Ambitious, inclusive opportunities that raise aspirations.
At Bolton College, everything we do is focused on helping you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - with the skills, confidence and ambition to move forward.
Our Technical Awards for 14 to 16-year-olds let you study a nationally-recognised, vocational qualification alongside your GCSEs, while also learning in a more practical, hands-on way linked to real careers.
You’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, working in specialist facilities and learning in a professional environment. This gives you the chance to work more independently, see how learning connects to real jobs, and start understanding the different options available to you at 16 and beyond.
This guide introduces the courses available and explains how they work, what you’ll learn and where they can lead - so you can make confident choices that keep your future wide open.
Our Facilities
Costa Coffee Shop
Elevate Salon
Bolton College’s salon offering cut-price hair and beauty treatments, all delivered by learners in professional spaces.
Serving your favourite Costa drinks right on campus - perfect for breaks, meet-ups and refuelling between sessions. You don’t just prepare you
Immersive Suite
A fully immersive digital room where walls become interactive screens - bringing subjects to life through virtual environments, interactive lessons and simulated experiences.
Elevate Grab & Go
Home of legendary Carrs pasties and quick, affordable food when you need something fast.
The Atom
Our own cut-price campus shop selling everything from chocolate and drinks to stationery and everyday essentials.
Anatomage Suite
Home to our life-size virtual dissection table, allowing you to explore the human body in incredible 3D detail.
Signature Restaurant
Top-tier restaurant-quality food at cut-price cost, served in our onsite training restaurant.
just study here. You learn in real, professional spaces designed to for what comes next.
£5 Million Digital & Engineering Centre
A brand-new, purpose-built building packed with industry-standard technology for engineering, computing and digital courses.
Pulse
A realistic training ward that reflects a real-life hospital environment, giving learners hands-on experience in clinical settings.
Esports Suite
A dedicated Esports room equipped with high-spec PCs and professional gaming equipment, built for teamwork, strategy and performance.
Diversity
The College’s main canteen where you can buy breakfast or lunch, choosing from a wide range of freshly prepared meal options.
Level 1 Vocational Award
Level 1
Vocational Diploma
Level 2
Vocational Diploma
Apprenticeship
Level 2
Year 10 Vocational Routes
3 hours per week over 2 years.
Level 2
Vocational Award
Level 2
Level 3
Vocational Diploma
Vocational Diploma T Level
Apprenticeship
How Your Grades at 14-16 Shape Your
16+ Choices
The subjects you study from age 14 are the first step towards what you can do next.
When you finish Year 11 and move into Further Education (16+), colleges use entry requirements to decide which courses you can apply for. These are usually based on GCSE results. Our Level 1/2 Technical Awards are nationally recognised and treated as equivalent to GCSEs. Grades achieved in Technical Awards are considered alongside GCSE results when deciding the most suitable next level of study after you leave school.
Technical Award Grades & GCSE Equivalency
Qualification result GCSE grade equivalency
Level 1 Pass GCSE grades 1-2
Level 1 Merit GCSE grade 3
Level 1 DistinctionGCSE grade 3-4
Level 2 Pass GCSE grade 4
Level 2 Merit GCSE grade 5
Level 2 DistinctionGCSE grade 6
Level 2 Distinction*GCSE grades 7-8
The table below shows the general GCSE entry requirements for Bolton College courses at age 16+. If you study a Level 1/2 Technical Award from age 14-16, your grade will also be taken into account as an equivalent qualification alongside your GCSE results. This is included to help you understand how the grades you work towards now can affect your options later, should you continue to study with us.
Entry Level No formal qualifications needed.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3 (Including T Levels)
Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, or equivalent.
Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or equivalent, including maths and English.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English.
Please note: Some courses may require a specific GCSE subject. For Level 3 courses, a relevant Level 2 qualification may also be needed. For full entry requirements, please view the course details on our website.
