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Decisions @ 18/19
On an advanced level course?
You are probably beginning to make plans for your future. Planning the next step takes time and effort. Starting early will give you time to do all your research as well as complete your studies.
So, what are your choices?
- Higher education - degree, Foundation degree, HND or Diploma of Higher Education.
- Start work or training - on an Advanced Apprenticeship, company training programme or job.
- Further education - developing your skills, for interest or for future job prospects.
- Take a gap year - work, travel, do voluntary work, take a course ....
Higher education
Do you:
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Need a degree for the career you wish to pursue?
- Want to study a subject in much more depth?
- Want to keep your options open as you are unsure about a future career?
There is a huge range of qualifications available at hundreds of different institutions. Making your choices takes time and effort. So start your research now and avoid the panic.
Work & training
Many students decide not to continue with full-time education, choosing instead to start work and training.
There are job opportunities for entrants with advanced level qualifications. Many encourage you to take responsibility from an early age. However don't think because you have finished school that you've finished with learning - many employers encourage staff to take part time qualifications and training.
Remember more learning can greatly improve your earning potential.
Take a Gap Year
Everyone has their own reasons for taking a year out; you may:
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want to travel before settling down to a higher education course or career.
- need a breathing space before deciding what to do next.
- want to earn some money and get work experience to help your higher education course.
Use the website links here to check out the possibilities.
Remember: if you are planning to apply to higher education check out admissions tutors attitude to gap year students (generally favourable) and make sure you either apply for deferred entry or that you are around during the applications cycle the following year (this may disrupt your plans if you're aiming to travel).
Further Education
There are many further education courses. Here are just a few possibilities:
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a one year Art Foundation course is usually required for A level art & design students before applying for a degree / diploma.
- you may want to take a vocational course such as an RSA Higher Diploma.
- which will train you in a particular job.
- short intensive courses e.g. in keyboard skills, cordon bleu cookery, foreign languages can help you develop work related skills or let you pursue an interest.
If you're on a one-year course such as a BTEC First Diploma, OCR National level 2 or occupational course, you could:
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take a further course in the same area.
- take a new course altogether.
- train for a particular job through full time education.
- start work or training - Apprenticeships are available in many types of work.
You can find out more about all these choices on the 'Decisions @ 17' page.
In work or training?
If you started work at 16 /17 and are now reconsidering your future you may want to talk over your plans. Changing direction is not impossible although you may need to give thought to planning and developing your skills and qualifications either through full, part time or distance learning.
Higher education can be started at any age over 18 and mature entrants are usually considered individually on the basis of their experience and qualifications.
Don't forget you can check out your ideas with your personal adviser.
Thinking of starting again?
You might have been out of work for a while, caring for someone or have had a health problem ... if you feel that you want to start again, talk to your personal adviser about all the possibilities.
