Post-18

If you want to take your learning further - your next step after level 3 qualifications is a degree. There are two ways you can do this: at university, or via an apprenticeship.

University

You can get a degree the traditional way, by going to university for 3 years (minimum) and qualifying as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Sciences (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). You will need to get a student loan to cover tuition fees and living costs. Read more about applying for university.

Apprenticeship

You can also get a degree without going to university - by getting an apprenticeship. This is where you work (and are paid) but also spend at least 20% of your time studying. It may take longer than the traditional route (up to 6 years), but the end degree is exactly the same - and you have no student debt, but do have experience and contacts. Read more about applying for a degree apprenticeship.

Once you are 18, you can finish your formal education, if you wish. Some students leave school or college and find a job. Jobs are advertised online mainly nowadays, and you will need to be active in searching the recruitment pages of the companies you are interested in, as well as jobs sites such as Monster, Indeed, and Total Jobs (there are scores of others.)

To get a job, you will need to complete an application form, or submit a CV, then attend an interview. There may be aptitude tests as well. You may have to apply for many positions before you are successful - this is completely normal, so don't get downhearted.

Unifrog is a great way to get started on your CV, and Joanna Brown is always willing to go through your CV with you and suggest improvements. Also, we can arrange mock interviews if you would like to practice.

Read more about applying for jobs.