‘Starting the Engineering Vocational Award at 14 helped me build practical skills alongside my GCSEs. Coming into college one morning each week was a nice change of scene and helped me stay motivated, and it confirmed that I wanted a career in engineering.
I achieved a Level 2 in Engineering and strong GCSE results, so progressed to the College’s Engineering T Level, which is equivalent to three A Levels, but much more career focused. Having already studied here gave me a real head start compared to learners who were new to college. Next stop: university or a degree apprenticeship.’
‘Studying Hair and Beauty as part of my school timetable in Year 10 gave me an early insight into the industry and helped me build skills alongside my GCSEs. Achieving a Level 2 qualification led to me securing a Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship, followed by Level 3, which made me a fully qualified hairdresser. I then moved into a full-time role in a salon.
I’m now working towards opening my own salon. Starting this journey at 14, while still at school, gave me a real head start and played a big part in where I am today.’
‘Studying Construction and the Built Environment at 14 gave me the chance to experience learning in a college environment alongside my school studies. At college, I was trusted to work more independently and encouraged to think ahead about my future. That experience helped me grow in confidence and maturity and prepared me well for the next step into full-time college learning. By the time I finished the course, I knew exactly which construction route I wanted to take at 16+.’
Child Development & Care in the Early Years NCFE CACHE Technical Award (Levels 1–2)
Supporting Children at the Most Important Stages of Their Development
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14–16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This course goes beyond theory, giving you a real understanding of child development and what it takes to support children’s learning, care and wellbeing in early years settings.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, challenging and valued by further education providers and employers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in specialist facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy working with people
• Are interested in children’s learning, care or development
• Want a practical subject alongside your GCSEs
• Are thinking about careers in childcare, education or care.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore how children develop from birth through early childhood, and what it takes to support their learning, wellbeing and development in early years settings.
You’ll learn about:
• How children grow and develop at different stages
• Why play is essential to learning and development
• How to keep children safe, healthy and supported
• The responsibilities of working in early years settings
• Different roles and career pathways within childcare, education and care.
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect the real world of work.
Learning is practical and applied, using real-life scenarios and coursework-based assessment to help you understand how learning links to real roles. You’ll take part in:
• Practical activities and projects
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build communication, teamwork and confidence.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to study Early Years at further education level, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 Diploma, where learning becomes more in-depth and practical. In some cases, you may also progress to Level 2, depending on entry requirements.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 Diploma or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include T Levels (equivalent to three A Levels) or an apprenticeship, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Construction & the Built Environment Technical Award
Pearson BTEC Level 1/2
Learn the Skills That Build the World Around Us
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This course is about more than bricks and buildings - it’s about learning the skills that shape towns, cities and communities. You’ll explore how construction projects are designed and delivered, gaining practical knowledge of materials, methods and real construction roles.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, challenging and valued by further education providers and employers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in specialist facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
• Are interested in how buildings and structures are made
• Like problem-solving and working with materials
• Are thinking about careers in construction, engineering or the built environment.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore the construction industry and the built environment, developing an understanding of how different elements come together to create safe, functional buildings. You’ll learn about:
• Construction materials and how they are used
• Basic construction techniques and processes
• Health, safety and environmental considerations on site
• Different roles and careers within the construction industry
• How construction projects are planned and delivered.
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect the real world of work.
Learning is practical and applied, using real-life scenarios and coursework-based assessment to help you understand how learning links to real roles. You’ll take part in:
• Practical tasks and projects
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Construction or a related subject, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 Diploma, where learning becomes more practical and in-depth. In some cases, progression to Level 2 may be possible, depending on entry requirements.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 Diploma or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include advanced technical qualifications, T Levels or an apprenticeship, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Creative Media Production Technical Award Pearson BTEC
Level 1/2
Make Films, Digital Content and Media That Get Noticed
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
From concept to content, this Creative Media Production Technical Award shows you how media really comes together. You’ll learn in an environment designed for creative production, with access to specialist spaces and high-tech media facilities, including a green room, professional cameras, a sound studio and 3D printing equipment. Along the way, you’ll develop the skills to turn creative ideas into finished digital, visual and audio products.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, challenging and valued by further education providers and employers. Alongside your studies at school,
you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in specialist facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy creative subjects and digital media
• Are interested in how films, games, websites or content are made
• Like working with ideas, visuals or technology
• Are thinking about careers in media, design, content creation or digital production.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore the creative media industry and develop an understanding of how media products are created to meet specific purposes and audiences. You’ll learn about:
• Different media sectors and job roles
• How creative ideas are developed and planned
• How media products are created using digital tools
• How audiences influence media content
• How to review and reflect on creative work
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect the real world of work.
