BTEC Progression Stage II Survey Top-line Presentation 14 th Feb, 2011

1. BTEC ProgressionStage II Survey Top-line Presentation 14th Feb, 2011

2. BACKGROUND • METHOD – STAGE I • 2010 survey launched in July & closed late Sept • Short online survey • Survey designed, programmed and hosted by Edexcel • Recruitment of respondents driven by flyer distribution and posters in learning centres + online activity • Sample achieved: n=2,475 • QUESTIONNAIRE – STAGE I • Questionnaire covered… • BTEC qualification and subject • Next steps in terms of further studies or employment • Impact of BTEC on next steps / progression • Recruitment to stage II • METHOD – STAGE II • Survey ran 24th Jan – 7th Feb 2011 • 292 online completes • 75 telephone (CATI) • Sample achieved: n=367 • QUESTIONNAIRE – STAGE II • Ca. 15 min. long • Main areas… • Activities before and after completing BTEC • Motivation and reasons for choosing BTEC qualification • Relevance of BTEC • Impact of BTEC on next steps • Social mobility A quick background & methodology ...

3. OBJECTIVES The main objective of project is to… “Establish the valuedelivered by BTEC qualifications” Do BTEC qualifications enable progression to employment? Do learners progress within a field related to the subject matter of their BTEC? Do BTEC qualifications enable progression to further studies? Do learners progress within a field related to the subject matter of their BTEC? To what extent do BTEC qualifications deliver short-termvs. long-term effects? Are softer dimensions of progression relevant in the context of BTEC qualifications? More specifically, the survey set out to answer the following questions:

4. SAMPLE COMPOSITION Stage I and Stage II sample have the following distribution in terms of qualifications studied for ... Stage I sample: 2,475 respondents Stage II sample: 367 respondents BTEC National Diploma 41% BTEC National Diploma 37% BTEC First Diploma 32% BTEC First Diploma 25% Sufficient sample sizes to report on BTEC First Certificate 11% BTEC First Certificate 12% BTEC National Certificate 14% BTEC National Certificate 10% National Award 11% National Award 9% Introductory Diploma 0% Introductory Diploma 3% Foundation Dipl. in Arts & Design 4% Foundation Dipl. in Arts & Design 2% Base: Stage 1 (n=2,475); Stage 2 (n=367)

5. AGE PROFILE Half of National Certificate learners are aged 20 or over. National Diploma and National Award learners are also skewed older indicating that BTEC qualifications offer a ‘second chance’ to some. First Certificate learners skewed to younger learners. Level 3: 16-18 Level 2: 14-16 Level 3: 16-18 Level 3: 16-18 Level 2: 14-16 Base: Stage 2 National Diploma learners (n=152) & First Diploma learners (n=117), National Certificate (n=50), National Award (n=41), First Certificate (n=39)

6. ACTIVITIES PRE BTEC Studying at school or college the main activity prior to studying for National and First diploma and First Certificate. Working full time was most common prior to studying for National Certificate and National Award learners had a wide spread of studying and working before their BTEC qualification. National Diploma First Diploma National Certificate National Award First Certificate 41% 32% 32% 12% 48% Still at school Studying at college 23% 35% 24% 26% 30% 13% 3% 4% 5% 0% Studying at university 9% 14% 15% Studying at 6th form college 14% 13% 9% 3% 22% 32% 8% In full time employment 3% 4% 2% 4% 0% In part time employment 0% 3% 0% 8% 3% Unemployed and seeking work 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% Not in paid work for other reasons 2% 3% 0% 0% 0% Other Q12. Prior to studying for the BTEC you recently completed, which of the following best describes your main activity, i.e. the activity you spent the most time on? Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367), First Dipl. (n=152) and Nat. Dipl.(n=117), Nat. Cert. (n=50), Nat. Award (n=41), First Cert. (n=39)

7. ACTIVITIES POST BTEC The majority of learners progress to further studies after completing their BTEC qualification, but a quarter of National Award learners go into employment and nearly 3 in 10 of National Certificate learners go into employment. Only a minority end up unemployed following BTEC studies… First Diploma National Diploma National Certificate National Award First Certificate Studying at university 50% 10% 16% 24% 3% Studying at college 17% 54% 30% 39% 50% In full time/part time employment 16% 9% 28% 25% 5% Studying at sixth form college 3% 13% 6% 2% 25% On an apprenticeship 3% 2% 8% 5% 8% Unemployed and seeking work 3% 5% 10% 2% 0% Q14a. Since you completed the BTEC, which of the following best describes your main activity, i.e. the activity you spend the most time on? Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367), First Dipl. (n=152) and Nat. Dipl.(n=117), Nat. Cert. (n=50), Nat. Award (n=41), First Cert. (n=39)

