Beyond 16 2013

bey nd
CAREER PLANNING
2014 Options after Year 11
1 6
EDUCATION
APPRENTICESHIPS DEVELOPING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY
JOBS WITH TRAINING
contents
YOUR POST-16 OPTIONS CAREER PLANNING
Your three-step plan Career planning checklist Career planning calendar How do qualifications compare? More about qualifications Building your skills
bey nd
16
3 5
5 9 10 11 12 15
EDUCATION
Your options How do I apply? Education course grids Schools: A Levels Schools: Vocational / Other courses Colleges: A Levels Colleges: Vocational / Other courses School and college contacts
16
16 19 19 20 22 24 25 33
APPRENTICESHIPS
Your options How do I apply?
39
40 41
DEVELOPING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

Your options How do I apply? Foundation Study Programme contacts work-based learning if you havent reached Level 2
43
44 45 46
JOBS
Your options Where to look for jobs Starting your own business
48
48 49 50
HIGHER EDUCATION MONEY MATTERS

Can I get any extra money while Im learning? Can I get any other help with money or course fees? Can I get Income Support or other benefits while studying? Can I get help with childcare costs if I carry on learning? How much could I earn on an Apprenticeship? How much could I earn if I get a job? Do I need to open a bank or building society account? What are Income Tax and National Insurance?
52 53
53 53 54 54 54 54 55 55
MORE HELP
Help from Connexions Birmingham for young people working with us Other sources of help
57
57 59
bey nd
16
YOUR POST-16 OPTIONS

Welcome to Beyond 16 your guide to post-16 options. This downloadable booklet is designed to help you make decisions about what to do when you finish Year 11. Beyond 16 covers the four main options available to you:
The new 1619 Study Programme

From September 2013, you will start to hear more about the new 1619 Study Programme. This is the name given to the overall packages of learning and related activities that all young people who are at least 16 but havent yet reached the Participation Age will be taking. So you are still part of the Study Programme if, for example, you go into a Sixth Form to start work towards a set of A Levels, or you go to college, perhaps to take some more vocationally-based qualifications, or you go into training with a work-based learning provider. All of the options that Beyond 16 tells you about will involve you having a Study Programme of some sort. Whichever of these different approaches you decide is right for you, there are some things which will apply to everyone:
EDUCATION
Taking an education course at school or college
APPRENTICESHIPS
Joining an Apprenticeship programme with an employer

Getting your English and maths up to standard and getting work experience or other activities to help your future employment prospects
JOBS
Finding a job which must include training leading to an accredited qualification, at least until youre 18
Your Study Programme will aim to move you towards a higher level of study than you have already reached, whatever level that is. You will spend a majority of your time working towards one or more substantial academic or vocational qualifications. This means a qualification that should help you progress towards either a trade, profession or other form of employment, or towards getting a university or other higher education course. You will need to continue studying English and maths if you havent yet reached GSCE grade A*-C in those subjects by the end of Year 11. You will be doing extended work experience in some form. There will be enrichment activities such as tutorials, outdoor activities and learning about opportunity search skills.
Raising the Participation Age (RPA)

You will probably have heard about this change, because if you are due to reach the end of Year 11 in 2014 or later you will need to continue in education or some form of training until you are 18. It doesnt mean that the school leaving age has been raised its about making sure that all young people continue in some form of education or training until they reach 18. You can stay in education, go on an Apprenticeship, or get a job but there must be some training with the job. In real day-to-day terms this doesnt really restrict your choices at all.
your post-16 options
bey nd
16
Using Beyond 16
To begin with, try out the section on Career planning, which gives you a three-step plan to help you choose from the four main options. You can find out more about each of the four options education, Apprenticeships, developing your employability, and jobs in the sections that follow. Its a good idea to look through all the sections so that you have all the information you need to make your choice. If youre thinking about going into higher education, you can find out more in the Higher Education section. Youll find all you need to know about money, for learning or work, in the Money matters section. Finally, if you need further ideas and information, try the section offering More help.
You can also use the UCAS Progress course database at www.ucasprogress.com to find details of local courses and opportunities for 14-19 year olds. Many but not all schools, colleges and training providers in Birmingham are using UCAS Progress to list the courses they offer.
bey nd
16
CAREER PLANNING
Career planning means finding out more about the kind of career you would like and how you could achieve it. It can help you choose the right options now for the future you want. In this section youll find:

Your three-step plan

There are three steps to successful career planning. 1. Finding out all about you your interests, skills, likes and dislikes. 2. Exploring career ideas, to find out more about different jobs. 3. Making a plan of how you could achieve the career you want.
Your three-step plan Career planning checklist Career planning calendar How do qualifications compare? More about qualifications Building your skills
Step 1 All about you

Before you start planning your next move, youll need to find out more about your own interests, likes and dislikes. Try answering the questions below and making your own list as you go.
What are your interests?

What do you enjoy doing at school or in your spare time? For example you might like:

art music sports writing stories looking after pets playing computer games socialising with friends
What are your skills?

What kind of things are you good at, in school or your free time? For example you might be good at:

science maths talking and writing using computers
career planning

bey nd
16
creative work, like painting or music practical tasks, like making models researching information for a project
What are your personal qualities?

What are you like as a person? For example, you could be good at:

managing your time and meeting deadlines working well with other people planning ahead talking to groups of people joining in discussions caring for other people coming up with original ideas listening to other peoples views
If you need to bring your English and maths up to standard, and maybe get some work experience or other skills so that youre in a better position to decide what you might do next the new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 aims to give everyone the chance to work towards a substantial qualification, to work towards Level 2 in English and maths if youre not already at that level, and get some work experience or other preparation for work. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43.
Step 2 Exploring career ideas

The world of work is changing all the time. To help you plan your career, youll need to find out more about the kind of jobs that are out there now, and which ones could be big in the future. To get some inspiration, you could have a look at these two websites, which feature video clips and case studies of people in lots of different careers:

How do you like to learn?

Different options will offer different ways of learning. For example, some education courses will be mostly classroom-based while others will involve more practical project work.
If you enjoy classroom-based learning with exams... ...you may want to take a general education course like A Levels at sixth form or college. You can find out more in the section on Education which starts on page 16. If you prefer practical project work with hands-on work experience... ...you might be interested in a vocational course like a BTEC at sixth form or college. You can find out more in the section on Education which starts on page 16. If you like the sound of learning new skills while you work and gaining qualifications for the job you are doing... ...you may be interested in an Apprenticeship or a job with training. You can find more information in the sections on Apprenticeships, which starts on page 39, and Jobs, which starts on page 48.
icould.com www.careersbox.co.uk
You can also find out more using careers software programs and websites.
Careers software programs can help you to find out more about hundreds of different jobs, so you can decide what kind of career might suit you. Schools and colleges are responsible for making sure that careers advice is available to their students, so find out what careers software your school or college might have available. Our World of work webpages have information on 15 different areas of work and about local job trends go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions, follow the link to our website and follow the World of work quicklink button. World of work has recently been completely reviewed and updated and will help you understand the local situation better.
career planning
bey nd
16
National Careers Service Job profiles at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/default. aspx has over 750 job profiles. You can look at job families or use the search facility to find out more about careers. UCAS Progress at www.ucasprogress.com has a searchable database of courses and work-based learning.
Did you know?

There are fewer and fewer unskilled jobs available. In fact, the government predict that in 10 years time 40% of jobs will need a qualification at higher education degree level (thats Level 6 have a look at How do qualifications compare? on page 11 to find out more). Once youve found the jobs you are interested in, try to answer the four questions below. 1. Can I start this career straight from school?
Once youve got some career ideas, try listing those you are most interested in and why you like the sound of them.
Did you know?

Many of the top careers in high-tech areas like computing, engineering and research did not even exist a generation ago! Theres also been a big increase in caring jobs, such as those working with children and with older people.
This may depend on what qualifications you have or are predicted to get when you leave school. Remember, the majority of jobs these days ask for some qualifications. The Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) means that you can still go straight into a job, but you must also be doing some recognised training as part of, or alongside, that job. You can find out more in the Jobs section which starts on page 48. For some areas of work, an Apprenticeship is one of the main ways to start your career. You may need some qualifications before you can begin an Apprenticeship. You can find out more in the Apprenticeships section which starts on page 39.
Step 3 Making a plan

Now youve got some career ideas that interest you, youll need to do some more research to find out the best route into that career. You can find out more about routes into different careers using:
2. Could I do an Apprenticeship?
careers software programs, which can help you to find out more about hundreds of different jobs, helping you decide what kind of career might suit you. Schools and colleges are responsible for making sure that careers advice is available to their students, so find out what careers software your school or college might have available. our World of work webpages go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions, follow the link to our website and follow the World of work quicklink button the National Careers Service Job profiles at https://nationalcareersservice.direct. gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/ default.aspx have over 750 job profiles. You can look at job families or use the search facility to find out more about careers.
3. Do I need to get some more qualifications for this type of job?
You may need to gain some more qualifications at school, college or even university. Find out what subjects and types of qualification you may need. For example, you might need a general course like A Levels, or a vocational course like a BTEC
career planning
(one that trains you for a particular area of work). You can find out more in the section on staying in Education which starts on page 16. 4. Do I need to build up my employability or other skills?
bey nd
16
You may not feel ready yet to start a higher level course, Apprenticeship or job. The new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 aims to give everyone the chance to work towards a substantial qualification, to work towards Level 2 in English and maths if youre not already at that level, and get some work experience or other preparation for work. Were still waiting for some of the details about how these new programmes will work, and about new schemes like Traineeships. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43.
Have a back-up plan

Even if youve got your ideal career in mind, its a good idea to think about other choices in case things dont work out the way you planned. This is especially important if youre aiming for a very popular course or career. For example, if you dont get the grades you are hoping for or there are no places available on your chosen Apprenticeship, youll need to have a good alternative to fall back on. Think about your alternative career choices and have a second or third option ready in case your plans need to change. This could be a different career choice, or perhaps a different route towards your first choice career or a similar one.
career planning
bey nd
16
Career planning checklist

You can use this checklist to make sure youve done all the research and planning you need. If youve followed the three-step plan earlier in this section, you should be able to tick everything on the list. I have...
Its important to take some action use the three-step plan to help you. Dont worry if you are having trouble making a decision there are lots of ways you can get help. You can find out about all the support available in the More help section which starts on page 57.
Find out more...

