There are a lot of options to choose from at 18. What’s right for you will depend on your situation and the career or job you have in mind.
For further guidance and support on job applications, CVs and interviews, visit the National Career Service website: http://www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
There are lots of apprenticeships to choose from and ‘find an apprenticeship’ is a great way to view current vacancies. The service can also be used to save and apply for vacancies and also set up alerts for any new vacancies in specific sectors and locations: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Some employers advertise apprenticeship vacancies on their own websites where applicants can apply directly.
There is lots of additional information and guidance about application forms, CVs and covering letters on the National Career Service website: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice#getting-a-job
Use ‘find an apprenticeship’ to set up vacancy alerts: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
For more information and advice on the application process you can:
- visit http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ for additional resources
- visit www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk or follow us on Twitter via @theapp_guide for up to date postings and advice
- speak to a national career service adviser by calling 0800 100 900 or using their webchat: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/webchat/chat
- visit the National Career Service website: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
- visit your local Jobcentre Plus or speak to your local college or school career adviser
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FutureLearn is an online learning platform, an initiative by the Open University, in partnership with 23 leading universities, the British Council, British Museum and British Library to provide learning opportunities that let you:
- experience UK higher education
- gain new skills and knowledge
- explore varied subjects and topics
- discuss and share ideas and with other learners and academics.
How does it work?
All FutureLearn courses are free of charge and are taught in English. Most courses require around 2–4 hours study per week and last six to ten weeks. There are also some short courses lasting two or three weeks.
There are no formal exams, but once you finish the course, you can share a public version of your progress page as evidence of what you’ve learnt.
Get a Job
Get straight into the working world and start earning. You’ll need an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Find out more: Search for vacancies and advice on applying for jobs
Get a Kickstart Job
Get a 6 month paid Kickstart job with a local employer funded by the Government. Entry requirements: Must be aged 16 to 24, in receipt of Universal Credit and at risk of long- term unemployment. Leads to: A stronger CV and better chance of securing your next job. Find out more: Talk to your Universal Credit Work Coach or check the jobhelp site.
Internships
A period of work experience where you can try out a job and get to know an industry. Entry requirements: Age 16+. Leads to: Work, university/college, traineeships, apprenticeships. Find out more: Information about internships
Start a Business
Becoming an entrepreneur can be exciting, but think carefully about your ideas and make a solid business plan. Find out more: Information about setting up a business.
Learn the higher-level skills that employers want in sectors like finance, engineering, management and scientific jobs on a classroom-taught course.
Location: College or university, some of which specialise in subjects as part of an Institute of Technology or National College
Duration: 1 to 2 years
Entry requirements: Varies by course.
Qualifications: Higher Nationals (HNC/Ds), foundation degrees, certificate/diploma of higher education and various other technical qualifications
Leads to: Skilled employment in higher technical job or higher levels of study
Find out more: By calling 0800 100 900 or use webchat
A chance to learn and train with a large company while earning a wage. Offered in sectors like accountancy, engineering, finance, IT, law, leisure and retail. Similar to graduate employment schemes run over a longer period of time.
Location: You’ll often rotate between different locations with the same company to get experience and it can include distance learning or time in college or university
Duration: 3 to 7 years
Entry requirements: Usually high grade A levels or equivalent and a keen interest in the sector you want to work in.
Qualifications: A university degree and/or professional qualification
Leads to: Professional employment
Find out more directly from company websites.
Supported internships are for young people with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who need extra support to get a job.
Location: You’ll spend most of your time on placements with an employer, learning skills for work. You’ll also get help from a tutor and a job coach in college or with a specialist provider.
Duration: A minimum of 6 months
Entry requirements: Aged 16-24 with an Education Health and Care Plan
Qualifications: GCSE English and maths
Leads to: Work, traineeship, apprenticeship
Find out more:
- from your school or local college
- speak to your social worker or a transition worker
- speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser
A course that includes a work placement that will get you ready for an apprenticeship or a job. You’ll get work experience and some help to apply for your next steps. You can also improve your maths and English skills. You’ll get work experience and some help to apply for whatever you do next.
Location: You’ll spend a minimum of 70 hours in a work placement with the rest of your time in college or a training centre
Duration: 6 weeks to 1 year
Entry requirements: You need to be aged between 16 to 24 or up to 25 with an Education Health and Care Plan with no higher than a level 3 qualificationQualifications: English, maths, digital and work-related qualifications
Leads to: Apprenticeship, further education, work
- Find out more:
- ask your local college or training provider
- speak to your school careers adviser
- speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser if you receive benefits
- find a traineeship in your area
An academic course that’s usually studied at a higher education institution. Learn through lectures, seminars, group projects and independent study. There’s funding available to support you and you can study full or part-time.
Location: At a university, college or online. You could go away to study, stay local or go abroad.
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Entry requirements: Universities set their own entry requirements. You’ll usually need A Levels or equivalent qualifications
Qualifications: Ordinary or Honours degree
Leads to: Postgraduate taught or research degrees, professional qualifications, graduate employment
Find out more: