Careers and Future Aspirations

Life after 6th Form can seem daunting for many students and parents/carers, but this can be a very exciting time also as students embark on to their next adventure. 

Welling School Sixth Form has provides students with opportunities, support and guidance in the options that are available to them when they leave school. These opportunities have included work experience, guest speakers, university visits as well as a careers fair and support and guidance from their tutor.  Whilst the most obvious and most popular future destination for our students is university, there are other options available.  Each Post-18 option has advantages and disadvantages, and students are guided and supported through the process of their ideal pathway. 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are offered by organisations who see this as an excellent opportunity to fill a vacancy by training a suitable candidate and teaching them relevant industry specific skills. During the practical on the job training they also fund the individual’s education so he/she achieves relevant qualifications required for the job. 

How does an apprenticeship work?

Apprenticeships vary in their delivery. Some have periods where the apprentice is placed in the industry, followed by a period of classroom teaching where the person attends a college for a period of time. Others embed the practical aspect with a day release to a college once per week. Apprentices are paid, so this option offers the opportunity to learn while bringing in a wage. Young people have the chance to work alongside experienced staff and gain skills unique to the workplace, as well as an increasingly well-respected qualification, over a period of one to four years. There are many levels of apprenticeships to suit individuals with varying qualifications. 

University 

University is the most popular choice for students who have completed their A - Levels. It is a great preparation for employment as it can offer a vocational pathway to a career within a specific field, such as teaching, medicine, veterinary sciences or law. It can also offer a more general foundation for employment as it teaches individuals a full set of transferable skills such as managing projects, undertaking research, and meeting deadlines, all of which are highly valued by employers. Many job opportunities are only open to graduates as employers use university degrees as a sifting and sorting mechanism. 

University degrees can be studied all over the UK and students will experience visits, talks and support from some of the top leading universities. Many students are worried about getting into debt at a young age. While it is wise to worry about debt, student finance can be a solution. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans (which have to be paid back), and grants and bursaries which do not have to be paid back. 

Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,250 to cover tuition fees while Maintenance Loans and bursaries help towards living costs such as rent and bills. The amount of Maintenance Loan that students will be eligible for may depend on their household income, the type of course they are studying and where they live. The costs of living varies across universities depending on their geographical location, with London based universities often costing slightly more. There are several types of grants, bursaries and scholarships that students can apply for so it is worth researching it.

Employment

Upon leaving school after Year 13, students can enter the world of work. If this is an option then we can support students with CV writing, interview skills, and applications. For individuals who do not wish to progress into Higher Education, employment is a logical and appealing alternative. A-Level studies are a good preparation for employment as they teach individuals a wide range of transferable skills which are relevant for employment. 

Good A-Level grades indicate to an employer that the individual is a good learner, self-motivated, hardworking, and takes the job of being a student seriously. In addition, many A-Level students who have engaged in work experience and a wide range of extra-curricular activities can demonstrate characteristics and traits that are valued by employers. For example, an individual who can evidence their commitment to a regular part-time volunteering position or work placement suggests that they are responsible, reliable and know the importance of punctuality and customer service.

Additional Support

Unifrog

Unifrog is a careers related software that we use to support students with their post-18 options. It offers advice and information about all options available to students when they leave school. Every student has access to their own Unifrog where they can explore a range of careers and opportunities as well as produce their personal statement, CV and cover letter. They can also apply for apprenticeships and shortlist universities of interest.  Students use Unifrog from year 12 all the way through to the end of Year 13. When completing Work Experience, this is done via Unifrog.