Post 16 Options
Your options after Year 11
The next Step
This is a link to the latest The Next Step magazine for all year 11 students in Kent to help them understand their post16 options and more.
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Sixth Form
Continue your education at the school that you are at now or apply to a different setting. Most 6th forms offer Level 3 qualifications such as IB, BTEC and A-level. To continue at Level 3 you will need to achieve 5 GCSEs at 5 or above (including Maths, English and Science). At The Malling School we do the IBCP (International Baccalaureate Careers Programme) which combines two or three IB Diplomas with two career related qualifications. The Malling School also offers a Level 1 and 2 vocational programme to help to prepare you for your next steps by learning life skills and employability skills alongside re-sits in Maths and or English.
Further Education
Colleges offer a wide variety of vocational (work related) courses such as animal care, bricklaying, childcare and travel and tourism. They do expect you to be able to manage your own work and time effectively. You need to find a college that offers the courses or subjects you are interested in studying, or the best route to the level of qualifications you want.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. They are paid, so offer the opportunity to learn while bringing in a wage. Young people have the chance to work alongside experienced staff and gain skills unique to the workplace, as well as an increasingly well-respected qualification, over a period of one to four years. Search online at https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Supported Internships
A supported internship is a type of study programme specifically aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care plan and want to move into employment but need extra support to do so. Internships normally last for around a year and include unpaid work placements of at least six months. Trained job coaches offer personalised support to the young people while they are in the workplace, helping them master their job role and gradually develop the confidence to work unsupported, as far as possible.
Traineeships/study programmes
A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience that unlocks the great potential of young people and prepares them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. Designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience, traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment. https://www.readytowork.org.uk
There are lots of websites out there that can help you think about your career options post sixth form college.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service website gives access to a very wide range of information on career and learning options, career planning tools, CV building tools, interview hints and tips, job profiles and also a free helpline for telephone based advice. Fantastic website with a wealth of information for all ages: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/Pages/default.aspx
National Apprenticeship Service
Search online for live apprenticeship vacancies in your area. Filter by postcode and job type. https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Prospects
Prospects careers advice and job course opportunities to students and graduates. Their site gives great, simple and helpful advice on the various industry sectors, information about self-employment and starting your own business too: http://www.prospects.ac.uk
Total Jobs
Total jobs gives advice on all sectors and for all stages of your career: http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice
Target Jobs
Career planning tools, fun and insightful tests to see what you might enjoy and be good at. Provides sample CVs, covering letters and job searching tool. Loads of very useful interview advice on how to answer questions and prepare beforehand: https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice
TED Talks
TED Talks gives inspirational videos from experienced speakers on topics related to finding happiness and success in your working life. Great for people who prefer learning from others through watching and listening as opposed to reading: http://www.ted.com/playlists/209/counterintuitive_career_advice