College courses for tradespeople
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College is typically - though not exclusively - a great way for younger people to start a career in the trades. See how it might work for you...
Would college suit me?
Choosing college might be a good fit for you if:
- You’re not ready to be part of the workforce yet.
- You think you might struggle to balance work and study.
- You want to go into a trade but you’re not sure which one, so you’re not ready to commit to an apprenticeship.
- You might want to go to university in future, so you need a Level 3 qualification.
- You already work in a trade and you’d like some qualifications to back up that knowledge or to help you go for a promotion.
有很多贸易工作，您不需要大学资格。看看这是一个好主意National Careers Serviceso you know what employers want.
What kind of courses can I do?
There are vocational courses available that you can do from level 1-3 (sometimes called NVQs) in practical subjects like carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating.
You can get an Award, Certificate or Diploma.
- An Awardis any qualification with up to 130 hours of study and equal to up to 13 credits.
- A Certificateis any qualification with between 130-370 hours of study or 13-37 credits.
- A Diplomais any qualification with over 370 hours of study or over 37 credits.
A Levels
If you want a career like construction management, civil engineering or quantity surveying then consider taking A Levels in subjects like maths, technology or design.
You might also hear about BTECs, now being replaced by awards, certificates and diplomas. They tend to be more practical than A Levels and you might find them in subjects like construction & the built environment.
Whatever qualification you take you’ll study full time, for 1-2 years.
What about money?
If you’re an apprentice, then you earn money while you study. But if you’re at college, you can:
- Get a part-time job. This is also a way to get the kind of practical experience employers want.
- Apply for a bursary for 16-19-year olds to help you pay for things like clothing, equipment and transport. You’ll have to provide evidence to show you need it.
WilI I get a job in a trade after college?
College will give you loads of theory and maybe some practical experience in workshops or through work placements.
但他们不会在您参加学徒的工作培训中给您相同的工作时间。这意味着你的第一份工作将在梯子的底部梯级上，作为一项实习生。
There’s no 'right' route to get a job in a trade, so it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of college and apprenticeships to see what might work for you.
