Colleges offer a wider variety of courses that are suitable for learners of all abilities and ages:

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• A Levels offered at each college will vary: there is often a large choice of different subjects and courses usually take two years to complete.

• BTECs are related to broad employment areas such as business, IT, sport or health and social care

• Vocational courses that lead to specific jobs, such as joinery, plumbing or hairdressing.

• GCSEs offered at each college will vary. There is always an opportunity to re-sit maths and English if you do not have them at a level 4 or above

• Courses for students who are 19+ to help them get to university. These are called access courses.

• Vocational Higher Education Level courses, such as Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Certificates (HNCs). You can do a degree at a college!

• Foundation Courses to develop maths, English, study skills, confidence and employability. These courses can give students the chance to try out several different vocational areas, as well as prepare them for academic study.

• Learning for leisure: these courses are usually part-time and often take place in the evenings. They may involve learning more about a hobby or interest e.g. photography, sewing, cooking for beginners.

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Bradford and the surrounding area has a number of colleges that you can pick from to attend. You may want to consider distance but they may also offer a course that is not offered in other places.

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• Bradford College – https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/

• Calderdale College – https://www.calderdale.ac.uk/

• Craven College – www.craven-college.ac.uk

• Keighley College – https://keighleycollege.ac.uk/

• Leeds City College – www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk

• Shipley College – https://www.shipley.ac.uk/

• Kirklees College – https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/

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There are also Specialist Colleges in our region which offer courses that focus on a specific vocational area. It might be that you want to consider these if you are really interested in a particular subject they are offering.

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• Leeds College of Building (Construction) – https://www.lcb.ac.uk

• Leeds Arts University (Art) – https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/

• White Rose Beauty (Beauty)- https://www.whiterosebeautycolleges.co.uk/our-colleges/leeds

• Exceed Training (Hairdressing) – https://www.salonexceed.co.uk/training-academy/

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If you feel you would benefit from support in applying for any of these options please contact school by emailing careers@bbec.bdat-academies.org

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Study Program

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Vocational qualifications can also be studied through a study programme. If you would benefit from a more flexible approach to learning in a smaller setting, a study programme may be the right option for you.

Study programmes are designed to help young people develop the skills, qualifications and experience needed to progress into employment, an apprenticeship or further education. As part of a study programme, you may receive:

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• A vocational qualification in your chosen subject area.

• Work experience linked to your career interests.

• Careers advice and guidance to help you plan your future.

• Support with associated costs, including potential access to learner bursaries and assistance with travel expenses while training.

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Study programmes offer a practical and supportive route for students who wish to continue developing their skills while preparing for the world of work.

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The main local providers of study programmes are Aspire-Igen, Barnardo's and Motiv8. For more information about the courses and opportunities available, please visit their websites below.

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• Aspire – Igen – https://youngpeople.aspire-igen.com/aspire2work/

• Motiv8 – https://www.motive8vc.co.uk/ 

• Barnardo’s – https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/ets-yorkshire

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There are also other providers of these services in other areas including Kirklees and Calderdale If you wish to be referred to any of these please get in touch with school on careers@bbec.bdat-academies.org