skills related to the vocational subject areas you have chosen for your course. You will also build your teamwork skills, self-confidence and develop your English and maths.

You will be able to choose from a wide range of vocational options as part of your course. At our St Austell and Camborne campuses, options may include media, childcare, sport, art, construction, motor vehicle, carpentry, business, travel and tourism, hairdressing and catering.

Our Duchy Stoke Climsland and Bicton campuses offer land based options which may include animal care, equine countryside skills, agriculture, construction multiskills, horticultural studies, sport and land and environment.

There will be a focus on your personal development to support you to build your self confidence and resilience ready for your next steps.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Two or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, or successful competition of Entry Level Qualification.
• Learners with relevant industry experience but no GCSEs at Grade 2 may be considered based on interview.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

No formal entry requirements but will be suitable for learners working towards level 1.

Work Experience

You will be able to take advantage of a work experience placement as part of your course.

Assessment

You will study a nationally accredited vocational qualification at level 1. The course will also allow you to continue the development of English and maths (either GCSE or Functional Skills).

Progression

Once you have completed this pathway, you may wish to consider a level 2 subject in a specialist area.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus