What are the choices for post-16?
All young people should continue in education, training or employment until they are 18. This does not necessarily mean staying in school.
They may be able to choose one of the following routes:
- stay in full-time education, for example at a college, sixth form college, sixth form or university technical college
- start an apprenticeship
- start a traineeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
How do I help them choose the right pathway?
Every young person is different - and not every pathway works for everyone. Every young person is entitled to independent personal guidance in Year 11 to help them make sense of their options and the opportunities available and find a pathway that suits them but also their long term career and aspirations. This should be supported by careers education, information and advice throughout their education. Post 16 Education 14 You may want to speak to the careers leader at school to arrange any additional support that might be needed in helping them choose the right pathway.
You may also wish to consider:
- the distance to their provider and how they will manage this, particularly as home to school transport does not always continue post 16.
- the type of provision available locally and how this will best meet their needs
- the transition support available between school and their next provider
- what support is available in each provider and if this matches their current or future needs
- social connections and where peers are applying
- additional support available from the provider to support their transition to adulthood You can also contact the National Careers Service for additional support https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16
When do I have to apply by?
Every pathway is slightly different. Some sixth forms require applications before December of Year 11. Some apprenticeships schemes have a recruitment window of December to January of Year 11 - for a start in September after they have sat their GCSEs. It is worth liaising with the careers leader to ensure you know any specific local variations.
What additional support is available?
Additional support, including financial support, can be available for young people in education or training. You should speak to the school or college for additional information.
What else is available?
Soft skills, such as social or vocational skills are valued by employers. Young people can gain these through organisations such as the Prince's Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and National Citizenship Service. You can talk to the school about these options. Often young people choose to work or volunteer alongside studying further education. Your local authority or youth services may also have a range of options available to help identify these opportunities. 15 Post 18 Education
What are the choices post-18?
There are a lot of options for 18 year olds. What's right for young adults will depend on their situation, the career or job they have in mind and their qualifications.
They may be able to choose one of the following routes:
- Continue with studies Continue further education through a college, sixth form college, sixth form or university technical college
- Enter higher education through a university or college
- Study online or part time alongside learning through the Open University or similar
- Combine work and study
- Start an apprenticeship, higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship
- Start a traineeship
- Start a supported internship
- Start a job alongside part time education or training
- Go into employment
- Work full time Work part time
- Start an internship Gap Year
Many young adults want a break after 13 years of education and before entering employment, further training or higher education. This is called a gap year and can be really useful to help them build skills, develop interests and gain some experience to help inform career choices.
What support is available for young people aged 18?
The further education or training provider will be able to provide some guidance around their choices at 18. This can include personal guidance to help identify potential avenues and pathways to explore, as well as directing further research for them. Some of this research can start as early as Year 12 - organisations such as the Sutton Trust support Year 12 students exploring Higher Education options through their summer school program https://www.suttontrust.com/our-programmes/uk-summer-schools/ You may also find the National Careers Service website useful: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-18
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