Understand
the options
There are several pathways for 16 to 18-year olds to choose from, depending on what they're thinking about doing next.
If your child is ready to begin a level 3 programme they could take a T-level or A-levels. Or take up an apprenticeship, a traineeship, or select part-time learning whilst working or volunteering.
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.
- Apprenticeships are offered by employers, who advertise when they have vacancies. Vacancies are also advertised locally, for example through colleges, or on national websites.
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Apprenticeships
Find out how to become an apprentice, what apprenticeships are available and which employers offer them.
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Find an apprenticeship
Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England.
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Amazing Apprenticeships
Explore a range of information and resources to help students, educators, employers and parents navigate the fast-changing world of apprenticeships.
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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.
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.
Education providers
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A range to choose from
There are many different providers of post-16 education, including schools with sixth forms, sixth form colleges, and further education (FE) colleges.
There are also independent providers that specialise in training for different sectors and employers that are set up to provide training in house.
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Getting onto a course
Each provider might offer similar qualifications, but there will be variations in the subjects and the course content you can study with each of them. Some subjects and courses have entry requirements.
Your child’s aspirations will inform what they choose to study next. They may need to achieve certain grades to be accepted onto their next course.
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English and Maths GCSE
If your child achieves a grade 4 (previously Grade C) or above in their English and Maths GCSE, this opens up the full range of pathway options available from 16+. However, many young people do not achieve these grades at the first attempt.
Don’t be too anxious if this applies to your child. It’s not unusual to repeat either or both of these qualifications. In fact, because these two GCSEs are such an important foundation for most people’s further study or employment, government funds all young people to continue studying these subjects until they achieve grade 4 or until the age of 18. This could be at their existing school or college, or wherever they have chosen to train or study next.
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Other options
As well as the options listed above, there are others available from 16+ that you may want to explore with your child.
These include:
- Other level 3 qualifications
As well as A-levels and T-levels there are other specific qualifications at level 3 that can prepare your child for particular job roles or further study - Level 1 and 2 qualifications
Additional GCSEs or other level 1 and 2 qualifications might be the right next step to help your child build their pathway to further study or the workplace - Transition programme
This is a one-year study programme that might benefit your child if they need additional time to get ready to study a T-level - Traineeships
A traineeship could help your child develop the right skills to begin an apprenticeship or to prepare for work and includes a placement with an employer
- Other level 3 qualifications
Extra support
- Your child’s school or college is required to publish a careers plan, which you will find on its website. These career plans include details of events and activities you and/or your child might want to attend.
- The website will also have contact details of the careers leader who will be a useful starting point for any career discussion.
- You may feel more comfortable speaking to a teacher you already know, such as your child’s form tutor. They can also provide guidance on where to access more information and the careers specialists who can help.
- You can speak to a specialist careers adviser through the National Careers Service website.
- If your child has special eduactional needs and disabilites (SEND), their current school or college can help you find out what support is available in your area.
- Different sources may explain things differently and with different levels of detail.
- It may feel overwhelming, but exploring the options with your child can be just as valuable as having the answers yourself.
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Careerpilot Parent zone
Information to help parents and carers support young people in making the right decision about study and work.
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Parental Guidance
A series of helpful articles written by experts offering advice and information to support young people during their transition to adult working life.
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Start Profile
A starting point for parents and students to explore career choices. Search and apply for jobs, courses, placements and apprenticeships.
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