Options after Year 11

It’s important to keep on learning and gaining qualifications after Year 11. Learning matters because:

• There are fewer vacancies for people without qualifications
• Most new jobs are likely to be looking for qualifications at level 2 (4-5 GCSE grades A*-C, or equivalent) or above

However there is more than one way of learning. Young people can choose between:

Full time education (college or sixth form)

Education is for everyone. There are courses at colleges and sixth forms at different levels and with different entry requirements. This means that, no matter what grades your teenager achieves, there are courses that they could do. There are also courses which can support young people with special needs.

You can start a course at one level, then move on to the next level if you do well. See the What qualifications are there? section for more information.

There are also different types of course:

• General education (sometimes called academic). The main example is A level. (From 2009, The International Baccalaureate Diploma is also available)

• Work related (sometimes called vocational) involve learning about a broad area of work. Examples include BTECs, the new Diplomas, A levels in applied subjects.

You can sometimes combine these, e.g. take a Diploma plus an A level.

Work-based learning

This also involves gaining qualifications but it may suit a young person who would rather learn while they are in work.

Apprenticeships

These are based in a workplace; young people are either employed or on a work placement while they take qualifications at NVQ level 2. They also take Key skills qualifications and a technical certificate in the area of work involved.

Entry requirements are set by the training provider or employer.

Advanced Apprenticeships

These are similar to Apprenticeships; the key differences are:

• The young person is always employed by the company
• They lead to higher qualifications, at level 3

Advanced Apprenticeships often ask for GCSE grades A*/C (although this can vary). You can sometimes move up from an Apprenticeship to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Advanced Apprenticeships can also lead to certain higher education courses such as Foundation Degree or HNC/HND.

Entry to Employment (e2e)

This can be a starting point if your teenager isn’t ready for work.

What you do on e2e can be flexible. It sets out to tackle whatever barriers might be stopping a young person getting into work, learning or training. The young person can also work towards qualifications at NVQ level 1. Attendance can vary from 16 to 40 hours a week.

For a listing of local courses and work based learning programmes,use:
Options 2009 a booklet given to young people in Year 11.
Apply Sheffield
Careers Barnsley
Apply Rotherham
Doncaster Choices

A job with training

At present an employer can choose whether or not to offer training but check out:

• The time off for study or training rule

A young person is entitled to paid time off from a job to study for a qualification if they don’t have qualifications at NVQ level 2 (GCSE grades A*-C or equivalent). For more information visit the Time Off for Study website.

• Training Pays

If a young person finds a job Training Pays can help them to find suitable training. It will also pay £250 for completing a qualification, both to the young person and the employer. The young person needs to be aged 16-17, working at least 16 hours a week and not taking part in any qualifications.

For more details contact Training Pays on 0114 261 9393.

Many local companies also recruit and train young people through work based learning. Remember too that Advanced Apprenticeships are ‘real jobs’, as are some Apprenticeships.