• the vocational programmes / qualifications available under the Learning Pathways programme
• apprenticeships
• traineeships – aimed mainly at 16- to 17-year-olds to help them gain the skills needed to access employment, an apprenticeship or further learning
• ‘Jobs Growth Wales’ – a programme giving unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 paid work for 6 months.

Curriculum, subjects and number of hours 

There is no statutory national curriculum for this phase of education. Study programmes in this phase are a matter of student choice. They can contain only general (academic) qualifications, a mix of general and vocational qualifications, or only vocational qualifications.

Although there is no statutory national curriculum, under the ‘Learning Pathways’ approach, young people aged 16 to 18/19 in post-compulsory education in schools or colleges must have access to a minimum number of courses of study within the ‘local curriculum’. This minimum number of courses is 30, of which at least 5 must be vocational. The requirements are set out under The Education (Local Curriculum for Students Aged 16 to 18) (Wales) Regulations 2011. Courses must also be available across five learning domains:

• mathematics, science and technology
• business, administration and law
• services for people
• arts, media, culture and languages
• humanities, social sciences and preparation for life and work.

The statutory basis for the Learning Pathways policy is the Learning and Skills (Wales) Measure 2009 (as amended). The key objectives of the Measure were to improve outcomes and attainment for 14-19 learners, and ensure that they have the opportunity to pursue a course of study best suited to their needs and abilities.

Vocational qualifications in schools and FE colleges 

All vocational qualifications in Wales for young people aged 16 to 18/19 must be approved by Qualifications Wales, the independent regulator of general and vocational qualifications. Approved qualifications are listed in the Qualifications in Wales (QiW) database.

Although the QiW database contains qualifications at all levels of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW), those offered to young people usually range from Entry Level 1 to Level 3. These vocational qualifications provide young people with knowledge, understanding and skills in a broad vocational area and, in some cases, with the relevant job skills to work in a particular sector or role.

Vocational qualifications offered at this level may contribute to the composite Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification (WBQ). See the subheading ‘Certification’ in the article on ‘Assessment in General Upper Secondary Education’ for further information on the WBQ.

All vocational qualifications in Wales are classified using the European classification of Initial Vocational Education and Training (IVETs) and Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVETs). Young people aged 16 to 18/19 can follow IVET or CVET courses. IVETs provide an introduction to a sector or subject before young people progress to CVETs, which are competency-based qualifications. IVET and CVET courses include a wide range of vocational qualifications, such as BTECs (see the article on ‘Assessment in Vocational Upper Secondary Education’) and Cambridge Nationals. 16- to 18/19-year-old students can take these vocational qualifications alongside other qualifications (such as A Levels or GCSEs).

Reform of vocational qualifications 

The key objectives of the recommendations of the 2012  Review of Qualifications for 14- to 19-year-olds were to achieve a system of qualifications which responds to the specific skills requirements of Wales, and which ensures that qualifications are relevant and rigorous and meet the needs of learners and employers.

To support the ongoing development and improvement of the vocational qualifications offered in Wales, Qualifications Wales launched its Vocational Qualifications Strategy in January 2017. This set out a range of approaches to regulating vocational qualifications in Wales, and includes a programme of reviews into qualifications in certain employment sectors, focusing on whether:

• the range and nature of qualifications in each sector is sufficient
• the assessment arrangements are effective, reliable and valid
• the provision of Welsh-medium assessment is sufficient
• the requirements of employers, higher education and the professions are being met
• the qualifications are comparable with similar qualifications across the UK.

The first sector examined was health, social care and childcare, the review for which was published in July 2016. On the basis of the review’s recommendations, a new suite of health and social care and childcare qualifications began to be introduced in September 2019.

Sector reviews of construction and the built environment and information and communication technology (ICT) were published in February and December 2018 respectively. The construction and the built environment review highlighted the need to reform qualifications to better meet the needs of employers, while the ICT review recommended the development of new GCSE and A Level digital technology qualifications.

A sector review of the engineering, advanced manufacturing and energy sector is underway and further reviews for financial services; customer services and retail; and travel and tourism, hospitality and catering are planned.

