A high school skills-based BTEC pathway
Pearson BTEC qualifications for Grades 11 and 12. Practical, career-focused learning that prepares learners for university and for work.
Qualifications that work in the real world
South Africa faces high unemployment and school dropout rates. Many learners need a route that builds practical, employable skills alongside academic study.
BTECs are career-focused qualifications assessed through coursework and real-life practical tasks, rather than a single high-stakes exam. They are benchmarked by UK ENIC for comparability within UK and European qualification frameworks.
Five reasons learners choose BTEC
Respected by universities
BTECs are respected in a similar way to A levels and the National Senior Certificate.
Ready for work
Real-life practical tasks build the employability skills employers look for.
Industry-focused
Course content is developed with professional bodies, so it reflects real industry knowledge.
Practical and flexible
Coursework-based assessment rewards independence and steady work, not exam cramming.
A route to university
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, with an English GCSE, is accepted by Universities South Africa for university admission.
BTEC Level 3 International
BTECs come in different sizes, measured in guided learning hours (GLH), so schools can match the qualification to each learner's goals.
| BTEC size | GLH | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 180 | International Advanced Subsidiary |
| Subsidiary Diploma | 360 | International A level |
| Foundation Diploma | 540 | A level + Advanced Subsidiary |
| Diploma | 720 | 2 International A levels |
| Extended Diploma | 1080 | 3 International A levels |
Choose a sector that fits
Each BTEC is built around a career sector, so learners study what they want to work in.
- 01Applied Science
- 02Art and Design
- 03Information Technology
- 04Business and Enterprise
- 05Land-based (Agriculture)
- 06Leisure, Travel and Tourism
- 07Creative Media
- 08Performing Arts
- 09Health and Social Care
- 10Production Arts
- 11Sport and Physical Education
Talk to our BTEC team
Find out how to offer Pearson BTEC qualifications at your school, or how a learner can enrol.
For more information, reach out to Hendrik at hendrik@switchedoneducation.co.za.
See SwitchedOn in action before you decide.
We'll show you exactly what learners, teachers and parents see each day, how placement and reporting work, and what it takes to get started.
