Wow.
BTEC is a totally separate qualification from GCSE/A-Level that you can get on many different levels. I started studying one at 13 and did it over 3 years when i got the First Diploma for Aviation Pursuits. I also have the Public Services BTEC. They count for UCAS points so they DO help with your uni applications, but they won't do shit for you if you don't have good GCSE grades and good AS grades, as well as getting the A2 grades the uni conditionally accepts you with.
When people say they are equivalent to 4 GCSEs or 3 A-Levels, they mean equivalent. Having in intermediate BTEC doesn't give you four GCSEs. It is merely an equivalent qualification.
BTECs are vocational. They are there to give you the specific knowledge and skills you need for a trade. I have 12 GCSEs and 4 AS-Levels (I dropped out after that) and now I work for HSBC earning up to £20,000 a year at bottom level, and I'm on fast-track to junior management (6 months as a cashier, 12 months in sales, then a year or so general training). My missus on the other hand, got GCSEs, then studied for her BTEC Diploma in Care, and is now at Uni studying to be a midwife. When she qualifies in 18 months she'll walk into a £20,000+ job too. I got my job based not much on my qualifications but on my experience in retail and sales, and in an office based role, coupled with a cracking good interview on the day.
Both sets of qualifications do the job if you take the right courses to suit your needs.
Ta
B
Oh yeah,
*CHEERS LOUDLY* Buckles is back. YAY!
BTEC is a totally separate qualification from GCSE/A-Level that you can get on many different levels. I started studying one at 13 and did it over 3 years when i got the First Diploma for Aviation Pursuits. I also have the Public Services BTEC. They count for UCAS points so they DO help with your uni applications, but they won't do shit for you if you don't have good GCSE grades and good AS grades, as well as getting the A2 grades the uni conditionally accepts you with.
When people say they are equivalent to 4 GCSEs or 3 A-Levels, they mean equivalent. Having in intermediate BTEC doesn't give you four GCSEs. It is merely an equivalent qualification.
BTECs are vocational. They are there to give you the specific knowledge and skills you need for a trade. I have 12 GCSEs and 4 AS-Levels (I dropped out after that) and now I work for HSBC earning up to £20,000 a year at bottom level, and I'm on fast-track to junior management (6 months as a cashier, 12 months in sales, then a year or so general training). My missus on the other hand, got GCSEs, then studied for her BTEC Diploma in Care, and is now at Uni studying to be a midwife. When she qualifies in 18 months she'll walk into a £20,000+ job too. I got my job based not much on my qualifications but on my experience in retail and sales, and in an office based role, coupled with a cracking good interview on the day.
Both sets of qualifications do the job if you take the right courses to suit your needs.
Ta
B
Oh yeah,
*CHEERS LOUDLY* Buckles is back. YAY!
Last edited by Buckles (2008-01-12 06:41:05)