Your choices at 16+
Because we're all different, we learn in different ways.
Only by meeting your individual needs can we help you be the best you can. At
West Herts College we call this personalisation. It’s all about offering you the
right course - where you are happy and inspired - and about making sure your time
with us sets you up for life.
Our further education courses focus on the skills you need for career
success, with tuition and exam fees free to all under 19s.
Your choices
At 16+ your options in further education fall into three main categories:
- Vocational – courses for careers
- The New Diploma
- Apprenticeships – earn while you learn
Vocational
These courses prepare students in career-focused areas such as art, care,
performing arts or travel and tourism and include qualifications such as:
- BTEC First and National Diplomas
- BTEC First and National Diplomas
We offer nearly 30 vocational subject areas,and many of our students
progress on to Degree courses in these areas while others choose to go
straight into employment.
Courses with a strong focus on work experience are more specific and
prepare you for particular careers, for example hairdressing, beauty therapy,
construction or motor vehicle engineering. National Vocational Qualifications (
NVQs) help students gain relevant practical skills.
Students on NVQ courses progress from:
- NVQ Level 1 – students work under supervision
- NVQ Level 2 – students become qualified practitioners
- NVQ Level 3 – holders are qualified to supervise others
The New Diploma
The Diploma is a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds and offers a
mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience in a range of career-focused
subjects. We have partnerships with local schools to help you develop
the vital skills you need for life and work.
Apprenticeships
We offer a range of Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships, for
those of you who are thinking about starting a career straight away and studying
while you work.This will give you an opportunity to develop your skills and
knowledge within a practical real, working environment.
As one of our apprenticeship students you will receive individual support to monitor your
progress both at college and at work.
Skills for Success
At West Herts College we ensure all our students develop the skills they
need to be ready for life outside college. These skills may help you get a job,
progress to the next level of study or enter Higher Education. They will enable
you to:
- Communicate well
- Have good maths skills
- Use computers
- Work in teams
- Solve problems
- Manage your time
For students thinking of university, passes in these exams can be added
to your UCAS tariff points.
Click here
to view a diagram of the study levels and progression routes available.