Careers Hub – Year 11
Careers Hub
Career Guidance Meeting Letter 2021.docx
This page is intended to provide you with a virtual careers hub, a place where you can learn more about your post 16 options, prepare for the application and interview processes and keep up to date with open events and opportunities.
For further support you can contact Mrs. Osmialowski via TEAMs or email emma.osmialowski@staca.co.uk
The DFE have produced this short video to explain post 16 choices for young people. Click here to watch.
Events
6th Forms, colleges apprenticeship and traineeship providers hold regular open events and virtual tour to help you make decisions about your next step, ask questions and gain an insight into their provision.
Sunderland College open events
Sunderland College Open Event Banner (1)
Newcastle College open events
Nissan Apprenticeships
A-level
A-Levels are level 3 qualifications that prepare you if you are thinking of going onto higher education or if you are not sure of your career plans, as they can keep your options open.
To study A-levels you will need at least five GCSE passes grades 9-4 (previously A*-C) including English Language and Maths. Often you will need a GCSE at grade 6 or above in a subject if you want to go on to study it at A Level. Each 6th form and subject area will have their own entry requirement.
St Aidan’s Catholic Academy has its own 6th Form, http://aaasixthform.com/offering a range of A level subjects as well as other Level 3 qualifications. 6th Forms are attached to other schools and colleges within the area and have their own entry requirements.
T- levels
T – Levels are a new employer-designed, technical alternative to A Levels comprising 80%classroom study and 20% on a meaningful industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). T-levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses. The first T Levels were introduced in September 2020 and more courses will rollout in a greater number of providers over the next four years.
You can watch a video about T Levels here or read more about them here.
Find a T-level programme near you by following this link: T-Levels
Vocational
Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher education. If you know what job or job sector you want to go into you may want to study a vocational qualification.
There are a number of local Further Education Colleges that you can choose to progress onto. They offer a wide range of vocational subjects and vocational qualifications that you can chose from, including BTECs and NVQ’s. A level 3 vocational qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and can lead to full time employment, higher education or apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job with training so you can earn while you learn and pick up recognised qualifications as you go. If you are over the age of 16, live in England and are not currently in full-time study, you’re able to start an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships take anywhere between one and four years to complete depending on their level, and there are also no set entry requirements (although some employers do have their own eligibility criteria depending on the sector or job). Entry criteria will differ depending on the apprenticeship that you choose and your GCSE results.
You can find out more about apprenticeships here and here
To search for apprenticeships near you click here. You can also search for apprenticeship vacancies by looking directly on company websites.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a scheme to help some young people get the key skills and experience they need to get a job. Anyone who does one will get work preparation training, Maths and English support, for those who need it, as well as unpaid work experience. Traineeships are an ideal opportunity if you are keen to get a job but currently lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Unlike an apprentice, employers aren’t required to pay anyone taking part in a traineeship but may support with expenses such as transport and meals. To find out more you can contact local colleges and training providers to see if they are offering traineeship opportunities.
You can find out more about traineeships here
To search for a traineeships near you click here
