Post 16 routes

The law now requires all young people in England to continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. 

Young people have the following choices at the end of year 11: This does not necessarily mean staying in school; young people have a choice about how they continue in education or training, which could be through:

• Full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider.
• Full-time work or volunteering combined with part-time education or training.
• An apprenticeship.

You can find more information here on Post 16 routes: https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/pathways-at-16/

Academic Routes:

A-levels

• A-levels are a two-year course of study.
• Most students study three A-levels, but you can also combine them with other qualifications.
• After A-levels, many young people go onto higher education at college and/or university to do degrees and higher technical qualifications, while others begin working at age 18.
• More information can be found here: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/a-levels

Vocational Routes:

Apprenticeships:

• Apprenticeships combine study with training in a paid job.
• Apprentices spend most of their time at work, with at least 20% of their time spent learning on the job.
• Apprenticeships are offered at all levels, but most 16-year-olds would enter an apprenticeship at Level 2 or 3. Level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs and Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels and T-levels.
• All apprenticeship costs are paid for by the employer and/or the government meaning that an apprentice will never have to pay for their training.
• Apprenticeships are offered by employers, who advertise when they have vacancies. Vacancies are also advertised locally, for example through colleges, or on national websites.
• Apprenticeships are designed to meet the specific needs of employers and job sectors. This means that students develop the skills and knowledge that employers want – increasing their employability and likelihood of finding a job after completing their studies.
• Apprenticeships can be assessed in a variety of ways, rather than the more traditional essay and exam method favoured by academic courses like A-levels and degrees, this can be advantageous to people who prefer to be assessed differently and demonstrate their skills in other ways.
• More information can be found here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices#

T-Levels:

• T-levels were introduced in 2020 and are being rolled out across the country over the next couple of years. More subjects are becoming available every year.
• A T-level is a two-year course that focuses on technical skills. One T-level is equivalent to three A-levels.
• T-level students spend approximately 80% of their time at college or school, learning the knowledge and skills that employers need, and 20% of their time on an industry placement.
• After T-levels, young people can either choose to continue into employment (including opting for an apprenticeship) or select a higher education course aimed at the career they want. This could be a higher technical course or a degree.
• More information can be found here: https://tlevelinfo.org.uk/

Traineeships:

• Traineeships help 16 to 24 year olds – or 25 year olds with an education, health and care (EHC) plan – get ready for an apprenticeship or job if they don’t have the appropriate skills or experience.
• Traineeships are free. The cost of training is given directly to training providers by the Government.
• More information can be found here: https://assets.ctfassets.net/8kbr1n52z8s2/k9DXxk7lDEfoxanEPzvVE/79bd1a56b8d185628789f5468ccb71e2/PDF-a-guide-to-traineeships.pdf

Traineeship Benefits:

• Traineeships offer great opportunities for young people who have little or no work experience. They can enhance your employability by providing guidance, skills and experience in your chosen area of interest.
• Techniques in writing a CV and job applications
• An understanding of what it is like to work for an employer
• Transferable skills and knowledge from other employees working in their sector of interest
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Valuable work experience in a supportive environment
• Opportunities to interview for a permanent role if a vacancy becomes available
• An understanding of what employers are looking for
• An opportunity to improve literacy, numeracy and digital skills
• Valuable exit interview feedback to prepare for future job applications