Explore your
education and training choices

Whether you know where you're heading or not, knowing about the different routes open to you is a great place to start.

get the jump

View all the different work and study choices available to you.

You can also explore careers to get ideas about the type of job you might like or see the many ways to get your dream job.

Combine work and study

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Apprenticeships

Work alongside experienced staff to learn while you earn a wage.

Age: 16 and over
Cost: free
Leads to: higher education, another apprenticeship or another job
Might be for you if: you want to have a real job while you gain a qualification

T Levels

Get a mix of learning in the classroom and on the job.

Age: 16 to 19
Cost: free
Leads to: higher education, an apprenticeship or getting a job
Might be for you if: you'd like to know what a career is like while you continue your studies

Traineeships

Develop new skills in the workplace and in the classroom.

Age: 16 to 24
Cost: free
Leads to: an apprenticeship, getting a job or further study
Might be for you if: you want to do an apprenticeship but do not feel ready yet

Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQs)

Gain skills and experience in a specific job or sector, such as childcare or engineering.

Age: 16 and over
Cost: free
Leads to: further study, volunteering or getting a job
Might be for you if: you'd really like to work in a particular job or industry

Study

woman jumping in a classroom

Higher technical qualifications (HTQs)

Learn technical skills in the classroom.

Age: 18 and over
Cost: tuition fees vary depending on the course
Leads to: further study or getting a job
Might be for you if: you'd prefer a more practical and technical course rather than a degree

A levels

Study several subjects you enjoy at school, college or sixth form.

Age: 16 and over
Cost: free
Leads to: an apprenticeship, higher education or getting a job
Might be for you if: you prefer learning in the classroom

Higher education

Choose a subject to study at a university, college or specialist school.

Age: 16 and over
Cost: tuition fees vary depending on the course
Leads to: further study, graduate schemes or getting a job
Might be for you if: you really enjoy a subject or you want to get a job that needs a degree, such as a doctor or a vet

Work

woman jumping on a construction site

Supported internships if you have an education, health and care plan

Spend time in the workplace while you follow a study plan designed especially for you.

Age: 16 to 24
Cost: free
Leads to: a paid job
Might be for you if: you'd like support and training to get a paid job

School leaver schemes

Join a company's school leaver scheme to train in a certain job.

Age: 18 and over
Cost: free
Leads to: a permanent job or further study
Might be for you if: you want to get a paid job straight after A levels

Get help deciding your next step


Chat to an adviser

A careers adviser can help you work out which choice is best for you. If you'd like to chat or get advice about your future, there are many different ways to speak to an adviser.

Special educational needs

You can view advice if you're disabled or have special educational needs, such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or dyslexia. It may help you choose what you'd like to do next.

Explore careers

Browse though lots of different jobs to get ideas about the type of job you might like or see the many ways you can get your dream job.

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