student demonstrating skills learnt on one of our catering and hospitality courses

Courses

The courses on offer at Greenbank College include vocational qualifications (VQs) – courses that prepare you to do a particular type of job. We also offer courses that help build your functional skills, help get you engaged in activities, develop your skills, increase confidence and well-being.

 

Courses are available in these areas

Art, Design, Sewing and Textiles

Business and Administration

Catering and Hospitality

Customer Service

Disability Sport Coaching and Development Foundation Degree

English

Exercise, Fitness and Sport

Hairdressing

Health and Social Care

Horticulture

Information Technology (IT)

Maths

Why study for a vocational qualification?

Achieving a vocational qualification can help you to:

  • Get the skills that you need to start work
  • Help you decide whether it is the job you want to do
  • Develop your career
  • Go on to further learning

Vocational qualification levels can be compared to other qualifications. Entry and Level 1 qualifications build confidence and help people prepare for further learning and work. Level 2 is the equivalent of grades A* to C / 9 – 4 at GCSE and Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A Levels.

How different qualifications compare:

Level Academic Qualifications Vocational Qualifications Entry Requirements
Entry
  • For learners with no formal qualifications.
1 GCSE grade
D – G / 3 – 1		 NVQ Level 1
  • For learners with Entry Level qualifications
2 GCSE grade
A* – C / 9 – 4		 NVQ Level 2
  • For learners who have not yet achieved 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C / 9 – 4 or an equivalent Level 1 qualification.
  • Must have or be working towards Level 1 English and maths.
3 NVQ Level 3
  • For learners with more than 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C / 9 – 4 or an equivalent Level 2 qualification.
  • Must have or be working towards Level 2 English and maths.
4 Foundation Degree
  • For learners with AS / A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualification.