Post-16 choices
Choose your path
Already thinking about post-16 choices?
Great! We’ll outline some of the paths that people take, so you can start to think about what’s right for you.
Vocational choices
‘Vocational’ means getting ready for the world of work, and vocational courses are practical and prepare you for particular types of job. Normally this means completing an NVQ, (National Vocational Qualification), or an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) in Scotland. You’ll usually complete the qualification at college or school.
You can take vocational qualifications in a huge range of subjects. From food and catering to care work, and from plumbing to sales and marketing.
Why should I do an NVQ or SVQ? Is it right for me?
You decide! Here are some of the reasons people choose NVQs/SVQs.
- Flexible - you can complete the qualification at your own pace
- Real-life - you learn on the job, in the workplace, gaining practical skills and experience
- Modular - you’re assessed as you go, through observation and portfolio work, so there are no exams
They don’t have to be completed in any set amount of time – you can complete them at your pace. But most people find it takes them about a year to complete NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3. In Scotland, it can take around a year to complete levels 1 and 2, and about two years to complete level 3.
As well as NVQs, new vocational courses called T Levels are being introduced. You can take them after GCSEs, and they’re equivalent to three A Levels. They give you a mixture of ‘on-the-job’ training and classroom education. You can already do T Levels in a few subjects, and more are being gradually introduced.
Apprenticeships
Want to go straight into the world of work, gaining a qualification as you go? That’s what an apprenticeship is: a real job where you learn, gain valuable work experience and get paid.
There are hundreds of apprenticeships to choose from. They offer flexible but structured training, which comes in two forms: 'off-the-job' and 'on-the-job'. Most of the training (about 80%) will be on the job.
Inside my apprenticeship
Find out from Justina how her technology apprenticeship upended her expectations, and how her experiences at school prepared her to do well.
Why should I do an apprenticeship? Is it right for me?
You decide! Here are some of the reasons people choose apprenticeships.
- Top jobs - companies like Google and Rolls Royce offer apprenticeships
- Real-life - as an apprentice you’ll be paid and have employee rights such as holiday pay. You are entitled to at least the minimum wage, but you should compare your options because some apprenticeships are paid much better than others
- Access to Uni - this doesn’t have to be instead of university - you could gain a degree while completing your apprenticeship
How long does an apprenticeship take?
That depends on the job, and on the pace you want to go. They can take anything from a year to several years.
Straight into work
Want to start a job straight after exams? Well, you can! And to help you get ready, here are our top tips.
Why should I go straight into work? Is it right for me?
You decide! Here are some of the reasons people choose to enter work straight away:
- Responsible - you feel ready to take on the responsibility of paid full-time work
- Practical - this is hands-on, real-world experience
- Paid - you can begin earning money and managing your finances
Most jobs now have online application processes - you’ll be asked to complete a form, which usually includes a personal statement. Sometimes you’ll apply with a CV instead.
Things you can do now to prepare:
- Make a list of your skills, attributes and preferred ways of working
- Write your first CV - with our help
Here are some good places to start.
- Local recruitment agencies
- Online ‘job boards’ (websites that post up-to-date listings for job vacancies) like Indeed, Monster, Total Jobs and Reed
- Make a list of companies you’d like to work for
- Have a look at their socials (especially careers or jobs accounts if they have one)
Start your own business
Got a great idea for a business? Or just fancy yourself as a budding entrepreneur? Becoming your own boss might be for you.
Why should I start my own business? Is it right for me?
You decide! Here are some of the reasons people want to become entrepreneurs:
- Independence - you love leadership and striking out on your own
- Ideas - you’re full of ideas and want to bring them to life
- Challenge - you’re not afraid to take risks and try new things
What is an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is someone who starts their own company or business, looking to make a profit or a difference in the world, or both. They are bold and often take risks, creating or seizing new opportunities as they arise. Take a look at our Business Builder programme to see how we can help entrepreneurs.
I had always loved fashion and design and I have always made things like headbands and bags for my friends.
A few years ago I started printing my own T-Shirts and selling them to friends and online. My bedroom became like a T-Shirt factory! The business has grown and grown and now I outsource the printing to a commercial printing company and running the company is my full-time job.
I have had to learn fast how to manage finances and the practical side to running a business. It’s been hard sometimes and I work alone a lot, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am so proud when I see someone wearing one of my own designs.