Learning is practical and applied, using real-life scenarios and coursework-based assessment to help you understand how learning links to real roles. You’ll take part in:
• Creative projects and practical tasks
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build communication, teamwork and creative confidence.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Creative Media or a related subject, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 Diploma, where learning becomes more practical and focused. In some cases, progression to Level 2 may be possible, depending on entry requirements.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 Diploma or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include advanced creative media qualifications, T Levels or an apprenticeship, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Digital Information Technology Technical Award Pearson
BTEC Level 1/2
Learninour £5Million Engineering& DigitalCentre!
Learn the Skills That Power the Digital World
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
Technology is everywhere - and this course shows you how it really works. You’ll learn in our £5 million Engineering & Digital Centre, opened in 2025 and purpose-built for the future of technical education. Equipped with the latest technology and advanced facilities, the centre gives you the space to explore how digital systems and information support the modern world, while developing practical IT skills that open doors across a wide range of careers.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, challenging and valued by further education providers and employers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College,
learning in specialist facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy working with computers and technology
• Are interested in how digital systems and data work
• Like problem-solving and logical thinking
• Are thinking about careers in IT, digital, computing or technology.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore how digital information technology is used in real organisations and develop an understanding of how systems support businesses and users. You’ll learn about:
• How digital information is stored, managed and used
• Cyber security and the importance of keeping data safe
• How digital systems support organisations and users
• Using digital tools to solve real problems
• The impact of technology in the modern world.
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect the real world of work.
Learning is practical and applied, using real-life scenarios and coursework-based assessment to help you understand how learning links to real roles. You’ll take part in:
• Practical tasks and digital projects
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build problem-solving, organisation and digital confidence.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Digital or IT-related subjects, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 Diploma, where learning becomes more practical and focused. In some cases, progression to Level 2 may be possible, depending on entry requirements.
• Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 Diploma or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include advanced digital qualifications, T Levels or an apprenticeship, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Engineering Vocational Award (Technical Award) WJEC Level 1/2
This Is Where Engineers Are Made
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
If you like finding out how things work and making them better, this Engineering Technical Award puts you right at the heart of engineering from day one. Taught in our £5 million Engineering & Digital Centre, opened in 2025, you’ll design, make and test real engineering products while learning how engineers solve problems using practical skills, materials and processes. This is hands-on engineering in a purpose-built space designed for the future.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, challenging and valued by further education providers and employers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College,
learning in specialist facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy problem-solving and practical tasks
• Are interested in how things work and how they’re made
• Like designing, building or testing ideas
• Are thinking about careers in engineering, manufacturing or technology.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore the foundations of engineering and develop an understanding of how engineers design, manufacture and test products to meet real needs. You’ll learn about:
• Engineering materials and their properties
• Engineering design and problem-solving processes
• How products are manufactured and tested
• Health, safety and sustainability in engineering
• Different engineering roles and career pathways.
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect the real world of work.
Learning is practical and applied, using real-life scenarios and coursework-based assessment to help you understand how learning links to real roles. You’ll take part in:
• Practical engineering tasks and projects
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build teamwork, accuracy and technical confidence.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Engineering or a related subject, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 Diploma, where learning becomes more practical and focused. In some cases, progression to Level 2 may be possible, depending on entry requirements.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 Diploma or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include advanced engineering qualifications, T Levels or an apprenticeship, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Food & Cookery Technical Award NCFE Level 1/2
Trainin
Professional Kitchens!
