Knowing what type of career you want can help you to decide which further education course is best for you. Considering some of the following questions may help you to come to a decision:

• Think about how you like to learn. Do you prefer academic study or would you prefer to learn on-the-job?

• How will you be assessed? Is it coursework, exams or industry placement?

• What type of qualifications would your future career require? 

• Will you need to go to university for the career you want? 

• What are subjects/topics are you interested in? 

• What do you enjoy? 

• What are you good at? 

• Are you ready to work 30 hours + a week in a job or apprenticeship? 

• Do they offer an apprenticeship in the type of role that you would like?

• What are the progression opportunities of an apprenticeship or job?

Make an appointment with a Careers Adviser if you need some advice about how to choose a career. Likewise, have a look at the career maps posted in each subject tab for some extra inspiration. 

When choosing a college or university to study at, you may wish to consider the distance from home, as well as the courses they offer. You may also wish to consider some of the other factors below:

• The facilities, both academic and extra-curricular.

• The type of support available, such as welfare, careers, financial and academic.

• The ease of transport or travelling to college.

• The qualification type and subject.

• Where your friends are studying.

• Destinations - what do students go on to do after they have finished at the college or university? 

• The tutors - do you feel inspired to be taught by them?

• Recommendations from friends, family etc.

Think about what is important to you when choosing a college or University. 

 Aged 16-18? There are a range of options for you to choose from:

• Stay in full-time education at a Further Education College or other provider

• Complete an apprenticeship.

• Go into employment. This could be full-time after you have completed a course, or part-time whilst completing your studies. If you are aged 16-18, this has to meet the requirements of Raised Participation Age and must be an accredited course. You are required to continue in education or training until your 18th birthday, or until you have gained a level 3 qualification.

• Self employment. See our self employment page for further tips on how to successful start a business.

If you have started college and it's not for you, or you feel you are on the wrong course, please make an appointment to speak to a careers adviser as soon as possible so we can look at your other options. 

• Warrington Life can provide you with further information about alternatives to college in the Warrington area. Depending on funding there may be short courses or schemes to help you develop your knowledge and skills which is an alternative to college. 

• Salford Connexions support young people aged 16-18 in the Cadishead and Irlam area. 

• Cheshire West and Cheshire Council have a Young People's Service, where they can signpost you to alternatives to college.

• Career Connect can support young people in the St Helens area, to find alternatives to college. 

• Aspiring Futures is the same service for young people aged 16- 19 who live in the Wigan and Greater Manchester area. 

• The Princes Trust is an example of a short course that can be an alternative to college.  It's a 12 week personal development course that offers work experience and development of teamwork skills, your confidence and self esteem.