Sarah
Welcome to Year 11. Nine months of hard work – but an extremely important year. A lot of effort now can give you more choice of what you can do in the future. Whether sixth form, college, apprenticeships or traineeships, applications for these choices start in January. We hope that this guide will help you navigate these over these next few months.
Do not forget this is all about what YOU will be doing in the future. You are unique and will have different interests, talents and qualities from your friends and family. Find a course or career, which suits your personality. Career Ideas, there are thousands of different jobs out there – most of which you probably have not heard of before (Phlebotomist? Actuary?). Research your career ideas – most information is online, but also in books in libraries – or ask someone doing that job. They will happily tell you all the worst bits of the job as well. All careers information usually includes a list of qualities needed for the job. See if this matches you. If it does not, you may need to think whether you would be suitable for it, or enjoy it
Useful Websites
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - Job profiles on this site provide information about specific jobs/sectors, entry requirements, skills required, salary information etc. www.careerpilot.org.uk - Your choices at age 14, 16 and 18. Explores different job sectors and option choices - even to university level.
www.careerpilot.org.uk -your choices at 14, 16 and 18. Explores different job sectors and option choices – even to university level. You can download an app from www.careerpilotapp.org.uk
www.plotr.co.uk – This also has videos and articles about careers, how to cope with GCSEs, interviews etc.
www.icould.com – This has video links and articles If you do not know what to do – try the Buzz Quiz.
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles - this website will allow you to research information on a wide range of jobs, you can search either by job family or alphabetically.
What are the options at 16?
By law, all young people need to participate in education or training for at least two years until they are 18 years of age. Their options after Year 11 are:
1. Full-time education at school, further education college or sixth form college
● Academic qualifications such as A levels
● From September 2020, new technical qualifications called T Levels
● Vocational (technical) qualifications including BTEC and City & Guilds
● Foundation level learning programme
2. Apprenticeships and Traineeships
● An apprenticeship with training and paid work
● Traineeships with work experience, literacy, numeracy and employability skills
Understanding Levels
Courses are divided into levels:
Entry level – no GCSEs, GCSE grades F/G/ (1/2), Foundation courses
Level 1 – GCSEs grades D/E (2/3), NVQ Level 1
Level 2 – 4/5 GCSEs A* - C (4 – 9) grades, BTEC First Diploma/ Certificate, Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
Level 3 – A Levels, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, Advanced Level Apprenticeship
Levels 4 – 6 - Higher Level courses, up to Degree Level, Higher Level Apprenticeship Levels
Levels 7 – 8 – Post Graduate & Professional Qualifications
Usually the different levels lead onto each other – apart from some apprenticeships where you may start on Level 2 even if you have a level 3 qualification so you can cover all aspects of the work. You have to have a Level 3 qualification to go to University.
What are A ‘levels?
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They are usually assessed by a series of examinations.
What grades do I need to take A levels?
You normally need:
● at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 5
● at least grade 6/7 in the specific subject(s) you want to study
However, the specific requirements needed to study A levels will vary across schools and colleges. It is important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at
Who are they for?
● If you're thinking about going to university, most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).
● If you are not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.
Choosing A level subjects
The most important criteria for choosing A levels subjects are:
1. Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at. If you enjoy a subject or have an ability in it already, you are more likely to do well.
2. Are there any particular subjects and/or grades you may need? If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A levels in order to meet entry requirements.
3. How open you want to keep your future study and career choices?
What you can do after A levels
Many people ask 'What can I do with my A levels?’ here are some answers:
● Here is a great place to start looking at all the options open to you.
● Continue on to university – A levels are the most common qualifications studied to get into higher education.
● Keep your options open if you are unsure about what you want to do in the future.
● Look for employment – employers value them because they show a good level of education.
● Go on to vocational or work-based qualifications, such as a higher apprenticeship.
What is a BTEC?
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications
They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors – they are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study).
Who are they for?
BTECs are designed for young people interested in a particular sector or industry but who are not yet sure what job they would like to do.
You could study a BTEC at Level 2 or 3, either alongside academic qualifications or as part of a wider programme (such as an apprenticeship) You can also study a BTEC as a standalone course.
There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors, including:
● applied science
● art and design
● business
● childcare
● construction
● engineering
● media
● health and social care
● hospitality
● ICT
● land-based
● performing arts
● public services
● sport
● travel and tourism
The different types of BTEC
BTECs are broken down into three main levels of study:
1 BTEC Firsts are available from entry level to Level 2 (similar standard to GCSEs). These offer an introduction to work in a vocational sector. Combined with other qualifications, these can enable you to go on to further study, to an apprenticeship, or into employment.
2. BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3 (similar standard to A levels). Many of these are well regarded by universities, further education colleges, and employers. A BTEC National qualification can lead to employment, continuing study, or professional development programmes
3. BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors
How do they work?
BTEC qualifications are flexible – you can take one alongside (or instead of) GCSEs and A levels in schools and colleges
BTECs are divided into units, which cover specific areas of knowledge, skills, and understanding required by the particular sector or industry.
1. Every BTEC student takes the core units, which provide a broad foundation and understanding about the sector
2. There is a range of optional units to choose from which enable students to focus on particular interests and plans they have for next steps into further study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
3. The course involves a series of assignments, which can be written or activity-based, for example creating a film clip, planning and putting on a performance, or creating a business plan. Students complete some assignments individually and some as part of a team. For some BTEC courses, students can also apply their knowledge and skills through work experience.
What are the entry requirements for a BTEC?
Entry requirements vary depending on the school or college and the particular BTEC course you are interested in. You may need up to five GCSEs at grade 9 to
4.
What can you do next?
