Student Information
We're committed to providing you with a top-notch CEIAG programme that covers all the bases, including:
Understanding your unique strengths, interests, and skills
Discovering a wide range of courses and opportunities
Developing essential workplace skills
Making ambitious and achievable career choices
Crafting a plan for your future success
Understanding the many different paths after Y11
Creating outstanding CVs and job applications
Mastering the art of interviews
Boosting your confidence and character
We've got you covered with a range of resources and activities, including:
Engaging careers lessons
Drop-down day activities focused on STEM industries
Guided tutor time
Expert help with CVs and interview skills
Access to our comprehensive careers library
One-on-one interviews with our Careers Personal Advisor
Careers-focused subject lessons
We promise to treat you with respect and provide impartial, up-to-date advice that's tailored to your needs. If you have special requirements, we'll go above and beyond to ensure you receive the extra support you need. Plus, we offer mentoring and support to those most at risk of becoming NEET, so you can build the confidence and character you need to thrive in your future career. It's all about unleashing your full potential - and we're here to help you every step of the way!
How can I find out more?
If you are still unsure as to what option is for you, here are some things you can start doing now:
Start attending open days/evening - make sure you visit a few institutions; this will help you to confirm that you’ve made the right choice.
Talk to students that are already doing post 16 options
Talk to the teachers - especially the ones that will be teaching you if you go there.
Start talking to people you trust, who can offer advice - parents, teachers or careers adviser.
Post 16 educational opportunities:
A LEVELS
A-levels are a popular academic route which are achieved after two years of study, with a wide range of subjects to choose from. It is also possible to take A-levels alongside vocational qualifications. Typically, A-levels require high entry requirements, usually Grade 6 or above at GCSE, although this may vary between providers. While you will study fewer subjects than at GCSE, you will need to develop a much deeper understanding and knowledge of them, as A-levels are advanced qualifications. At A-level, you will have fewer lessons with teachers, but you will have more time with them to ask questions. However, not all universities accept all A-level subjects, so it's important to research beforehand.
VOCATIONAL COURSES
Vocational qualifications are offered by sixth forms or local colleges and are focused on a specific area of employment. They are hands-on and typically involve time in studios, workshops or on a farm.
APPLIED GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applied General Qualifications are equivalent to A-levels and are aimed at students aged 16-19 who want to continue their education in a specific job area, such as Law, Creative and Media, or Business. They provide entry to a range of higher education courses and are often endorsed by employers and professional or trade bodies. Many of these qualifications are BTECs.
T LEVELS
T Levels are a new 2-year qualification, designed in partnership with businesses and employers to provide skills and knowledge for success in the workplace. Your course will include a 45-day industry placement with a local employer to help prepare you for work. While T Levels are still relatively new, some schools and colleges already offer them.
List of Local Colleges in Tamworth
Burton and South Derbyshire College (Stephen Burke Construction Academy)
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer a chance to work full-time for a company and earn a wage, while also gaining professional qualifications. Some apprenticeships can also lead to university qualifications. You can start an apprenticeship from the age of 16 and work towards full qualification in one to five years, depending on the industry, job role and level you're interested in. Apprenticeships are organised into different levels that are equivalent to traditional educational levels, from intermediate (GCSE level) to degree level (bachelors or masters). If you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship after GCSEs, intermediate or advanced apprenticeships may be suitable.
There are over 250 different types of apprenticeships available across a wide range of sectors. These can be found listed on the National Apprenticeship Service website.
Employment post 16
If you are 16-18 years old you are entitled to find a job. However as a young worker there are rules that apply to ensure that you are kept safe and work in age appropriate environments.
Please ensure that you talk to your parents/carer about your employment aspirations to ensure that they are aware of this and that they are okay with your choices.
For full information on the rules about employment of young workers please click this link here
There are many websites that offer employment for young people and those 18 plus. Here are two links for your information:
https://www.beetroot.com/apprenticeships/
The nearest job centre to the academy is:
Tamworth Jobcentre Plus
90 Saxon Mill Lane, Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, B79 7JD
https://www.jobcentreplusoffices.co.uk/tamworth-jobcentre-plus-office
University/Post 18
University is a pathway that takes place after year 13 where most students study for a degree. It is also the first step into Higher Education.
A degree is usually a three or four year course – also known as a bachelor's, undergraduate or first degree. Universities are dynamic academic environments with lectures and seminars, usually made up of different modules adding up to the full degree.
You might get to choose some of the modules you take, so you'll be able to study the parts of your subject you're most interested in.
Two subjects? Take a joint course (50/50) or a major/minor (75/25).
Work experience? Do a sandwich course and work for a year in the industry your subject is based on.
What next? After you graduate you'll be closer to a career, or you can move on to postgraduate study.
It is very important that you meet the criteria to be able to apply for the subject/area that you want to study and the university that you want to apply to. This is where pre planning and talking through your career aspirations with an adult becomes important so that you choose the right options in earlier key stages.
There are other shorter undergraduate courses.
These are ideal if you want a quicker qualification. Do one year of a degree – a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) – or two years – a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation degree.
These don't lead directly to postgraduate study, but you can go into the second or third year of a full degree if you change your mind and want to graduate after all.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
UCAS is the organisation that is responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. UCAS stands for the 'Universities and Colleges Admissions Service'. Their aim is to help students make informed choices that are right for them, guiding them, as well as their parents and advisers, through the entire higher education application process.
Today, UCAS processes over 2.5 million applications every year, for some 650,000 prospective students across the UK and beyond: helping them gain access to more than 340 UK universities and colleges.
List of Local Universities
