What are my options post 16?
Choosing what to do after 16 can be a minefield. Please use the links below to see what the various options are to help you find what is best for you.
What options are available for students after their GCSEs | The Education Hub
Pathways from 16+ | Talking Futures
Preparing for the world of work
Help with preparing for interviews, CV writing , budgeting and savings tips are available via Barclays Life Skills. They will help you set up a free account which will help you access lots of online tools and resources from CV builder to preparing for interviews.
Top Tips for Interviews
Here are some great links for Help & advice :
- Top Interview Tips Video – Indeed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG68Ymazo18
- 10 step guide on how to prepare for an interview: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-prepare-for-an-interview/school/10-step-guide-to-interview-prep/
- Types of interviews: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-prepare-for-an-interview/school/different-types-of-interview-and-assessments/
- Virtual Interview Practice: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-prepare-for-an-interview/school/virtual-interview/
- Handling nerves at job interviews: https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-prepare-for-an-interview/school/handling-nerves-at-job-interviews/
- UCAS how to prepare for an Interview: https://www.ucas.com/careers/help-and-advice/how-prepare-interview
Financial Support
Prince’s Trust Development Award – Get funding to train and learn.
The Prince’s Trust Development Award can cover the cost of course feels, transport, uniform, tools or equipment to help you achieve your goals. The amount of the Award depends on your unique needs, future career goals and personal development plans. Awards are available from £10 - £500. Get funding
Tech4youth -Do you Live in North West Leicestershire ?
Tech4Youth are helping young people get online by providing laptops to young people/families, along with support for internet connectivity and skills workshops if required.
This initiative is for young people, aged 11-19 years, in Northwest Leicestershire, who do not have access to a computer or suitable device.
Applications will need to be made through Tech4Youth. To find out more or submit an application click here
Socials:
Linkedin:
Twitter:
- Digital Poverty Alliance 🧑🏻💻👩🏿💻👨🏼💻 on X: "Are you aged 11-19 and living in North West Leicestershire? Receive a free laptop, internet access, and digital skills workshops tailored just for you. Apply here: https://t.co/jtR5Td5lDv. #YouthEmpowerment | #UK https://t.co/HmbbRxVmpI" / X
- Digital Poverty Alliance 🧑🏻💻👩🏿💻👨🏼💻 on X: "We are still accepting applications for our Tech4Youth programme, a new initiative led by the Digital Poverty Alliance in collaboration with @BarrattHomes, currently operational in North West Leicestershire. Apply here: https://t.co/HhshDOp850. #EndDigitalPoverty https://t.co/D40Juzayzo" / X
Facebook:
Apprenticeships
On the job training as well as classroom-based learning with a college or training provider.
Where to find apprenticeships:
Find an apprenticeship | GOV.UK
Find an apprenticeship | Career Finder
Traineeships
A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year.
Where to find a traineeship? | GOV.UK
A levels
Advanced level qualifications are subject based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A Levels over two years.
PS16- An online prospectus and application system for young people to apply to a school sixth forms, colleges and training providers Positive Steps 16
It is also worth attending College Open Days. For up-to-date information on local college events and open days, please visit the college websites
Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) such as T levels and BTECs
Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) are practical qualifications designed with the workplace in mind. They're designed to help students get the skills they need to start their career or go on to higher levels of education.
Vocational technical qualifications | Skills for Careers
T Levels
You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on placement with an employer. T Levels
Practical qualifications that are designed to help you get the skills you need to start your career or go on to higher levels of education.
Training
Study programmes: The programme includes work experience, employability skills, English and Maths.
Youth Education Project - YEP!
There are also a range of other part-time and full-time employability programmes, these currently include:
Prince’s Trust - Get into for 16–30-year-olds
Prince’s Trust - Team programmes for 16–25-year-olds
The Skills Toolkit - government online learning platform that offers a variety of courses, all free and available online with no long-term commitments, so you can choose to dip in and out at your leisure, choosing to learn wherever and whenever suits you best. The Skills Toolkit
If you don’t have a clear idea as to which vocational area you want a career in, there are websites that can help you decide what is right for you:
National Careers Service - Career platform with quizzes and help to explore careers.
Barclays - Find out how your skills, interests and personality traits match up with a range of job roles
UCAS - Job profiles to explore by subject or by job family, and help with job ideas.
Exam stress help and studying support
Exam season can be a stressful time but there are places you can go to for support.
Check out this exam stress booklet from Kooth: Kooth's Guide to Coping with Exam Stress and their website is also full of different mental health support ideas too.
For help with studying tips try: How to revise for GCSE | Third Space Learning
Help for writing a CV
Writing a CV for the first time may sounds a little scary but it really isn’t as bad as it sounds.
Before you start writing your CV think about:
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Write a list of things you are good at – think about all the skills you have. It does not have to be exam based. For example ‘Health and Safety training’, ‘customer service training’ or ‘a good team player.
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Write down your work history. You will need the dates and the name of the job and who you worked for. Include a description of the type of job you had.
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The profile is the section that introduces you to the employer. This can take time to prepare so don’t worry. It is a way of describing who you are, what you have done and what you want to do in the future.
Use this website with examples to help you with your layout. My perfect CV
Further information
Financial support
16-19 bursary
16-19 bursary to help with education related costs. A bursary is money that you or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things such as clothing, books, equipment, transport and lunch on days you study or train.
There are two types of bursaries available: A bursary for students in vulnerable groups and a discretionary bursary. This weblink outlines who is eligible and how to claim. 16 to 19 Bursary Fund | GOV.UK
Universal credit
If you haven't been able to get onto a course or find work, you may qualify for Universal credit: Universal Credit | GOV.UK
You could also apply for a free bus pass to help you get to school or college.
From primary and secondary school: Mainstream School Transport for 5 to 16 year olds | LCC
For post 16 education settings: Mainstream School Transport for 16 to 19 year olds | LCC
