Employability & Training
Employability & Training
Employment
You may decide to go straight into employment after Year 13. This could be in a job related to your career plans or an opportunity that allows you to gain valuable skills and experience.
Before accepting a job, think about:
- What skills and experience will you gain?
- Is there training or development available?
- Are there opportunities to progress?
- What are the working hours and conditions?
- What qualifications or experience might you need to progress in the future?
Remember that your first job does not have to be your forever job. The skills and experience you gain can help you move into other roles and careers.
Finding vacancies
You can search for jobs through a range of websites, including:
- Indeed
- GOV.UK Find a Job
- National Careers Service
Always check that a vacancy is genuine before applying.
School Leaver Programmes
Some employers offer school leaver programmes for students who want to move directly from school or sixth form into employment.
These programmes vary between employers. Some combine employment with structured training and professional qualifications, while others offer a more direct route into a particular career.
School leaver programmes can be particularly useful for students who want to gain work experience and develop their career without going to university.
College and Further Training
College and further training can provide an opportunity to gain qualifications, develop practical skills or prepare for employment or higher education.
Courses can include:
- Vocational and technical qualifications
- Professional qualifications
- Access to Higher Education courses
- Art and Design Foundation courses
- Higher National Certificates (HNCs)
- Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
- Foundation degrees
- Other specialist training and qualifications
Check the entry requirements, course content, costs and progression opportunities carefully before applying.
Funding
Funding depends on your age, the course you choose and your individual circumstances.
If you are considering further education or training, check the latest funding information with the college or training provider before applying.
For courses starting from January 2027, some further and higher education funding will be covered by the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). This replaces some existing student finance and further education funding arrangements.
Developing Your Employability
Whatever route you choose, employers value skills such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Organisation
- Digital skills
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Initiative
Work experience, volunteering, part-time employment, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities can all help you develop these skills.
Useful websites
National Careers Service https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Career information, job profiles, skills and advice.
GOV.UK Find a Job Find a job - GOV.UK
Search for current job vacancies.
Indeed https://uk.indeed.com/
Search for jobs across a range of sectors.
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/
Search for jobs and explore employers and career opportunities.