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Careers Learning Journey
Careers Support
Who are we?
Mrs Linsell - KMAT Careers Lead
Mrs Florance - Careers Advisor
Ms Massey - Careers Administrator
Mrs Florance and Mrs Linsell
Where are we?
Next door to main reception under the covered seating area.
How can I get in touch?
Appointments for one-to-one personal guidance sessions will be sent out to students.
All students are welcome to call in at breaktimes and lunchtimes, Monday – Thursday (Careers department will be available most times, although sometimes staff will be out at meetings/events)
Ask your teacher to arrange an appointment for you.
Or email the careers staff: Mrs Florance s.florance@twa.kmat.org.uk
Mrs Linsell s.linsell@kmat.org.uk
Choosing GCSEs and A-Levels.
We have created these guides to help students with their 'next step decisions' when choosing GCSE options and A-Levels.
The Careers department is also very happy to help, and any student is welcome to come and chat to Mrs Florance or Mrs Linsell
Remember to use KUDOS. (This is the schools's digital careers platform)
(Click on one of the following links)
New users
Careerometer (LMI For All)
Use Careerometer to compare important labour market information for up to three different job roles
How much will I get paid?
Are jobs shrinking or growing in this area?
How many hours a week will I work?
Skillsometer (LMI For All)
Not sure what you want to do in the future?
Use Skillsometer to help you to identify key skills for your future career. You can use this as a guide to help you to understand which careers match your skills.
Post 18 Key Information
Options available:-
- University course
- Advanced, Higher or Degree Apprenticeship
- Further or Higher Education at a college
- A job with training and/or study
- Gap Year
- Internship or work experience placement
University Course:
There are many different types of higher education courses available, and they all include any sort of nationally recognised qualification which is at Level 4 or above (A Levels, BTEC Level 3 and Advanced Apprenticeships are all Level 3 qualifications). A degree starts at Level 4 and progresses to Level 6 in the third year.
Although in the past these courses were only delivered at universities, they are now offered at colleges and also some training providers too. So, if you have Level 3 qualifications you could explore higher level qualifications and see if there's anything suited to you.
Degree courses are generally 3 years but can be longer or perhaps include optional years such as an industry placement abroad..
The application procedure for university is managed via UCAS.
Some universities such as Oxford and Cambridge have additional entrance exams and some courses, such as Medicine, also have an additional admissions test.
Advanced, Higher or Degree Apprenticeship:
If you are doing A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications, such as BTECs or NVQs, you might be considering an apprenticeship when you have completed them.
An apprenticeship is a great choice if you want to train for a specific job sector and earn money at the same time. There are different apprenticeship opportunities developing all the time.
However, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Apprenticeship vacancies for the summer after you finish your A Levels/other Level 3 qualifications are advertised throughout the year and the closing dates can vary. Therefore, if you are undecided about whether to choose an apprenticeship or a higher education route, it is probably best to apply for higher education courses as well as looking for apprenticeship vacancies. If you get an apprenticeship you can always turn down any university offers.
- You can register for alerts about vacancies on gov.uk, look at companies' websites or send off speculative applications to places that you like the look of and are offering the right type of work. Apprenticeships are popular so apply early if possible.
- Remember that for some jobs, there is no apprenticeship pathway, and formal education through a university degree is the only access to these occupations, e.g. vet, doctor, lawyer, etc.
College course
Although many people go to a further-education college at 16, after their GCSEs, you can also attend at 17 or 18.
Colleges offer a wide range of courses including Vocational subjects, Apprenticeships that are based with a paying employer, Access, and foundation courses.
Job with training or study
When you have finished school, sixth form or college you might want to start work, rather than stay in full-time education.
Some employers offer opportunities to gain further qualifications whilst employed
Options for working while training or studying include:
Employer supported training where an employer sponsors or provides relevant training in their skill sector..
Part-time degree
- Vocational degrees - these courses contain strong practical work links, and include subjects such as medicine, dentistry and nursing.
- Foundation degrees - these are preparatory courses lasting one or two years that allow school leavers to gain the entry requirements needed to study for a degree.
- HNC/D - a Higher National Certificate or Diploma is a work-related course that is more vocationally focussed than a traditional degree. Typically, they take between three and four years to complete.
- Employer Sponsored Degrees - Some professional services firms offer school and college leaver programmes where you join the company as a salaried employee and the firm pay your degree tuition fees and often guarantee you a permanent position on completion.
- Distance learning - this involves taking a course where you learn remotely, and don't have any regular face-to-face contact with teachers in a classroom or a lecture theatre such as with The Open University. Student Finance is still available for these options.
Gap Year
Alternatively, if you feel you need a break from studying, a gap year abroad could be the answer. Other than travelling, options include:
- working in a temporary job or gaining work experience
- volunteering both within the UK and Abroad.
- learning a new skill or gaining additional qualifications.
Start a business
Starting your own business can be an immensely rewarding experience, although involves hard work and investment.
If you have a great idea, want to develop it into a product/service that you can sell, and are motivated by challenge and learning skills and knowledge, this could be an option.
Princes Trust and your local LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) are two organisations offering grants, mentoring and support to young people wanting to start their own business.
General Points to Consider and useful websites:
Research universities by reading their prospectuses, websites and attending their open days/ career events.
You can apply to both university and for apprenticeships. If you are at all unsure it is fine to do both to keep your options open.
Ensure course entry requirements match your predicted/target grades. It is always worth phoning the course provider if you have questions or are unsure. There is sometimes flexibility for admissions criteria.
Create a good CV to be in with the best chance. You will probably have a lot more skills and selling points than you realised! The school will run CV writing workshops and there are many online sources if further inspiration is needed.
Apprenticeships and Degree apprenticeships information, including detailed advice on specific sectors.
General career advice,
UCAS. Degree and Apprenticeships
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/
Government Apprenticeships website
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Search over 2,500 positions for Work experience, Internships, Apprenticeships and Graduate Schemes.
https://www.studentladder.co.uk /
General Career Websites
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Studential.com has in-depth information and advice for all students on A Levels, Apprenticeships, Enterprise, Applying to university & more.
Previously Which University website. Can enter ‘A’ levels into a search to match potential courses. Then links to Universities offering courses and detailed information.
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/a-level-explorer
What Uni? Similar to theuniguide with ideas for course, links to Open days etc.
Princes Trust . Business and employment advice and start-up schemes. .
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/support-starting-business
Remember!
The school’s careers service can provide further support if required.
