Next steps for learners and parents
Received your results and thinking about your next steps? Read on for advice and guidance on what you could do next.
What’s next for you if you’ve recently left school or college or you will be leaving this year?
Remember that you now have lots of options in front of you, and you’re empowered to make the choices that suit your skills, your passions, your ambitions and ultimately, that make you happy!
You don’t have to go to university to be successful – there are high-quality alternative paths to success including vocational and technical training, apprenticeships, learning on the job – or even taking a gap year to travel and take a breath. Take a look at our apprenticeships vs university blog post if you’re considering either of these options.
Also, you're likely to change careers several times as you progress, which will mean learning and re-skilling throughout your lifetime. With this in mind, it’s really important to develop those core essential skills to help you adapt and thrive, no matter what career you end up in – confidence, resilience, communication skills and positive mental fitness.
Take a look at the links on the right for post-16 and post-18 options, comparisons between apprenticeship and university and more. You can also visit the Careermap website where they host a range of useful pages including What to do after high school?, the Career Advice Hub, and information on Degree Apprenticeships.
We’ve also included some helpful careers resources below:
- Career diagnostic tool
- National Careers Service
- If you’re considering a career in health and social care, childcare, education or dental nursing, you may find it helpful to join CACHE Alumni
- Careers advice service by location:
Stories of success
We're delighted to see so many learners achieve their qualifications and go on to do great things – be inspired by our learner stories.
Qualifications of interest
We offer qualifications in a wide range of sector areas: creative, digital, sport, travel, health, social care, early years, education and much more! Search for qualifications that you might be interested in and find a college or training provider nearby with our find a centre search.
How to make the best decision for you
Life is full of decisions – some more difficult than others. Here are some tips on how to make good decisions when it comes to your future career:
- Don't make a decision when you feel stressed or emotions are heightened
- Give yourself time to think
- Consider the pros and cons to all your options – do your research
- Think about your goals, ambitions and what makes you happy.
Talk to friends, teachers and parents to help you but don’t let them persuade you – this is your call.
Look after yourself
Throughout the academic year, not just exam season, it’s really important that you look after yourself so that you can fulfil your potential. Take a look at our top tips for self-care.
Stories of success
Qualifications of interest
Search qualifications and find a college or training provider near you.