It’s the time of year when school leavers are standing at the crossroads of their future, with so many paths to consider and thinking about what to do next. Stay in further education? Move straight into employment? Why not consider the in-between?
It can be overwhelming to decide what to do next for both school leavers and parents, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In today’s job market, employers are looking for candidates who have a combination of technical skills and soft skills. Technical skills are the qualifications and experience you have in a particular field, while soft skills are the personal attributes that make you a great employee, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
If you’re not quite ready for further education, there are still plenty of options available for you. You could consider getting straight into employment, which will allow you to gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and earn money at the same time.
Alternatively, you could look into apprenticeships, which offer a mix of on-the-job training and learning. They are a great way to gain experience and qualifications while getting paid. Plus, apprenticeships are available in a variety of industries, from construction, accountancy, childcare to marketing and engineering, so there’s something for everyone.
If further education is more your style, there are many options available, including college, university, and vocational courses. These options will allow you to develop your technical skills and gain qualifications that will set you apart from other candidates in the job market.
Young people who are looking to choose their next steps, whether that’s the continue in school or pursue a career can receive valuable support from parents, carers and guardians.
As a parents, carer or guardian you don’t need all the answers, but you can have a lot of influence by listening to and learning about their education and career choices. It’s never too early to start the conversation about their next steps.
The National Careers Service has a quick assessment tool to help them discover what they like and where their skills lay.
You can use the results of the assessment to look at some of the suggested careers together. You could talk about:
- The different careers and whether they have anything in common.
- Which careers they do and do not like and why.
This should help them understand what interests them and could be used to start exploring different careers.
In conclusion, there are plenty of options available to you as a school leaver. Whether you choose to go straight into employment, pursue an apprenticeship, or continue your education, there are plenty of ways to develop your skills and gain valuable experience. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a path that feels right for you and your future goals. Good luck!