BTEC blog

Last week we joined colleges across the country at the digital Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual Conference, one of the biggest CPD events in FE.

As part of Pearson's strategic partnership with the Association of Colleges (the AoC), this week we joined them at their Annual Conference as Headline Sponsor. It is easily the biggest CPD event in FE, and though hosted remotely this year, was still an unmissable opportunity for colleges in the UK to come together as a community.

Our SVP of BTEC and Apprenticeships Cindy Rampersaud led a keynote speech on Monday morning on the importance of adult learning. Cindy explored the crucial role of lifelong learning post-pandemic to help us keep up with rapid and unpredictable changes in skills demand, technology and shifts in industry.

Watch the recording of Cindy's talk to learn more about the actions that we need to take in FE - and beyond - to make learning more accessible to people no matter their age or background.

At the AoC Annual Conference this week, our SVP of BTEC and Apprenticeships Cindy Rampersaud led a keynote speech on Why Adult Learning Matters.

Cindy explored the impact of the pandemic, and how many of the changes that COVID-19 has brought about are here to stay. She discussed the impact that the pandemic has 

The recent College of the Future report for Wales has emphasised the importance of access to lifelong learning in Wales, alongside the rest of the UK. Vocational learning is an essential part of this landscape, equipping learners with practical skills and knowledge to get them ready for their career, and enabling them to upskill throughout their working lives.

We’ve heard from some inspiring adult learners in Wales who have excelled in vocational education. In this blog we’ll hear about Saffron Herbert, a BTEC Health and Social Care student from Neath College who is now studying paediatric nursing at The University of West England in Bristol.

BTEC Higher Nationals (levels 4-5) play a unique role in the journey of an individual in post-16 education. Delivered to institutions internationally, these qualifications offer an alternative approach outside the university sector, allowing for a focus on vocational education, developing knowledge and skill in specific industries.

For teaching staff or professionals seeking a form of continual professional development it is widely cited that self-paced learning has the benefits of convenience, efficiency, scalability and effectiveness. Many principles of learning indicate optimum learning takes place where the individual works at their own pace.

We interviewed Tonicha Roberts, a full-time forensic scientist and former BTEC learner, to hear about her experiences of BTEC and her career in forensics. Tonicha undertook a BTEC in Applied Science (Forensic Science), alongslide an NVQ, as part of her apprenticeship with CSR Scientific Training Group and Eurofins Forensic Services.

Higher technical education (HTE) at Levels 4 and 5 (equivalent to the first two years of an UK honours degree) already plays a vital role in supplying the UK’s labour market with a highly skilled workforce, but it is an often an overlooked higher education option.  Despite a decline in numbers since 2000, however, HTE is now looks set for a resurgence. 

BTEC Creative Media is all about getting stuck in and developing the skills and knowledge to help your talent shine and succeed in your career. Alfie, a BTEC Creative Media learner, shares his experience of the course and why he would recommend BTEC to future learners. 

In what is consistently described as an ‘unprecedented year’, the education sector is witnessing its own rapid change. Ensuring that learning is accessible, relevant, and meets the needs of local markets has always been a challenge, but in 2020 this need has become even greater.