If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham and you need more help with career planning, a Connexions personal adviser (PA) can give you advice and guidance. They can help you to research career ideas, find out what extra support you might need to follow your chosen option and look at any problems you might have.
found out about the four options I could choose when I finish Year 11 education, Apprenticeships, developing my employability, and jobs (see Your options on page 3) made a list of my interests, skills and personal qualities (see Step 1 All about you starting on page 5) used careers software to match my interests and ideas with possible careers (see More help starting on page 57 to find out about careers software) thought about the way I like to learn and which options education, Apprenticeships, developing my employability, or jobs might suit me (see How do you like to learn? in Step 1 All about you on page 6) researched the kind of careers I am interested in, using careers software and websites (see Step 2 Exploring career ideas on page 6) found out about possible routes into the careers Im interested in and any further qualifications I need to achieve (see Step 3 Making a plan starting on page 7) found out all about Higher Education (see the Higher Education section on page 52) thought about a back-up career idea, in case my first choice doesnt work out spoken with my teachers, careers coordinator, other adviser and/or family members about my career ideas
career planning
bey nd
16
Career planning calendar

You can use this calendar to keep on track with important dates and deadlines.
Autumn term 2013
Spring term 2014
Use the three-step plan in this section to find out as much as possible about careers you are interested in. Use this booklet or the Beyond 16 webpages to find out more about your four main options. Use the grids in this booklet and the online UCAS Progress course search at www.ucasprogress.com to find information about local courses. Find out about school and college open days/evenings and put them in your diary. You may be able to do work experience through your school or college this term, if you havent had a placement already. Find out about this as soon as you can, as popular places may fill up quickly. Try to get your school or college applications off by December 2013 at the latest. Some colleges fill up well before the Christmas holidays! If you are thinking about Apprenticeships, remember that some job areas such as motor vehicle, electrical work or childcare are very popular. Apply this term if possible. You can find out more in the Apprenticeships section starting on page 39. Your school or college may have mock exams this term, which can help you see how you are doing. Talk to your teachers about your expected grades. If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham and youre not sure youll get the grades you hoped for, or if youre worried, talk to a Connexions personal adviser.
Applications for Apprenticeships and jobs starting in the summer should be made as early as possible in the spring term. Keep checking the jobs and Apprenticeships advertised on the Connexions Birmingham website go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/ connexions, follow the link to our website and then use the Search our opportunities links, applying for those that interest you. You could also search for Apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.org.uk (go to Search for vacancies).
Summer term 2014
If you havent found the right option yet, you should continue to make applications to schools, colleges or learning providers, or apply for jobs with training. Dont forget that if you are working with a Connexions personal adviser, they can offer advice and support if youre not sure what to do next. If your exam results mean a change in your plans, contact them for advice.
10
career planning
bey nd
16
How do qualifications compare?

The chart below shows some examples of how different qualifications compare to each other. Depending on what subjects and levels youve studied, you may be able to move between different types of qualification. For example, you may be able to move from a general education course at Level 2 on to a Diploma at Level 3. This is a general guide, so when applying for courses and Apprenticeships, always check out the specific entry requirements needed.
Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 General education courses See Foundation Study Programme Level 1 GCSE grade D-G Functional Skills Level 2 GCSE grade A*-C Functional Skills Level 3 A Level, AS Level, A2 Level International Baccalaureate Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 1 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 2 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3 Levels 4-8 Degree Masters Degree PhD HNC HND Professional Diploma Foundation Degree Advanced Level Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3 plus technical certificates such as BTEC Level 3 Higher Apprenticeship NVQ 4, Foundation Degree, HNC or HND
Vocational See Foundation education Study Programme courses including BTEC and City & Guilds * Apprenticeships
Pre-Apprenticeship Pre-Apprenticeship Apprenticeship programme programme NVQ Level 2 plus technical Traineeships Traineeships certificates such as BTEC Level 2 Awards, Certificates or Diplomas at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 Skills for Life Functional Skills Awards, Certificates or Diplomas at Level 1 Essential Skills Functional Skills
Foundation Study Programme
The Foundation Study Programme is to help people who havent yet reached Level 2, and to prepare you to progress on to a Level 2 course, a job with training or an Apprenticeship
* Qualifications like BTEC and City & Guilds are now part of the new vocational Awards, Certificates and Diplomas. For example, a BTEC First is now called a BTEC Level 2 Award, while a BTEC National Diploma is now a BTEC Level 3 Diploma. To find out more about different qualifications, take a look at the next section More about qualifications.
11
career planning
bey nd
16
More about qualifications

There are a range of qualifications that you may be able to study after Year 11 and even more that you could progress on to later. This section gives you some more information about the qualifications available at different levels. You can go to the previous section on How do qualifications compare? to find out more about different qualification levels. Remember that not all qualifications and subjects will be available at a particular school, college or learning provider. To find out which qualifications are available locally, you can use the Education grids starting on page 19, or search the UCAS Progress course database at www.ucasprogress.com. Not all schools and colleges use UCAS Progress to list their courses so remember that, even if you dont find what you are looking for, those courses may be on offer at other schools or colleges.
BTEC
BTECs are general work-related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, which can lead to progression on to further study at college or university, Apprenticeships or employment. Courses combine practical work with academic learning in a wide range of subjects such as Art and Design, Engineering, Business Studies, Applied Chemistry and Retail. They can be taken alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A Levels in schools and colleges. They are also available as shorter courses and can form part of an Apprenticeship.
BTECs are available at different levels, from Entry Level (pre-Level 1) to Level 7. Entry requirements and progression (what they lead on to) will depend on what level BTEC you take.
Degree
This is a Higher Education qualification, which is usually studied at university or a Higher Education college. Degrees are available in a wide range of subjects and combinations, from academic subjects like History and Law to practical subjects like Photography or Engineering. Most degree courses take three years to complete.

A Level (AS Levels / A2 Levels)

A Levels are general academic qualifications which can lead to further study at college or university, Apprenticeships or employment. An A Level is made up of two parts: the AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) is studied in the first year of the course and the A2 in the second year. Together they make up a complete A Level. You can choose from a wide range of about 80 subjects, including some applied subjects (workrelated subjects like Business or Accounting, for example). AS Levels are graded at A-E and full A Levels at A*-E.

Degrees are a Level 6 qualification. The usual entry route to a degree course is by completing A Levels or another Level 3 qualification.
You can find out more about degree courses on our websites Higher Education webpages go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions, follow the link to our website and follow the World of work quicklink button.
A Levels are a Level 3 qualification. You could progress on to A Levels after doing a Level 2 course, like GCSEs or an NVQ Level 2. They could lead on to courses at Levels 4-6, for example BTEC HND, NVQ Level 4 or a Degree.
12
career planning
bey nd
16
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The Extended Project Qualification can be studied separately or alongside other qualifications like A Levels. It gives students the opportunity to plan and research a topic of their choice as part of a project. It could involve studying a topic from an A Level or other course in more detail, or working on an entirely different subject. The finished project could be something like:

GCSE
This is a General Certificate of Secondary Education. This qualification is usually taken in Year 11, although you can also take GCSEs at college at any age. GCSEs cover general subjects like English, maths, history, sciences and languages and can prepare you for education courses, Apprenticeships or work with further training. You may also be able to study Applied GCSEs at some schools and colleges. These are GCSEs which relate to a broad area of work (such as Engineering or Tourism) and are available in nine subjects. They allow students to learn in a handson, practical way and are mainly assessed through coursework, rather than exams. Applied GCSEs are double awards, equivalent to two traditional GCSEs.
an essay or report a performance an investigation a piece of artwork
As this is a fairly new qualification it may not be available at all schools and colleges.
GCSEs at grades D-F are Level 1 qualifications. GCSEs at grades A*-C are Level 2 qualifications. You may be able to move on to Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications, like A Levels or NVQ Level 2 or 3.
Functional skills
Functional skills are practical skills in English, maths and ICT that allow you to work or study confidently and independently. They are the skills that most employers look for and value, whatever kind of career you want to go into. Functional skills are usually studied as part of another qualification or course. They can be at different levels depending on what course you are studying.

At some schools and colleges you may also be able to study the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). This is an international qualification equivalent to a GCSE, available in a wide range of subjects.
They could be studied at Entry Level as part of a Foundation Study Programme course. They could be taken at Level 1 as part of a GCSE in English, maths or ICT. They could be taken at Level 2 as part of an Apprenticeship.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

This is a two-year course for 16-19 year olds which covers languages, arts, science, maths and a range of other subjects. It leads to a qualification which is recognised by universities and employers around the world.

Since September 2010 they have also been available as separate qualifications in schools and colleges. Have a look at What different qualifications levels mean at GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/what-differentqualification-levels-mean for more about what qualification levels mean and how to compare different levels.
The IB Diploma is a Level 3 qualification. It could lead on to courses at Levels 4-6, for example BTEC HND, NVQ Level 4 or a higher education degree.
You can find out more about the IB Diploma by visiting www.ibo.org/diploma
13
career planning
bey nd
16
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

NVQs are based around learning practical skills in the workplace, with assessment on the job and training at a college or other learning provider. They can lead into employment, an Apprenticeship or further learning at college. They are developed with employers and are designed to give you the skills needed for particular jobs. This means that they are relevant to work and valued by employers. NVQs are the main qualification that forms part of an Apprenticeship, but they can also be studied separately at some schools and colleges or in the workplace.
Over 2,500 different courses are available across the country, although you will need to check which ones are provided in your chosen school or college.
Find out more...

For more information on qualifications you can visit:
What different qualifications levels mean at GOV.UK https://www.gov. uk/what-different-qualification-levelsmean for more about what qualification levels mean and how to compare different levels. UCAS Progress at www.ucasprogress.com to search for local courses but remember that not all schools and colleges list their courses here so, even if you dont find what you are looking for, those courses may be on offer at other schools or colleges.
NVQs can be studied from Level 1 up to Level 5. You could progress on to other NVQs, GCSEs, A Levels or other qualifications, depending on the level you have achieved.
Vocational Awards, Certificates and Diplomas

These are a set of qualifications which include NVQ and BTEC. They cover a wide range of subjects at every level, and teach practical skills needed for work or further study in that subject. Courses are available in a range of different subjects, levels and sizes.
The subject tells you what kind of things youll be studying, for example engineering, hair and beauty or graphic design. The level tells you how hard it is, compared to other courses like GCSEs or A Levels. Courses are available from Entry Level up to Level 8. To find out more about qualification levels take a look at How do qualifications compare? on page 11. The Award, Certificate or Diploma part of the title tells you the size of the course how long it takes to complete.
14
career planning
bey nd
16
Building your skills

Employers are always looking for people with experience of the world of work and hands-on skills. But how can you gain experience if you dont have a job? If you havent been at school much, or dont have much in the way of qualifications, the new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 aims to give everyone the chance to work towards a substantial qualification, to work towards Level 2 in English and maths if youre not already at that level, and get some work experience or other preparation for work. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43. There are lots of other ways you can build your employability skills and make your CV really stand out to an employer. Here are some things you could try.
Find out more...

You can find out more about volunteering, work experience and personal development by visiting these sections of our website go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions and follow the link to our website:
Planning your future > Getting a job > Work experience Job Search and other opportunities > Volunteering Opportunities Search Job Search and other opportunities > Personal Development Opportunities Search
You could also try out these websites for more information:
vinspired.com lets you search for volunteering opportunities in your area www.volunteering.org.uk is the website for Volunteering England have a look at the I want to volunteer section at www.volunteering.org.uk/ iwanttovolunteer
Volunteering Volunteering means working without getting paid, usually for a good cause like a charity or community group. Its a really useful way to gain some new skills, meet people and build confidence. Work experience Like volunteering, work experience is not usually paid, but you are more likely to be working with an employer rather than a charity or community group. Many education courses will offer you opportunities to go on work experience or take part in work-related learning. Your current school or college may be able to help you organise a workexperience placement before you finish Year 11. Personal development opportunities These are opportunities which give you a chance to build your skills and experience. They could be activities or projects organised through school or college, or more informal things you do yourself. For example, you might gain experience through hobbies, sports or helping family and friends.
15
bey nd
16
EDUCATION
If you are interested in staying in education at school or college, this section contains lots of useful information about what you can study and where. Taking an education course can help you to progress into higher education, onto an Apprenticeship or into a job. There are lots of different choices within education, to suit most learning styles and abilities. In this section youll find:

Your options
If you want to carry on in education at school or college, there are lots of different options to consider. The main things youll need to think about are:
Your options How do I apply? Detailed grids of courses available at schools and colleges Contact details for schools and colleges
What you want to study there are lots of different subjects, courses and ways of learning to choose from. Where you want to study for example, at a school sixth form or college.
What could I study?

There are three main types of education course you could take after Year 11. Have a look at the How do qualifications compare? chart on page 11 to find out more about different qualification levels. You could also use GOV.UKs section on What different qualifications levels mean at https://www.gov.uk/what-differentqualification-levels-mean to find out more about what qualification levels mean and how to compare different levels.

