UCM CELEBRATES FANTASTIC VOCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

UCM CELEBRATES FANTASTIC VOCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

 

  • 16 Level 3 (BTEC and UAL) students achieved triple distinction star.
  • 43% of Level 3 students gained distinctions or distinction star (equivalent to A-Level A or A star).
  • 82% Level 3 BTEC students achieved merit or distinction.
  • 98% of all skills based vocational students passed (VTCT and City & Guilds).
  • 90% of Level 2 learners will progress to higher level courses or the world of work.

 

This year marks another jubilant year for University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) vocational students. Over 400 students completed their vocational courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3; average scores amongst them is equivalent to a grade B at A-Level (UCAS point 40 per qualification).

Of more than 150 students who completed their Level 3 vocational studies, 43% of them gained distinction or distinction star (equivalent to A-Level A or A star).

UCM offers 54 vocational courses that cover a wide range of subjects, including: Construction, Health & Social Care, Sport, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Art, Design & Media, Engineering, Business, IT and Administration.

The qualifications gained from these courses are awarded by established and world-renowned organisations such as: Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC), University of the Arts London (UAL), Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) and City & Guilds.

16 Level 3 (BTEC and UAL) students achieved triple distinction star, which is the highest grade awarded. 82% Level 3 BTEC students achieved merit or distinction. UCM offers 11 BTEC courses, covering a wide range of subjects, including: Construction, Health & Social Care, IT, Sports and Business.

“I couldn’t have successfully completed this course without the support from tutors at the College and staff at Student Services,” said Robbie Sullivan who achieved triple distinction star in Extended Diploma in IT (Level 3). Robbie will be progressing to study a Computer Science degree at UCM and he hopes to eventually find employment in network or data centres in the future.

98% of all UCM skills based vocational students passed their exams (VTCT and City & Guilds – these organisations only award pass or fail marks, no grades).

“I enjoyed everything about my course, particularly the focus on developing my practical skills, my classmates and the realistic learning environment. We often had to perform the treatments on each other (in class), which was fantastic as not only do we learn so much from one another, it was also a lot of fun,” explained Hannah Caley who passed her Beauty Therapy (Level 3) and was the winner of the Beauty Therapy Level 3 Award at the recent UCM Further Education Awards in May. 

Jo Pretty, Principal of UCM said, “Congratulations to all of our students receiving their results today. Their success reflects their hard work and dedication, and also the high quality teaching and support that is provided by UCM staff, who are practitioners and experts in their fields.”

Vocational qualifications are highly regarded by employers today, mainly due to their focus on development of transferable, practical skills and because they offer students the opportunity to explore and develop critical employability skills such as: creativity, communication, collaborative working and presentation skills. Most of the vocational courses have been designed together with employers.

“Through the vocational courses that UCM offers, we provide our students with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills they need to be successful in their future employment,” Jo added.

UCM is currently enrolling students for the next academic year. For more information, please call 01624 648200 or visit www.ucm.im