8. ACTIVITIES POST BTEC (full data) First Diploma National Diploma National Certificate National Award First Certificate 50% 10% 24% 16% 3% Studying at university 17% 54% 39% Studying at college 30% 50% In full time employment 9% 2% 20% 24% 5% 7% 7% 5% 4% 0% In part time employment 5% 3% 0% 0% 0% I’m taking a gap year Unemployed and seeking work 3% 5% 2% 10% 0% Studying at sixth form college 3% 13% 2% 6% 25% On an apprenticeship 3% 2% 5% 8% 8% Not in paid work/education for other reason 1% 2% 0% 0% 0% Planned to go to university but didn’t get a place 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% Still at school 1% 3% 0% 0% 10% Other 1% 2% 2% 2% 0% Q14a. Since you completed the BTEC, which of the following best describes your main activity, i.e. the activity you spend the most time on? Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367), First Dipl. (n=152) and Nat. Dipl.(n=117), Nat. Cert. (n=50), Nat. Award (n=41), First Cert. (n=39)

9. POST BTEC ACTIVITIES RELATED TO BTEC? Predominantly learners who progress to further studies or to employment end up studying or working within the subject area similar to that of their BTEC qualification National Diploma learners (93%) significantly more likely to progress to further studies within the same sectors compared to First Diploma Learners (77%) and First Certificate learners (43%) Q15a. You mentioned that you are currently [insert answer from Q14]. Is what you are studying within the same sector area as the BTEC you recently completed? Q16a Is what you are working with related to the subject of the BTEC you recently completed? Q17a Are you looking for a job that is related to the BTEC you recently completed? Base: Stage 2 all learners who are currently studying (n=256), working (n=82), looking for work (n=13)

10. RELEVANCE OF BTEC BTEC qualifications generally perceived to be highly relevant to current activities, including further studies and employment … National Diploma and National Certificate learners slightly more likely to find their BTEC qualification relevant to what they are doing now. • Relevance by qualification (top 2): • National Certificate 80% • National Diploma 75% • First Diploma 68% • National Award 67% • First Certificate 53% 70% Consider their BTEC relevant Q20. To what extent would you say that the BTEC you recently completed is relevant to what you are doing now? Please answer using a 5 point scale where 1 means ‘not at all relevant’ and 5 means ‘very relevant’ Base: Stage 2 all learners who are currently studying or working (n=337)

11. IMPORTANCE OF BTEC The BTEC qualification was important for those progressing to further studies and employment and often a formal requirement for further studies BTEC motivation: qualify for further studies BTEC motivation: qualify for a job Q22. You mentioned that you chose the BTEC because you wanted to get qualifications for [further studies / a job]. Which of the following best describes how important the BTEC was in making you achieve that? Base: Stage 2 all learners who need d the qualification to qualify for studies (n=215), all learners who need d the qualification to qualify for a job (n=46)

12. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS CONSIDERED Around 2 in 5 learners considered other qualification when choosing their BTEC qualification, with A levels being the most common alternative Other qualifications considered….. Did you consider any other qualification? All considering other qualifications…. Q9a. Thinking back to when you were choosing which qualification to take, did you consider studying for any other qualification? Q9b What other qualification did you consider? Base: Stage 2 all learners who had a say in choosing BTEC (n=352), all learners who considered other qualification (n=153)

13. REASONS FOR CHOOSING BTEC OVER OTHER QUALIFICATIONS BTEC being perceived as more relevant to their chosen career path and its practical nature = main reasons BTEC qualifications were chosen over other qualifications….. “I wanted some vocational experience as I wasn't sure what I was going to do after college, e.g. University or work.” “The BTEC qualification was more applicable to what career path I wanted to choose. It is also a worldwide recognised qualification unlike others.” “I had no other official qualifications, so I was going to do a few GCSE courses in the even that I didn't get a place on the national diploma course.” “Because I liked the idea of doing coursework rather than exams, so I am motivated and get on with the work.” “Since I had been away from education for such a long time I thought it would be a good idea to ease myself back into it..” Q9c. And why did you choose the BTEC qualification over other qualifications? Base: All Stage 2 earners who considered other qualification (n=153)

14. LEARNING EXPERIENCE (I) The general perception is that BTEC learning differs considerably compared to other qualifications studied for … Q11a. Thinking in more detail about the BTEC you recently completed, would you say that the learning experience differed from other qualifications you have studied for? In other words, did you think the BTEC was taught differently? Stage 2 all learners (n=367), First Dipl. (n=152) and Nat. Dipl.(n=117), Nat. Cert. (n=50), Nat. Award (n=41), First Cert. (n=39)

