Information on possible changes to full time courses starting in 2025. Click here to view.
Vocational Courses
We recently celebrated the fact more than half of those learners completing a two-year BTEC vocational qualification also achieved high grades.
What is a Vocational Course?
Vocational Courses have an emphasis on developing your practical skills and knowledge in a specific sector area which can lead you to a job or University. What you learn can be directly linked to real life problems and situations in the workplace.
They are perfect if you enjoy practical learning and relate directly to a specific job role. So if you know exactly who you want to be and the career you want, why not become a specialist sooner rather than later. We offer Vocational Courses in every sector area from hairdressing to engineering. You’ll learn in state of the art facilities such as our simulated aircraft cabin and commercial training restaurant, being taught by tutors with industry experience of the jobs in which they teach.
Your study programme
As a Middlesbrough College student, you’ll be signing up to more than just a qualification; you’ll attend a whole study programme designed to give you the skills to succeed.
1. Main study programme
Our study programmes for school leavers are A Levels, T Levels and Vocational Courses. You can choose from a range of subject areas to suit your career goals and interests. We deliver courses across every sector area meaning whatever job you are hoping to progress into; we can help get you there.
2. Work experience
You will have access to a range of work experience activities including work placements, experience of work within the college and work related activities. Employers regularly visit the college to share their insights into the world of work and their industry knowledge. These visits and talks allow you to discuss employment opportunities and identify what skills and attributes employers are looking for when recruiting. Every student is assigned a dedicated Work Placement Co-ordinator who can provide you with support throughout the process, ensuring you get the most of your placement and it fits with your career ambitions.
If you are studying a T Level, you will be expected to complete at least 45 day work placements as part of your course.
3. English and maths
English and maths are essential skills to have for everyday life as well as in the workplace. If you did not achieve a grade 4 (C) or above in maths and English at school, you will be required to study these subjects as either Functional Skills or GCSEs. Maths and English are also embedded into our vocational curriculum so that the skills you learn are relevant to the industry you want to progress into.
4. THRIVE – personal development
These are extensive programmes of activities and events that run alongside your main study programme and support your personal development, preparing you for success in life, learning and work. Sessions include topics to help you stay safe and make the right life choices such as first aid, safeguarding and Prevent training and personal welfare. Thrive focuses on supporting you into Higher Education and/or employment, with sessions including UCAS application support, University talks and visits, progression opportunities and employability skills such as CV writing, interview skills and employer talks.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities, sports academies and trips and visits.
Take a look around campus
From an award winning restaurant, The Waterside Brasserie, to a simulated aircraft cabin, our learners can not only expect high quality teaching, but industry standard facilities which will subsequently give them a taste of what to expect in the working world.
