Whatever qualifications you are studying for, you have a number of different routes to choose from when you finish your course.   Here are the most common options:

 

 

Employment with planned training

 

Many jobs offer some form of planned training leading to nationally recognised qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).  Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn and are an increasingly popular choice.  For information and links, visit our Apprenticeship section. 

 

 

Employment without training

 

There are jobs which do not include any planned training. 

 

 

Further Education

 

Do a preliminary course in subjects such as art and design or dance, or perhaps retake your A Levels.  Search Berkshire 16-19 Courses to see what courses are available at colleges in Berkshire.  For information and links visit our Further Education section.

 

 

Higher Education

 

This is a popular route – more than a third of young people now study for a degree, diploma or foundation course.  For information and links visit our Higher Education section.

 

 

Self-employment

 

Although the number of self-employed people in the UK has stopped growing at the rate it was in the 1980’s there are still 3.9 million self-employed.  There is a lot to consider if you plan to go down this route.  Visit our starting my own business section for further information.

 

 

Year out

 

Some young people decide to have a year out after school or Sixth Form College before starting a career or continuing on to higher education.  Visit our volunteering and gap year section for ideas and information.

 

 

Further information:

 

Apprenticeships (Internal link)

Berkshire 16-19 Courses

It's your choice options after 16 (Directgov)

Skill (National Bureau for students with disabilities)

University and higher education (Directgov)