Is Further Education right for you?
Education can be a scary thought with years of primary and secondary education being forced upon us. What’s next then? A job, back to the dreaded education…
Here in Scotland, we have the privilege to access Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) for free. With this opportunity, it would be a shame to waste it, so the next step would be to understand your options.
What is the difference between Further Education & Higher Education?
It might be easier to start off with what Higher Education is as this is talked about a lot more frequently.
What is Higher Education?
This includes University undergraduate and postgraduate courses and College HNC/HND courses which will look more in-depth on a subject and usually are longer to complete and may be supported by a part-time job once you get into the swing of it.
What is Further Education?
This is any study after secondary education that’s not part of Higher Education and is a course below SVQ level 4 or SCQF level 7 such as:
- National Certificate
- Advanced National Certificate
- SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)
- BTEC
- NPA or an Access Course
These courses will help to improve skills and job prospects and, in many cases, more hands-on and practical subjects.
Who is FE & HE for?
Further & Higher Education is for everyone and anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and skills.
More often thought for the next step for a school leaver, however, it is a chance for an individual of any age or background to upskill or reskill in a course. This can either help them step up in their current role or sidestep into an entirely different role and sector.
If you are thinking of continuing in education, a good place to start is to explore current roles out there to give you an idea of what skills and qualifications are needed – search now!
Ryan Gillespie is a Digital Marketing Manager at s1jobs with over five years’ experience blending data-driven insights with creative content strategies. Specialising in paid media, SEO, and content creation, Ryan excels at analysing data to uncover trends and optimise campaigns that resonate with audiences. Whether crafting compelling written content or designing innovative marketing strategies, he ensures every piece delivers measurable results. With expertise in platforms such as Google Ads, Meta, and Microsoft Ads, alongside a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing, Ryan is passionate about connecting businesses and jobseekers through impactful storytelling and informed decision-making.