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Vocational Studies – Level 1 (Alton)

Laser Introductory Certificate Level 1

student in workshop using a hand saw

Availability & Details

Vocational Studies - Level 1 AFY-VOST1C/C01

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
Vocational

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (1 year)

Examination board
Laser Learning Awards

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Overview

This course gives you the opportunity to study a broad curriculum, develop future career ideas and solidify and develop study skills. On this course you will complete the BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Vocational Studies Qualification. This qualification is focused on a range of vocational areas and students have a choice of units to complete to facilitate progression and enable career pathways to be considered.

You will be able to try out a variety of different subject areas to help you focus on what you would like to do in the future. Whilst doing this you will improve your English, Maths and ICT in weekly lessons. The course also allows for some work experience placements and enterprise activities. This course would suit you if you may not have achieved sufficient GCSE results to get on to a Level 2 course or may have some specific support needs.

Grade 2 or above in GCSE English and Maths.

You will have the opportunity to investigate different vocational areas.

The vocational areas that may be included are:

• Art & Design

• Business

• Catering

• Digital Media

• Health care

• Science and the environment

• Sport

Through studying a variety of vocational units, you will widen your knowledge, enabling you to make informed career choices for the future. The vocational units are at the heart of the programme. However, you will also have the chance to improve your Mathematics, English and ICT in weekly lessons.

You will be taught in smaller than average group sizes, by experienced staff who are able to support you with your learning. In the classroom, you will work both in groups and individually. There will be some formal note-taking as well as roleplay, group discussions and visiting speakers.

During the course, you will be assessed through coursework in various ways including oral presentations, video films, audiotapes, written work and field trips. Coursework will be graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction.

You will be expected to provide your own folder, stationery, USB stick and
calculator (where appropriate).


Compulsory work experience uniform: £20.


Advisable field trips: £60 (approximately).


The Catering module requires a small financial contribution.


If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial
hardship, you may wish to read through details of the financial support scheme
on our website.

Having successfully completed the course you will be able to make further choices about which direction you wish to take. This Level 1 course provides you with a sound foundation for employment but the majority of students decide to progress onto a BTEC Level 2 course. You will require a Merit and a recommendation from your tutor to progress onto a Level 2 course. Students also have the option of progressing to our supported Interns Programme.


My time at the college was definitely life changing, I have learnt a lot of new skills, and obviously it’s a completely new experience. The support was great, there was always people there to help and try make it as easy as they can for you. The college is really fantastic, it has helped me on the way to get to what I want to achieve within my career goals.

Erin Morgan, BTEC student

“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student

My experience at the College was great, it’s very different to school, and I think it’s a good step to going to university. The support was amazing, I loved all of my teachers, they helped me through everything. The College is friendly and you will succeed.

Heidi Adamson Brattland, A Level student