Introduction

Vocational qualifications make up a large proportion of qualifications taken in Wales and there’s a wide range on offer in schools, colleges and work-based learning settings.

Vocational qualifications should reflect the needs of employers whether they lead to employment or to the next stage of learning. They are available at levels 1, 2 and 3.

Different assessment approaches are required for different types of vocational qualifications to reflect their nature and purpose.

 

Made-for-Wales

We recognise that Wales has unique characteristics that require careful consideration in all our work, including: 

  • the Curriculum for Wales 

  • the need for an active offer of bilingual qualifications 

  • stability in the range of qualifications available to learners - particularly considering policy changes elsewhere in the UK 

  • a demand for a wide range of vocational qualifications - including many with low numbers of learners 

  • separate legislative requirements in devolved matters 

This is why there are some subjects that have been designed specifically for learners in Wales. The qualifications designed for Wales are referred to as approved qualifications. 

However, there are vocational qualifications designed for England that are also suitable and therefore available to learners in Wales The qualifications designed for other UK nations that are also available in Wales are referred to as designated qualifications. 

Read our response to the review of vocational qualifications here.

Introducing VCSEs

From September 2027, 14 to 16-year-olds in Wales will be able to take new VCSE qualifications in an exciting range of work-related subjects, including practical areas where formal qualifications at 14-16 have not existed before. 

VCSEs will be available at Level 1 and Level 2. They will be supported by corresponding work-related Foundation qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1 so that learners have the option to engage with occupational learning and experiences no matter their interests, aptitudes or achievements.  

You can find out more about the VCSEs here and the Foundation qualifications here.