Vocational
Vocational courses are career-focused and designed to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.
These courses not only provide an opportunity for individuals to pursue their passions but also allow them to specialise in their chosen subjects, gaining valuable expertise and skills which are finely tuned to meet the specific needs of various industries.
At Gower College Swansea, we take pride in offering a diverse array of vocational courses ranging from entry level to advanced, covering a multitude of subjects. We offer BTEC, NVQ and City & Guilds qualifications.
Understanding vocational course levels
When enrolled in a vocational course, you will be placed on a specific 'level' course based on your academic background and/or work experience.
Upon completion of a level and achieving the qualification you can progress to a higher level.
- Equivalent to three or four GCSEs graded D to G
- Suitable for individuals who did not pass their GCSEs or did not achieve the expected grades.
- Equivalent to four or five GCSEs graded A* to C
- Typically, the starting level for those who obtained four GCSEs at grade D or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, with specific grade requirements in math and English for certain courses.
- Equivalent to two or three A Levels
- Generally accessible to individuals who have passed four/five or more GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, often with grade prerequisites in math and/or English.
- Equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher Apprenticeship or Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).
- Equivalent to a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
- Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree with honours (eg. BA or BSc), a Degree Apprenticeship, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
- Equivalent to a Master’s Degree (eg. MEng, MA or MSc), Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.
- Equivalent to a Doctorate (eg. PhD or DPhil).
More information on qualificationswales.org.
Vocational course

Barbering Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 C&G

Computerised Accounts Level 2 - Agored Cymru
Level 2 AGORED

Cosmetic Make-Up Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 VTCT

Health and Social Care Level 1 - Introductory Diploma
Level 1 BTEC Certificate

Accountancy ACCA AFM - Advanced Financial Management
Level 7 ACCA

Accountancy ACCA ATX - Advanced Taxation
Level 7 ACCA

Accountancy ACCA FR - Financial Reporting
Level 6 ACCA

Advanced Coding Skills
Level 3 C&G

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 Pearson

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering: Motorsport Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Diploma

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Level 3 Welsh Bac

Advanced Tourism Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma

Applied Science Level 2 - First Diploma
Level 2 BTEC Diploma

Applied Science: Analytical and Forensic Science or Biomedical Science Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Aromatherapy Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VTCT

Art and Design Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 UAL

Art and Design Level 2 - Technical Diploma
Level 2 UAL

Art and Design Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL

Art and Design Level 3 - Foundation Diploma
Level 3 WJEC

Beauty Specialist Techniques Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VTCT

Beauty Therapy Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 VTCT

Beauty Therapy Treatments Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VTCT

British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness Level 1
Level 1 AGORED

Business Administration Level 2 – Qualification
Level 2 C&G

Business Administration Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 C&G

Business and Administration Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 BTEC Diploma

Business Express Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma

Business Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Business with the Chartered Institute of Marketing - BTEC Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma

Ceramics
AGORED

Certificate in Fitness Instructing YMCA
Level 2 YMCA

Clinical Healthcare Support Level 2 - Qualification
Level 2 AGORED

Clinical Healthcare Support Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 AGORED

Computerised Payroll Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 AGORED

Computing Level 3 - National Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Creating and Developing Websites
Level 2 C&G

Developing Sewing Skills (PLA)
Level 1 AGORED

Digital Art
AGORED

Digital Editing
AGORED

Digital Skills for Business Level 1 - Award
Level 1 AGORED

Digital Skills for Business Level 2 - Award
Level 2 AGORED

Drawing Level 1 / Level 2
Level 1/2

Education and Training Level 3 - Award
Level 3 WorldHost

Emergency First Aid at Work (Highfield) Level 3 - Award
Level 3 Highfield

Entry into Further Education - Entry 3
Entry Level 3

Esports Level 2
Level 2 Diploma

Esports Level 3 – Events and Media
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments Level 2 - Award
Level 2 VTCT

Facial Massage and Skincare Level 2 - Award
Level 2 VTCT

Fashion and Photographic Make-Up - Certificate
Level 3 VTCT

Fashion and Textiles Level 1 - SEG Award
Level 1 SEG

First Aid at Work (Highfield) Level 3 – Award
Level 3 Highfield

Floristry
AGORED

Food Allergen Management in Catering (Highfield) Level 3 - Award
Level 3 Highfield

Food Safety in Catering (Highfield) Level 2 - Award
Level 2 Highfield

Food Safety in Catering (Highfield) Level 3 - Award
Level 3 Highfield

French Part-time
Level 1

Get Started in Bricklaying
Entry Level

Get started in CAD
Level 1 EAL

Get Started in Carpentry
Entry Level

Get Started in Electronics
Level 2

Get Started in Paint and Decorating
Entry Level

Get Started in Plastering
Entry Level

Get Started in Plumbing
Entry Level

Glass Techniques
AGORED

Gym Instructor (Diploma in Personal Training) YMCA
Level 3 NCFE

Hair and Media Make-up Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VTCT

Hairdressing Level 1 - NVQ
Level 1 NVQ

Hairdressing Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VRQ

Hairdressing Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VRQ

Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship Level 2
Level 2 Diploma

