16-18 Thinking outside the box

[dogdyer]

Hi i'm trying to think outside the box for post 16. My son has been in conventional education and it's not a great fit.
He has been offered alternatives but is obsessed by friendships although hates school so stays firmly in the that world.
Post 16 I want to be able to offer him options.. At the moment he is looking at a level 3 Animal Management but he thinks he will have trouble with how academic it is. I've looked at apprenticeships but there isn't anything in that field (up North). I've looked at volunteering abroad with animal rehabilitation (which is what he is really wanting to do) but everything available is like a holiday volunteering job that you have to pay alot for.
Has anyone any creative ideas or experience that is perhaps a bit outside the norm? He may choose to stick to college and his friends but I'd like to be able to offer options at least.
Thanks

Has your DS looked at apprenticeships with BAe? They’re open from 16. There are various types.

Is the Animal Management going to be a BTEC, City & Guilds or T-Level?
He could do 3 years and start with Level 2 Animal Care for a year which would get him into it.
What sort of GCSE grades is he looking at?

College is very different from school, so he may find it a better fit.
Lots of animal courses are done at Agricultural college - would his be at a 'normal' one (wondering about whether he'd be with friends anyway).

Sorry, can't think of out of the box suggestions.

Thanks for replying but I’m afraid BAE isn’t a place he’d like to work

Not sure to be honest but yes if he did that he would be with his friends