16-18
The rest of your life starts here! So what are you going to do with it? Have you always dreamed of being a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, working with children, or making a career in sport? Or are you not sure what job you’d like to do but know one thing: you don’t want it to feel like the standard ‘9-5’. Either way, our huge range of 16-18 vocational courses will put you on the right track towards a great career.
Forget what you think you know about studying. Here, we match your programme to your ambition. Not only will our talented teachers give you the tools to succeed, you’ll learn in a lively environment where your voice is definitely heard. You’ll also get the chance to use industry-standard facilities and find out what the real world of work is like as part of your course. It’s time to take a leap into the unknown: your future.
-
Business, Accounting and Law
Have you got what it takes to make it in the business world? Whether you want to specialise in accountancy, marketing or human resources, or have your sights set on rising to the top as a CEO, our experienced tutors and strong business partnerships will set you on the right track to succeed.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Management consultants and business analysts
£42,000
IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
£46,000
Business and related associate professionals n.e.c.
£34,000
-
Catering and Hospitality
A professional kitchen is one of the most creative, exhilarating and demanding environments around – and if you were born to cook there’s nowhere you’d rather be. Train as a chef and your next step could be a 5-star hotel or Michelin starred restaurant.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Catering and bar managers
£22,000
Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors
£68,000
Kitchen and catering assistants
£35,000
-
Construction
With the building trade booming across the capital, highly skilled construction workers are in high demand. If you enjoy physical as well as mental work and like to see your achievements come to life, studying on one of our specialist courses will lead you to a fantastic career with great earning potential.
Course List
- Certificate in Introduction to Construction (Entry 3) Programme
- Certificate in Multitrade Construction Activities (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Bricklaying (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Bricklaying (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Bricklaying (Level 3) Programme
- Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair & Refurbishment Operations (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Dry Lining (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings & Structures) (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Painting and Decorating (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Painting and Decorating (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Plumbing Studies (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Plumbing Studies (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling (Level 2) Programme
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Production managers and directors in construction
£110,000
Construction and building trades supervisors
£56,000
Construction and building trades n.e.c.
£30,000
-
Creative Arts
Course List
- Digital Creative Technology (Level 2) Programme
- Digital Creative Technology (Level 3) Programme
- Diploma in Art and Design (UAL) (Level 2) Programme
- Diploma in Art, Design and Media (UAL) (Level 1) Programme
- Diploma in Production Arts (UAL) (Level 3) Programme
- Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (UAL) (Level 3) Programme
- Sports Media, Journalism and PR/Marketing (Level 2) Programme
- Sports Media, Journalism and PR/Marketing (Level 3) Programme
-
ESOL, English and Maths
No matter what you dream job, you’ll need decent English and maths skills to get your foot on the career ladder. If you left school without the qualifications you need, our courses will help you gain these vital skills – and even have fun while you do!
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Teaching and other educational professionals n.e.c.
£15,000
Teaching assistants
£29,000
Higher education teaching professionals
£33,000
-
Early Years
No two days are ever the same when you work with children, and it’s down to you to keep them safe, happy, occupied and eager to learn. If that thought inspires rather than terrifies you, one of our Early Years courses could open the door to a job that’s both challenging and satisfying.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Child and early years officers
£49,000
Nursery nurses and assistants
£16,000
Teaching and other educational professionals n.e.c.
£15,000
-
Hair and Beauty
So your Instagram feed is full of the latest beauty treatment finds, and your friends beg you to do their make-up before a night out. Have you ever thought of making beauty your career? Our beauty courses can lead to a career as a spa therapist, hairdresser or even beauty salon owner.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors
£26,000
Hairdressers and barbers
£25,000
Beauticians and related occupations
£45,000
-
Health and Social Care
There are few careers where you get to make a real difference to people’s lives, but health and social care is one of them. If you’re drawn to helping people – especially those who are vulnerable or socially excluded – taking one of our government-recognised courses will open the door to a very rewarding career.
Course List
- BTEC Introductory Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 1) Programme
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology with Diploma in Sport (Level 3) Programme
- First Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 2) Programme
- Introduction to Health and Childcare (Entry 3 Extended Certificate in Vocational Studies) Programme
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Health services and public health managers and directors
£105,000
Senior care workers
£25,000
Care workers and home carers
£35,000
-
IT and Computing
Think of an industry…and now imagine it without IT and computing. Digital skills are the backbone of our modern world and people with these skills are urgently needed by businesses across the capital. By studying IT and computing, you can not only find a job, you can become part of the future.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
IT engineers
£46,000
Programmers and software development professionals
£52,000
Information technology and telecommunications professionals n.e.c.
£45,000
-
Sport and Football Academy
You see exercise as fun and sitting still as hard work. You might dream of scaling the heights of professional football, or you may see your role as helping others achieve their fitness goals through personal training. Either way, one of our sports courses will give you the jumpstart you need.
Course List
And Then?
College isn't just about a social life and good grades. Check out what sort of careers this subject can lead to.
Sports coaches, instructors and officials
£19,000
Sports and leisure assistants
£25,000
Leisure and sports managers
£60,000
-
Supported Learning
Our mission is to help every student achieve their potential, whatever barriers are in the way, and our Supported Learning courses are specially designed to help you do just that. You’ll become part of a small, friendly group of students and learn at your own pace.
Course List
- Move onto Volunteering Programme
- Pathway to Independence Programme
- Preparation for Adult Life and Work Programme
- Preparation for Internship Programme
- Preparation for Internship Programme
- Preparation for Transition Programme
- Preparation for Work - Working in a Cafe Programme
- Preparation for Work - Working in Horticulture Programme
- Skills for Catering Programme
- Skills for Customer Services Programme
- Skills for Performing Arts Programme
- Supported Internship: Phoenix Housing Programme
- Vocational Tasters Programme
ESOL, English & Maths
Find out moreMore in this area
More in Our Courses

Serifat Kareem
Coming to Lewisham College gave me time to truly think about what I wanted to do as an undergraduate student, it really helped my decision to study for a Master’s afterwards – particularly the 'Professional Development' module.

Jack Jackson
The College is great: all the teachers and staff give you the space to figure things out on your own, but they are also there if you’re ever in trouble. It’s a really nice environment to work and study in – a mixture of independence and reliance.
Marta Weremkowicz-wlosinska
The Learning Centre is well equipped with HE book collections, and the staff in the Centre have always been very helpful and friendly.

William Inko-dokubo
I’ve learnt assertiveness, the importance of maintaining data accurately, and also how to deal sensitively with customers’ specific needs. In certain cases – for example when discussing a resident’s Food Bank eligibility – you need to be particularly considerate and careful about confidentiality to avoid possible embarrassment to the resident.

Kimberley Cooper
I’m so glad I chose the path I did – studying such a vocational course at Lewisham College was great for my CV, and now I’m doing the job I always wanted to do.

Max King
The programme is hard work, but I’m up for it. The teaching here is inspiring, passionate and dedicated. It’s a really friendly environment.

Bobby Packham
I’m only three months into my one-year apprenticeship, and have learnt a lot in that time. The more I work, the more comfortable and confident I feel in my role.

Mamadou Jalloh
Mamadou has the makings of a very good Degree Student. His level of commitment, motivation and study skills are in place. He is an extremely pleasant and hardworking individual and would be an asset to any organisation.
Key information
We want to get you on a course and working towards your career as soon as possible. But there are some things you need to know...