You will probably have heard about this change, because if you are due to reach the end of Year 11 in 2014 or later you will need to continue in education or some form of training until you are 18. It doesnt mean that the school leaving age has been raised its about making sure that all young people continue in some form of education or training until they reach 18.
The new 1619 Study Programme

From September 2013, you will start to hear more about the new 1619 Study Programme. This is the name given to the overall packages of learning and related activities that all young people who are at least 16 but havent yet reached the Participation Age will be taking. Theres more about the Study Programme and its main principles in Your post-16 options on page 3.
General qualifications These qualifications can prepare you for a range of different careers, rather than focusing on a specific job. They include Level 3 qualifications like A Levels and Level 2 qualifications like GCSEs. They cover traditional subjects like history, maths, English and science as well as more practical courses such as photography, art, physical education and computing. Vocational qualifications These are work-related qualifications which can give you the skills needed for a broad area of work or train you for a specific job. Courses are usually practical and involve hands-on projects. They are available as Awards, Certificates and Diplomas from Entry
16
education
Level up to Level 8 and include courses like City & Guilds, NVQ and BTEC.
bey nd
16
Programmes to develop your employability These are programmes which could be right for you if you need to bring your English and maths up to standard, and maybe get some work experience or other skills so that youre in a better position to decide what you might do next. The new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 aims to give everyone the chance to work towards a substantial qualification, to work towards Level 2 in English and maths if youre not already at that level, and get some work experience or other preparation for work. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43.
to help you if you dont feel ready yet to start a higher level course, Apprenticeship or job, in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43.
Choosing a course
Use the three-step plan on page 5 in the Career planning section to help you decide which subjects and courses you are interested in taking. Before making a decision about which courses to take, consider:
Which subjects you would enjoy and be good at. Whether you need a particular subject or qualification for your career ideas or future study plans. For example, you may find out that youll need A Level chemistry if you want to study medicine at university, or that a Level 3 maths qualification will help you to progress on to an accountancy Apprenticeship.
You may also be able to combine different types of course for example, you may be able to take a general education course alongside a vocational one. You can find out more about qualifications by taking a look at the section More about qualifications starting on page 12.
Where could I study?

You can find out which schools and colleges are offering the courses and subjects you are interested in by using the education grids starting on page 19. You can also use the UCAS Progress online course search at www.ucasprogress.com but remember that not all Birmingham schools and colleges have chosen to have their course details on this system. There are lots of schools and colleges in Birmingham to choose from. They vary in size and the courses they offer, so youll need to think about the type of place where you would like to study. There is now the option to study at a college that specialises in a vocational area. These colleges are open to 14 to 19 year olds and you could apply for a Year 12 place. The colleges are each sponsored by a university and combine academic studies with specific vocational subjects. They have been set up for young people who are keen to study the specialist subject the college offers and who show a real interest in the vocational area as a
Qualification levels
All qualifications have a level which shows how challenging they are to achieve. You can look at How do qualifications compare? on page 11 to find out how different qualifications relate to each other. If you already have a Level 2 qualification when you finish Year 11, you may want to move on to a Level 3 course, like A Levels or a Level 3 vocational qualification. If you havent reached Level 2 yet, or you want to improve in some subjects, you may want to retake your GCSEs or move on to another Level 2 course. Under the new 1619 Study Programme, starting in September 2013, everyone needs to work towards Level 2 in English and maths if youre not already at that level. Theres more about this, and the various other programmes
17
education
career. Currently there are 2 of these colleges in Birmingham, Aston University Engineering Academy focusing on engineering and science, and Birmingham Ormiston Academy which focuses on creative, digital and performing arts. Go to Birmingham specialist vocational colleges for 14-19 year olds in the School and college contacts section for links to the college websites which tell you more about how to apply see page 38.
bey nd
16
Find out more...

Its a good idea to find out as much as you can about the schools and colleges you are interested in before you make your decision. You could start by visiting their website and downloading a prospectus (a brochure of courses and facilities on offer). Contact details, including website addresses, can be found in the School and college contacts section starting on page 33. You can also find details using UCAS Progress at www.ucasprogress.com Many schools and colleges produce reports or profiles with information about their results and successes. You can often find links to these on school and college websites. If you can, visit the school or colleges open day and ask about the courses and facilities. You can contact the school or college, or check their website, to find out when open days are held. These are some of the things you can find out from the school or college website or prospectus, or by going to an open day:
Ask yourself:
Which schools and colleges offer the right combination of courses and subjects I am interested in? Will I need to travel to school or college in a different area to do a particular course? Remember that colleges outside Birmingham may offer courses that are harder to find in the city, such as agriculture or animal care. UCAS Progress at www.ucasprogress.com can help you to search for school and college courses outside Birmingham. Would I prefer to stay at my own school (if it has a sixth form) or go somewhere new? If I decide to go to college, would I feel happier in a large college or a smaller one?
What qualifications will you need to get on the course? What qualifications can you achieve on the course? What will you study on the course and how is it taught? Is it classroom based, are there work placements, are there exams or coursework? What facilities does the school or college have? For example, access to computers, library, art studios, workshops or specialised equipment for the course. What kind of results do students achieve on this course, and what do they do after? For example, do they find work, start Apprenticeships or go on to higher education courses?
18
education
bey nd
16
How do I apply?
Once youve decided which school or college you are interested in, youll need to make your application. Some schools and colleges will offer online application forms, some will have application forms available at open days. For others, you may need to telephone or write for an application form. You can usually find out how to apply from the school or college website or by telephoning them. You can find school and college addresses and other contact details in the School and college contacts section starting on page 33.
Education course grids

How to use the grids
There are separate sets of grids for schools and colleges, and each set is split into separate grids for A Levels and Vocational / Other courses. Depending on what type of course you are thinking about, you may well need to look at more than one grid to get the complete picture of what is available. First look up the course subject in the left hand column of the grid. Remember that some course areas maths, for example may have more than one row because of the range of courses offered. Then follow the subject across (from left to right) and where you see a tick, follow the line upward to find out the school or college that offers that subject. To find out what courses are on offer at a particular school or college, look for them across the top of each grid and then follow the column downwards. The ticks will show the courses they offer. Remember that many school and colleges will have entries in both the A Level and Vocational / Other course grids. The grids are in this order:
Courses outside Birmingham

