Vocational Courses

Overview

Vocational courses offer practical, hands-on training designed to prepare students for specific careers across a wide range of industries. Whether you're interested in Construction, Health and Social Care, Engineering, Digital Technologies, Animal Management, or Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, vocational study allows you to develop real-world skills in professional environments using industry-standard tools and equipment. These courses combine classroom learning with practical experience, often including work placements to strengthen your employability. Vocational qualifications are highly valued by employers and can also lead to Apprenticeships or progression to University Level study. At Boston College, vocational learning is supported by expert tutors, strong industry links, and purpose-built facilities.

Student waiting staff serving guests at a restaurant table.

A student works a robotic arm using a digital tablet in the Digital Technologies workshop.

Four students walking together down a corridor.

Your Future in Vocational Courses

Academic, Health and Care Industries

Academic, Health and Care Industries is dedicated to shaping futures through high-quality education, training, and professional development. Whether you're preparing for University Level study with A Levels or Access to Higher Education, pursuing a career in teaching, or strengthening essential skills through our Foundation (Entry/SEND) courses, we provide the knowledge, experience, and support needed to succeed.

For those drawn to hands-on, industry-focused learning, we offer exciting courses in Animal Management and Agriculture, Early Years and Schools, Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing, and Uniformed Public Services. These programmes provide real world experience, practical skills, and valuable industry insights through placements, specialist facilities, and partnerships with leading employers.

Whether you’re continuing your education, changing careers, or pursuing a long-held ambition, our courses are designed to help you progress confidently into Higher Education or employment.

Find out more

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Hear what our students think...

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“I’ve always been interested in how things are designed and work, so I knew I wanted to study Engineering. The new EMAT Centre at Boston College is tailored to engineering, so we have all the industry standard equipment we need. The course encourages you to be independent, at the beginning of the year our lecturers provide us with a project briefing and a deadline for us to complete the work by – which really prepares you for how the industry works.

If we do need any support or help, the lecturers are always available, and they all have industry experience, which is great.”

Riley | Engineering

“I choose to study at Boston College because I wanted a fresh start from school and to meet new people.

I currently attend College four days a week and have practical lessons every day. We cover all the basics from cutting to colouring and setting. We start on hair blocks until we have built up our confidence and then move onto real-life clients in the College’s Style Academy.”

Katie | Hairdressing Student

“I like the freedom and variation that College gives me. I attend College for three days a week. During this time, I spend one day in the classroom learning theory, one day at PFI and another day in the College’s Automotive Technologies workshop.

We first start building up our skills and knowledge on rigs and then transition onto cars and go-karts. At PFI, we learn how to fix and re-build karts and then watch them race on the track.”

Mitchell | Automotive Technologies