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CV & Job hunting Support > Student Support > Options at 16

Thinking about what you want to do in the future can seem daunting and you may feel overwhelmed with the different choices and how much there is to think about.

Don't panic though.  There's always a route available to you, so take some time to understand the opportunities available.

So what are your options after year 11?

You could choose to study full time at College, Sixth Form or with a Training Provider

> Find a Sixth Form
> Find a College or Training Provider

• What should I study?  You will need to consider what you want to do in the future, if you don’t know, then think about what you are good at. If your heart is set on a particular career, make sure you take the correct subjects to get you to the next stage.  ie University.
• What qualifications will I need?  This will depend on the sixth form you are applying to or the course you have chosen.  You will usually need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths for a Level 3 course (A Level or equivalent) You may need a higher grade in the subject you want to study at Level 3.
• How many college/sixth forms/training providers should I apply to?  It is a good idea to keep your options open and submit applications to various colleges/sixth forms/training providers.  
• When should I start applying?  Most colleges and sixth forms will open their applications in the Autumn term of year 11- it is a good idea to get your applications in early as courses can become full.
• How do I apply?  Details of how to apply will be on the college/sixth form or training provider website.

You could take an apprenticeship or traineeship

• What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a real job that allows you to study for a formal qualification at the same time. 20% of your time is normally set aside for learning this could be at college, with a training provider or at your place of work
• Will I get paid? Yes you will get paid.  How much depends on the employer. Click here for the minimum wage for an apprentice. You will also be entitled to paid holiday.
• How long will my apprenticeship last? Normally between 1-4 years depending on which level you take.
• What levels of apprenticeship are there?
  • Level 2 - intermediate (equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades 9-4)
  • Level 3 - advanced (equivalent to 2 A Level passes)
  • Level 4 & 5 - Higher (equivalent to a higher education certificate/diploma or a foundation degree)
  • Level 6 - Degree (equivalent to a bachelors degree)
  • Level 7 - Degree (equivalent to a master's degree)
• What is a traineeship?  A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.

You could work or volunteer full-time with part time study or training.

What does this mean?  You could get a job or volunteer for 20 hours or more and take a work related course alongside it such as a BTEC or NVQ

Remember you will have to stay in some form of education or training until you are 18!

More info:

• GCSE Results Day 2024 advice (BBC Bitesize)
• Apprenticeships (.gov.uk)
• Apprenticeships Norfolk
• Apprenticeships Suffolk
• Find an apprenticeship on icanbea... or on gov.uk
• Find a Traineeship
• Skills for Careers (Check the different types of qualifications you can do at various ages)

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