This year marks ten years of the BTEC Awards. That’s ten years of celebrating individuals exceeding in vocational pursuits. Ten years of glamorous award ceremonies, even though 2020’s took place virtually. And ten years of the BTEC Awards promoting the sector with a highly competitive contest, not just between excellent learners, but excellent educators and providers too.

The awards come after over 30 years of Pearson running the BTEC qualifications, which are vocational qualifications aimed at making learners “career-ready” by emphasising a hands-on approach and developing the knowledge and practical skills which employers want. Students get to work on a series of assignments in real-life scenarios throughout the course.

As Pearson’s UK president Rod Bristow said at last year’s awards:

“What employers value isn’t just what you know; it’s also what you can do. 

“That is why BTEC courses are tough and it’s why employers and universities love BTEC. It’s also why BTEC is the world’s career-focused learning pathway”. It’s also why they received 460 nominations from 21 countries last year.

On page four, we go further into what makes BTECs so important by speaking to senior vice president for BTEC and apprenticeships Cindy Rampersaud.

Then, between pages six and ten, we meet some of the past winners of the awards, to get

a first-hand account of what it’s like to win, and also find out where their BTEC and their award has taken them, including university and employment. We even speak to one of the original winners from 2011!

Then on page 12 comes the part you are all waiting for: the list of award categories and how you can enter. Nominations close on April 2 next year, so there’s plenty of time to get your nominations in. The awards themselves will take place on June 24, and it’s sure to be a day to remember.

FE Week is proud to support the BTEC Awards. Download the supplement here.