If you are interested in courses outside Birmingham, you can find out about many of these by using the UCAS Progress course search database at www.ucasprogress.com and using the Where do you want to search? and How far away do you want to search? controls to cover the sort of areas you might consider. Not all schools and colleges use UCAS Progress to list their courses so remember that, even if you dont find what you are looking for, there may be other school/college courses on offer.
Schools: A Level courses (starting on page 20) Schools: Vocational / Other courses (starting on page 22) Colleges: A Level courses (starting on page 24) Colleges: Vocational / Other courses (starting on page 25)
19
SCHOOLS: A Levels
Accounting Arabic Art and Design Art and Design (Film and Video) Art and Design (Fine Art) Art and Design (Graphic Design) Art and Design (Photography) Art and Design (Textiles) Bengali Biology Biology (Human) Business (Applied) Business Studies Chemistry Citizenship Computing Critical Thinking Dance Design and Technology Design and Technology (Food Technology) Design and Technology (Graphics) Design and Technology (Product Design 3D) Design and Technology (Product Design) Design and Technology (Textiles) Drama and Theatre Studies Economics Economics and Business Electronics English English Language English Language and Literature English Literature Environmental Science Film Studies Financial Studies French General Studies Geography Geology German Government and Politics Health and Social Care
* The information in these grids has been provided by the schools except those marked with an asterisk see the School and college contacts entry for further details.
20
ool Sch rley e v ool Wa Sch urst h s irls n Swa ool for G h c irls S or G mar ool f ram h c G ool S field Sch uls olic t Pa Cold h S t n a o my nC Sutt ade mpio ans Ac a C tre lb nd Cen St A dmu orm F ol St E h o Sixt Sch l and tsbrook e o g o olle Sch Plan rm C eath o y H F ll m h a de Sixt Sm Aca aks m a O m h r * g The h Fo irmin Sixt th B y* r m o ka N dem Nish Aca n ol A o ool ley Sch Sch e * s s e e o il g M st olle Nine rm C my o F e h cad Sixt th A ton l Nor hoo Hea c s n g S o Kin orth held w ls S s I ir d V ard Han ool for G Edw ward VI ch oys d King E Hill S for B King amp School C ool I Sch rd V Hill dwa I Camp ston l E A I g V hoo Kin rd V ard tt Sc l dwa Edw illmo o E g o g W in h n K Kin d Sc Joh hea llege Holy o C rts * ing A llege rform rise Co e P m d p r r n o e th F Ent ual a y Six my* e Vis orts and dem Holt p de a S c a l il Ac ds A ol ge H Girls rtlan cho d a Hod S o e r o H a W m h ort ram ntre dsw rth G ning Ce l Han r swo a d oo e n h L Ha ity rr Sc mun * t Ba m a o e m r C e y G cad Hall A d l n a ste Dixo x Schoo Ham rge a o f e ir G Fa llege y Co olog chool n h c ay S ill Te ut H adw ool* ksh Bro c o Sch l C ls ir hoo en G Gre c Sc l tholi sley a e d C hoo r c Bo alsh ar S e op W Gramm h ll is o eg B eys lic C s o e y h t op V dem r Ca Aca Bish hallone k l c o o t cho op C vers or S n Bish The Ba a o o l nM Sch Asto erry T r rm u h Fo Arth Sixt & l hoo c Sc tholi a C lsley op I bish h c r A
bey nd
16
SCHOOLS: A Levels
History History (16th/17th Century) History (Ancient) History (Medieval) History (Modern) History (Tudor) Home Economics ICT ICT (Applied) Law Maths Maths (Advanced) Maths (Further) Maths (Mechanics) Maths (Pure and Mechanics) Maths (Pure and Statistics) Maths (Statistics) Media and Communication Media Studies Moving Image Arts Music Music Technology Performing Arts Philosophy Philosophy (Ethics) Philosophy (Religion) Physical Education Physics Politics Psychology Religious Studies Religious Studies (Islam and Religious Ethics) Religious Studies (Islam) Religious Studies (Theology) Science (Applied) Science (Perspectives on) Sociology Spanish Travel and Tourism Urdu World Development
bey nd
Wav erle Swa y Scho ol nsh urst Sutt on C School oldf St P auls ield Gra mm Sch St E a ool f dmu or G r Schoo n l for irls d St A Cam Girls lban pion s C A atho Sm c a d all H emy lic S eath cho Plan ol Sch tsbr o o l and o o k The Sch S ix th F Oak ool orm s Six Nor Cen th F th B tre o r mC irmin Nish olleg gha kam mA e c Sixt Nine h Fo ademy stile rm* s S Mos cho ol eley An A Sch King cad emy s No ool * r t o King n Six th F Edw orm ard King Edw VI Sheld College * ard on King Edw VI Hand Heath A cad ard s w King orth emy Edw VI Cam Sch p Hil ool ard King V l S I Cam cho Edw ol fo p Hil ard Joh r Gir VI A l Sc nW ls hoo ston illmo l for Sch Holy tt Sc Boy o o hea h l s o o d Sc l Holt hoo e Vis l ual a Hod nd P ge H erfo ill Sp rmin Hea orts g Ar rtlan a ts C nd E ds A olleg Han nter cad e pris dsw emy e Co o rth W Sixt Han llege h Fo ood dsw * rm Girls Ham orth Gr amm Acade stea m ar S d Ha y* Gre cho ll Co at B ol mm arr S unit Geo cho y Le rge ol arnin Dixo Fair g Ce fax S n Acad ntre e c my* hoo Coc l ksh ut H Bro adw ill Techn ay S olog Bor cho y Co des llege ley G ol Bish reen op W Girls alsh Sch Bish Cat ool* op V holic e sey Sch Bish s G o op C ol hallo ramma The r Sc ner Bav hoo Cat l holic Asto erstock Coll Aca nM ege a d n e or S my Arth cho ur T ol erry Arch Sch ool bish op I lsley Cat holic Sch ool & Sixt h Fo rm
16
21
* The information in these grids has been provided by the schools except those marked with an asterisk see the School and college contacts entry for further details.
SCHOOLS: vocational / other courses
22
ool Sch rley e v ool Wa Sch urst h s irls n Swa ool for G h c ool S Sch auls holic St P t a my nC ade mpio ans Ac a e C lb nd entr St A dmu rm C ol o F St E h o Sixt Sch l and tsbrook ege hoo n ll c o la S P rm C eath h Fo ademy all H Sixt Sm c s k mA Oa my* gha The ade min c ir A B n h t r A ool No ool ley Sch Sch e s s e* e o M stil olleg Nine rm C my o F h de Sixt Aca ton ol eath Nor H cho s n g S o ott Kin held lm il ol S I o nW rd V Sch Joh dwa ead h E e ly g g Ho Kin olle rts C e* A g g lle rmin e Co m erfo rpris nd P e a t For l n a h E u Sixt y e Vis orts and y* lt m o e H dem cad l Sp Aca tre ds A e Hil ls n g ir la d n G rt Ho ood g Ce l Hea th W Learnin hoo wor c y s S it d un arr Han l omm Great B hoo all C x Sc H f d ir a a llege ea t F s Co Ham logy ool hno c Sch e lT way t Hil d u a ol* h o o ks Br Sch Coc irls G ol o n h e Gre c Sc li y o le h ege des Cat Bor Coll alsh pW holic emy t o a h Bis er C cad allon ck A ool p Ch aversto o Sch h r o B n Bis e a Th nM Form Asto ixth l&S o o ch lic S atho C y lsle op I bish Arch
Business, Administration and Finance
Accounting, Level 2 Accounting, Level 3 Business, Level 3 Business Administration, Level 2 Business Administration, Level 3 Business Studies, Level 2 Business Studies, Level 3 Enterprise, Level 3 Financial Services, Level 3 Financial Studies, Level 3 Law, Level 3
Construction and the Build Environment
Carpentry and Joinery, Level 1
Creative and Media
Art and Design (Photography), Level 3 Art and Design, Level 2 Art and Design, Level 3 Games Development, Level 3 Media, Level 3 Music Technology, Level 3 Music, Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting), Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance), Level 2 Performing Arts (Dance), Level 3 Performing Arts, Level 2 Performing Arts, Level 3 Textiles, Level 3
Engineering
Engineering, Level 2 Engineering, Level 3 Motor Vehicle Studies, Level 1
Hospitality
bey nd
Food Science and Nutrition, Level 3 Hospitality, Level 2 Hospitality, Level 3
16
Information Technology
ICT Practitioners, Level 3 ICT, Level 2 ICT, Level 3 IT, User Skills, Level 2
Public Services
Public Services, Level 2 Public Services, Level 3
Retail Business
Retail, Level 2
Science
Science (Applied Forensic), Level 3 Science (Applied), Level 3 Science (Forensic), Level 3 Science (Medical), Level 3 Science, Level 3
Society, Health and Development
Caring for Children, Level 2 Childcare and Education, Level 2 Childcare and Education, Level 3 Childrens Care and Development, Level 2 Childrens Care and Development, Level 3 Childrens Care, Level 3 Early Years, Level 3 Health and Social Care (Social Care), Level 2 Health and Social Care (Social Care), Level 3 Health and Social Care, Level 2 Health and Social Care, Level 3
Sports and Active Leisure
FA Certificate, Level 2 Sport (Sport Development and Fitness), Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science, Level 3 Sports and Fitness, Level 3 Sport and Leisure, Level 3 Sports Studies, Level 3 Sport, Level 2 Sport, Level 3
SCHOOLS: vocational / other courses
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism, Level 2 Travel and Tourism, Level 3
Wav erle Swa y Scho ol nsh urst St P auls School Sch St E ool f dmu o n d Ca r Girls St A mpio lban n Ca s A Sm tholi all H cadem c Sc y eath hoo Plan S l c hoo tsbr l o a o n k Sc d Six The hoo th F Oak l orm s Six Nor Cen th F th B tre o r mC irmin Nine olleg gha mA stile e cad s Sc Mos emy hoo eley l A S n Ac c King hoo ade l s No my* rton King S ixth Edw Form ard Joh Coll VI nW eg illmo Sheldo n He e* Holy tt Sc a hea h th A o ol d Sc cad Holt hoo emy e Vis l u a l and Hod ge H Per form ill Sp Hea ing A orts rtlan and r d s Ente ts Colle A Han c a ge rpris d dsw e m e Co Ham orth Wo y Sixth llege F o stea orm * d Ha d Girls Gre Aca ll Co at B dem mm arr S y* unit Fair y Le fax S chool arnin cho Coc g Ce ol ksh ntre ut H Bro il l Tec adw hno ay S logy Bor cho Coll des ege ley G ol Bish r op W een Gir ls S alsh Bish cho Cat op C ol* hallo holic S The cho ner Bav ol Cat e holic rsto Asto ck A Coll nM cad ege emy Arch anor Sc hoo bish l op I lsley Cat holic Sch ool & Sixt h Fo rm
bey nd
16
23
COLLEGES: A Levels
bey nd
am ingh Birm
16
hull Soli ge, ge olle olle rm C rm C ge h Fo h Fo le l Sixt o Sixt m C ge rlain For le h mbe Col Sixt Cha ury ville b n r eph lege Cad Jos Bou Col litan ropo
The information in these grids has been provided by the colleges.
Met
Accounting Ancient History Anthropology Arabic Archaeology Art Art and Design Art and Design (Fine Art) Art and Design (Graphic Design) Art and Design (Photography) Art and Design (Textiles and Fashion) Art and Design (Textiles) Biology Business Studies Chemistry Chinese Citizenship Classical Civilisation Communication and Culture Computing Creative Writing Critical Thinking Dance Design and Technology (Graphics) Design and Technology (Product Design) Drama and Theatre Studies Economics Electronics English Language English Language and Literature English Literature Film Studies French General Studies Geography German Government and Politics Graphics Health and Social Care History History (16th/17th Century) History (Modern) ICT Italian Law Maths Maths (Further) Maths (Pure and Mechanics) Maths (Pure and Statistics) Maths (Statistics) Media Studies Music Music Technology Performance Studies Performing Arts Philosophy Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Physical Education Physical Education (Sport) Physics Psychology Religious Studies Religious Studies (Islam and Religious Ethics) Russian Science (Applied) Science (Double) Science (Single) Sociology Spanish Travel and Tourism Urdu Use of Mathematics
24
COLLEGES: vocational / other courses
bey nd
Jos
16
B) (UC am ngh am* irmi ngh ge B irmi olle eB lege l g o e l ity C Col ull C h vers hull City Soli Uni Soli th & ge, Sou olle lege l rm C rm Co e h Fo h Fo lleg Sixt o Sixt m C ge rlain For le mbe ixth Col S Cha ury ville eph lege adb ourn C B Col litan ropo
* The information in these grids has been provided by the colleges except those marked with an asterisk see the School and college contacts entry for further details.
am ingh Birm
Met
Business, Administration and Finance
Accounting, Level 1 Accounting, Level 2 Accounting, Level 3 Accounting and Business, Level 2 Administration, Level 1 Administration, Level 2 Administration, Level 3 Business, Level 2 Business, Level 3 Business Administration, Level 1 Business Administration, Level 2 Business Administration, Level 3 Business Administration and IT, First Diploma Business Administration and IT, Intermediate Diploma Business Administration and IT, Advanced Diploma Business and Administration, Level 1 Business Studies, Level 1 Business Studies, Level 2 Business Studies, Level 3 Business Administration and Finance, Advanced Diploma Business Administration and Finance, Foundation Diploma Business Administration and Finance, Higher Diploma Customer Service and IT, Intermediate Certificate Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Level 2 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Level 3 Entrepreneurship, Level 2 Finance, Career Academy Financial Services, Level 3 Financial Studies, Level 3 Law, Level 2 Law, Level 3 Legal Secretaries, Level 2 Legal Secretaries, Level 3 Medical Administration and IT, Diploma Medical Secretaries/Medical Administration, Level 1 Medical Secretaries/Medical Administration, Level 2 Medical Secretaries/Medical Administration, Level 3 Basic Construction, Level 1 Bench Joinery, Level 2 Brickwork, Level 1 Brickwork, Level 2 Brickwork, Level 3 Carpentry, Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 Construction and the Built Environment, Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment, Advanced Diploma Construction and the Built Environment, Foundation Diploma Construction and the Built Environment, Higher Diploma Construction and Civil Engineering, Level 1 Construction, Level 1 Construction, Level 2 Construction, Level 3 Construction Maintenance Operations, Level 2 Electrical Installation, Level 1 Electrical Installation, Level 2
Construction and the Built Environment
25
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Construction and the Built Environment (cont.) Electrical Installation, Level 3 Employment in Construction, Level 1 Fitted Interiors, Level 2 Gas Installation and Maintenance, Level 1 Gas Installation and Maintenance, Level 2 Gas Installation and Maintenance, Level 3 Painting and Decorating, Level 1 Painting and Decorating, Level 2 Painting and Decorating, Level 3 Plastering, Level 1 Plastering, Level 2 Plumbing, Level 1 Plumbing, Level 2 Plumbing, Level 3 Site Carpentry, Level 2 Site Carpentry, Level 3 Trowel Occupations, Level 1 Trowel Occupations, Level 2 Wall and Floor Tiling, Level 1 Wall and Floor Tiling, Level 2 Wall and Floor Tiling, Level 3 Creative and Media Art and Design (3D Design), Level 3 Art and Design (Fine Art), Level 1 Art and Design (Fine Art), Level 2 Art and Design (Fine Art), Level 3 Art and Design (Graphic Design), Level 1 Art and Design (Graphic Design), Level 2 Art and Design (Graphic Design), Level 3 Art and Design (Illustration), Level 1 Art and Design (Illustration), Level 2 Art and Design (Illustration), Level 3 Art and Design (Photography), Level 1 Art and Design (Photography), Level 2 Art and Design (Photography), Level 3 Art and Design (Textiles and Fashion), Level 1 Art and Design (Textiles and Fashion), Level 2 Art and Design (Textiles and Fashion), Level 3 Art and Design, Level 1 Art and Design, Level 2 Art and Design, Level 3 Art and Design, Diploma Foundation Studies Creative and Media, Advanced Diploma Creative and Media, Foundation Diploma Creative and Media, Higher Diploma Creative Industries, Career Academy Creative Media, Level 1 Creative Media, Level 2 Creative Media Production, Level 1 Creative Media Production (Radio), Level 3 Drama and Theatre Studies, Level 1 Drama and Theatre Studies, Level 2 Drama and Theatre Studies, Level 3 Fashion and Clothing/Textiles, Level 1 Fashion and Clothing/Textiles, Level 2 Fashion and Clothing/Textiles, Level 3
26
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Creative and Media (continued)
Graphic Design, Level 3 Media (Games Design), Level 1 Media (Games Design), Level 2 Media (Games Design), Level 3 Media, Level 1 Media, Level 2 Media, Level 3 Media, Career Academy Music Enterprise, Level 3 Music Performance, Level 3 Music Technology, Level 1 Music Technology, Level 2 Music Technology, Level 3 Music, Level 1 Music, Level 2 Music, Level 3 Musical Theatre, Level 1 Musical Theatre, Level 2 Musical Theatre, Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting), Level 1 Performing Arts (Acting), Level 2 Performing Arts (Acting), Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance), Level 1 Performing Arts (Dance), Level 2 Performing Arts (Dance), Level 3 Performing Arts, Level 1 Performing Arts, Level 2 Performing Arts, Level 3 Photography, Level 3 Production Arts, Level 3 Visual Arts, Level 1 Aeronautical Engineering, Level 3 Aerospace Engineering and Maintenance, Level 2 Electrical, Level 1 Electrical Industry, Level 1 Electrical Installation, Level 1 Electrical Installation, Level 2 Electrical Installation, Level 3 Electrical Installations (Building and Structures), Level 2 Electrical Installations (Building and Structures), Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Level 2 Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Level 3 Electrical Security Alarms, Level 2 Electrical Technology, Level 2 Electro Technical Technology, Level 3 Engineering (Electronics), Level 1 Engineering (Electronics), Level 2 Engineering (Electronics), Level 3 Engineering (Mechanical - Computer Aided Engineering), Level 1 Engineering (Mechanical - Computer Aided Engineering), Level 2 Engineering (Mechanical - Computer Aided Engineering), Level 3 Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical), Level 1 Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical), Level 2 Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical), Level 3 Engineering, Level 1
Engineering
27
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Engineering (continued)
Engineering, Level 2 Engineering, Level 3 Engineering, Advanced Diploma Engineering, Foundation Diploma Engineering, Higher Diploma Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, Level 3 Motorcycle Maintenance, Level 1 Motorcycle Maintenance, Level 2 Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Principles, Level 3 Motor Sport, Level 2 Motor Sport, Level 3 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, Level 2 Motor Vehicle Studies (Body Repair), Level 1 Motor Vehicle Studies (Body Repair), Level 2 Motor Vehicle Studies (Body Repair), Level 3 Motor Vehicle Studies, Level 1 Motor Vehicle Studies, Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations, Level 1 Performing Engineering Operations, Level 2 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Level 2 Vehicle Fitting, Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance, Level 1 Vehicle Maintenance, Level 3 Vehicle Technology, Level 1 Vehicle Technology, Level 2 Vehicle Technology, Level 3 Work-based Electro-technology Installations, Level 3 Animal Care, Level 2 Animal Management, Level 3 Animal Nursing Assistant, Level 2 Environmental and Land-based Studies, Foundation Diploma Horticulture, Level 1 Horticulture, Level 2 Horticulture, Level 3 Land-based Studies, Level 1 Veterinary Nursing, Level 3 Work-based Animal Care, Level 1 Barbering, Level 1 Barbering, Level 2 Barbering, Level 3 Beauty Therapy, Level 1 Beauty Therapy, Level 2 Beauty Therapy, Level 3 Hair and Beauty Studies, Advanced Diploma Hair and Beauty Studies, Foundation Diploma Hair and Beauty Studies, Higher Diploma Hair and Beauty, Level 1 Hair and Media Make Up, Level 2 Hair and Media Make Up, Level 3 Hairdressing and Barbering, Level 1 Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Level 2 Hairdressing, Level 1 Hairdressing, Level 2 Hairdressing, Level 3
Environmental and Land-based
Hair and Beauty
28
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Hair and Beauty (continued)
Nail Technology, Level 2 Salon Services, Level 1 Salon Services, Level 2 Salon Services, Level 3 Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and Media Make Up, Level 3 Cookery, Level 1 Cookery, Level 2 Cookery, Level 3 Food and Beverage Service, Level 2 Food Manufacturing (Bakery), Level 1 Food Manufacturing (Bakery), Level 2 Food Manufacturing (Bakery), Level 3 Food Preparation, Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking, Level 2 Hospitality Supervision, Level 3 Hospitality, Level 2 Hospitality, Level 3 Hospitality, Higher Diploma Professional Cookery, Level 1 Professional Cookery, Level 2 Professional Cookery, Level 3 ICT (Games Design/Development), Level 1 ICT (Games Design/Development), Level 2 ICT (Games Design/Development), Level 3 ICT (iMedia Users), Level 1 ICT (iMedia Users), Level 2 ICT (iMedia Users), Level 3 ICT (Practitioners), Level 1 ICT (Practitioners), Level 2 ICT (Practitioners), Level 3 ICT, Level 1 ICT, Level 2 ICT, Level 3 ICT Systems Support, Level 2 ICT Systems Support, Level 3 Information Technology, Advanced Diploma Information Technology, Foundation Diploma Information Technology, Higher Diploma IT (Business), Level 3 IT (Networking and Computing), Level 3 IT (Software Development), Level 1 IT (Software Development), Level 2 IT (Software Development), Level 3 IT (Software Development with Games), Level 3 IT Practitioners, Level 3 IT User Skills, Level 1 IT User Skills, Level 2 IT User Skills, Level 3 IT, Level 1 IT, Level 2 IT, Level 3 IT, Career Academy PC Maintenance, Level 1 PC Maintenance, Level 2 PC Maintenance, Level 3
Hospitality
Information Technology
29
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Public Services
Army Preparation, Level 2 Public Services, Level 1 Public Services, Level 2 Public Services, Level 3 Public Services (Uniformed), Level 3 Public Services, Advanced Diploma Public Services, Foundation Diploma Public Services, Higher Diploma Public Services and Sport, Level 1 Retail, Level 2 Retail Business, Level 1 Retail Business, Level 2 Retail Business, Level 3 Retail Business, Advanced Diploma Retail Business, Foundation Diploma Retail Business, Higher Diploma Retail Knowledge, Level 2 Retail Knowledge, Level 3 Biomedical Sciences, Level 3 Science (Applied Biology), Level 3 Science (Applied Chemistry), Level 3 Science (Applied Forensic), Level 1 Science (Applied Forensic), Level 2 Science (Applied Forensic), Level 3 Science (Applied), Level 1 Science (Applied), Level 2 Science (Applied), Level 3 Science (Medical), Level 1 Science (Medical), Level 2 Science (Medical), Level 3 Science (Pharmaceutical), Level 1 Science (Pharmaceutical), Level 2 Science (Pharmaceutical), Level 3 Science, Level 1 Science, Level 2 Science, Level 3 Science, Career Academy Caring for Children, Level 1 Caring for Children, Level 2 Caring for Children, Level 3 Child Care, Level 1 Child Care, Level 2 Child Care, Level 3 Childcare and Education, Level 1 Childcare and Education, Level 2 Childcare and Education, Level 3 Childrens Care, Level 1 Childrens Care, Level 2 Childrens Care, Level 3 Childrens Care, Learning and Development, Level 2 Childrens Care, Learning and Development, Level 3 Complementary Therapies, Level 3 Dental Nursing, Level 1 Dental Nursing, Level 2
Retail Business
Science
Society, Health and Development
30
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Society, Health and Development (cont.)
Dental Nursing, Level 3 Dental Technology, Level 1 Dental Technology, Level 2 Dental Technology, Level 3 Door Supervision, Level 2 Early Years, Level 1 Early Years, Level 2 Early Years, Level 3 Health and Social Care (Health Studies), Level 1 Health and Social Care (Health Studies), Level 2 Health and Social Care (Health Studies), Level 3 Health and Social Care (Social Care), Level 1 Health and Social Care (Social Care), Level 2 Health and Social Care (Social Care), Level 3 Health and Social Care, Level 1 Health and Social Care, Level 2 Health and Social Care, Level 3 Social Care, Level 1 Social Care, Level 2 Social Care, Level 3 Society, Health and Development, Advanced Diploma Society, Health and Development, Foundation Diploma Society, Health and Development, Higher Diploma Youth Work, Level 3 Fitness and Exercise, Level 2 Football Coaching, Level 1 Football Coaching, Level 2 Football Coaching, Level 3 Multi Sports Coaching, Level 2 Prevention and Management of Sports Injuries, Level 3 Sport and Active Leisure, Level 1 Sport and Active Leisure, Level 2 Sport and Active Leisure, Level 3 Sport and Active Leisure, Advanced Diploma Sport and Active Leisure, Foundation Diploma Sport and Active Leisure, Higher Diploma Sport and Exercise Science, Level 1 Sport and Exercise Science, Level 2 Sport and Exercise Science, Level 3 Sport and Leisure, Level 1 Sport and Leisure, Level 2 Sport and Leisure, Level 3 Sport and Recreation, Level 1 Sport and Recreation, Level 2 Sport and Recreation, Level 3 Sport Development, Coaching and Fitness, Level 3 Sport Leadership (Higher), Level 3 Sport (Performance and Excellence), Level 3 Sports Studies, Level 1 Sports Studies, Level 2 Sports Studies, Level 3 Sport, Level 1 Sport, Level 2 Sport, Level 3 Sport, Career Academy
Sports and Active Leisure
31
bey nd
Jos
16
am ingh Birm
Met
Travel and Tourism
Airline Cabin Crew, Level 1 Airline Cabin Crew, Level 2 Airline Cabin Crew, Level 3 Aviation Operations, Level 1 Aviation Operations, Level 2 Aviation Operations, Level 3 Travel and Tourism, Level 1 Travel and Tourism, Level 2 Travel and Tourism, Level 3 Travel and Tourism, Advanced Diploma Travel and Tourism, Foundation Diploma Travel and Tourism, Higher Diploma
32
education
bey nd
16
School and college contacts

