Training & Skills

Vocational Qualifications

A vocational qualification differs from an academic one because it delivers the practical aspects of a particular job or skill. It aims to leave the learner with the ability to actually do the job - not just the theoretical concepts.

Gain specific skills

There are a huge number of vocational qualifications, everything from practical first aid, fire assessment and computer driving skills to very specific skills: reception duties, cake-decorating, door supervision. You can also train in areas like book-keeping, sales calls, front-of-house duties and housekeeping.

The vocational courses, whilst being very hands-on, can lead to recognised qualifications. You can learn at a college or centre, or through online and distance learning.

Identify your needs

The first step, as ever, is to properly identify the need. What do you want to achieve by the training? What should the bottom line effect on your business be? Do you want tighter financial control, for example. And if so, what exactly are the skills you lack? Cashflow management? Book-keeping? Using financial data?

Once you have identified your specific needs, you need to track down the right course and provider.

Choosing a good vocational qualification provider

• Use the web and phone directories
• Contact your Tourism Skills Broker
• Contact your local college of further education
• Contact the Northumberland CoVE (our North East Centre of Vocational Excellence for Inbound and Domestic Tourism)
• For tourism-specific courses browse the learning directory on the UK Skills Passport pages of People 1st (the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council)
• Check the Learn Direct Skills and Courses Database
• Contact your Area Tourism Partnership

See also:

• Finding a training provider