Getting a job with no GCSES

[Anonbigbob]

I stupidly left school in year 7 and got registered to a community college (mainly for kids that committed awful crimes) and probably attended twice in 3 years. When I was 15 I started college on a school based course (was still registered at the community college) and was there until I was 17. I earned 0 qualifications, didn't even get a certificate to say I attended this course. I got pregnant just as I got signed up for the gcses but turns out they never did sign me up (coincidentally) because they assumed I wouldn't be doing them due to the pregnancy. And that was that. The lecturer was an absolute dick, sexually harassed me several times while I was there and got fired just after I left.

Now I'm left with nothing, no qualifications, no gcses, nothing. Tried applying for an apprenticeship but turns I'm not even allowed to do that due to not having anything to say I've had an education! I got accepted for one place and they used me for a week, then blocked my number without pay. So where do I go from here? I've always struggled with my maths, English was never a problem surprisingly. I have autism too but not sure how that'll affect it, I seemed to manage with classes fine when I was at school. I've been on benefits since I was 16 and I'm fed up of it now I just want to do something with my life but feel like it's too late. Like if I start college again I don't want to be seen as the 'old' student

Look your local college prospectus up online and see if they do some adult learning courses for GCSE’s. This way you’ll be able to enrol and not have to worry about being the ‘old’ student. To put your mind at rest, arrange a visit to the college to meet with the enrolment team, they’ll be able to take you through the options and which courses will be best for you. They will have met plenty of people in your situation before, there’s nothing to be ashamed of in wanting to get qualifications.

I would try taking the functional skills level 2 in English and maths. learn direct (clicky link attached) offer both courses online and at the end help you to book in for the exam. the level 2 FS is equal to a C grade or higher at GCSE but courses tend to be cheaper. then you can go on to apply for apprenticeships or for jobs. they are offering 40% off their courses at the moment. all the best x

Aren't GCSE courses for adults who don't have a GCSE in maths and English free? I wouldn't pay for courses when you're eligible for free ones.

Thanks all. I have a statement which I believe will fund any courses I enroll in. I'm currently looking at the open university courses but not sure if gcses are required or not. Will have to do some more research

The national careers service may be able help, they have a website and free phone number

nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course

Might it be good to do some gcses or functional skills before OU degree? There are also city and guilds vocational courses. These may be shorter and less expensive (at least you might be able to start in a job sooner) than a degree (which you could always do later when you’ve figured out what you want to specialise in)?

You might want to re-post this in the Education section? This section is mostly people who work in universities and I can see you've got some helpful replies, but I would think you'd get far more (and more support) there.