Birmingham schools
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School & Sixth Form Victoria Road Acocks Green Birmingham B27 7XY 0121 706 4200 www.ilsley.bham.sch.uk Arthur Terry School Kittoe Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B74 4RZ 0121 323 2221 www.arthurterry.bham.sch.uk Aston Manor School Phillips Street Aston Birmingham B6 4PZ 0121 359 8108 www.astonmanor.bham.sch.uk The Baverstock Academy 501 Bells Lane Druids Heath Birmingham B14 5TL 0121 430 7924 www.baverstock.bham.sch.uk Bishop Challoner Catholic College Institute Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EG 0121 444 4161 www.bishopchalloner.org.uk Bishop Veseys Grammar School Lichfield Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B74 2NH 0121 250 5400 www.bvgs.co.uk Bishop Walsh Catholic School Wylde Green Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B76 1QT 0121 351 3215 www.bishopwalsh.bham.sch.uk Bordesley Green Girls School Bordesley Green Road Bordesley Green Birmingham B9 4TR 0121 464 1881 www.bordgrng.bham.sch.uk
No course information was supplied by this school. The grids are based on information from the schools website as at July 2013. For up-to-date information, contact the school direct.
Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre Griffins Brook Lane Bournville Birmingham B30 1QJ 0121 475 3881 www.bournvilleschool.org
Part of the Oaks Sixth Form College see separate contact details. Course information appears listed under The Oaks Sixth Form College.
Broadway School The Broadway Perry Barr Birmingham B20 3DP 0121 566 4334 www.broadway.bham.sch.uk Cockshut Hill Technology College Cockshut Hill Yardley Birmingham B26 2HX 0121 464 2122 www.cockshut.bham.sch.uk Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Technology College Woodbrooke Road Bournville Birmingham B30 1UL 0121 464 4040 www.dectc.bham.sch.uk
Fairfax School Fairfax Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B75 7JT 0121 378 1288 www.fairfax.bham.sch.uk
33
education
George Dixon Academy Portland Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9GD 0121 566 6565 www.georgedixonacademy.com
No course information was supplied by this academy. The grids repeat course details from the previous year and may not be accurate. For up-to-date information, contact the academy direct.
bey nd
16
Hillcrest School Stonehouse Lane Bartley Green Birmingham B32 3AE 0121 464 3172 www.hillcrest.bham.sch.uk
Great Barr School Aldridge Road Great Barr Birmingham B44 8NU 0121 366 6611 www.greatbarrschool.org.uk Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre Craythorne Avenue Handsworth Wood Birmingham B20 1HL 0121 386 7510 www.hamsteadhall.com Handsworth Grammar School Grove Lane Handsworth Birmingham B21 9ET 0121 554 2794 www.handsworth.bham.sch.uk Handsworth Wood Girls Academy Church Lane Handsworth Birmingham B20 2HL 0121 554 8122 www.hwga.org.uk
No course information was supplied by this academy. The grids are based on information as at July 2013 from the UCAS Progress course search at www.ucasprogress.com For up-to-date information, contact the academy direct or check UCAS Progress.
Hodge Hill Sports and Enterprise College Bromford Road Hodge Hill Birmingham B36 8HB 0121 783 7807 www.hodgehill.bham.sch.uk
Holte Visual and Performing Arts College Wheeler Street Lozells Birmingham B19 2EP 0121 566 4370 / 4371 www.holte.bham.sch.uk Holyhead School Milestone Lane Handsworth Birmingham B21 0HN 0121 523 1960 www.holyheadschool.com John Willmott School Reddicap Heath Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B75 7DY 0121 378 1946 www.jws.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Aston School Frederick Road Aston Birmingham B6 6DJ 0121 327 1130 web.keaston.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7QJ 0121 444 3188 web.camphillboys.bham.sch.uk
Harborne Academy Harborne Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3JL 0121 464 2737 www.harborneacademy.co.uk
Heartlands Academy Francis Street Nechells Birmingham B7 4JR 0121 675 3796 www.heartlands-academy.org.uk
34
education
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7QJ 0121 444 2150 www.kechg.org.uk King Edward VI Five Ways School Scotland Lane Bartley Green Birmingham B32 4BT 0121 475 3535 www.kefw.org
This school did not want their courses included. For up-todate information, contact the school direct.
bey nd
16
Lordswood Sixth Form Lordswood Boys School Hagley Road Harborne Birmingham B17 8BJ 0121 464 2837 www.lordswoodboys.bham.sch.uk and Lordswood Girls School Knightlow Road Harborne Birmingham B17 8QB 0121 429 2838 www.lordswoodgirls.co.uk
King Edward VI Handsworth School Rose Hill Road Handsworth Birmingham B21 9AR 0121 554 2342 www.kingedwardvi.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy Sheldon Heath Road Sheldon Birmingham B26 2RZ 0121 464 4428 www.keshacademy.com Kings Norton Sixth Form College Kings Norton Boys School Northfield Road Kings Norton Birmingham B30 1DY 0121 628 0010 www.kingsnortonboys.bham.sch.uk and Kings Norton Girls School Selly Oak Road Kings Norton Birmingham B30 1HW 0121 675 1305 www.kngs.co.uk
Course information appears listed under Kings Norton Sixth Form College. No course information was supplied by the Girls School. The grids are based on information from the Boys School and the online sixth form prospectus as at July 2013. For up-to-date information, contact the schools direct.
Moseley School Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9UU 0121 566 6444 www.moseley.bham.sch.uk Ninestiles School An Academy Hartfield Crescent Acocks Green Birmingham B27 7QG 0121 628 1311 www.ninestiles.org.uk
No course information was supplied by this academy. The grids are based on information as at July 2013 from the UCAS Progress course search at www.ucasprogress.com For up-to-date information, contact the academy direct or check UCAS Progress.
Nishkam Sixth Form Great King Street North Hockley Birmingham B19 2LF 0121 348 7660 www.nishkamschool.org
North Birmingham Academy 395 College Road Kingstanding Birmingham B44 0HF 0121 373 1647 www.nbacademy.org.uk
35
education
The Oaks Sixth Form College Located at school sites across the South West of Birmingham; you will be based at one of the following campuses (see individual entry for contact details): Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Technology College Harborne Academy Hillcrest School Lordswood Sixth Form Shenley Academy & Sixth Form St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School www.oaks6thform.co.uk Plantsbrook School Upper Holland Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B72 1RB 0121 362 7310 web.plantsbrookschool.co.uk Shenley Academy & Sixth Form Shenley Lane Northfield Birmingham B29 4HE 0121 464 5191 www.shenleyacademy.org
bey nd
16
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Wychall Lane Kings Norton Birmingham B38 8AP 0121 464 4643 www.stacs.org
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Jockey Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B73 5PT 0121 354 1479 www.suttcold.bham.sch.uk Swanshurst School Brook Lane Billesley Birmingham B13 0TW 0121 464 2400 www.swanshurst.org Washwood Heath Academy Burney Lane Washwood Heath Birmingham B8 2AS 0121 675 7272 www.whtconline.com
No course information was supplied by this academy. For information contact the academy direct or use the UCAS Progress course search at www.ucasprogress.com
Small Heath School and Sixth Form Centre Muntz Street Small Heath Birmingham B10 9RX 0121 464 7997 www.smallheathschool.org.uk St Albans Academy Conybere Street Highgate Birmingham B12 0YH 0121 446 1300 www.stalbansacademy.org St Edmund Campion Catholic School Sutton Road Erdington Birmingham B23 5XA 0121 464 7700 www.stedcamp.bham.sch.uk St Pauls School for Girls Vernon Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9SL 0121 454 0895 www.stpaulgl.bham.sch.uk
Waverley School 311 Yardley Green Road Bordesley Green Birmingham B9 5QA 0121 566 6600 www.waverley.bham.sch.uk
36
education
bey nd
16
Birmingham and Solihull colleges

