Decisions, decisions. ...during Year 11 you will be making some pretty major ones about your future. This is the chance for you to decide what you want to do.
So what are the choices?
- To stay on in full-time education - either at school, college or sixth form centre
- Start an Apprenticeship or a job with training - earning and learning at the same time.
Staying in full-time education
General qualifications
This includes A / AS levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) or maybe more GCSEs.
These type of courses could be for you if you:
- have a strong interest in taking particular subjects further
- need specific subjects for the career you want to do
- don't want to commit yourself to a particular career but keep your options open
A wide range of subjects is available and you can combine general courses with more applied ones if you wish.
Applied courses
This includes, for example, Diplomas, BTECs and OCR National courses.
This may be the route for you if you:
- have an interest in a broad career area and want to find out more
- want to know there are definite progression routes
- learn better when study is applied
There are courses available at different levels, where you start will depend on the GCSE grades you get.
Vocational courses
These could be for you if:
- you're sure that you want to train for a particular career
- you want to develop your skills and knowledge before getting a job
- you need to get relevant qualifications before starting work
These courses will lead to recognised qualifications, including National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).
Foundation Learning
If you need help and support to develop your skills before starting in work, training or on a college course, you might start on a Foundation Learning programme. These programmes combine learning about an area of work or subject, developing personal and social skills and improving skills in English, Maths and ICT.
Foundation learning will offer qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1.
Start an Apprenticeship or job with training
Apprenticeships combine working and training to gain relevant qualifications. There are opportunities in different sorts of jobs from retail to warehouse, carpentry to catering and more.
You can find out more about Apprenticeships by visiting the National Apprenticeship Service website here
Whatever you do, try and keep on learning, as jobs without training usually offer lower pay and fewer prospects.
Making these choices can seem bewildering but there is plenty of help and support around.
Who can help?
- Your school or college - your teachers can help you with your choices and give you realistic advice on what you may achieve
- Your careers co-ordinator - can help you find out about career plans and entry requirements
- Parents / carers - know what makes you tick
- Friends - can all support each other making choices
- Connexions Direct Adviser- if you want to talk over your plans with an Adviser
Also check out
Your Connexions library at school or college - you'll find lots of information on careers, courses, jobs and more here.
