Theme of the Month - Career Advice and Next Steps

Theme of the Month: Career Advice and Next Steps

Thinking About Your Future

You don't need to have your whole career planned out right now. As you learn more about yourself, different subjects and the world of work, your interests and career ideas may change.

Career planning is about exploring your options, understanding your strengths and making informed choices about what you might like to do next.

What Are Your Next Steps?

Depending on your age and where you are in your education or training, there are lots of routes you might explore for the future, including:

Apprenticeships
Further education and college
T Levels and other technical qualifications
Sixth form
Future employment opportunities
Higher education and university later on

Different routes suit different people, so it is important to explore your options rather than feeling that there is only one correct pathway.

Explore Different Careers

There are thousands of different jobs and career paths available. Start by thinking about:

The subjects you enjoy.
Your interests and hobbies.
Things you are good at.
Skills you would like to develop.
Whether you enjoy practical or classroom-based learning.
Industries or jobs you would like to learn more about.
What is important to you in a future career.

You don't need to choose one career immediately. Exploring different options can help you discover opportunities you may not have considered before.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines a real job with learning and training. Apprentices work towards developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for their chosen occupation.

Apprenticeships are available across lots of industries, so they are worth considering alongside other education and training routes when thinking about your future.

Building Your Skills

Employers look for more than qualifications. Developing skills throughout your education and training can help prepare you for future opportunities.

Useful skills include:

Communication.
Teamwork.
Problem solving.
Organisation and time management.
Digital skills.
Confidence.
Reliability.
Willingness to learn.

School projects, hobbies, volunteering, clubs and other activities can all provide opportunities to develop and demonstrate these skills.

Preparing for Future Applications

As you get closer to applying for further education, apprenticeships or jobs, you may need to explain your skills and experience.

It can be useful to keep a record of:

Qualifications and subjects you are studying.
Achievements and awards.
Work experience.
Volunteering.
Clubs and activities.
Skills you have developed.
Examples of projects or responsibilities you are proud of.

These can eventually help you when completing applications or creating your first CV.

Getting Careers Advice

You don't have to make decisions about your future on your own.

Speak to a parent or carer, teacher, tutor or careers adviser if you have questions about your options. You can also use careers information to research different occupations, qualifications and progression routes.