Housing Level 3 - Award (CIH)
Level 3 CIH

Housing Level 3 - Certificate (CIH)
Level 3 CIH

Housing Level 4 - Certificate (CIH)
Level 4 CIH

Housing Practice Level 2 - Certificate (CIH)
Level 2 CIH

Indian Head Massage Level 3 - Certificate
Level 3 GCS

Information and Creative Technology - Level 2
Level 2 Diploma

Information Technology Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 BTEC Diploma

Inspection and Testing Level 3 - Combined course
Level 3 EAL

Introduction to Crochet Motif Techniques Level 1
Level 1 AGORED

Introduction to Cushion Making Level 1
Level 1 AGORED

Introduction to Facilities Management
Level 4 IWFM

Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health (Highfield) Level 2 – Award
Level 2 Highfield

Introduction to Hand Knitting Level 1
Level 1 AGORED

Introduction to Hospitality and Catering Entry Level 3
Entry Level 3 AGORED

Introduction to Machine Applique Level 2
Level 2 AGORED

Introduction to Making a Tote Bag Level 2
Level 2 AGORED

Introduction to Patchwork Entry Level 3
Entry Level 3 AGORED

Introduction to Vehicle Systems Maintenance Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 Diploma

IT User Level 3 – Award
Level 3 C&G

Landscape Construction and Gardening Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 Diploma

Lash FX Eyelash Extensions
Level 3 FHT

Learning and Development - Certificate
Level 3 C&G

Learning to Code with C#
Level 2 C&G

Logistics Operations Level 2 - Qualification
Level 2 QCF

Logistics Operations Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 QCF

Managing Food Safety in Catering (Highfield) Level 4 - Award
Level 4 Highfield

Managing Safely (IOSH) - Qualification
Level 2 IOSH

Managing Stress at Work (NEBOSH) Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 NEBOSH

Manual & Computerised Payroll Level 2
Level 2 AGORED

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate (AZ104) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI102) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals (AI900) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals (DP900) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP100) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals (AZ900) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ700) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ500) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC100) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Data Engineer Associate (DP203) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP600) – Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC300) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate (SC400) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Power Automate RPA Developer Associate (PL500) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL300) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Power Platform Developer Associate (PL400) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate PL200 - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Power Platform Fundamentals (PL900) - Qualification
Entry Level Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC200) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Microsoft Certified Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals (SC900) - Qualification
Microsoft Vendor Certification

Mixed Media Moulding and Casting Entry Level 2
Entry Level 2 AGORED

Multiply – Astronomy and the Solar System
Level 1 AGORED

Multiply – Darts Number Skills
Entry Level 3

Nail Technology Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 VTCT

Non-Medical Aesthetics - Level 4
Level 4

Performing Arts Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 UAL

Performing Arts Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL

Perioperative Support Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 AGORED

Personal License Holders (Highfield) Level 2 - Award
Level 2 Highfield

Photography
AGORED

Photography Level 2 - Technical Diploma
Level 2 UAL

Photography Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL

Photoshop Creative Cloud - Beginners
Entry Level

Pottery and Ceramics
Level 2

Practical Horticulture Skills Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 Diploma

Preparation for Public Services Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 BTEC Certificate

Primary Healthcare Support Level 3 - Qualification
Level 3 AGORED

Principles of Customer Service (WorldHost) Level 2 - Qualification
Level 2 WorldHost

Principles of Fire Safety (Highfield) Level 2 - Award
Level 2 Highfield

Printmaking
AGORED

Project Management (CMI) Level 3 – Award
Level 3 CMI

Project Management (CMI) Level 5 - Certificate
Level 5 CMI

Radio Frequency (Certificate)
Level 4 VTCT

Reflexology Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VTCT

Risk Assessment (Highfield) Level 2 - Award
Level 2 Highfield

Sewing Skills
AGORED

Silversmithing - Beginner/Intermediate
Level 1/2

Skin Needling Level 4 - Certificate
Level 4 VTCT

Skin Peeling Level 4 - Certificate
Level 4 VTCT

Solar PV and Battery Charging - Course
Level 3 BPEC

Spanish Part-time
Level 1

Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Sport Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 OCR

Sport Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Sport: Football Coaching and Performance (Pro:Direct) Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma

Sporting Excellence and Performance (Rugby) Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Sports Massage Therapy Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VTCT

Sports Massage Therapy Level 4 - Certificate
Level 4 VTCT

Spray Tanning (one day course)
N/A FHT

Stone Therapy Massage Level 3 - Certificate
Level 3 VTCT

Swedish Massage Level 3 - Certificate
Level 3 VTCT

Teaching Academy
Level 4 AGORED

Team Leading (CMI) Level 2 – Certificate
Level 2 CMI

Team Leading (ILM) Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 ILM

The Circular Economy
Level 3

Travel and Tourism Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 Diploma

Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 1/Level 2 - Diploma
Level 1/2 Diploma

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 Diploma

Wax Depilation Level 2 - Award
Level 2 VTCT

Women’s Hairdressing Level 3 - Certificate
Level 3 C&G