Which pathway is right for you?

Have you ever flicked through a college prospectus, looked at the pages and pages of courses and wondered “Where do I start?”.  You’re not alone, and you’re about to discover it’s easier than it looks.

Colleges like Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) provide five different types of course or ‘pathway’.  Each one is different, so it’s important to pick one which suits you, how you like to learn, and the career or job you would like to have in the future.

In no particular order, BTC’s pathways are:

• T Levels – Equivalent to A Levels and designed with employers, these courses combine both in-class and hands-on learning, plus work experience. They also offer a route to university and professional careers in everything from Nursing to Agriculture to Engineering.
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) – An intensive, academic qualification for high achievers keen to get the attention of high-profile universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, and top employers. This course is well-respected around the world.
• A Levels – Often seen as the natural next in post 16 education following successful completion of GCSEs. A Levels are an academic programme where you study three or four different subjects. A logical step from school to university.
• BTEC/vocational qualifications – Practical courses that are often linked to career pathways or job vocations. They are college-based, but you learn in industry-standard settings such as workshops, salons, studios, stables, gardens… it all depends upon which subject you study!
• Apprenticeships – A workplace-based programme which means you do most of your training with an employer. Often associated with subjects like construction skills and hairdressing, but there are so many more to choose from, such as Digital Skills, Accounting and Business.  BTC also offers Degree Apprenticeships such as Nuclear Engineering

So, if you know you like to learn by doing things and can’t wait to get into the workplace, T Levels, BTEC/vocational courses or Apprenticeships might be a good choice for you. However, if you dream of university and are more academic, A Levels, the International Baccalaureate or T Levels may be the Level 3 pathway you wish to follow.

The important place to start is you.  Take the time to think about how you like to learn, which subjects you enjoy at school, and what you would like to do as a career.  When you’re ready, have a chat with your school careers advisor or a member of our Schools Liaison team when they visit your school, or come along to one of our open events.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bridgwater & Taunton College’s Information and Advice team on 01278 441234 or email info@btc.ac.uk. Our website www.btc.ac.uk will also allow you to view the course options, enrichment opportunities and support services available for you to access.