Birmingham Metropolitan College James Watt Campus Aldridge Road Great Barr Birmingham B44 8NE 0845 155 0101 www.bmetc.ac.uk Birmingham Metropolitan College Matthew Boulton Campus Jennens Road Birmingham B4 7PS 0845 155 0101 www.bmetc.ac.uk Birmingham Metropolitan College Sutton Coldfield Campus Lichfield Road Sutton Coldfield Birmingham B74 2NW 0845 155 0101 www.bmetc.ac.uk Bournville College Longbridge Lane Longbridge Birmingham B31 2AJ 0121 477 1300 www.bournville.ac.uk Cadbury Sixth Form College Downland Close Kings Norton Birmingham B38 8QT 0121 458 3898 www.cadcol.ac.uk Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College 1 Belgrave Road Highgate Birmingham B12 9FF 0121 446 2223 www.jcc.ac.uk Sixth Form College, Solihull Widney Manor Road Solihull B91 3WR 0121 704 2581 www.solihullsfc.ac.uk Solihull College Blossomfield Campus Blossomfield Road Solihull B91 1SB 0121 678 7000 www.solihull.ac.uk Solihull College Woodlands Campus Auckland Drive Smiths Wood Solihull B36 0NF 0121 678 7000 www.solihull.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Balsall Heath Womens Centre Edward Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9LB 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green Campus Fordrough Lane Bordesley Green Birmingham B9 5NA 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Digbeth Campus High Street Deritend Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SU 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Fusion Centre High Street Deritend Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DY 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Golden Hillock Womens Centre 103105 Golden Hillock Road Small Heath Birmingham B10 0DP 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Hall Green Campus Cole Bank Road Hall Green Birmingham B28 8ES 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk
37
education
South & City College Birmingham Handsworth Campus The Council House Soho Road Handsworth Birmingham B21 9DP 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk South & City College Birmingham Ladywood Centre 4868 Stour Street Ladywood Birmingham B18 7AJ 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk
bey nd
16
South & City College Birmingham Tyseley Campus Amington Road Tyseley Birmingham B25 8EP 0800 111 6311 www.sccb.ac.uk
No course information was supplied by this college. The grids are based on information in the Course Guide 2013 from the colleges website as at August 2013. For up-to-date information, contact the college direct.
University College Birmingham (UCB) Summer Row Birmingham B3 1JB 0121 604 1000 www.ucb.ac.uk
Birmingham specialist vocational colleges for 14-19 year olds

Aston University Engineering Academy (Engineering and science) 1 Lister Street Birmingham B7 4AG 0121 380 0570 www.auea.co.uk Birmingham Ormiston Academy (Creative, digital and performing arts) 1 Grosvenor Street Birmingham B4 7QD 0121 359 9300 www.boa-academy.co.uk
38
bey nd
16
APPRENTICESHIPS
If you are interested in starting work and you are keen to learn some skills and gain qualifications, then an Apprenticeship could be the right option for you. On an Apprenticeship you study for qualifications while working and you learn the skills you need for the job you are doing so you will be meeting the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) requirement to continue in education or learning until at least your 18th birthday, if you are finishing Year 11 in 2014 or later. You will also be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices of 2.65 per hour from 1 October 2012, rising to 2.68 from 1 October 2013. Apprentices are taken on directly by employers and work alongside other employees. Training takes place while you work, and youll also spend some time at a college or work-based learning provider. If you are interested in going on an Apprenticeship, but you dont feel ready or you dont meet the requirements to apply, the new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 is introducing new Traineeships (lasting between 6 weeks and 6 months) plus other schemes which provide the essential work preparation training, maths and English and work experience needed to get an Apprenticeship or other job. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43. If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, you could contact a Connexions personal adviser for more information about these new programmes. In this section youll find:

Find out more...

For lots more information about Apprenticeships, including frequently asked questions and case studies, visit the Apprenticeships website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You can use Search for vacancies to find and apply for local and national Apprenticeships. If you have an enquiry about Apprenticeships you can find out more from the Apprenticeships Apply for vacancies webpages at www.apprenticeships.org.uk/be-anapprentice/applying.aspx, ask a Connexions personal adviser if you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, or speak to a careers adviser from the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. The National Careers Service also offer webchat, texts and other means of getting in touch as listed on their Contact an adviser webpage for young people, which is at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ aboutus/contactus/Pages/youngperson.aspx
Your options How do I apply?
39
apprenticeships
bey nd
16
Your options
Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of different job sectors, including animal care, media, business, construction, health, ICT, travel and retail. For some job areas an Apprenticeship is one of the main ways to start a career. The most popular job areas to take an Apprenticeship in are business, administration and finance, hair and beauty, travel and tourism, health and care, hospitality and engineering.
Technical certificates These are qualifications which teach specific technical skills you will need for your job. For example, you might do a Certificate in Food and Drink Service. Functional Skills You will learn things like English and maths these skills are regarded as essential by all employers, colleges and learning providers and will make you more employable whatever career you choose to follow.
Take a look at How do qualifications compare? on page 11 to see how qualifications relate to each other.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeships all have different entry requirements, but most will need good levels of English and maths. Some may ask for a Level 2 qualification in English and maths for example GCSEs at A*-C or a Level 2 Award in Functional Skills. Others may ask you to take a numeracy and literacy test before you are accepted on the Apprenticeship. You will need to check with individual employers to find out about entry requirements see How do I apply? on page 41.
What could an Apprenticeship lead to?

After you complete an Apprenticeship there are a range of options open to you. For example, depending on the qualifications you have gained, you may be able to:
progress on to an Advanced Level or Higher Apprenticeship (see below) go to college and continue your studies at a higher level get a permanent job with the employer you have been working for find a job with a different employer
What qualifications could I get?

