The 14-19 learning pathways are a new vocational approach to education in Wales which include a range of formal, non-formal and informal learning activities.

This ensures that all young people have the opportunity for wider enrichment and experiences which will help them develop the skills, knowledge, competence and confidence to realise their potential in learning, employment or life.

Every young person has potential, and these young people are likely to benefit significantly from the increased choice, wider learning experiences and enhanced support integral to 14-19 learning pathways.

In addition to increasing the opportunities available to young people it is hoped that the 14-19 learning pathways will also impact positively on basic skills, workforce skills and sustainable employment whilst reducing the number of people leaving full time education with no qualifications and improve the proportion of 16 year olds progressing to further learning, full time or work-based.

The 14-19 learning pathway includes:

Work Based Learning Pathways (WBLP)

As part of the 14-19 agenda in Wales, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) are piloting WBLP. On behalf of DCELLS, we are developing and project managing the WBLP in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching. This programme of study allows young people to combine their academic studies with a blend of vocational orientated learning and work experience within a sporting context.

Find out about the WBLP in sports management, leadership and coaching.

Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification (WBQ)

The Welsh Baccalaureate is an exciting qualification for students in Wales that adds a valuable new dimension to the subjects and courses already available for 14 to 19 year old students. It combines personal development skills with existing qualifications like A-levels, NVQs and GCSEs to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities.

The Welsh Assembly Government introduced the baccalaureate to transform learning for young people in Wales. It gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes, to suit the diverse needs of young people. It can be studied in English or Welsh, or a combination of the two languages. This qualification is available at three different levels: 1 (Foundation), 2 (Intermediate) and 3 (Advanced).

For further information visit www.wbq.org.uk

Principal Learning and Project Qualification (PLQ)

From 2011, new qualifications will be available in Wales as options within the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification (WBQ). The WBQ is an established and well-regarded qualification and its structure allows these new Principal Learning and Project Qualifications to be included. 

Find out more about Principal Learning in Sport and Active Leisure within the Welsh Baccalaureate.