The CCEA Level 1 and 2 Occupational Studies specifications cover six individual qualifications, each relating to a general occupational area and including a range of optional units.

The Occupational Studies specifications:

• focus on occupations and employability;
• enable progression to other courses, training and employment;
• help to raise levels of achievement; and
• emphasise learning by doing, which helps learners to develop the transferable skills needed in a changing and dynamic working environment.

We have devised these specifications in consultation with:

• Sector Skills Councils;
• teachers in schools;
• teachers/lecturers in further and higher education colleges; and
• employers.

Occupational Studies builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning.

Learners must complete two units from the same occupational area to achieve a qualification. Each unit is worth 50 percent of the overall qualification.

The occupational areas are:

Business and Services

• Childcare: the Play Environment
• Communication in an Office or Business Environment
• Contemporary Cuisine
• Creative Styling Using Blow-Drying Techniques
• Customer Service
• Facial Skincare
• Logistics and Transport
• Manicure and Nail Art
• Modern Office Procedures
• Modern Retailing
• Patisserie and Baking
• Shampooing and Conditioning Treatments
• The Physical Care of Babies
• Using Office Technology
• Vehicle Servicing and Valeting Operations

Construction

• Bench Joinery
• Brick and Block Work
• Carpentry and Joinery
• Hard Landscaping
• Painting and Decorating
• Plastering
• Plumbing
• Tiling

Design and Creativity

• Contemporary Cuisine
• Creative Hair Styling on Long Hair
• Creative Hair Styling Setting Techniques
• Creative Styling Using Blow-Drying Techniques
• Enterprise Crafts
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Patisserie and Baking
• Specialised Crafts
• Textile and Fashion Design
• Total Beauty
• Website Development

Engineering and Engineering Services

• Basic Fast-Fit Operations
• Basic Vehicle Body Components and Fitting
• Computer Aided Design
• Electronic Circuit Construction
• Electrical Wiring Installation
• Maintenance of Land-Based Machinery
• Manufacturing Techniques – Hand Fitting
• Manufacturing Techniques – Sheet Metal
• Plumbing
• Vehicle Servicing and Valeting Operations
• Vehicle Technician Operations

Environment and Society

• Animal Care
• Horticulture: Caring for Plants and Flowers
• Horticulture: Growing Plants in a Sustainable Way
• Reminiscence with Individuals in a Care Environment
• Running a Leisure Event
• Sports Leadership
• Tour Guiding
• Working in a Care Environment
• Working in Tourism

Technology and Innovation

• Bench Joinery
• Carpentry and Joinery
• Computer Aided Design
• Digital Imaging
• Digital Music
• Manufacturing Techniques – Hand Fitting
• Manufacturing Techniques – Sheet Metal
• Sound Production
• TV and Film Production

The units in bold type are available in more than one occupational area.

Learners can take more than one qualification in Occupational Studies. However, they cannot take the same unit to count towards more than one award.