On an Apprenticeship you could achieve a package of qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs at A*-C (thats a Level 2 qualification see How do qualifications compare? on page 11. The qualifications you can gain on an Apprenticeship are recognised and valued by employers across the country. This means if you change jobs you can take your skills and qualifications with you. There are three main types of qualification you can work towards.
Advanced Level and Higher Apprenticeships

Advanced Level Apprenticeships give you the chance to progress further and gain qualifications up to NVQ Level 3 the equivalent of two A Levels. You can also gain more advanced technical certificates and develop your Functional Skills. Higher Apprenticeships give you the chance to work towards Level 4 qualifications, and possibly progress on to a higher education qualification like a Foundation Degree.
Vocational qualifications These are qualifications which teach the practical skills needed for a specific job or a general area of work. They are usually National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) for example, you may do a Level 2 NVQ in Hairdressing or Food Manufacturing.
40
apprenticeships
bey nd
16
If youre not ready for an Apprenticeship yet...

Remember, if you are interested in going on an Apprenticeship, but you dont feel ready or you dont meet the requirements to apply, the new 1619 Study Programme which starts in September 2013 is introducing new Traineeships (lasting between 6 weeks and 6 months) plus other schemes which provide the essential work preparation training, maths and English and work experience needed to get an Apprenticeship or other job. You can find out more in the section on Developing your employability which starts on page 43.
How do I apply?
If youre interested in starting an Apprenticeship, youll need to:
find some Apprenticeship vacancies you like the look of get more information about them from the employer apply for the ones you are most interested in
Finding Apprenticeship vacancies
Visit the national Apprenticeship vacancy matching service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk look under Search for vacancies. Look for local Apprenticeships using the Connexions Birmingham Job Search and other opportunities webpages go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions then follow the link to our website, or go straight to www.connexions-bs.co.uk/ main.php?section=99 Try searching for websites of companies you are interested in working for some large employers recruit apprentices on a yearly basis, beginning in January or February. Places are usually very popular, so its important to find out about these and apply as quickly as possible.
Getting more information

Once youve found some vacancies you are interested in, youll need to find out more by contacting the employer this may be by telephone, letter, email or via their website. If you found the Apprenticeship through the vacancy search at www.apprenticeships.org.uk you will be able to find lots of information on the website. There are also contact details provided as part of the online vacancy details, where you can get more information.
41
apprenticeships
You may want to find out:
bey nd
16
What qualifications you will need to start the Apprenticeship. There may be different entry requirements depending on what area of work you are interested in going into. What qualifications you will be working towards. Where the training will take place for example at a college or other learning provider or in the workplace. How long the Apprenticeship takes to complete. What the Apprenticeship could lead to. For example, could there be a permanent job at the end of it? How much you will get paid.
Applying
If you found the Apprenticeship through the vacancy search at www.apprenticeships.org.uk you can apply directly online. If you found the vacancy yourself, youll need to contact the employer to find out how to apply. Apprenticeships will all have different methods of application some will be online, others may involve telephone interviews or a printed application form. You can find tips on contacting employers and applying for vacancies on our Getting a job webpages go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/ connexions, follow the link to our website and choose the Getting a job quicklink, then go to CVs and Applications, or go straight to www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main.php? section=6861.
42
bey nd
16

The introduction of the new 16-19 Study Programme from September 2013 brings some changes that will affect everyone, whatever type of option you decide is right for you see Your post-16 options on page 3 for more about this. But even if you know broadly what you might want to do in the future, you might not feel ready to start yet, or you might not yet meet the entry requirements, especially if you havent been at school much recently. This part of Beyond 16 looks at what options could be available so that you can improve your situation and get back on track. In this section youll find:


You will probably have heard about this change, because if you are due to reach the end of Year 11 in 2014 or later you will need to continue in education or some form of training until you are 18. It doesnt mean that the school leaving age has been raised its about making sure that all young people continue in some form of education or training until they reach 18. If you are looking to develop your employability in order to move on in the future, the various options open to you will all include some education and training and will meet this requirement.
Your options How do I apply? Foundation Study Programme contacts work-based learning if you havent reached Level 2
Please note: this is a new section of Beyond 16 and because much of what it covers is being introduced from September 2013 as part of the new 16-19 Study Programme, we may need to update this information as more details become clear. If this happens, both the website text and this downloadable Beyond 16 booklet will be revised.
43
developing your employability
bey nd
16
Your options
The main options which will help you are to go onto a Foundation Study Programme, or look for a Traineeship or, in some cases, a Reengagement Activity.
You could use UCAS Progress at www. ucasprogress.com to find local providers offering traineeships, and some may be available via the National Apprenticeship Service you can find out more from the Traineeship opportunities area of their website, at www. apprenticeships.org.uk/be-an-apprentice/ traineeship-opportunities.aspx

This is the name that we are giving to Study Programmes that are specially-designed for young people who havent yet reached Level 2. We dont yet have a lot of detail about the options that different providers will be offering as part of this programme. As part of the wider Study Programme requirements, you would be working towards covering all the core elements of the new 16-19 Study Programme which are set out in Your post-16 options on page 3.
Re-engagement Activity
This option might be right for you if you have been absent from the education system for a while, or maybe have dropped out from another programme. These activities can take a variety of forms and we will add more detailed information here when we can. As an example, though, you might be assigned a mentor who will work with you on issues like confidence building, with the aim of supporting you to reach a point where you feel more ready to take decisions about your future. This will help you be more ready to start thinking about applying for the various sorts of options that the rest of Beyond 16 covers.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a new idea and are designed to get you ready for an Apprenticeship or a job as quickly as possible. They can last up to 6 months. This could be an option for you if the idea of an Apprenticeship or a job is what you would really like, but you havent yet got a full Level 3 qualification. A Traineeship would offer you the chance to go on a substantial work placement and get work skills training, as well as improving your English and maths. There could be other support and flexible training depending on your needs. You could be suitable for a Traineeship if you:
are unemployed (or work less than 16 hours per week) and have little work experience are motivated to work are aged 16 to 19 and are qualified below Level 3 think you will be ready for employment within six months of starting a Traineeship.
44
bey nd
16
How do I apply?
We will add to and update this information as more details become clear.

As we explained in Your options on page 44, this is an all-new approach starting at the same time as writing Beyond 16 (September 2013) and we cant yet tell you a lot about how this will work. There is now a list of work-based learning providers who are due to be offering Study Programme options at a Foundation level we have included this list in the next section, Foundation Study Programme contacts work-based learning if you havent reached Level 2, on page 46.
Traineeships
Contact local colleges or training providers to see if they are offering Traineeships. Some Traineeship opportunities, particularly those with large national employers, will be advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Find out more...

If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham and you need more help with working out whether one of these options is the right thing to help you on your way, a Connexions personal adviser (PA) can give you advice and guidance. They can help you to find out what support might be available.
45
bey nd
16
Foundation Study Programme contacts work-based learning if you havent reached Level 2
These are the contact details for work-based learning providers who are running Foundation Study Programmes, based on a list dated 20 September 2013. The section on Your options on page 44 explains more about what these programmes will include. Local colleges will also be offering courses for young people who havent yet reached Level 2.
Archway Academy 83 Watery Lane Middleway Bordesley Birmingham B9 4HN 0121 772 7772 www.archwayacademy.org.uk Bellis Training Limited The Argent Centre 60 Frederick Street Hockley Birmingham B1 3HS 0121 236 6841 www.bellistraining.co.uk Crackerjack Training 1st Floor 162 High Street Harborne Birmingham B17 9PN 0121 427 2529 www.crackerjacktraining.co.uk Gordon Franks Training St James House St James Place Nechells Birmingham B7 4JE 0121 333 3001 www.gordonfrankstraining.co.uk Heart of England Training 12 Priory Walk Birmingham B4 7LJ 0800 028 1576 www.hoet.co.uk Intraining 4 Norton Street Hockley Birmingham B18 5RQ 0121 616 6070 www.intraining.co.uk Kingsbury Training Centre The Gardens Fentham Road Erdington Birmingham B23 6AG 0121 384 3886 www.kingsburytraining.com Kingshurst Training CTC Kingshurst Academy Cooks Lane Kingshurst Birmingham B37 6NU 0121 788 1001 www.kingshurst-training.com Learndirect (formerly JHP) 6th Floor Warwick Chambers Corporation Street Birmingham B2 4RN 0121 643 4200 www.jhptraining.com / www.learndirect.co.uk Nova Training 163a Station Road Stechford Birmingham B33 8BA 0121 783 9824 www.novatraining.co.uk PPDG (Pertemps) Unit 3540 Newtown Shopping Centre Newtown Birmingham B19 2SS Tel: 0121 359 3024 www.ppdg.co.uk Platinum Employment Advice and Training Ltd 35 Wilson Road Handsworth Birmingham B19 1LY 0121 245 7200 www.platinumpeopleuk.com
46

Reflections Training (House of Clive) Unit 2a / Unit 2b Commercial Street Birmingham B1 1RS 0121 643 2147 www.reflectionstraining.co.uk TBG Learning Birmingham Ltd George Nott House 119 Holloway Head Birmingham B1 1QP 0121 200 2646 www.tbglearning.com
bey nd
16
47
bey nd
16
JOBS
After you finish school, you may be interested in finding a job straight away. You could be looking to start full-time work, or you may want to find a part-time job to do alongside a course at school or college. Because of Raising the Participation Age (RPA), if you are completing Year 11 in 2014 or later, you will need to continue in education or training at least until your 18th birthday. This doesnt mean you cant get a job, but if you do work, you will also have to be training towards an accredited qualification. You will be gaining skills and qualifications alongside your work. When we talk about jobs in Beyond 16, you must remember this important change. The Department for Education website has an RPA information section at www.education.gov.uk/rpa In this section youll find:

Your options
There are lots of different types of job you can do, ranging from part-time or holiday work to jobs which offer training while you work.
Jobs with training

Many employers offer on-the-job training, so the need to continuing your learning, because of the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA), is already met. Training must lead to an accredited qualification and this will be valued by employers and colleges. There are lots of reasons why it makes sense to find a job with training here are just a few of them.
Your options Where to look for jobs Starting your own business
A work-related qualification can help to improve your long-term career prospects, possibly leading to better pay, promotion and job security. Youll be in a better position to move on to other jobs or go back into education if you want to. If you want to change jobs, it will be easier to prove to a new employer that youve got the skills they are looking for if youve got some qualifications. If you are under 18, you would need to sort out your continuing education or training in any case, so a job that comes with suitable training takes away this pressure.
Find out more...

You can find lots more about getting a job on our website. Go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/ connexions then follow the link to our website.