On successful completion of a BTEC National qualification, students can progress to employment or continue their learning in the same or related areas of study, in higher education and professional development programmes.
Some BTEC National qualifications are recognised as technical certificates and form part of the apprenticeship framework. They can attract UCAS points but if you are thinking of going to university or on to higher education, it is
important to check whether the universities offering the courses you want to apply to accept BTEC Nationals
BTEC Firsts
These enable you to go on to further study at Level 3 (for example BTEC Nationals), to do an apprenticeship, or to go into employment.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are new two-year courses equivalent to three levels, which will be available to students in England from September 2020.
Following GCSEs, students will have the option to study one of the following pathways:
● T Levels
● apprenticeship
● A levels
T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers, and will offer around 1,800 hours of study over two years. This will include a 45-day work placement, so T Levels will be more suited to students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.
T Levels include compulsory elements:
● a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area
● specialist occupational skills and knowledge of the career
● an industry placement with an employer
● a minimum standard in maths and English, if students haven’t already achieved this
How are T Levels graded?
Students who complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction* and will be awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing a breakdown of what they have achieved It will also
confirm that a student has met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications
What T Level subjects are available?
The first three T Levels available to start in September 2020 will be:
● digital production, design and development
● design, surveying and planning
● education
From autumn 2021, T Levels will also be available in:
● building services engineering
● digital business services
● digital support and services
● health
● healthcare science
● onsite construction
● science
Additional providers will be approved to deliver T Levels from September 2021
More T Levels will be available from Autumn 2022.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships mean you can earn a salary and gain a qualification at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeship and over 1,500 job roles.
Apprenticeships generally fall into one of four categories:
● Intermediate level apprenticeship generally considered the same as five GCSE passes.
● Advanced level apprenticeship — generally considered the same as two A level passes.
● Higher apprenticeship can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree.
● From September 2015, some universities started offering degree apprenticeships these are new and enable apprentices to achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree as part of their apprenticeship.
What do I need to do an apprenticeship?
● You have to be over 16 years old.
● Entry requirements vary, and you may need up to five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 including English and maths.
● You will need to show you have the ability to complete the programme what is required varies across training providers, employers, and job roles
An apprenticeship usually takes between one and three years to complete They are made up of three parts — all completed on the job, online, or in a classroom.
Why do it?
Each apprenticeship trains you for a specific job, so it is worth finding out as much as you can about that job, as well as the career and progression route your apprenticeship could lead to. You will be earning while you qualify and will gain good work and training experience, which will support your applications for other jobs.
Earn while you learn
All apprentices receive the national minimum wage, paid holiday, and bank holidays.
● Learning is completed on a day-release basis — one day a week — or in a block-release of several days at a college or training provider.
● This enables you to develop the knowledge and skills you need, while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test.
● Training could be classroom-based or in the workplace.
The job
Over 150,000 employers are currently offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations, covering more than 170 industries across the UK.
● Your employer provides on-the-job training and pays your wages.
● All apprentices should work at least 30 hours a week, alongside experienced staff, gaining job-specific skills and earning a wage.
The qualification
Apprenticeships are at least 12 months long they lead to a national, recognised qualification and follow a 'framework' developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most include:
● national vocational qualification (NVQ) e.g. Level 2 for intermediate level apprenticeships, Level 3 for advanced level apprenticeships
● knowledge-based qualification — such as a higher national certificate (HNC), higher national diploma (HND), or foundation degree
● functional skills qualifications e.g. in maths, English, or ICT
● technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds progression award
Applying for apprenticeships
Look at the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) for useful information and tips on apprenticeships.
If a training provider advertises an apprenticeship, check if the opportunity includes the job, or if you need to find the job element with a local employer Training providers can give you help, advice, and guidance on finding appropriate employment.
Future and careers
Government research shows the majority of apprentices (85%) stay in employment — with 64% staying with the same employer. A third of all apprentices received a promotion within a year of finishing, and in their lifetime can earn £150,000 more than their peers without an apprenticeship can. You could continue training or go to university
After completing an apprenticeship, you could continue to train for an advanced, higher, degree level apprenticeship, or a related vocational qualification. Alternatively, you could go on to university, or take a professional qualification that leads to a specific job role
Sarah Bonnell Post 16 Applications
● You need to check the Open Events 2021/2022 for Sixth Forms and Colleges. Most of these events will be virtual, check out the dates and how to attend by using the Sarah Bonnell Open Events 2021/2022 Booklet; Ms Aylott will give you a copy of the booklet
● It is important to attend the Open Events for the Sixth Forms and Colleges, Open Events are organised to give you the chance to visit (virtually) and experience the institution first hand. They help you make decisions on what and where you would like to study and can usually tell you more about themselves and their courses than a prospectus
● You need to check how to apply for a course, whether it is an on-line or paper application.
● You start to apply for sixth forms and colleges in January, it is important to check the application deadline. Each sixth form and college will have their own deadline for when applications need to be sent. Ms Aylott will produce a document detailing the deadline dates.
● Ms Aylott will tell you whether the course you wish to apply for has an on-line or paper application.
● You need to collect your paper application from your Ms Aylott in the Learning Hub
● It is very important that once you have completed your paper application that you hand it to your Ms Aylott in the Learning Hub so she can post it. Also, let her know if you have applied to a college through an on-line application.
● Apply for apprenticeship February onwards -Search the find an apprenticeship service – www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship for apprenticeships in England.
● You will each have a one to one careers session with Ms Aylott Careers Adviser. She interviews three days a week on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Learning Hub. If you have any career questions please ask these on the Careers Answers and Questions Google Classroom.