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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

What are the options for 6th form leavers if jot going to university and can't get an apprenticeship?

32 replies

Whatabouththekids · 23/02/2024 14:46

DC1 is an A* student and academically driven. They're at uni. DC2 is less keen on going to uni. That's fine.

I'm helping them look into careers stuff as their 6th form college is rather poor in the area. Is it just too early to be looking at apprenticeships? Or is this just not a viable option in some parts of the country? They're considering level 4 and level 6.

I don't know what they will do otherwise. What do other young people do at 18 who don't go to uni? I know the stats are not good for 18 year old getting level 6 apprenticeships - most tend to go to career changers or to upskill existing staff. Level 3 apprenticeships I've seen often aren't in 'career' type jobs. Also, they might be excluded from level 3 as they'll already have a level 3 qualification. DC2 is clever and hard working too.

Has your dc managed to get an entry level position at 18 and found opportunities once in a company/business? Did they manage to get an apprenticeship and what time of year did they get it?

OP posts:
Trisolaris · 23/02/2024 15:21

Level 3 Apprenticeships are often a good way in to the bottom rung of a professional career e.g HR, finance, IT, Data. Once they pass the apprenticeships many companies are more inclined to pay for further training or a level 6 apprenticeship as they have evidence of commitment.

As long as current level 3 quals are in a subject/s with substantive differences it shouldn’t matter e.g they can do A a level maths and still do an Accounts Assistant apprenticeship

Cheeesus · 23/02/2024 15:18

Is it the university idea your younger one doesn’t like or the idea of studying? Is it worth looking at more vocational or practical study options like HNDs or does that not appeal either?

titchy · 23/02/2024 15:16

If they don't go to uni or get an apprenticeship they get jobs!

You don't say how old dc2 is so difficult to say whether you're being premature in thinking about this now, but I'd say that year 12 would be a good time to think about options. What is he doing atm?

AmaryllisChorus · 23/02/2024 15:10

Any of what @Rocknrollstar suggested is great advice if they want to start a career. But if they are not sure, I think a gap year is a seriously good idea. Get work in a cafe, pub, shop for 6-9 months to make time to save up for and plan some travel. If they don't like the idea of going alone they could join a group holiday targeted at young people, or sign up for some summer courses abroad - from surfing to Thai cooking. And if they haven't already, learn to drive. It could be a really good year without the pressure of deciding what they ought to do for the rest of their lives.

SellFridges · 23/02/2024 15:10

I know that the company I work for advertise their degree level apprenticeships around this time of year. They are almost always filled by school leavers.

Dacado · 23/02/2024 15:09

What interests does he have?

Rocknrollstar · 23/02/2024 15:06

Work for Macdonalds and work your way up to manager? Weatherspoons offer education and training. Years ago I got an entry level job in the offices of Shell Oil and worked my way up. What is he interested in? PWC now offer accountancy apprenticeships.