Year 11 - Post 16 Options

Until you are 18, you must do one of the following:

• Stay in full-time education, for example at a college
• Start an apprenticeship or traineeship
• Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.

So, consider all of the options in detail and see which suits you best:

• A Levels – Level 3, 3 two-year courses studying academic subjects with exams
• T Level – Level 3, 1 two-year work-related course with 20% of the time in a job
• Applied general qualification – Level 3, 1 work-related course
• Technical and vocational qualifications – Level 1+, 1-3 work-related course/s
• Exam retakes – Level 1 & 2, maths and English + some colleges offer more
• Supported internship – study and work for young people with an EHCP
• Apprenticeship – Levels 2-7, a job with 20% of the time studying
• Traineeship - a course of up to 6 months with work experience
• School leaver scheme – a job with training, often with a large employer.

Have a think about:

• Do you know what career you would like?
• Do you have a hobby that could become a career?
• Which qualifications and experience do you need for that career?
• How many jobs are there locally at the end of a course/apprenticeship?
• Which level is right for your predicted grades?
• What are you best at and enjoy most?
• Do you prefer practical or classroom lessons?
• Do you prefer exams or coursework?
• Do you have an EHCP due to a disability?
• Are you work ready?
• Are you ready to work for 30-40 hours a week?

What to avoid:

• Aiming too high or too low
• Doing what others want, if it is not right for you
• Following stereotypes
• Travelling a long way without good reason
• Not looking at the course/apprenticeship details
• Not thinking it through
• Missing deadlines.

If you need further information, advice and guidance you could:

• Speak to a Careers Advisor
• Look on the National Careers Service website
• Look at the Gov website
• Look at local college websites and attend any talks or open days
• Talk to the people who know you about what would suit you best
• Give it some thought.

Careers information, advice and guidance is available at Loughborough College. 

You can Careers on: careers@loucoll.ac.uk and ask for assistance with choosing a career; choosing a course for next year at college, university or another training provider; writing a CV or personal statement; applying for a job or apprenticeship; planning a gap year; or anything else related to your future study or employment.  We are here to help you to progress.