A COLLEGE boss is reminding school leavers that there are alternatives to A level courses with a wide variety of vocational subjects available to them.

Gary Groom, principal of Redcar and Cleveland College, said most careers could be achieved via a number of different routes, so school leavers should choose the path most suitable to them.

He said: “We recognise that there are many different routes to university and an excellent career. A lot of young people now recognise that a BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 course is equivalent to three A-Levels and will equip them to move on to a relevant degree level course.

“Some young people may already know what direction they would like to study and work in, so it make sense for them to choose the relevant vocational courses early.

Joshua Owens, 21, from Redcar, is an apprentice electrical engineer at Tees Components in Skelton, east Cleveland, after going the vocational route.

He was offered a place at Northumbria University, but decided instead to study part-time at Redcar & Cleveland College to gain an HNC and HND in mechanical engineering and an HNC in electrical engineering, while also gaining work experience.

He said: “When I was looking at college courses, I had the option of a five-year university degree or spending a year doing my HNC and going from there.

“If you don’t want to jump into university but do want to get a higher education and go straight into work, an HND or HNC is a great thing to have.”

For more information about courses, call the college on 01642-473132 or go to www.cleveland.ac.uk