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 real job with structured training—typically at least 30-40 hours per week—where a minimum of 20% of your time is spent on “off‑the‑job” training at Blackburn College.
You’ll be paid while you learn – there is a minimum wage for apprentices set by the Government, but many employers choose to pay more.
When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll gain a recognised qualification. The level of qualification depends on the type of apprenticeship:
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Intermediate Apprenticeship – same level as GCSEs
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Advanced Apprenticeship – same level as A-Levels
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Higher Apprenticeship – same level as the first years of university
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Degree Apprenticeship – same level as a full university degree
We list our current apprenticeship vacancies here.
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.
