BTECs no lesser than A-levels, Barking and Dagenham College director says
Nicky Gibson, director of student support at Barking and Dagenham College, said more students going to university having done BTECs is proof of social mobility. Picture: BDC - Credit: Barking and Dagenham College
A student support worker from Barking and Dagenham College has spoken out in favour of BTECs ahead of A-level results day.
The college has around 12,500 students, 900 of whom are studying BTECs – work-related qualifications which focus on practical learning.
Nicky Gibson, the college’s director of student support, said that although BTECs are more vocational, they’re no less valuable for those going to university.
“The fact that the numbers of students who are progressing from studying BTECs to university is growing is a great thing,” she said.
“It shows increasing social mobility.
“Although a BTEC is a very different type of qualification from an A-level, it doesn’t mean that it is lesser.”
She said those who’ve studied BTECs learn hands-on skills, spend time in technical learning environments, and have work experience which A-level students might not.
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She added: “The wide exposure to a range of employers and the work experience they gain could really stand them apart from other candidates when it comes to getting a job.”
Year 13 students can find out their A-level results on Thursday, August 16.
