CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL COLLEGE OPEN EVENT INFORMATION
Career Choices
It is important to start thinking about what career you want to do in the future. If you don’t yet have specific careers in mind and want help generating ideas or if you want to learn more about the careers you have in mind then click the links below for more information:
- https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
- https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice
- https://icould.com/
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
- https://successatschool.org/studentspace
- https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-hub/
- https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/employment-help-young-people/choices/school-options-exams/
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/choosing-your-career
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/391911/15.01.05._UKCES_Career_Brochure_V13_reduced.pdf
- https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/
- https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/career-planning-and-your-degree
Labour Market Information
Labour Market Information (LMI) is information about the current economic and employment situation. It includes data on post 18 destinations, average starting salaries, current trends in employment sectors and recruitment patterns.
It is important to check LMI information so that you understand the up to date information about availability of jobs in the local area and job competition, the amount of money that you could earn, how you can get into your chosen job and the qualifications and training you may need. Check the links below for further information about LMI:
- https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/interested-in-the-lm-and-want-lmi/
- https://icould.com/
- https://my.sacu-student.com/sacustudent/f?p=SACU_SUBJECT_EXPLORER:44:0::NO::P44_LINE_LENGTH:160
- https://datahub.rcultd.co.uk/blocks/labour-market-information
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/uk-job-market-guide/313703-dos-and-don-ts-for-using-labour-market-information-in-your-career-decisions
Labour Market Information for Burnley & Pendle:
- https://www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Burnley-and-Pendle-Factsheet.pdf
- https://www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Burnley-and-Pendle-Factsheet.pdf
A-levels
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations. If you are interested in A-Levels and need further information then visit the links below:
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/a-levels
- https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/qualifications-you-can-take/levels
- https://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/how-are-my-as-and-a-level-studies-structured
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/a-level-choices/315491-what-a-level-subjects-should-i-take
Local College and Sixth Forms that offer A-Level Courses:
- Burnley College: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/Sixth-Form-Home
- Blackburn College: https://www.blackburn.ac.uk/aged-16-18/a-levels/find-your-course/
- Nelson & Colne College: https://www.nelson.ac.uk/16-18/a-level/
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form: http://www.crgs.org.uk/sixth-form/
- St Christopher’s Sixth Form: https://www.st-christophers.org/sixth-about/courses
- St Mary’s College Sixth Form: https://www.stmarysblackburn.ac.uk/sixth-form/
- Accrington Academy Sixth Form: https://accrington-academy.org/sixth-form/welcome/
- Alder Grange Sixth Form: http://aldergrange.com/index.php?page=ag6
- Darwen Academy Sixth Form: https://www.sixthform.daca.uk.com/
Vocational
Vocational courses are designed to help you learn about a specific job area in a practical way. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher education. There are many different types of vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects at all levels, from Entry Level right up to Level 8 so if you know what job or job sector you want to go into you may want to study a vocational course. For more information about vocational courses click on the links below:
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/vocational-qualifications
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/vocational-qualifications/what-are-vocational-qualifications
- https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/545/What-are-vocational-qualifications%3F
Local Colleges that offer Vocational Courses:
- Burnley College: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/courses-available-dynamic-vocational
- Blackburn College: https://www.blackburn.ac.uk/aged-16-18/technical/
- Nelson & Colne College: https://www.nelson.ac.uk/16-18/vocational-courses/
- Accrington & Rossendale College: https://www.accross.ac.uk/16-18/vocational-courses/
- Myerscough College: https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/courses/further-education/
- Evolve Military College: https://www.evolvemilitarycollege.co.uk/
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a way to learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time. Apprentices spend most of their time in the workplace gaining job-specific skills, but are also supported by a specialist learning provider to build up their job-specific knowledge and qualifications.
Apprenticeship training can take between one and four years to complete and the length of the apprenticeship will depend on its level, the industry involved and the apprentice’s prior level of relevant skills. For more information about apprenticeships click on the links below:
- https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
- https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/#
- https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
- https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/apprenticeships
- https://www.theskillsservice.co.uk/stand-out/apprenticeships/
Local Colleges that offer Apprenticeships:
- Burnley College: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/Themis-home
- Blackburn College: https://www.blackburn.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
- Nelson & Colne College: https://www.nelson.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
- Accrington & Rossendale College: https://www.accross.ac.uk/16-18/vocational-courses/
- Myerscough College: https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/
- North Lancashire Training Group: https://www.nltg.co.uk/apprenticeships/
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain valuable experience, it also looks great to future employers and universities. If you are interested in volunteering then click the links below for more information:
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/skills-and-experience/894117-volunteering-for-teens
- https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering
- https://do-it.org/
- https://vinspired.com/
- https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/
- https://www.gvi.co.uk/volunteering-for-teens/
- https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/opportunities-for-young-people
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteer
Programmes
There are opportunities to join programmes where you can improve your skills, experience and meet new people as well. These are also a great way of spending your time outside of school and usually focus on improving your leadership abilities. If you think you are interested in these programmes then click the links below for more information:
- https://www.ncsyes.co.uk/
- https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
- http://www.baseballsoftballuk.com/youthpanel
Higher Education
If you are interested in studying at university after you complete a-levels or a vocational course then these links may help. It’s important to think about what you want to do at university now so you know what entry requirements you need. If you think you may be interested in university then click the link below for more information:
- https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice
- https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
- https://university.which.co.uk/
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/uni/degree-subject-guides
- https://targetcareers.co.uk/uni/choices-about-uni
Specialist Careers Portals
- Accounting and Finance
- Au Pairs
- BBC Opportunities
- Charity Opportunities
- Chemical Engineering
- Electronic Media
- Hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism
- IT Jobs
- National Health Service
- Nursing
- Public Sector Jobs