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers. They are provided by employers who work with approved training providers, who manage the apprentice’s training and assessment programme.

Apprenticeships are open to all aged 16 and over and not in full-time education. They usually last two to three years. Different entry requirements apply depending on the sector and the level of the apprenticeship, but all include on-the-job training and study towards a nationally recognised qualification. Three levels are available:

• Foundation apprenticeships, which are Level 2 qualifications on the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). Trainees learn on the job while studying towards qualifications equivalent to five high grade GCSE qualifications or a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).  
• Apprenticeships, which are Level 3 qualifications in which trainees supplement their on-the-job training with study towards qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs, two A Level qualifications and NVQ Level 3.  
• Higher apprenticeships, on which trainees work towards qualifications from Level 4 to Level 7 of the CQFW. This means that they can work towards qualifications equivalent to foundation degrees or towards higher level degrees.

The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales sets out the statutory requirements for apprenticeship frameworks. All apprenticeships include as a minimum:

• an appropriate competency qualification, providing practical skills in specific occupational areas
• a technical knowledge qualification relevant to the specific apprenticeship
• other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation
• Essential Skills Wales (or equivalent) qualifications, which are transferable work-related skills such as communication, application of number or digital skills.

Apprenticeships are central to the Welsh Government’s skills reforms and to its vision for a more prosperous, resilient and equal Wales. In 2016, it committed to creating a minimum of 100,000 high-quality apprenticeships over the next 5 years. These will be at all levels and intended for apprentices of all ages. The overarching aim is to ensure that people’s skills align with economic need. The Welsh Government is also committed to offering increased numbers of Welsh language and bilingual apprenticeships. 

In 2017, it published the Apprenticeships Skills Policy Plan, which outlines how it will support the creation of these apprenticeships. The Plan focuses on four areas:

• increasing the number of apprentices aged 16-19
• addressing skills shortages by developing apprenticeships in growth and emerging sectors
• focusing on apprenticeships at Level 4 and above to develop higher-level skills
• developing skills pathways, by integrating apprenticeships into the wider education system.

To support the funding of the apprenticeship programme, the UK Government introduced an ‘Apprenticeship Levy’ in April 2017. This is a charge on all large employers of 0.5% of their pay bill and is collected across the whole of the UK.

Traineeships 

The traineeship programme, introduced in 2014, is intended for young people aged 16-17 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). 18-year-olds who have left school or college may also apply. The programme enables them to gain the skills needed to get a job or to progress to further learning or training at a higher level, such as an apprenticeship.

The traineeship programme is available at three levels:

• engagement – aimed at those who are unsure which career path to follow, or who need support to participate in employment or further learning
• Level 1 – leading to a Level 1 qualification in the young person’s chosen subject
• Level 2 – Bridge to Employment – leading to a Level 2 qualification in the young person’s chosen subject.

Learners undertaking traineeships receive a weekly allowance and can claim for travel and childcare costs. The duration of traineeships varies depending on the needs of the individual learner.  Further information is available from Careers Wales.

Jobs Growth Wales 

‘Jobs Growth Wales’ provides unemployed young people aged 16–24 with a six-month job opportunity. Participants are paid at or above the national minimum wage. Employers are reimbursed the costs of employing young people for the first six months, encouraging them to offer them sustained employment, including apprenticeships. The programme began in 2012. Further information is available from Careers Wales.

Teaching methods and materials 

For apprenticeships and traineeships, teaching methods and learning materials are decided by the provider. Where programmes are offered in colleges and schools, individual lecturers / trainers or teachers may make decisions in the context of national frameworks or guidance.

Teachers working in school sixth forms for example, are required to meet Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership . The standards aim to provide an overarching set of values and dispositions for all teachers in schools. They cover five areas: pedagogy, collaboration, professional learning, innovation, and leadership.

Teachers, lecturers and trainers working in further education colleges may also follow non-statutory Professional Standards for Further Education Teachers, published in November 2017 by the Welsh Government. These standards provide a framework to support improved professional practice and ensure high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.

There are no guidelines on the use of textbooks or technology, or on homework.

Article last reviewed April 2021.