Main Index Education Index School Leavers

Routes and qualifications Further Education Further education courses are available in 6th form, at sixth form college or FE college. Academic route: A levels, AS levels, GCSEs Vocational route: GNVQs Vocational courses are linked to a particular field of work, so work experience is an integral part of the course. Many sixth forms now offer the option to combine a GNVQ course with an academic course. Higher Education Usually entered at 18+. Choices include college or university. Academic route: degrees Academic/vocational route: a degree that is directly work-related Vocational route: higher NVQs Employment School careers coordinators and careers advisers work closely with local employers and employment advisers to find job opportunities for school leavers at 16+ and 18+ (see Key Support Staff). Recruitment advice is also available through the Job Centres for those aged 18+, from individual employers or through employment organisations such as the Sports Council or the Construction Industry Training Board. Employment and Training Many types of employment include training programmes that lead to recognised qualifications. National Traineeships became available in September 1997 for school and college leavers aged 16 and upwards. They are designed by employers, for employers, so they ensure you get the skills employers need. They offer quality training to industry standards. The focus is on NVQ Level 2; and you also get a wide range of broader work skills. The aim is you will be employed, and paid wages. You can earn while you learn. Contact your local Careers Service or your Training and Enterprise Council for details of the opportunities becoming available in your area. Many employers provide training opportunities linked to a particular training provider using the Youth Credit Scheme. Youth Credits, sometimes called Training Credits or other local names, enable 16 and 17 year old school and college leavers (and some 18 year olds) to choose and purchase approved training that leads to NVQ Level 2 qualifications or above. They are often an incentive to employers who have not offered training before. Many reconsider a training programme when informed about the youth credit scheme. Modern Apprenticeships Modern Apprenticeships are mainly for 16 and 17 year old school and college leavers. The training includes at least a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 3 - showing that you can do a job to the standard industry and commerce require. They are more flexible than traditional apprenticeships and are designed to fill a gap in training at technician/supervisor level. Work / Study / Train in Europe The single European Market allows the free movement of people, goods and services between all the countries of the European Union. International and national organisations are working to encourage European career opportunities. A major requirement is the ability to speak the language of your chosen country. Careers Europe, the national UK careers centre, based in Bradford provides a comprehensive list of Eurofactsheets and advice on a range of work, study and training issues. (Tel. 01274 829600) Self-employment To consider this as an option a person needs: a skill or product that can be marketed advice on business management a strong commitment to developing a business TECs can provide advice about local schemes to help self-employed people. (See Agencies)

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		Last modified on: Sunday, March 23, 1997.