Whether you score top marks on GCSE results day or fall short of what you wanted, there’s never been more choice for pupils leaving school at 16. You do have to stay in some type of education or training until you are 18, but greater investment in apprenticeships and new qualifications, including T-levels, has helped widen opportunities to get into the most sought-after careers.
A-levels: The traditional route if you are staying on at school.
There are 80 different subjects to choose from nationally, but the options available will depend on what your school or college offers. Most students study three or four A-levels to prepare them for university or work.
T-levels: These new, two-year courses are technical qualifications that help young people progress into work, university or an apprenticeship.
They are broadly equivalent to three A-levels and accrue UCAS points as well as offering industrial placements. There are 18 subjects, including healthcare, accounting and legal services, construction, agriculture, digital services and finance.
Jennifer Coupland, chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, told us: "T-levels are the future. They are every bit as rigorous as A-levels. And they offer students a brilliant mix of classroom learning and extensive ‘on-the-job’ experience."
Apprenticeships:
There are thousands of opportunities for entry-level "earn as you learn" apprenticeships for 16 and 17-year-olds who don’t want to take A-levels. "With more than 670 employer-designed courses available, including cyber security, engineering and forestry, there are also opportunities to train right up to degree level.
Vocational qualifications:
Qualifications such as BTECs give young people a broad overview of working in a specific sector, such as business, media, engineering, leisure or science and technology.
Autumn resits:
Want to improve your GCSE grades? Exam boards offer autumn resists in all subjects. Talk to your school or college.
T-easy does it
RACHEL Appiah-Kubi studied a digital T-level at La Retraite girls’ school in Clapham, South West London.
As part of the course, she worked with a digital marketing company and in a junior role at the Government’s Department of International Trade.
Rachel has now secured a place on a degree apprenticeship with Santander to become a software engineer. Rachel said: "I was excited about doing an industry placement. I knew it would give me an advantage over other students looking for jobs. I gained a lot of skills and knowledge."
Tips to get that first job
WANT to get started in the world of work? The cost of living crisis means more school leavers are considering entry-level jobs.
1. Make sure you look and act the part on interviews and trial days. Be early and be keen. Wear appropriate clothing and make-up. Consider the smallest details like your nails and jewellery.
2. Aim high. If one interview didn’t go as well as you hoped, there will be more. Take feedback on board. Although hearing something negative can be tough, it can help you reset your approach so the interview goes your way.
3. A first job is a springboard to your career. As well as working, consider what training and professional qualifications you will gain. It’s vital to get qualifications to prove what you can do.
4. Attitude is everything. Always make yourself available and happy to do anything asked of you. Hard work is always recognised.
5. Enjoy what you are doing and where you work. You might be employed for another 50 years, so it’s important to be passionate. Every day I look forward to seeing my clients and the job satisfaction. When a fabulous head of hair leaves the salon happy, I always think to myself, "I did that!".
It's mentor be
ALMOST nine in ten parents believe an apprenticeship provides a good chance of building a successful career, new research reveals. But 82 per cent of students think university is the best way to find a permanent job. Amazon, which carried out the poll, is promoting apprenticeships alongside Brit-nominated singer Cat Burns and Apprentice Nation at a mentoring event in London next month.
BA launches pilot scheme
BECOME a pilot for free with just GCSEs. While training privately can cost up to £100k, British Airways has launched its Speedbird Pilot Academy, funding up to 60 places at year at flight training schools. Those who pass the course will be offered a job as a British Airways pilot on a starting salary of £34,000, plus allowances. Candidates need a minimum of six GCSEs or equivalent at grades 5 to 9, including English, maths and one of the sciences. They also need to be at least 5ft 2in tall.
British Airways CEO Sean Doyle said: "We’re levelling the playing field to make a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and giving everyone an equal chance."
