Once you finish year 11, you’re not finished with education. What to study after school can be a big decision.
You must stay in some sort of education or training until you turn 18, although this can be alongside work.
After school you could choose either A-Levels, a Technical course or T-Level, an Apprenticeship or even a Traineeship.
No matter which route you choose, Blackburn College can help.
A-Levels
Usually, A-Levels are what you would study if you’re planning to go to university or you wish to keep your options open. A-Levels are two-year courses and many of the subjects will be familiar to you – you will have studied many of them at school.
Usually, A-Levels are what you would study if you’re planning to go to university or you wish to keep your options open. A-Levels are two-year courses and many of the subjects will be familiar to you – you will have studied many of them at school.
If you choose A-Levels, you will choose three subjects and study them for two years, earning three A levels.
If you have a career in mind, you should look up university or employer requirements and pick the most relevant subjects for those careers.
Or, if you’re not sure what you want to do, try to pick A-Level subjects that you enjoy and that will keep your options open in the future.
We can help you choose the right A-Levels for your future career or university course.
Technical courses and T-Levels
If you choose a Technical qualification you will spend your studies focussing on a particular industry or one main area of study. Examples could be: Business, Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Plumbing, Construction or Engineering.
These qualifications are ideal if you know the industry you want to work in, or the job you wish to do.
T-Levels are a new type of Technical course. As well as the technical area of study you will take part in a 45-day extended work placement to help you understand the area you wish to work in. This will look great on your CV or university application.
Technical courses and T-Levels are ideal if you already know the industry you wish to work in.
You can still go to university if you have completed a Technical course or T-Level, or you could choose to go into employment after your course.
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship is a job which also includes training. As an apprentice, you must work at least 30 hours a week and at least 20% of that time must be spent on “off-the-job” training at Blackburn College.
You will be paid for this time – a minimum wage is set by the Government but employers often pay more. At the end of your Apprenticeship, you will have earned a qualification which varies based on the level of the Apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships come in four levels:
- Intermediate apprenticeships, which are equivalent to GCSEs
- Advanced apprenticeships, which are equivalent to A-Levels
- Higher apprenticeships, which are equivalent to the first years of a degree programme
- Degree apprenticeships, which are equivalent to university-level qualifications.
Traineeships
If you want to move on to a job or Apprenticeship but you don’t feel you have the skills to be accepted then a Traineeship is for you!
They are up to six months long and offer work experience, support with finding a job and writing a CV, along with help with English and maths.
