Level 2 at 19 - Do you want to get more?     

What is 'Level 2 at 19'?

The aim of 'Level 2 at 19' is to increase the number of young people who have obtained at least a level 2 qualification by the time they are 19 years old.

With a Level 2 qualification (5 GCSEs grade A*- C or equivalent) a young persons future will be more secure.

It's as simple as this:

• With a Level 2 qualification a young person could earn, on average, £4,000 more every year than someone without a Level 2 qualification.

• Level 2 qualifications are usually the minimum that employers look for when employing young people.

• With a Level 2 qualification a young person is more likely to get a better job with better prospects for their future.

Financial help

If money is tight then financial help might be available. Young people who undertake level 2 qualifications may be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The EMA pays a weekly allowance to young people and does not affect any other household benefits.

Why stay in learning if you could be out earning?

If young people stay in learning either at school, at college or on an Apprenticeship their prospects of better jobs and a better future are much higher. At 16 they could leave school without their qualifications and get a job without training. It probably won’t be well paid and it might not help them in the long run.

To get a good job when they leave school or college young people should be encouraged to get their Level 2 qualification now!

FIND OUT MORE...  Call 0800 073 8700

To find out more about 'Level 2 at 19' you should contact your Connexions Personal Adviser (PA). Call us FREE on 0800 073 8700 and ask to speak to a PA. You can also visit one of our Connexions Centres and ask to speak to a PA who can give you more advice about 'Level 2 at 19', including help with EMA applications.

More information about 'Level 2 at 19'

What is a "level 2" qualification?

A level 2 qualification is not a qualification in its self, it is the name given to a certain level of achievement.

        The following qualifications are at level 2:

• 1 GCSE A*-C = 20% of full level 2 qualification
• 1 Double award GCSE A*-C = 40%
• 1 Short course GCSE A* -C = 10%
• 1 Intermediate GNVQ = 80%
• 1 Part 1 Intermediate GNVQ = 40%
• 1 BTEC First Diploma = 80%
• 1 NVQ level 2 = 80%

Qualifications at level 3 such as AS level, A level and Applied A level should usually be undertaken after gaining level 2 qualifications.

Adding it up

Combinations are allowed, so if a young person does not obtain a Level 2 qualification at school (5 full GCSE’s at grades A* - C) they can still obtain a level 2 qualification when they leave school by going to sixth form or college or via work based learning and apprenticeships.

Example: if a young person gets one GCSE at grade A* to C which counts for 20% and then gets a full intermediate GNVQ which counts for 80% they will have 100% which is a 'level 2 qualification'.

Why is a level 2 qualification important?

As mentioned above, young people with a level 2 qualification will be more employable. A level 2 qualification is an important stepping stone, not only to a job but to further learning, higher level skills and greater earning capacity. For employers, the benefits include an increased pool of qualified young people able to make a contribution to their business and the local economy.

Who operates "Level 2 at 19"?

'Level 2 at 19' is one of the PSA (Public Service Agreement) targets agreed between The Treasury, the DfES (department for children, schools and families) and the LSC (Learning and Skills Council).

To find out more about 'Level 2 at 19'

call Connexions FREE on 0800 073 8700