Today’s students are faced with a wider array of post-18 options than ever before and it is crucial that they are making informed decisions about their career options.
It is important that school leaver programmes are not considered a less respectable choice than a degree course, or a back-up option for students who miss out on a university place. Since the sharp rise in tuition fees, prestigious, global companies from a number of industries have been quick to create opportunities for Post 16 students that provide salaries, intense training, employability skills, relevant contacts, and in some cases formal qualifications.
School Leaver Training Schemes are separate from the National Apprenticeship Service but are also offered by a wide variety of employers. They usually involve part-time study for a degree or professional qualifications through day release or block release alongside paid employment and on-the-job training. There is no central register of these schemes but they are often advertised on a company’s own website and on some of the websites listed below. There is strong competition for these schemes but those students who have allowed sufficient time to build up evidence to demonstrate the skills and enthusiasm that employers are looking for have often gained offers of employment.
There is also the option of self-employment. Self-employment requires a good business idea, as well as the skills and knowledge to run your own business and a source of finance to cover start-up costs.
Students interested in this pathway are strongly encouraged to develop their business acumen through participation in any enterprise activities offered in the academy as well as external events and competitions. Support is also available from:
For many students university degrees, gap years, vocational courses or training will be their right pathway. The following websites will provide some insight for students looking for alternatives to university by getting straight into business.