Which Btec to keep doors open

[Setdesigner]

DC doesn’t want to do A levels and want to go to college. Still not sure they want to go to university. They are more creative than academic. They keep changing their mind about what they want to do. What do you know art 15 anyway.

Which Btec or UAL diplomas will keep doors open for employment and university?

Are they about to go into year 11? If yes they've still time to think so I would encourage them to keep researching possible careers and thinking about what they enjoy.

What BTEC options are there at their local providers?

Yes, going into year 11. I asked them to keep researching. Initially we thought they could do Fashion at the fashion retail academy, but they said not many people gets jobs on fashion and it will close doors so they have been doing some research which is good.

No post-16 options will keep all doors open, that's the first thing. DD did three trad A level subjects but still closed off (for example) medicine and engineering. She was fine with this obvs.

So the thing to look at is what doors they might want to keep open?

Btecs can lead to a university degree for sure. Yes Oxford and Cambs and a few other unis won't accept them, and some prefer Btec and an A level alongside, but masses of unis will be fine with an extended Btec qual for various courses.

As an example a peer of DS's got into Lboro for sports science (very highly rated obvs) with a Btec plus an A level.

It's hard to suggest specific avenues without knowing more. The thing is with Btecs is that often they are quite focused on a specific area (business, sports, practical subjects) which can mean that more options are closed off if that makes sense. If someone really doesn't know what they want to do, a range of A levels may keep more options possible (say biology, geography, Eng lit). Why do they not want to do A levels? What kinds of GCSE grades are they likely to get?

I think it's also important to think about whether doing one thing over another makes them feel more motivated, more inspired.

Agree with the above - nothing keeps all options open.

Thank you. Yes, I understand about no keeping all doors open; but was thinking that a combination of BTECS may be better than studying just for one subject like the diplomas. I am so lost as they keep changing their mind. Perhaps is better to take a year out to work and decide what they want to do.

Try and go to the open days. Talking to the tutors and students may help. It is possible to do a combination of A levels and BTec which may keep doors open. Then look at their best GCSE subjects and things related to that. Textiles and business could be a good combination for fashion. If they want to work then see if they can get a level 2/3 apprenticeship.

Agree nothing will keep all options open but what about an art & design BTEC if they are arty and interested in fashion? There is then the option to do an art foundation course and then various art/design degrees at university

Maybe combining with something like business /IT/Media would give a broader range of options

They are supposed to be in education or training until age 18 though. And while no one will chase that up, I do think it's a good idea.

Yes go to open days this autumn and see what is on offer and what catches her interest. It might be that Btecs in a range of subjects would suit.

What sorts of things are they thinking of doing?

Lots of employers won't look at 16 year olds as they have to provide training/apprenticeship.

Thank you all; we will start going to open days

I was wondering whether an appointment with a career coach/advisor will be a good idea? maybe the school has one. Has anyone done something similar

The worst that can happen is that DC doesn't find the advice useful, so I would definitely go for that.

I think the BTECs which keep most doors open are Business and IT (because every business needs people with a background in either). However, it doesn't sound like your DC would be interested in those. In that case I would suggest three single award BTECs in different subjects, or two and an A-level? That way they can explore different subjects.