Thinking about your future?

It can be difficult to know where to start when thinking about your future career and education options. However, there are lots of useful websites and services which focus on helping people decide on a career which would be right for them. They can also help you figure out the steps you need to take in order to reach your goals- whether that be an apprenticeship, a further education course or university. Below are careers websites and services that you may find helpful when thinking about your future.

The National Careers Service

They offer free and impartial information, advice and guidance to help you with your decisions about careers, courses and work. You can use the career tools on their website to learn more about the careers that interest you and discover your strengths and skills. Their website has over 800 job descriptions that tell you about:

  • the average pay for each role

  • the type of courses you can do to get into a job

  • the skills you’ll need

  • what you'll do each day

  • where the job can lead


You can browse through different industries by job category, or search for individual job descriptions if you've got a career in mind.


If you are struggling to decide on a career, or would like to explore your strengths and weaknesses, you may wish to try out their Skills Assessments and after working through an assessment, you’ll get a report summarising your results, including suggestions about the job categories and job roles that might suit you.


Click on the logo on the left hand side to visit their website. If you are aged 13 or over, you can also speak to a careers advisor on a web chat or by calling them on 0800 100 900 (you can also arrange a call back on their website).

Prospects

This is one of the UK's biggest careers websites and they work closely with employers to ensure the advice they offer allows you to build the skills and experience that employers are looking for. If you are thinking about university, the website allows you to see what career options you would have after completing your degree (specific to each degree subject). You can also read careers advice written by specialist professional advisers, as well as use tailored tools such as a career planner, which matches your skills and interests with job profiles to suit you. They also allow you to search for apprenticeships, graduate jobs and internships. Click on the logo on the left to be taken to their website.

Thinking about an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are an exciting option - you get hands-on training and also the chance to put your skills into practice. As an apprentice you’ll:


  • learn and train for a specific job

  • get paid and receive holiday leave

  • get hands-on experience in a real job

  • study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider

  • complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship

  • be on a career path with lots of future potential


Below are some websites to help you find out more and search for apprenticeship opportunities (click on the image to be taken to the website):

National Apprenticeship Service

The official government apprenticeship website which allows you to research apprenticeships further and search for local vacancies. It also helps you to decide if an apprenticeship is right for you.

Not Going To Uni

A website for school and college leavers offering information on job opportunities and apprenticeships, allowing you to search for local opportunities. The website also works in partnerships with the RAF to allow you to find out more about opportunities in the armed forces.


Get My First Job

A website offering information about apprenticeships, work experience and traineeships as well as allowing you to search for vacancies. Their website also has a careers quiz if you are unsure on what career you would like.

Thinking about university?

University is a fantastic option for students who would like to expand their knowledge in a particular subject area or progress into a role which requires a degree. Full time undergraduate study would usually last 3-4 years and there are thousands of courses you can choose to study. The below websites have further information to allow you to research whether university is the right choice for you. Click on the images to be taken to the website.

UCAS

UCAS stands for the University and College Admissions Service. You would usually apply for university through UCAS. Their website allows you to search for university degrees, view the entry requirements and compare courses. In addition, they have a helpful careers section on their website which allows you to take a careers quiz and view entry routes into a chosen job.

The Complete University Guide

A useful website allowing you to compare universities and courses. You can view university league tables and rankings to allow you to make the best decision for you in relation to higher education.

Student Finance England

It is important to research the financial support you will receive when studying at university. Student Finance England offer a student finance calculator to allow you to check what you might be eligible for. In addition, the website explains how this funding works, including repayment.

Thinking about volunteering?

Gaining work experience is a fantastic way to develop your skills and experience and also giving something back to your local community. It can also help you decide what career is right for you, as well as looking great on your CV. Below are three organisations which allow you to search for volunteering opportunities, click on the images to be taken to the website.

Do-it

North Tyneside VODA

V Inspired