Professional and Specialist Qualifications
Professional and specialist qualifications
There are lots of courses at different levels and sizes that could help you develop the knowledge and skills related to (or necessary for) your current or future job role. Such work-related courses can be taken in the workplace, at local colleges or training providers, or through distance learning.
It is also possible to take non-accredited courses known as Continuous Professional Development (CPD) which can be provided by your own employer or externally.
Colleges and other learning providers often work directly with national awarding bodies – such as Pearson, OCR or City & Guilds – and professional bodies – e.g. the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) – to offer these programmes, sometimes in response to local or regional demand.
Short courses are also available at different levels, e.g. through professional bodies or colleges. Sometimes it’s possible to build up credits towards a full qualification through a series of short courses.
If you are in a job, your employer may fund some or all of the costs associated with you doing a professional or specialist course; they may also allow you time off to study. Employers are aware that you may have to hold a particular qualification to do your job or to progress in your career.
Below are some course examples for leaners wanting to progress from Level 3 qualifications.
- Level 4 CIM Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Level 4 City and Guilds Professional Floristry Higher Diploma
- Level 5 Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- Level 4 Diploma Counselling Theory and Therapeutic Practice
- Level 5 Diploma in People Management
- NVQ Level 4 Construction Site Supervision
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 4/5 Certificate in Education
- Level 4 AAT Diploma in Accounting
- Level 4 Advanced CAD (Technical Skills)
- Level 4 Mechatronics (Technical Skills)