Train Like a Professional Cook
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This course is designed for anyone interested in food as a skill, a subject and a potential career. You’ll develop practical cooking skills and learn how professional kitchens really work, training in our real-life kitchens and gaining insight into Signature, our on-site restaurant that is open to members of the public. Along the way, you’ll build the knowledge and confidence needed to progress into foodrelated courses or careers.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, practical and valued by further education providers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in specialist
kitchen facilities and experiencing vocational study in a professional environment - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy cooking or want to learn how to cook
• Like practical, hands-on learning
• Are interested in food, nutrition or healthy lifestyles
• Want to build useful life skills alongside your GCSEs. You don’t need previous experience - just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to try new things.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop essential food preparation and cookery skills, alongside an understanding of how food affects health and wellbeing. You’ll learn about:
• Planning, preparing and cooking a range of dishes
• Food safety, hygiene and working safely in a kitchen
• Nutrition and healthy eating
• Understanding ingredients and cooking methods
• Evaluating dishes and improving your practical skills.
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on, vocational course designed to reflect real kitchen environments.
Learning is practical and applied, using coursework-based assessment to help you build confidence and competence in the kitchen. You’ll take part in:
• Practical cooking sessions
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that develop independence, organisation and confidence.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve. Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Food or Hospitality-related subjects, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 qualification, where learning becomes more in-depth and practical. In some cases, progression to Level 2 may be possible, depending on entry requirements.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 qualification or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include food, catering or hospitality courses, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Health & Social Care Technical Award NCFE CACHE
Level 1/2
Learnin ourTraining HospitalWard &Anatomage Suite
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This Health & Social Care Technical Award introduces you to the roles, responsibilities and skills involved in caring for and supporting others. You’ll explore how health and social care services work, learn about the needs of different individuals, and develop an understanding of what it takes to work in caring, people-focused roles. You’ll have access to our training hospital ward designed to reflect a professional healthcare environment, as well as our Anatomage Suite - a state-of-the-art digital learning space featuring a life-size, interactive anatomy table that allows you to explore the human body in detail.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is structured, engaging and valued by further education providers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in a professional environment and experiencing vocational study that helps you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Enjoy helping and supporting others
• Are interested in health, care or community-based careers
• Like learning about people and how services support them
• Want a course that feels meaningful and purposeful.
You don’t need previous experience - just empathy, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop a strong introduction to the health and social care sector, gaining insight into how care services support individuals at different stages of life. You’ll learn about:
• Different health and social care settings
• The roles and responsibilities of care workers
• How individuals’ needs are met and supported
• Communication and professional behaviour
• Health, safety and safeguarding in care environments.
This course helps you understand both the practical and personal skills needed to work in health and social care.
How you’ll learn
This is a vocational course designed to reflect real health and social care environments.
Learning is applied and coursework-based, using reallife scenarios to help you understand how theory links to practice. You’ll take part in:
• Scenario-based learning activities
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build communication, confidence and professionalism.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Health & Social Care or a related subject, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 qualification, where learning becomes more practical and focused.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 qualification or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include health, social care, childcare or related courses, where appropriate.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Study of Hair & Beauty Technical Award VTCT Skills
Level 1/2
TraininElevate -ourrealHair &Beauty Salon!
Discover Your Future in Hair & Beauty
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This Study of Hair & Beauty Technical Award gives you a broad and exciting introduction to the hair and beauty industry. You’ll explore the skills, knowledge and professional standards used across hairdressing and beauty therapy, while learning in Elevate, our real-life training salon designed to reflect professional environments. Along the way, you’ll develop a clear understanding of what working in the hair and beauty industry is really like.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is hands-on, engaging and valued by further education providers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in specialist
hair and beauty environments and experiencing vocational study in a professional setting - helping you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Are interested in hair, beauty, skincare or makeup
• Enjoy practical, creative learning
• Like working with people and building confidence
• Are considering a future career in the hair and beauty industry.