15. LEARNING EXPERIENCE (II) Key differences include the more practical nature or BTEC learning and its coursework based evaluation rather than exams – also evidence to suggest that its more independent approach appeals to learners “The BTEC was much more skills-based rather than theory. A lot of the knowledge didn't have to be gained in a classroom, but rather was gained in work. “ “As a mature student I was treated as an adult. “ “More relaxed. Less like school more freedom and being able to express your own ideas more freely . “ “I thought the learning experience was more suited to my needs as I cannot deal with exams and find it difficult to revise but BTEC gave you the chance to learn and complete assessments in good time…..“ Q6b2. How was it different? Base: Stage 2 learners who said BTEC learning was different (n=282)

16. SATISFACTION WITH BTEC Very high satisfaction with BTEC courses overall, with nearly 9 in 10 satisfied. Amongst those who consider the BTEC qualification relevant to their current activity, satisfaction is significantly higher (94%) 87% Are satisfied with their BTEC course Q21. How satisfied were you with the BTEC course you recently completed? Please answer using a 5 point scale where 1 means ‘not at all relevant’ and 5 means ‘very relevant’ Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367)

17. BENEFITS OF BTEC BTECs deliver value across a range of dimensions including vital skills for current studies and career enhancement as well as being perceived as major achievement and stepping stone towards their dream job It provided me with skills that are vital for my current studies It feels like a major achievement It will help enhance my career It is one of many stepping stones towards my dream job It is a good way of meeting people It boosted my confidence It improved my organisational skills It helped satisfy my appetite for learning Q23. To what extent would you agree with the following statements made by other people who completed BTEC qualifications? Please answer using a 5 point scale where 1 means ‘disagree strongly’ and 5 means ‘agree strongly’. Base: Stage 2 all learners who are currently studying (n=256)

18. SOCIAL MOBILITY (I) Going by the SEG of parents, BTEC qualifications are completed by learners from a broad social spectrum. A first indication of the impact BTEC qualifications can have on social mobility is provided by the 54% of those who are currently studying at university as the first in their family … SEG of parents First in family to go to university…. 20% - AB 23% - C1 25% - C2 24% - DE Q4. Which of these best describe the type of work your parents do? Q5d And are you the first member of your family to complete [INSERT QUALIFICATIN COMPLETED]? Q14b Are you the first member of your family to study at university? Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367), all who completed First or a National (n=330), all who are studying at university (n=98)

19. SOCIAL MOBILITY (II) The ability of BTEC qualifications to contribute to social mobility is further indicated by the considerable proportion who are the first in the family to progress to university from a C2DE background First in family to go to University… Main progression routes…. ABC1 C2DE C2DE ABC1 31% 25% Studying at university 41% 69% Yes 29% 39% Studying at college 57% 27% No 24% 11% In full time/part time employment 3% 3% 2% 4% Don’t know Unemployed and seeking work 6% 9% Studying at sixth form college 3% 4% On an apprenticeship

20. HE & CBI SKILLS Strong agreement that BTEC improved the harder skills, i.e. numeracy, spelling and grammar and IT skills. General indication that BTEC affect and improve learner’s employability … Your numeracy skills Your spelling and grammar skills Your IT skills Your ability to speak in a clear and structured manner Your ability to analyse facts and reach conclusions based on these facts Your ability to consider and chose the right solution for the right problem Your ability to put in place plans to meet deadlines General knowledge of subject studied Q24a. To what extent do you think the BTEC qualification you recently completed improved the following skills? Please answer using a 5 point scale where 1 means ‘did not improve at all’ and 5 means ‘improved a lot) Base: Stage 2 all learners (n=367)

21. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Stage II survey provides further evidence that BTEC qualifications enable progression to both further studies and employment • Progression to (or back to) employment particularly prominent among National Certificate and National Award learners • National Diploma learners predominantly progress to university, whereas First Diploma and First Certificate learners mostly progress to further studies at college / sixth form • Looking across qualification groups, BTEC qualifications are generally considered relevant to current activities • Progression typically takes place within a subject matter related to the BTEC studied • Honing in on the effects delivered by BTEC qualifications, there is clear evidence of both harder and softer benefits • Numeracy, spelling and grammar as well as IT skills seen to improve the most, but general indication that completion of BTEC qualifications affect employability • Also suggestion that softer skills including confidence, organisation and social skills are affected • Also evidence that BTEC qualifications contribute both short and long term • Often a formal requirement to progress to further studies, which … • … can provide a platform for social mobility

22. BTEC ProgressionStage II Survey Top-line Presentation 14th Feb, 2011