A job
Look for jobs with training and the opportunity to gain relevant qualifications – important if you want to move on. Don’t take the first job you are offered if it has no prospects.
Not going to Uni and The Big Choice have advice and vacancies aimed at advanced level leavers.
You can also look for vacancies in the bulletins on the Izzy-info home page.
Jobcentre Plus vacancies are on Universal Jobmatch.
Don’t forget apprenticeships are jobs with recognised training and are available across most job sectors, see below.
More advice about making applications and interview skills is in the Apprenticeships and jobs section.
Apprenticeship
Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships are a good way to learn and earn. Apprenticeships combine training with a job. More and more employers are recruiting apprentices. For further details of the range of jobs covered and the latest vacancies go to Find an apprenticeship. Vacancies are also on Not Going to Uni
Gap year or year out
A gap year is a year between school or college and university. Options include voluntary work, paid employment, or travel. Many young people do a mix of these.
There are pros and cons to taking a gap year (look in the Downloads section on this page). You need to weigh these up and see how they affect your future plans.
The following organisations offer advice:
- Headstart - EDT (Engineering Development Trust) offers work experience for future engineers
- The Year Out Group for links to all leading year out organisations
- The Foreign Office has the latest information and advice for those thinking of travelling abroad
- Do it the national database of volunteering