Babcock provides a number of work-based learning courses, including apprenticeships, NVQs, functional skills and commercial courses.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are nationally designed work-based learning programmes which offer learners the opportunity to enhance their skills through a combination of work-based learning and training.
Apprenticeships are made up of three elements: NVQs, key skills and technical certificates which focus on a different aspect of a learner's development. Full apprenticeship frameworks are available for 16 to under 25 year olds, while standalone NVQ qualifications are available to those aged 25 and over.
Babcock offers apprenticeships and NVQ qualifications in a variety of areas as listed in the left hand navigation under Courses (click on the area you are interested in for more details).
There are two different levels of Apprenticeship available:
- Apprenticeships incorporate an NVQ Level 2, equivalent to 4-5 GCSEs at grades A-C
- Advanced apprenticeships include an NVQ at Level 3, equivalent to 2 A Levels
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
Forming an element of an apprenticeship or available as a standalone qualification, NVQs are national awards based on competence, achieved through assessment and training in the work place. They are highly regarded by employers as they demonstrate learners have the knowledge, experience and skills required to perform in the workplace.
| NVQ Level |
Academic Equivalent |
| Level 2 |
Intermediate GNVQ or 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade A-C |
| Level 3 |
Advanced GNVQ or 2 A Levels |
Functional Skills
Functional skills are a range of skills that are used all the time, and underpin success in education, employment, lifelong learning and personal development. There are s Functional Skill qualifications which can be achieved at different levels depending on the qualification being taken; these are Mathematics, English and Information and Communication Technology.
Technical Certificates
Technical Certificates have been introduced into certain areas of Apprenticeship frameworks. They are vocationally related qualifications that assess the underpinning knowledge and understanding relevant to a learner's chosen vocational area.
Commercial training
Babcock is a market leader in the provision of quality training and learning throughout the UK. Using our team of Vocational Learning Advisors and through partnerships with key stakeholders across the UK we work with learners aged from 14 to 65 and with employers across a wide range of sectors from hospitality to retail to deliver a wide range of courses on a funded and commercial basis.
Babcock has a number of commercial courses available, including:
- NVQs
- Health & safety
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)