Post-18 Pathways

To support our students with their career exploration for Post-18, we have compiled a list of useful career websites. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it shows a variety of resources available to our students. If you find any useful resources not listed, please let us know so we can add them.

Careers Information

With so many options available to you from age 18, it can be quite daunting to decide what to do next. It’s okay if you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure. Once you turn 18, you can:

• apply for further study and continue education part-time or full-time
• take a gap year or volunteer to develop yourself and your skills
• start a full-time job, apprenticeship, internship or training

Post 18 Options – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-18

Your Choices at 18 – https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-18/things-to-consider-and-all-your-options

It’s a good idea to consider your options and think about a backup, in case things change or you decide to do things differently.

Higher and Further Education

We will be using UCAS (https://www.ucas.com/) for our young people to apply to higher education. UCAS stands for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, and it’s a central admissions service in the UK for undergraduate courses at universities and colleges. 

We also recommend students take a look at The Uni Guide (https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/) which is a free and unbiased university advice service from the The Student Room. Their mission is to help students make the best possible choices and get the most out of their educational career. The Uni Guide does this through interactive tools, straightforward advice, and key stats (including explaining what these numbers actually mean).

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

An apprenticeship, which must last for a minimum of 12 months, combines hands-on work with the opportunity to train and obtain qualifications. A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months, they usually take place prior to obtaining an apprenticeship.

Find an Apprenticeship – https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/

The governments website to find and apply for apprenticeships in England.

The Apprenticeship Guide – https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/

Choose an apprenticeship, find an employer and contact a learning provider.

Apprenticeships – https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices

The National Government sponsored websites for information on apprenticeships, traineeships and the vacancies database. Browse apprenticeships, listen to real life stories and search and apply for vacancies.

Future Talent – https://www.future-talent.com/

Advertises apprenticeships degree apprenticeships. Also offers advice on applying for apprenticeships

GetMyFirstJob  – https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/

Find Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience and Graduate opportunities by being connected with employers.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education – www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/

Provides information for apprentices, available apprenticeship standards and resources.

Amazing Apprenticeships – https://amazingapprenticeships.com/

Explores apprenticeships, T Levels and Traineeships. Explains what apprenticeships are, how they work, and the different types. It also provides resources for prospective apprentices and parents to help you understand everything you need to know to secure and succeed in an apprenticeship.

Careermap – www.careermap.co.uk

You can find apprenticeship offerings, graduate schemed, internships, jobs and training options.

All About School Leavers – https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/

UK wide job and apprenticeship search engine for school leavers also providing school leaver advice.

Studential  – https://www.studential.com/

Aim to help all students aged 16 and older with their academic journey, by offering information and advice on all stages of education. university guide written by graduates.

Gap Year

A gap year usually means taking a year out in between your studies, often at age 18 and after Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, etc. There are lots of things you could do on a gap year like travelling, working or volunteering.

Some people apply and get a place at university and then ask for their place to be deferred so that they can have a gap year.

A gap year can offer a great opportunity to develop personal and employability skills or to get experience working in a job area of interest or to meet people from different cultures. Also, some people use their gap year to confirm what sort of job or career they are interested in before they choose their next step. And, for some, having A-Level grades in the bag before applying for university can help decide what and where to apply to, especially if it is a very competitive course or you did better than anticipated.