DS had a change of heart...

[turtledovelove]

He was all set to start Sixth Form in September but has had a change of heart and no longer wants to return to school.

Instead he'd like to pursue an apprenticeship and get a trade, possibly attending a college fairly nearby.

I'm all for it him learning a new skill and getting a trade under his belt, I don't mind what he does really but my question is have we left it too late to get something secure and in place for September?

Feel as though we're cutting it very fine now as summer holidays are almost upon us.

Any experience or advice would be most welcome. Thank you.

Can he contact the school's careers adviser?

If you look at what is on offer at your local college, I am willing to bet they will snatch his hand off come results day (assuming there is something that interests him). Colleges are very keen on bums on seats.

DS1 was set for college and needed certain grades which he did not get - they were more than happy to take him anyway. Not saying your ds won't make the grade btw @turtledovelove , but just that on the day (ie GCSE results day) enrolment was fine.

Apprenticeship is less likely tbh but have a look at what there is. Does he have an area in mind?

DS didn’t go straight to A-levels at 6th form, well he did but dropped out, completed a plumbing course at college, got on last minute in Sept as there was space, completed this, then decided to have another crack at A-levels, very positive results and looking forward to 2 nd year, They don’t have to go straight to Alevels, they can have a break, try something at college, A-levels are funded up until 19. For my DS, having a break was best thing, he might have been ok had we changed school for 6th form.

Thank you for your responses @Changethetoner @clary @Effingmagicfairy we have made an appointment to speak with someone at the college next week as he's seen a course he's interested in.

I must admit I hadn't thought of contacting the school as they have such limited course options available there. Having said that it certainly won't do any harm in speaking with someone to get their advice.

Like I say I'm all for him getting a trade and learning new skills. It's more the limited timeframe we now have in which to secure something but I guess nothing is a given until results day anyway!