You don’t need previous experience - just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop a strong introduction to both hair and beauty, giving you insight into different pathways within the industry. You’ll learn about:
• Hair and beauty techniques and treatments
• The structure and function of hair and skin
• Health, safety and hygiene in professional environments
• Client consultation and communication
• Career pathways and roles within the hair and beauty industry.
This course is designed to help you understand the industry as a whole, before choosing a more specialised pathway at 16+.
How you’ll learn
This is a practical, vocational course that reflects real hair and beauty environments.
Learning is applied and hands-on, using coursework-based assessment to build confidence and understanding. You’ll take part in:
• Practical activities and demonstrations
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build professionalism, confidence and communication skills.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve.
Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Hair & Beauty, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 qualification, where learning becomes more practical and focused.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 qualification or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy courses.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
Travel & Tourism Technical Award Pearson BTEC Level 1/2
Explore the World of Travel and Tourism
At Bolton College, we believe education should prepare you for the real world. Our 14-16 vocational courses are designed to help you become Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready - building confidence, independence and a clear sense of direction for what comes next.
This Travel & Tourism Technical Award takes you behind the scenes of a global industry that connects people, places and experiences. You’ll explore how travel and tourism organisations work, how destinations attract visitors from around the world, and how great customer service shapes unforgettable journeys - while building practical skills valued across travel, tourism and customer-focused careers.
Delivered and assessed by Bolton College, the course is engaging, career-focused and valued by further education providers. Alongside your studies at school, you’ll spend one morning per week at Bolton College, learning in a professional environment and experiencing vocational study
that helps you make confident, informed choices about your future.
Is this course right for you?
This course could be a great fit if you:
• Are interested in travel, holidays or different cultures
• Enjoy working with people and communicating with others
• Like learning about real businesses and destinations
• Are thinking about careers in travel, tourism or customer service.
You don’t need previous experience - just curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain an introduction to how the travel and tourism industry works, both in the UK and internationally. You’ll learn about:
• The different sectors within travel and tourism
• Popular destinations and how they attract visitors
• Customer service and meeting the needs of travellers
• How travel and tourism organisations operate
• The skills and behaviours needed for travel-related careers.
This course helps you understand the industry as a whole, before choosing a more specialised pathway at 16+.
How you’ll learn
This is a vocational course designed to reflect real travel and tourism environments.
Learning is applied and coursework-based, using real-life scenarios to help you understand how learning links to the industry. You’ll take part in:
• Research and project-based tasks
• Coursework-based assessments
• Guided learning with experienced tutors
• Activities that build confidence, communication and teamwork skills.
You’ll be supported throughout the course, with clear expectations and guidance to help you succeed.
What this qualification leads to
This course is a Level 1/2 Technical Award, which means everyone studies the same course and works towards the highest outcome they can achieve.
• You study one course
• You don’t choose a level before you start
• You work towards the highest outcome you can achieve. Your final result (Level 1 or Level 2) is based on how you perform across the course assessments - similar to how GCSE grades work.
After Year 11, if you choose to continue studying Travel & Tourism or a related subject, your result helps inform the options available to you:
• A Level 1 can lead to a substantive Level 1 qualification, where learning becomes more practical and focused.
• A Level 2 can lead to a substantive Level 2 qualification or, subject to meeting course-specific entry requirements, progression to Level 3 pathways. This may include travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality or customer service courses.
Learning with Bolton College
When you learn at Bolton College, you’re supported to think beyond the qualification you’re studying and focus on where it can take you.
You’ll learn in an environment with high expectations, clear standards and the right support to help you grow in confidence and independence. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop the behaviours and mindset that matter beyond the classroom.
That’s what being Work Ready, World Ready and Future Ready looks like in practice.
