What is better?

rubixryan

rubixryan

rubixryan

Associate
Joined
22 Jul 2012
Posts
26
Location
Great Britain
What qualification is better for me?

I have just left school and I need to decide if I should go to college and do a course and gain the qualification BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT or I can have an apprenticeship which I will gain the qualification NVQ Level 3 Level 3 ICT Practitioner Apprenticeship Qualification. I want to be a networking/computer support technician/administrator!

So basically what is better for me,
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT
or
NVQ Level 3 Level 3 ICT Practitioner Apprenticeship Qualification?
 
I think if you would like to be a support administrator, technician, ict officer, engineer then an NVQ L3 will be good for you as I know this will get you on the job qualifications.

You will learn more from the NVQ and a possible chance to meet some really nice people in a working environment. But maybe some not so nice people.
 
Go for the BTEC, it will stand you in better sted as you can get a NVQ when you start working.

Personaly if I was in your shoes I would be doing A levels instead of either of those, Computing obviously being one of them.
 
Thanks for your help mrbell, but then I live about and hour and a half away by train just to get into London so if I did take the apprenticeship and it started at 8 in the morning I would have to leave at 6 every morning and get up at 5, I'm not sure if I will be able to keep that up!

So what do I do?
 
Students with NVQ's do stand a slightly better chance of getting into a support role as if the placement was successful there is a chance you may be kept on if you are good.

I started this way and in Interviews the candidates with BTEC's didn't stand a chance.
 
It depends. Both allow the option for university.

Would you wrather stay in a school-like environment? Or do you want a work-like environment?
 
Addicted said:
Go for the BTEC, it will stand you in better sted as you can get a NVQ when you start working.

Personaly if I was in your shoes I would be doing A levels instead of either of those, Computing obviously being one of them.
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rubixryan said:
Thanks for your help mrbell, but then I live about and hour and a half away by train just to get into London so if I did take the apprenticeship and it started at 8 in the morning I would have to leave at 6 every morning and get up at 5, I'm not sure if I will be able to keep that up!

So what do I do?
Click to expand...

Is there no placements closer to you? Search for something a little more closer or ask for a replacement somewhere better if you can get it.

Kamwah said:
It depends. Both allow the option for university.

Would you wrather stay in a school-like environment? Or do you want a work-like environment?
Click to expand...

This is correct I agree with this statement. If you really enjoy technical roles a BTEC may be boring for you as you do more theory in a BTEC than you do in an NVQ.
 
Its not easy as Cap Gemini is only based in London, Telford, Newcastle.... And im not sure what kind of environment I want!
 
I also looked into doing an NVQ from home where someone would come visit me every so often and they sorted a placement out close by to me but this was really expensive at the time. I think it was 1500 per 6 months for 2 years. This was 12 years ago though just about.
 
rubixryan said:
But this is everyday and I am 16 and small for my age, second smallest in my year(just left school 4-5 weeks ago)
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Then because of your circumstances it might be wise to choose the BTEC. Write down on a paper a line down the middle and do the pro's and con's of both the BTEC (Pros/Cons), and also same for the NVQ.

Don't worry about it to be honest, they both have something you may or may not want to gain.
 
Addicted said:
Go for the BTEC, it will stand you in better sted as you can get a NVQ when you start working.

Personaly if I was in your shoes I would be doing A levels instead of either of those, Computing obviously being one of them.
Click to expand...

+1, it would help ypu more in the long run. set a high target for yourself. you are still young. your potential is unlimited.
 
I really don't know now because I would like to get a wage and actually get something worth it for my CV but its mainly the fact it is in London and it maybe dangerous for me, what being small and not that strong and going to London and that time!
 
Don't know why your so worried about being small. If you go through life worrying about things to that extent you will struggle going anywhere.

Your a thug now anyway according to your post count ;)

MrBell is offering sound advice by the looks - In my opinion a NVQ will give you more practical skills which would potential put you in a better position when looking for a job in this field.

To be honest with the job market as it is if you can afford the travel then I would do it. Yes its long hours but I think you will find you will be working long hours for a lot of your life (I work 50hrs a week on average) your young and showing that commitment at a place of work will be a positive. Additionally working in London will be good life experience for you.

Is there someone at your school or college who you can talk things through with?
 
That is a really good comment, thank you ever so much guys for your help, I will do the split the paper and do the pros and cons! I will return with my decision, thank you guys!:)
 
Just trying to help, been in the same position myself, decisions can be hard and remember in this decision there is no right or wrong.

The decision is your decision and only you make the choices. Remember pro's/con's of every decision know matter how big or how small it is.
 
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