Post-18 Options
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Knowing what your next steps are.
You may already have an idea about your future studies or career. However, it’s quite common to feel undecided, or confused, about what to do next. It’s important to make sure you get the advice you need. You can talk to your parents, teachers or a career adviser. There are a lot of options to choose post-18. The right path for you will depend on the career you want to pursue.
If you already know what you want to do, make sure you know what your next steps are and always have a back-up plan, in case your first choice doesn’t work out or you change your mind.
University
At university, you will study an academic course, with many students working towards gaining a degree in a specialist subject area.
To apply for a specific course students use the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, or UCAS as it is commonly known.
If you choose to study in a town or city that is far away, then it is likely you will live in student accommodation. If you decide to study closer to home, then you have the choice of living in student accommodation or remaining with your parents/guardians.
Advice & Resources
Use the links below to help you search and compare undergraduate courses in the UK:
- UCAS | At the heart of connecting people to higher education
Home – Discover Uni
Compare the Best University Degrees Courses UK | Whatuni
Students must pay to attend a university, with most fees being £9000 a year. There will also be the cost of accommodation (should you choose to live away from home). The vast majority of university students fund their studies through a student loan: Student finance – GOV.UK
Once you have gained your relevant qualification you have several options.
- You could continue to study at a higher level (Masters level).
- You could complete further qualifications to specialise in a specific career (i.e. a PGCE to become a teacher).
- You could enter the world of work as a graduate.
Apprenticeship and Technical Education
Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. You’ll get training that is relevant to your job and be paid a salary.
You’ll typically spend 80% of your time in the workplace and 20% off the job with some study in a college, training centre or institute. Entry requirements will be dependent on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level and you could gain qualifications including a degree and a masters.
Many apprenticeships lead directly to employment but can also support you to access further study, including higher education. For more information see our apprenticeship page.
A good website if looking for alternatives to university is Not Going to Uni.
The Armed Forces
There are hundreds of different armed forces careers.
You have the chance to see the world in many jobs you can do in civilian life (for example, a chef, a nurse or an engineer). Each of the armed forces has its own careers website.
You can use them to get tips on recruitment, the selection process and how to prepare:
- What the Army Offers You | British Army – British Army Jobs
RAF Recruitment | Career and Benefits | Royal Air Force
Royal Navy Jobs | Careers in the Navy & Royal Marines
Employment
Some students choose to go directly into paid employment. Before looking for a job it is important to have an updated, professional CV.
Use the links below to help you create a standout CV:
Create a CV for free
CVs and Cover Letters
CV writing for Young People
When looking for employment many people use online providers to search for jobs. Here, you can filter your search to specific locations, sectors and even salary:
Find a Job – GOV.UK
Job Search | Indeed
Monster Jobs: Find a Job Today
Emergency Services
The range of job opportunities open to you in the emergency services is vast, from being a dog handler for the police to driving an ambulance or working as a firefighter.
There are many opportunities for both school leavers and graduates in the emergency services and prospects for training and progression are good:
Health Careers
Job Vacancies at West Mercia Police | West Mercia Police
Current Vacancies | Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Gap Year
Gap years can be used to enhance your CV, travel, learn new skills, and much more. A gap year offers you the opportunity to gain skills and experiences while giving you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next.
- A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV – many employers value the experiences students have gained if they’ve actively managed their time, set themselves goals, and stretched themselves.
- A gap year can also enhance your higher education studies – if you decide to apply for uni, you could tailor your gap year to relate it to the subject area you plan to study.
- Admissions tutors know that some students may take a little time to adjust to studying again, but many former gap-year students are generally more focused and responsible.
Why Take A Gap Year?
It’s really important to set goals to make your time productive, so you need to identify what you want to achieve. You might want to:
- Have a break from study
- Gain new skills/experiences
- Earn money
- Spend time deciding what you want to do
- Do a combination of the above
For more support and guidance see the UCAS advice regarding taking a gap year: Gap Year Ideas – What To Do In Your Gap Year | UCAS
Alternatively, you can always get advice on the next steps from your career advisor at school.
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