5 Top Benefits of Further Education 

1. Keeping options open 

If you’re not familiar with the huge range of courses available at college then you’re not alone! College can give you a full progression route, from entry level all the way up to degree level courses. At GC our courses span a great range of subjects, from cyber security and creative media to business and beauty therapy.  

With the built-in flexibility many of our courses offer, they’re a great choice for students who want to gain practical experience alongside a qualification that suits their career aspirations and interests.  

2. Practical and career-focused study 

One of the main advantages of studying at college is the practical skills and training that prepare you for employment – much of which is lacking in more traditional routes such as A Levels. Colleges offer vocational courses that are tailored to meet the needs of different industries and sectors, with units and modules based on real-life work and studies. You’ll learn industry knowledge and be able to prove it in practical situations, showing potential employers that you already have what it takes to succeed in your chosen career.  

3. No exam pressures 

While some people can thrive during the pressure of exams, others can struggle to reach their potential as worries or nerves take over. Many courses at college measure your progress throughout the time you’re studying – meaning your success isn’t riding on one end-of-year exam. You’ll be given consistent feedback to gauge how you’re doing, just like in the workplace. This can help a lot of students feel more motivated as they see their progress with work assessed throughout the year.

4. Inspiring confidence  

We believe in lifelong learning – and that means you should enjoy it! When you’re able to specialise in a subject or course area that you’re interested in then learning can be (and should be) something to look forward to. 

If you can tap into working on something you enjoy, you’ll build confidence as you develop practical skills that help you become more employable. And it’s just as likely that alongside written assignments, you’ll be asked to submit film clips, business proposals and structured databases to show your learning! Whatever you’re studying you’ll always be given clear guidelines, so you know what you need to do to achieve and develop your skills at college.  

5. Learn the latest industry practices 

As a further education college, “learning that works” is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we work closely with employers to ensure that our courses are relevant and up-to-date with industry standards. This often leads to job opportunities as our students are constantly learning the latest industry practices. This means that upon leaving college, your skills and knowledge are up-to-date and relevant, and you’ll get the maximum benefit from your coursework while you study.   

With a driven focus on practical skills and industry knowledge, it’s not hard to see why so many students leaving school choose college as a pathway to achieve their career goals.

If you think college is the right next step for you, check out our huge range of courses and make your application today! 

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Apply by 31 March.

We recommend that you apply by 31 March to ensure you have the best opportunity to join your chosen course. After this date, those who have applied for especially popular courses may not be able to join their first choice of course.