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What Next 17-18: In Years 12 and 13

If you’re studying at sixth form or college, doing an Apprenticeship or maybe working, you could be starting to think about your options at 18.

There are several options available - courses, jobs, training, and travel, so find out as much as you can to make the best choice for you!

Remember: most people will change their career at sometime in their lives. Regardless of your decision at this stage, you may change to another option later. The skills and knowledge you have gained so far will be useful and you will keep building on this as you make new choices.  

You can still get help and support when making choices.  Talk to:

 

You have probably made some decisions to get this far.  Now you have to start thinking again about what you are like and what suits you. 

  • How do I like to learn? 

  • What is important to me? 

  • What are my skills and strengths? 

  • What don't I like doing?

  • Have I researched any careers ideas yet?

  • Is there an Apprenticeship in the career area I’m interested in?

  • Do I need a degree to do this career?

  • Do I want to go to university or college for at least three years?

  • Which subjects am I interested in?

  • Do I want to move away from home?

  • Would I prefer to be getting a wage while I’m learning?

  • Would I be comfortable starting working life with a big debt?

These are just a few things to think about before making a decision.  If you think carefully about your choice you will be more likely to pick something that is right for you.

Your options at 18 include:

For some jobs you will have to study for a degree, for others there may be more than one route to choose from and you need to find the one most suited to you. 

You can find out more using your Connexions library in school or local Connexions centre.  You can also attend open days at college or university, higher education fairs, and local job fairs.  You may be able to talk to people on your chosen course or in a career that interests you.  Find out as much as you can about the different options. 

If you are struggling make sure you talk to someone as soon as possible.  For many options you have to start applying early, and there can be a lot of competition. 

 

Look for:

HE courses                                          Apprenticeships

 

There are more than 50,000 higher education courses to choose from
Apprenticeships are available in over 190 different job roles in many sectors
So you've thought about yourself and researched the options available - how will you decide what to go for?

Whether you've decided on one option or are looking at a few, ask yourself: 

  • Why do I want to do this option?

  • Why would I be suited to it?

  • What are my strengths/skills?

  • What can I offer this option?

  • What does this offer me?

  • What does the option want from me?   

At this stage some of the options start to cost money, for example you may have to pay towards university courses.  It is worth getting the decision right.   It is more important than ever to have a back up plan and to be sure it is still something you really want to do.

Even after careful consideration you might find an option is not right for you - always get advice to help you move on.  Remember you are likely to have several careers over your working life. 

In 2009 around 60% of Year 13 leavers in Notts chose higher education, others continued in education at 6th form or college
9% of school leavers found a job, 3.5% decided to take a year out

What to do and when to do it...

Year 12

  • Are you worried about your choice of course? Talk to your tutor, careers teacher or Personal Adviser as soon as possible.  You may be able to switch.  

  • Use your Connexions library (at school or college) to find out more information about jobs, courses or training opportunities. Or come to one of our Connexions centres!

  • Look up any jobs you're interested in jobs and careers or Jobs4u and see what you need to do to get into them. 

 

Year 13

Autumn

  • Start applying for jobs, training and Apprenticeships if that's the route you're going down.

  • If you're considering higher education check the UCAS closing dates and look at the application system in your school or college.
  • If you plan to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary science or nursing, or if you are an Oxbridge applicant, you'll need to apply during the October* of the year prior to starting the course.

Spring

  • The general closing date for UCAS is mid-January*.
  • Some art and design courses have March* deadlines.
  • You’ll receive confirmation from colleges and universities about your chosen courses in the Spring.
  • Still not made a decision on training or starting work? Then get a move on!
  • If you're thinking about taking a gap year (travelling, working, volunteering or doing a Year in Industry) you should be planning for it now.

* Deadlines may change, so please make sure you check the UCAS website on for application dates

Hopefully you will have found a job, training or course that is just right.  If you are starting something new then good luck!

If you are off to university you can start thinking about your finance, a place to live and summer jobs.  Check out the website of your university to see what is on offer, including the fun stuff.  Once you are sorted with a place take some time to relax before the hard work starts again.  Your decision making skills will help you when you are making post graduate choices.

If you are straight in to work or training enjoy the challenge.  Keep building on your skills and knowledge so that you are ready when there are opportunities to progess.

It is still possible to get support when you are 19+

Useful links:

Aimhigher
Helps you think about moving on to higher education.

A Year in Industry
Work placements for the year before or during your degree course.

Fetch!
Links through to useful websites for work and training, higher education and gap year.

Higher Education Qualifications
Foundation degrees, degrees, HNDs, HNCs, postgraduate study and more all explained

UCAS
Search for degree courses in the UK.