Career-based training in the UK , often known as vocational training, is about teaching you the things you need to know to pursue the career you want to follow. It offers practical courses taught in a college environment, some leading to entry to university degree courses and others enjoying the status of professional qualifications in their own right.

The UK offers some of the world's most widely recognised career- based qualifications in such important subjects as business studies, computing, engineering and art and design, not forgetting options such as hotel and catering, tourism and fashion design. Examples include the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), diploma and qualifications offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). You can study career-based courses at tutorial colleges, FE institutions and HE institutions.

These qualifications tend to be more work-related than academic and can put you on a fast-track route within your current career, into a new career or on to a degree course. Career-based courses in the UK often involve strong links between institutions and industry. This ensures the continuing relevance of these qualifications to the world of work, which, in turn, improves the career prospects of the students who take them.

Courses at this level tend to be particularly flexible. Many do not have specific entry requirements, so, no matter what qualifications you currently have, you can find a course that will let you get a foot on the educational ladder. Some of these courses meet the entrance requirements for degree courses, allowing you to supplement your newly found practical skills with academic knowledge.

These courses involve classroom instruction, essays, projects and practical work. Class sizes tend to be relatively small, so students benefit from personal contact with tutors. There is continuous assessment of coursework plus examinations.

There are professional bodies covering all trades and professions. To join a professional body, you usually need to have a certain level of qualification or sometimes to sit a specific examination. A few professions, such as architecture, medicine and the law, may only be practised by people who have obtained the necessary qualifications. Institutions that teach related subjects will know what qualifications are needed to register.

For details and qualifications see Choosing a career-based training course at www.britishcouncil.org/learning-education-information-sheets.htm and www.educationuk.org. .

Information about professional bodies at
http://www.hero.ac.uk/reference_resources/professional_bodies3790.cfm