Multidirectional arrow icon with blue and green colors.

Future Options 16+

CONTENTS

HOW IS COLLEGE DIFFERENT FROM SCHOOL?

5 Key Facts

A group of young adults sitting outdoors, engaging in conversation. The photo is in a circular frame with a yellow background.

More IndepenDeNce

At college you may have more independence that at school. You may have free time where you don’t have any lessons but are still expected to do your work. If you need help you just have to ask!

Chefs preparing food in a kitchen with trays of ingredients on a counter.

Only Study what you enjoy

Unlike school, at college you choose the subject(s) you would like to study. This allows you to choose to study topics that you enjoy.

Person painting a mural on a wall, wearing a wide-brimmed green hat and striped top, holding a paintbrush and small container.

More Choice

There are lots more subjects you can choose from at college that you wouldn’t have been able to choose at school.

Two people working at a desk, one typing on a laptop and the other holding documents, with a stack of books nearby.

Different Learning Environment

Depending on what you study at college the learning environment can be very different from school. It may be more practical and ‘hands on’ learning. College can often be a lot bigger than school too.

Man giving a presentation in a library setting with a projector screen and seated audience.

Less Formal

Although it is still important to work hard at college, the environment is less formal than at school. Teachers are often called by their first names and you don’t need to wear a uniform.

WHAT IS A STUDY PROGRAMME?

5 Key Facts

Person laying red bricks on sand for a pavement or patio

Helps Develop Your Skills

A study programme can help develop your skills and build your confidence to prepare you for employment, an apprenticeship or further study. Some study programmes even include work experience.

Person receiving a hair wash at a salon with stylist wearing gloves

Different Areas of Study

Study programmes are available in many areas including animal care, childcare, hospitality, motor vehicle repair, construction and more.

Various colorful stopwatches with a prominent silver stopwatch in the center.

Start Dates Throughout the Year

Unlike school or college, study programmes may have several start dates throughout the academic year.

Hand writing "CV" on a blank white paper, surrounded by a green border.

Gain a Qualification

A study programme can provide you with a qualification in a vocational area as well as support with Maths and English if required.

Smiling person with curly hair and glasses at a desk, using a laptop, against a yellow background.

Entry Requirements

Some study programmes do not require you to have any prior qualifications and will tailor the programme to suit your needs. They can also have smaller learning environments with individual support if required.

What is an Apprenticeship?

5 Key Facts

Person using a laptop with a stylus, coffee cup nearby

Earn and Learn

Apprenticeships allow you to work and earn a wage. You also study and gain a qualification.

Group of people in a team huddle with hands together, smiling in a bright room with a brick wall background.

Experience the Workplace

Apprenticeships allow you to get straight into the workplace.

Person using an angle grinder with sparks flying

Choose from a range of job areas

Apprenticeships are available in a range of areas including business, construction, hospitality and many more.

Two women writing on a whiteboard, engaged in discussion, in a bright office setting.

Apprenticeship Levels

There are 4 different apprenticeship levels: intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher and Degree. Each of these levels have different entry requirements.

Two people sitting at a table in a café, engaged in conversation. The woman with long hair and glasses is holding a clipboard, while the man facing away is wearing a vest. There are coffee cups and a smartphone on the table.

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Applying for an apprenticeship is similar to applying for a job. This will usually include completing an application form and attending an interview.