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Young people choosing their next steps after GCSE's can be faced with a confusing decision. With a variety of educational course and employment options for those who are 16 and over it can be difficult to feel confident that one route or another can lead to the best outcome.

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In May 2018 two young people from Bournemouth and Poole, Logan and Anna, were tasked with devising a step by step strategy to help other young people like them, soon to be finishing their GCSEs, choose confidently and wisely about their next steps. By visiting a range of local educational establishments and employers they were able to interview young people currently working towards their futures. Asked them key need to know questions so their insights and experiences could help others. Anna and Logan took advice, interviewed young people and worked together to share the below tips on how to choose what's right for you.

 

How to choose what's right for you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1. Seek Professional and Independent Advice.

Visiting a Careers Advisor should be your first step when looking for careers advice. Although it is tempting to make decisions based on what your friends suggest and what your parents or guardians are inclined to recommend, a Careers Advisors works with you 1:1 to examine your individual needs, likes, skills and hopes as well as been qualified to give independent advice that is based on the type of careers you really want. 

 

Careers Advisors Interview (0:46)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Offer Careers Information Advice and Guidance

•Students can make appointments in schools or through local careers services

•Independent advice – focus on suggesting what's right for you

 

Step 2. Know what is available in your area 

In May 2018 Logan and Anna visited other young people who had already made the choice about their future after GCSEs to find out what they had wished they had known before they embarked on their post 16 options. Anna and Logan were keen to know how their post 16 route was helping them with their future ambitions. Watch the film above to find out more:

 

School Sixth Form Interview (1.46)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Education for Years 12 and 13

•Offer A Level and Vocational Qualifications

•Ordinarily based in a school environment

 

College Sixth Form Interviews  (3:15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Education for Years 12 and 13 as well as education for mature students

•Offer A Level and Vocational Qualifications

•Ordinarily based in a College campus

 

 

 

Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships Interviews (6:12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Offer a combination of On The Job Training and Vocational Qualifications

•Apprentices earn a wage whilst they learn

•Most Apprenticeships are workplace-based mixed with one or two days being taught in an educational environment

•Apprenticeships cover a wide variety of professional sectors and job roles

•Apprenticeships run from Level 2 through to Degree Level

•Degree Level Apprenticeships offer to study in a Higher Education establishment or university

 

 

Studio Schools Interview (9.56)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Offer a combination of Academic and Vocational post 16 courses

•Focus on teaching skills for industry and offer the opportunity for young people to develop in more specific sectors

•Smaller learning environments with specialist facilities.

 

 

Step 3. Do your Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost all educational establishments offer Open Days. When talking to the Careers Advisor, Logan and Anna were inspired to go and talk to other young people to ask them what they were worried about and what they enjoyed on their chosen pathway. Open days are a fantastic opportunity to speak to staff and young people on courses. By working with a Careers Advisor to identify possible schools, colleges, universities or apprenticeship providers suited to you, you will be able to find out when the open days are and plan to visit. 

 

 

Do What's Right for You 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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