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Next steps

There are several pathways for you to choose from, depending on what you're thinking about doing next

A woman checking brewing vats in a brewery.

At the ages of 16 & 18, you have choices about your future.

Young people in England are required by law to stay in education or training until they reach the age of 18. Depending on what is on offer locally and what your future aspirations are, there are several options to choose from. These include T-levels, A-levels, apprenticeships, traineeships, or part-time learning whilst working or volunteering.

At the age of 18, many employers offer training programmes and apprenticeships which will enable you to learn while you earn. If you choose to continue studying, you will usually do this at an education provider such as a Further Education college or Higher Education provider such as a university.

16

Options at
age 16

  • T-levels
  • Apprenticeships
  • A-levels

Once you reach 16 and finish Year 11 you have a number of choices about what you can do next. The way that you continue to learn will depend on what you want to do – the choice is yours!

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18

Options at
age 18

  • Apprenticeships
  • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
  • University degree

At 18 you have finished your compulsory education but that doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. You now have the choice to continue your qualifications or apprenticeship to a higher level.

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+

Options for career changers

  • Apprenticeships
  • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
  • University degree

There has never been a better time if you want a career change. The ways in which you can gain qualifications for your new career have expanded, giving you the option to choose the route you want to take.

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