Supporting you in getting to know and understand the value you bring to post-16 learning and the work place is at the forefront of our careers provision. An understanding of post-16 pathways and qualifications will help you to make the decisions and choices about what learning pathway is best fit for you. 

It is essential that students continue to commit to their studies throughout their time at Thomas Estley to achieve their full academic potential, but it is equally important that you secure the most appropriate training, apprenticeship or college placement for your post-16 learning pathway.

A-levels are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A-levels over two years. They are usually assessed by a series of examinations.

What grades do I need to take A-levels?

You normally need:

• at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C (New GCSE Grades 4-9)
• at least grade B in the specific subject(s) you want to study
• However, the specific requirements needed to study A-levels will vary across schools and colleges. It’s important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at.

Who are they for?

If you’re thinking about going to university, most higher education courses require specific A-levels or combinations of A-levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).

If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A-levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

Choosing A-level subjects

The most important criteria for choosing A-levels subjects are:

• Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at. If you enjoy a subject or have ability in it already, you are more likely to do well.
• Are there any particular subjects and/or grades you may need? If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A-levels in order to meet entry requirements.
• How open you want to keep your future study and career choices?

Useful link to find out more: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/16-18-choices/search-and-apply/qualifications-you-can-take/levels

Vocational courses are described as a more hands-on approach to learning. Vocational qualifications offer practical learning programmes that relate to specific job roles or employment sectors. 

There are many different types of vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects at all levels, from Entry Level right up to Level 8.

Vocational qualifications include:

• Vocational subjects that are related to a broad employment area such as business, engineering, IT, health and social care
• Practical Vocational Courses (often now called technical or professional programmes) that lead to specific jobs such as hairdressing, plumbing, or engineering.
• Apprenticeships where a student is based with an employer where they will be trained for a job role and get paid as they learn

Where can vocational qualifications lead?

Vocational qualifications have been designed in partnership with employers, universities and professional or trade organisations – this means that you can develop the skills that employers want. You can also acquire the knowledge needed to progress to a higher level – such as a degree level course. Often employers encourage their employees to gain vocational qualifications whilst at work.

Vocational qualification levels can be compared to other qualifications. Entry Level qualifications build confidence and help people prepare for further learning and work. Level 2 qualifications are the equivalent of GCSE grades A* to C (grades 9 to 4 in the new GCSE grading system*) and Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A levels. Level 4 and 5 are equivalent to a Foundation Degree and Level 6 equivalent to an honours degree

BTECS and NVQs are vocational courses. A BTEC Extended Diploma is the equivalent to 3 x A-levels.

Apprenticeships are a valid choice after Year 11 and 13 for many students. We therefore will allow access to a wide range of apprenticeship and training providers so that you are fully informed of the full range or opportunities available.

All students interested in apprenticeship will need to let Miss Colquhoun, Careers Lead, or Sam White, our careers adviser know as we will be delivering sessions to help you become work ready. In these sessions we will support you to; create your CV, research vacancies, build your professional network, complete effective applications and prepare for interviews. 

Students will be notified of these sessions and letters will be sent home via ParentMail. Attendance is strongly encouraged. The first sessions commence on Thursday 2nd November.

Useful links:

National Apprenticeship Service

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

For  students to search vacancies and creating an account

Find out more about apprenticeships 

https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

For increasing knowledge and understanding for UCAS mentors

Leicester City Council

http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/our-jobs-and-careers/opportunities-for-young-people/apprenticeships/

For vacancies and links to the Apprenticeship Hub - a broker for young people

IT Apprenticeships

http://www.3aaa.co.uk/

Construction

http://www.ctskills.co.uk/

http://www.intraining.co.uk/Pages/home.aspx

Plumbing/ Electrical 

http://www.jtltraining.com/

http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/

www.connexions-leics.org/jobs

NHS 

https://stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/apprenticeships

Security Service

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/opportunities/school-leavers

Helpful labour market information

https://www.llep.org.uk/investing-in-our-people/choosing-a-career/guide-to-the-local-labour-market/