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1. Making Plans
This is an exciting time! You've made it to Year 12 and are about to make choices about your future.
Maybe you already have a career path in mind, or perhaps you are still a bit unsure of which direction you want to take.
Choices @ 17/18 is designed to help you find the information you need for your next steps. It brings together a range of information about:
- the study choices available to you, whether you're on a one-year or two-year course
- Apprenticeships and training opportunities
- where the jobs are and how to go about finding them
- gaining practical experience through volunteering or a gap year
- the value of education and training to your career
As you explore your choices, it is a great idea to talk with your teachers, parents or friends about what you are interested in doing with your life.
Here are some key things to bear in mind when thinking about your future:
- Career development is a lifelong journey
- The world of work is always changing
- Having one job for life is becoming less common
- You will have a number of opportunities to change jobs, learn new skills and gain new experience throughout your career
- It is important to keep learning and developing your skills and abilities throughout your life
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Getting started
The choices you could explore will depend on what you are doing now.
You may be on:
Remember to explore all your options so you make the choice that's right for you.
- a one-year course such as a BTEC First Diploma, OCR Level 2 National, or Higher Diploma, and maybe retaking or taking some GCSEs
- a two-year course such as AS/A Levels, International Baccalaureate, BTEC National Diploma, OCR Level 3 National or an Advanced Diploma, or retaking AS Levels
- an occupational course training for the career you plan to pursue - this might be an NVQ or other specialist course at Level 1, 2 or 3
