What are the post 16 options?

1. What are the post 16 options?

2. What does the law say? For some time there has been concern about the number of young people not in education, employment or training. This is know as NEET. To put this into context, last year 9 students from Woodlands were classed as NEET by the government.

3. As a result of this concern, in England, the Government decided to ‘Raise the Participation Age’ (RPA) This aims to improve young people’s prospects. It makes it mandatory for them to continue learning after 16 to gain the skills and/or qualifications necessary to succeed.

4. RPA doesn’t necessarily mean staying on at school or college full time. Students also have the option to: • do an apprenticeship or traineeship • find a paid or voluntary job (for more than 20 hours a week) combined with part-time training or education

5. GCSEs To continue in full time education To continue with learning in the workplace – two main options: Continue with general education e.g. A levels/ Highers – at school, sixth-form college or further education college Take a broad based, Work related course, e.g. business studies or health and social care – at school, sixth form college or further education college Take a course related to a specific job, e.g. horticulture or graphic design – usually at a further education college Find an apprenticeship or possibly follow a pre apprenticeship/ traineeship programme first Find a job with training – may involve part-time study to gain further qualifications Whichever route, your child may still need to retake some GSCEs

6. College and Sixth Form What are AS/A-Levels? Academic qualifications that are highly valued by universities and employers. Students taking AS and A-Levels would normally do so over 2 years. What kind of student does this suit? Students who have a passion for particular subjects. Students who want to go to university. Students who are still unsure about exactly what job they want to do. Students who know that their career choice requires a degree.

7. Apprenticeships What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. What kind of student does this suit? Students who already know what job they want. Students who like to learn practically. Students who want to start earning money straight away.

8. Apprenticeship Levels Higher Apprenticeships Level 4 (Foundation Degree) Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 (2 A-levels) Apprenticeship level 2 (5 GCSEs)

9. Wages and Employability • There is a National Minimum Wage for Apprentices, £2.60 per hour for apprentices under 19 or in the first year • Typical wage £3.50+ at age 16 • Average salary is £165 per week – the higher your level of Apprenticeship the more you are likely to be paid • Apprentices earn higher wages over a lifetime and have a greater likelihood of being employed, than someone without training.

10. A wide variety of Apprenticeships 250+ Frameworks!! Sales Rep Stone Mason Bench Joiner Barber Sports Coach Beautician Motor Mechanic Marketing Assistant Office Assistant Plasterer Engineer Nursery Worker Teaching Assistant Vet Nurse Electrician Bricklayer Receptionist Lorry Driver Glass Blower Hair Dresser Gardener House Keeper Youth Worker Chef Plumber 250+ Frameworks Estate Agent

11. For more information www.apprenticeship.org.uk www.careerpilot.org.uk

12. What is a Traineeship? A Traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience that is focused on giving young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for. At its core are work preparation training, English and Maths for those who need it and a high quality work experience placement. Traineeships prepare young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. Work preparation, training and work experience will put your child in a better position to compete for an Apprenticeship or other jobs. At the end of the work experience placement your child will get a reference and an exit interview – or a job interview if a role becomes available – with the company. Traineeships will last anything from six weeks to a maximum of six months with the content tailored to the needs of the individual. Traineeships give the opportunity of both CV building, and getting vital experience with employers such as BT, Mercedes Benz and HSBC.

13. Who is suitable for a Traineeship? Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people who are motivated to get a job but who lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for. Young people who have been applying unsuccessfully for Apprenticeship vacancies due to a lack of skills or experience can be good candidates for a Traineeship. Suitable for a Traineeship: • Unemployed and have little work experience • Motivated to work • Aged 16 to 18 and qualified below Level 3 • Can be ready for employment or an Apprenticeship within six months of engaging in a Traineeship

14. Volunteering A period of volunteering can boost your self-confidence. It will give you: • the chance to meet new people and learn new skills. • something positive to put in applications for jobs or courses and to talk about at interviews. • valuable experience for many careers - from archaeology to social work – that require relevant experience to get a training place or employment in that field. There are hundreds of opportunities including community work (e.g. helping at a hospital), practical or field work (such as nature conservation), campaigning or raising funds (e.g. collecting money on flag days). Take a look at www.volunteering.org.uk

15. Advice and Support • Academic Mentors • Careers Advisor • College and Apprenticeship websites

16. Emily-Jo Keylock Amy Parker Eden Lambert Dan Gilbert Phoebe Bhagwnani