Part of the
Castleford College
Selby College
Wakefield College

Vocational Courses

Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area.

If you have a specific career in mind, prefer a practical way of learning or prefer assignments over exams, our wide range of Vocational courses are the perfect option for you.

Vocational courses are designed to provide you with the practical skills and the underpinning knowledge needed for a specific job or career.

Why Study With Us?

Industry Partnerships

Links with industry such as Wakefield Theatre Royal, Haribo and Coca-Cola mean that we keep the content of our courses relevant.

Projects & Live Briefs

Project work reflects the activities you might be involved in when you start your career and live briefs on some courses.

Highly-qualified Tutors

Lecturers from industry and commerce who are not only great teachers but also have a wealth of professional experience.

Supportive Staff & Advisors

Staff are highly trained and have experience in supporting students with disabilities and difficulties.

Why Choose Us?

Learning Centre

Spend your time in dedicated teaching and social areas in our Harrison Building, part of the refurbished Wakefield College, including a three-storey library for quiet study time and group work.

Why Choose Us?

Mechanics’ Theatre

160-seat professional theatre, studios and workshops for production design and construction in our Mechanics’ Theatre close to Wakefield City Campus.

Why Choose Us?

State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities enable students to gain experience in real working environments with excellent equipment.

Why Choose Us?

Social Spaces

College is different from school. Our social spaces are designed to give you space to take a break and meet with friends.

Vocational Courses

  • Alternative Provisions
  • Animal Care
  • Art, Design & Photography
  • Business & Management
  • Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies
  • Computing
  • Construction
  • Digital Industries
  • Film, Media & Television
  • Foundation Learning
  • Health, Social Care & Wellbeing
  • Horticulture
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • Performing Arts
  • Travel & Tourism

Alternative Curriculum

Start Date: September, October or January

The King’s Trust Team Programme - Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills

Start Date: September, January or May

Level 2 Practical Animal Care

Start Date: September

Level 2 Technical Diploma Animal Care

Start Date: September

Level 3 Practical Animal Care

Start Date: September

Level 3 Technical Animal Management

Start Date: September

Level 1 Art, Design & Media

Start Date: September

Level 2 Art & Design

Start Date: September

Level 3 Art & Design

Start Date: September

Level 3 Art & Design (Textiles, Fashion, Surface Design)

Start Date: September

Level 3 Creative Photography

Start Date: September

Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Start Date: September

Level 3 Graphic Design

Start Date: September

Level 2 Business

Start Date: September

Level 3 Business

Start Date: September

Entry 3 Computing & IT

Start Date: September

Level 1 Computing & Digital Design

Start Date: September

Level 2 Computing & IT

Start Date: September

Level 1 Creative Media, Film & TV

Start Date: September

Level 2 Creative Media, Film & TV

Start Date: September

Level 3 Creative Media, Film & TV

Start Date: September

Level 1 Foundations of Health and Childcare

Start Date: September 2026

Level 1 Health & Social Care

Start Date: September

Level 2 Health & Social Care

Start Date: September

Level 3 Technical Social Care

Start Date: September

Level 1 Practical Horticulture Skills

Start Date: September

Level 2 Practical Horticulture

Start Date: September

Level 1 Travel & Tourism (Vocational Studies)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Air Cabin Crew

Start Date: September

Level 2 Travel & Tourism

Start Date: September

School Leaver Prospectus

Meet Our Students

Photo of Ben

We get to do a variety of activities such as painting, building and planting in the garden at Thornes Park.

Ben

Horticulture

Photo of Kevin

I have learnt about types of plants, how to crop and care for them and how to make different plants.

Kevin

Horticulture

Photo of Tilly

I enjoy this course and like listening to all the realistic stories from past events that relate to topics I’m learning in class.

Tilly

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

Photo of Farhan

I study the Animal Management course at Wakefield College as well as attend my work placement at an RSPCA shelter once a week.

Farhan

Animal Care

Photo of Hazza

My favourite thing about the course is there is a large variety of animals available to work with such as snakes.

Hazza

Animal Care

Photo of Evie

have enjoyed learning lots of new things about dementia, mental health issues and different kinds of abuse.

Evie

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

Photo of Keira

There are a few careers I’d like to do in the future such as a psychologist, occupational therapist and a social worker.

Keira

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

Photo of Emma

My favourite thing about the course is taking part in the performance such as the Christmas Performance and Summer Festival.

Emma

Performing Arts

Student Support

Our support services are second to none and we are here to help you succeed.

Learn about our Support Services

Apply Now

Course applications can be made through our website or by a paper application.

Learn how to apply

Virtual Tours

Take a 360° virtual tour of our amazing facilities, College campus and learning environments.

Take a virtual tour of the College

Enrichment

We make our courses varied and interesting by packing in extra activities and opportunities.

Learn more about enrichment