Home >> Work and Training >> Apprenticeships and more >> Starting work at 18

Approximately 20% of year 13 leavers from local schools and colleges start work and training.

The range of opportunities is varied and very much depend on your qualifications, where you live and where you can travel to.

Here are some options you could think about:

Advanced Apprenticeship

Advanced Apprenticeships allow you to work towards an NVQ level 3 plus related technical certificates and other qualifications. Most apprentices are employed and receive the going rate for the job they are doing.

Your personal adviser can tell you about the type of Advanced Apprenticeships available locally and how to apply. 

Finding work with a local company

Here are just some of the types of work that last years leavers went into.

• Finance and administration - this includes those in accountancy training, insurance and other financial related careers. For much of the professional training, a level 3 qualification is the basic minimum for starting training.
• Office / business - there are many jobs in this area, employers in manufacturing, local government, utilities, transport and distribution may provide opportunities. Some people start in jobs that do not require level 3 qualifications but aim to progress with further training and experience.
• Retail management / retailing - many large employers have management training schemes for entrants at 18/19. For those selected, responsibility often comes early.
• Hospitality and catering -  this is a growing area of employment and there are openings for students with level 3 qualifications. Many entrants will have related qualifications but others train through work.
• Caring / health related - many jobs will prefer applicants who are over 18, even if the minimum entry qualifications are GCSE level. Relevant qualifications and experience are helpful to find work. Opportunities exist to gain qualifications either through work or to move on to full or part time higher education at a later date. 
• Computer / IT - many opportunities for programmers and analysts are for graduates but students with advanced level qualifications are also recruited in some jobs such as sales, operating, technical support and helpdesk operations.
• Science related - there are fewer opportunities in this area, as employers tend to recruit graduates. However those with science related qualifications might find employment in medical work, food processing companies or scientific laboratory work.
• Engineering & electronics - some leavers with appropriate level 3 qualifications may find work in this area however opportunities tend to be for graduates or those with GCSE or equivalent qualifications.
• Construction - those with appropriate level 3 qualifications may find work in this area either through an Advanced Apprenticeship or company training scheme. However many opportunities tend to be for those with higher education qualifications or those who enter after their GCSEs or equivalent.

This is not an exhaustive list and people find all sorts of different jobs.

Whatever your plans check out local opportunities and talk to your personal adviser to find out more about what is around, in your area or further away.

Don't forget to keep on checking local vacancies on this website and Apprenticeships online. 

 

• Home
• Get Help
• Get Involved
• Get Out
• Get Noticed
• Get a Life
• Get Entertained
• Youthoria