Students who work while studying have been offered the chance to gain a new national qualification. The BTEC professional development qualification in work-based experience, which has been launched by the awarding body Edexcel, is designed to recognise work experience gained by students.
Students have to complete five units within a work context, each about six weeks long, to gain the qualification. The range of units available covers career development, organisation structures and health and safety. The qualification will be taken mainly by students studying degrees and BTEC HND courses.