Choosing which qualification to study and selecting the right subject at the right level can be complicated but as competition for jobs increases, employers are looking for people with the skills and experience needed for work. The NVQ is a practical work-based industry standard qualification which is job-specific. If you are aged 16-24 and currently working you can also do a NVQ at level 2 and 3 as a Modern Apprentice. The AVCE is an advanced level vocational qualification, usually for under 19s, suitable for entry into employment, or on to higher education.

A college of Further Education, such as South Thames College, which has centres in Wandsworth, Tooting and Putney in south London, is a great place to study for your vocational qualification. As well as providing you with the knowledge to gain a basis for your learning, much of your study will be 'hand-on', so you get to learn the practical skills and build up experience for your future career. For example, South Thames College has a full working hair and beauty salon which is open to the public, enabling students to experience working with real customers and gain practical hair, beauty, customer service skills and the business skills needed to run a commercial salon.

Sara is in the first year of her 2 year hairdressing course at the College's salon in Wandsworth.
'I have worked in salons before and hairdressing is something I really want to do, so I knew that to become a hairdresser and have my own salon I had to come to college and get a qualification.'

'South Thames is my local college and I love it here - everyone is so friendly and helpful. I have learnt so much without even realising it, things like the reasons behind why we do things, not just how. I feel like I'm definitely doing something.'

For further details of courses visit www.south-thames.ac.uk or call 020 8918 7777 for a prospectus.