Study Programmes Explained
Grantham College & University Centre offers a wide variety of courses, whether you are looking for academic study or vocational skills training, there will be the right course for you!
What is a BTEC?
BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) are vocational and work-related courses, designed to accommodate the needs of employers and allow students to progress to Further and Higher Education. A BTEC takes a practical approach to learning, without overlooking any of the important theory of the subject.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are an exciting new vocational study option available after you have completed your GCSEs. T Levels are two year programmes, equivalent to 3 A Levels, which are a unique hybrid of high quality technical training in the classroom and an extended industry placement. 80% of your time will be spent in the classroom with a further 20% out on placement with an employer gaining invaluable, up to date industry skills.
T Levels are designed to give you the knowledge and experience you need to get a head start on your chosen career. When you complete your T Level qualification, you will be able to go straight into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education.
What’s an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you get the best of both worlds by getting paid whilst you learn. You will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to succeed in today’s demanding job market.
Spending time in the workplace is a great way to boost your skills and build your industry knowledge. At Grantham College, every student aged 16-18 completes at least 30 hours on a placement with an organisation whose activities are relevant to their course.
If you’re studying for a T Level qualification, you will complete an industry placement, comprising 315 hours or more. You’ll gain a wealth of experience to showcase on job applications, or your personal statement if you apply for university. Placements offer the chance to practise your technical skills and essential skills like teamwork and problem-solving. They also help you to create a network of industry contacts and provide the opportunity to explore different job roles. On all placements, you’ll gain an invaluable insight into an industry, be able to enhance your CV and obtain a professional reference, all of which is useful when applying for your first job. Students who impress, being eager to learn and immerse themselves in the work, are sometimes offered paid part-time work afterwards. Occasionally, they’re recruited full-time, following the completion of their studies.
On an industry placement, you could receive a wage, though this depends on the individual company hosting you. Either way, the longer the placement, the more experience you’ll amass and the more time you’ll have to develop your skills and employability. We encourage students to search for their own placements, as this is useful practice for when seeking and applying for full-time jobs. However, work experience and industry placement staff will support you too. Also, during employability lessons, you’ll learn how to write a winning CV and be taught strategies to help you succeed at interview, so when you
begin to look for a host company, you’ll feel prepared and confident.
For further information, please contact us at workexperienceteam@grantham.ac.uk
Development of English and maths skills is essential for successful progression. Grantham College will support you to ensure you leave us having achieved the best grades you possibly can. You will be timetabled into a class that is at the right level for you, based on your grades and prior experience.
If you have not achieved an A*-C/9-4 in GCSE English and maths, it will be mandatory for you to continue to study English and maths alongside your main qualification.
• Already achieved a grade 4 or above at GCSE? You will not be required to study additional English and maths.
• Achieved grade 3 at GCSE? You will be enrolled on to a GCSE course and will work towards gaining a grade 4
or above.
• Achieved lower than grade 3? You will be enrolled on to a GCSE course or another English and maths
qualification at an appropriate level.
Stonebridge Road, Grantham
Lincolnshire NG31 9AP