Visit the Getting a job pages at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5319 and download our Getting a job booklet which covers job hunting, CVs, applications and more. Find lots of information about working in different job sectors on the World of work pages at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5317 Use the Connexions Birmingham Job Search and other opportunities at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=99 to look for local jobs.
Ive found a job that doesnt offer training

Because of the Raising of the Participation Age, if you are completing Year 11 in 2014 or later, you will need to continue in some form of education or training at least until your 18th birthday.
48
jobs
If you take a job which doesnt have suitable training built-in, you would need to arrange this for yourself and fit in the training with the requirements of your job. Remember, theres Government information about RPA at www.education.gov.uk/rpa
bey nd
16
Where to look for jobs

There are lots of places to look for jobs try out some of these ideas.
Holiday and part-time work

Working at the weekends and during school or college holidays is a great way to build up your CV and earn some extra money. There are lots of different types of weekend, evening and holiday jobs available, especially in areas like retail and hospitality. For example, you could find a weekend job working in a shop or an evening job in a bar or restaurant. Bear in mind that for jobs where you will be serving alcohol youll need to be over 18! RPA doesnt stop you from getting a full-time holiday job, and then continuing your education after the summer holiday. If you havent left school yet, you can work parttime, but there are some rules about how many hours you can work. To find out more, visit our website go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/ connexions and follow the link to our website, then go to Saturday jobs within the Getting a job section, at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=6888
Connexions Birmingham has a selection of local vacancies which are searchable online go to www.birmingham.gov. uk/connexions, follow the link to our website and then choose Job Search and other opportunities or go straight to www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=99. If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, you can find out more about these vacancies by visiting Connexions find out how on the Contacting us / Staying in touch webpages at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=104. We send alerts about the latest of these apprenticeships, jobs and other opportunities using Twitter. Follow us @CNXBham to receive these alerts. Websites try some of these online job search sites:

midlands.fish4jobs.co.uk www.mywestmidlandsjobs.co.uk www.monster.co.uk GOV.UKs Universal Jobmatch job search page at https://www.gov.uk/jobsearch
Jobcentre Plus you can find vacancies advertised in your local Jobcentre. Newspapers local papers usually advertise vacancies on particular days. For example, the Birmingham Mail has jobs on a Thursday. Employment agencies agencies can help you to find temporary and permanent jobs. Personal contacts ask your friends and family if they know about any vacancies. Local high streets you can often find parttime or holiday work advertised in shop or restaurant windows.
49
jobs
For lots more ideas on how to find and apply for jobs, take a look at the Getting a job pages on our website go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions and follow the link to our website, then choose the Getting a job quicklink, or go straight to www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5319
bey nd
16
Starting your own business

Starting a business and working for yourself is another option you could consider, especially if you are ambitious, prepared to work hard and good at getting things done. Because of the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA), if you are completing Year 11 in 2014 or later, you will need to continue in education or training at least until your 18th birthday. If you set up your own business, this still applies you would also have to be training towards an accredited qualification. Dont forget that it will take a great deal of hard work to start a business, there are lots of risks involved, youll have to raise finance to get started and you almost certainly wont start making money straight away! It often makes sense to gain some experience first, by working for an employer in the area you want to start your business in. People who work for themselves are usually:

Did you know?

If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, a Connexions personal adviser can help you to think about your job ideas as well. Go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/ connexions and follow the link to our website, then choose Contacting us / Staying in touch or go straight to www.connexions-bs.co.uk/ main.php?section=104
creative and imaginative good at getting things done ambitious and original risk takers, but sensible good at getting their point across hard working and committed persuasive salespeople tough when things go wrong
If this sounds like you, working for yourself could be an option.
Points to consider
You must be prepared to work long hours self-employed people often end up working from the moment they get up until they go to bed, especially in the early years of a business.
50
jobs
bey nd
16
You will also need to allow time for the continued learning which you will need to be doing at least until you reach 18. You will need appropriate skills for example, self-discipline, initiative, flexibility and administrative skills. You will need to choose and research a product or service. Is there a market for it? Who are the prospective customers? Are there enough of them to make a successful business?
Want to know more?

If you are considering starting your own business, get as much help and advice as you can. There are lots of organisations to help you you could begin by discussing your business idea with family and friends to see if they think it could work. You can get lots more advice from these websites:
Shell LiveWIRE www.shell-livewire.org Helps 16 to 30 year olds to start and develop their own business and hosts a national competition for new business start-ups. The Princes Trust Enterprise programme www.princes-trust.org.uk Helps 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week, by offering low-interest loans, mentor support and more find out more on their website.
51
bey nd
16
HIGHER EDUCATION
While you are planning your next move, its worth taking some time to think ahead to what you may want to do in the future. Have you considered going into Higher Education (HE)? Research shows that having a degree improves your chance of getting a job and that over the long-term, you are likely to earn more money than people who dont go. HE courses are ones which usually lead to a Level 5 or higher qualification. You can find out more about different qualification levels by looking at How do qualifications compare? on page 11. For example, an A Level is Level 3, a Higher National Diploma is Level 5 and a degree is Level 6. If you are interested in taking an HE course at university or college, you will usually need to gain a Level 3 qualification first like A Levels or a BTEC National. HE courses can be studied at universities, HE colleges or specialist institutions like art or agricultural colleges. Colleges of further education (FE) can offer degree courses as well, by working in partnership with a local university. HE courses can be studied full-time, part-time or through a distance-learning college like the Open University, where students work from home in their own time. A person with a degree (the main type of HE qualification) is known as a graduate. Dont let media reports about the cost of tuition fees and living costs put you off. Before deciding whether or not to apply, its best to check out the facts about fees, other costs, and student loans, so that you can make an informed decision.
Find out more...

You can find more information about HE on the Connexions Birmingham website, in our main Higher Education area go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions then follow the link to our website and the Higher Education quicklink.
52
bey nd
16
MONEY MATTERS
This section tells you what you need to know about money, whatever you decide to do after Year 11. You can use this information as a starting point, and if you then need to find out more you can visit GOV.UKs Student finance loans, and universities, Money and tax or Benefits webpages, at https://www.gov.uk/browse/ education/student-finance , https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax and https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits In this section youll find:

of up to 1200 a year. This group includes:

young people in care, or care leavers people claiming income support disabled young people receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
For other young people facing financial difficulty, the school or college will decide whether to award a bursary, and how much. For detailed information on the 16 to 19 Bursary, visit GOV.UKs 16 to 19 Bursary Fund section, at https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund If youre a young parent, you may also be able to get help with childcare costs while you are in education or training. Have a look at Can I get help with childcare costs if I carry on learning? on the next page.
Can I get any extra money while Im learning? Can I get any other help with money or course fees? Can I get Income Support or other benefits while studying? Can I get help with childcare costs if I carry on learning? How much could I earn on an Apprenticeship? How much could I earn if I get a job? Do I need to open a bank or building society account? What are Income Tax and National Insurance?
Can I get any other help with money or course fees?

If you stay on at a Local Education Authority (LEA) school, academy or further education college and are under the age of 19, you will not have to pay any course fees. Your parents or carers will continue to get child benefit or any other benefits they already receive for you. Once you are over the age of 19 you may have to pay course fees, so bear this in mind if you choose to delay going into further education. There are other sorts of financial help which can sometimes be available to help students with living and learning costs. As well as the 16 to 19 Bursary which you can find out about in Can I get any extra money while Im learning? above you might be able to get help with travel costs, and there are also some specialist funds, like Dance and Drama Awards, for students who want to study particular subjects.
Can I get any extra money while Im learning?

If you stay in learning at school or college or are training, you may be able to get money to help with your studies from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund at your school, college or training provider. The 16 to 19 Bursary is aimed at students who need financial help so that they can stay in learning. Money from the fund is given out by individual schools and colleges to students who they consider are in need of help. Students who are most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary
53
money matters
To find out more about what may be available, visit GOV.UKs Further education courses and funding Financial help section, at https://www.gov.uk/further-educationcourses/financial-help
bey nd
16
Learn webpages, at https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn
Can I get Income Support or other benefits while studying?

Normally, 16 to 19 year olds at school or college cannot get Income Support, but there are some exceptions. For example, you may be able to get help if you are the parent of a child who lives with you, or you dont live with a parent or someone acting as a parent. You can find out more on GOV.UKs Benefits pages at https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits or by contacting Jobcentre Plus GOV.UK has a page called Contact Jobcentre Plus, at https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus Theres an online Benefits adviser tool at https://www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser which will help you work out what, if any, benefits you could get.
How much could I earn on an Apprenticeship?

If you are on an Apprenticeship you will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. This is 2.65 per hour from 1 October 2012, rising to 2.68 from 1 October 2013. However, according to the National Apprenticeship Service, the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around 170 and in some job roles around 210 per week and research shows that apprentices earn, on average, over 100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees. Theres more about the National Minimum Wage in How much could I earn if I get a job? below.
How much could I earn if I get a job?

Because of Raising the Participation Age (RPA), if you are completing Year 11 in 2014 or later, you will need to continue in education or training at least until your 18th birthday. Remember, if you plan to look for a job you will also have to be training towards an accredited qualification. The Government sets a National Minimum Wage for workers. You are entitled to this whether you work full-time, part-time, on a casual basis, from home, for an agency or on a short term contract. You are not entitled to this if you are self-employed (working for yourself rather than an employer). From 1 October 2012, the National Minimum Wage rates are:
Can I get help with childcare costs if I carry on learning?

Care to Learn is a scheme run by the government, which provides help with childcare costs so that young parents can stay in learning. You could receive up to 160 per child per week to pay for childcare. To receive Care to Learn you must be caring for your own child or children and be under 20 on the day your course or learning programme starts. Care to Learn can be claimed by fathers or mothers. If you claim any benefits, you will still receive these as well as Care to Learn money. You can find out more by calling the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or visiting GOV.UKs Care to
2.65 per hour for young people on an Apprenticeship, rising to 2.68 from 1 October 2013 3.68 per hour for 16 and 17 year-olds in a job, rising to 3.72 from 1 October 2013
54
money matters
bey nd
16
4.98 for 18 to 20 year-olds in a job, rising to 5.03 from 1 October 2013 6.19 for those aged 21 and over, rising to 6.31 from 1 October 2013
You can find out more from GOV.UKs Your pay, tax and the National Minimum Wage pages go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/ tax-minimum-wage or by calling the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368 (8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday).
Theres more information on our website at Your life and lifestyle > Managing money, and you can get more advice on opening a bank or building society account by visiting the Money Advice Service website and going to Choosing the right account at https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ categories/choosing-the-right-account
Do I need to open a bank or building society account?

If you start work, or need to claim any benefits, you will need to open a bank or building society account. Most employers will pay your wages directly into your bank or building society account, on a weekly or monthly basis. Benefits like Income Support are also paid directly to your account. Shop around before you make a decision about an account, as banks and building societies may have different interest rates and different rules about how you can get access to your money. Some may offer vouchers or other gifts for opening an account. Before you decide on an account:
What are Income Tax and National Insurance?

If you are employed, you will usually pay Income Tax on your wages. Income Tax is a percentage of your wages and normally comes directly out of your salary before you receive it. This will be shown on your payslip as PAYE Pay As You Earn. Your employer should take care of deducting and paying this tax for you, so you dont normally have to do anything else about it. National Insurance (NI) is another payment that is automatically deducted from your salary by your employer. You will only start to pay National Insurance when you earn more than 149 per week, (2013-2014 tax year rates) so if you work part-time you may not have to pay it. As you approach your sixteenth birthday, you will usually be sent a National Insurance number notification letter with your unique number on. Keep this safe, as you will need this number for lots of different things for example when you apply for a job or benefits. If you are over 16 and havent received details of your NI number, you should telephone the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0300 200 3502 (8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Find out more from the GOV.UK section called Get a National Insurance Number at https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurancenumber Our websites Managing money section has webpages on Income Tax and National Insurance, and you can also find out more from the GOV.UK webpages on Income Tax at
Find out how easy it will be to access your money. Will you have a cash point or debit card? Is there a branch or a cashpoint nearby? Do you want to use telephone or Internet banking? Ask friends and family which banks or building societies they use and what type of account. What do they like or dislike about them? Think about how you want to use the account do you want to take money out every day, or save for something in the future? You can have more than one account and these can be at different banks or building societies its common for people to have separate accounts for day-to-day spending and for longer-term saving.
55
money matters
https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax/income-tax and National Insurance at https://www.gov.uk/ browse/tax/national-insurance
bey nd
16
Payslips
You should receive a weekly or monthly payslip from your employer with details of how much you have been paid and how much Income Tax and National Insurance has been taken out. You should get this even if you are part-time, on a probationary period or in training. If youve got questions about payslips, you can visit GOV.UKs Payslips: your rights section at https://www.gov.uk/payslips-your-rights
56
bey nd
16
MORE HELP
Youve got some big decisions ahead and some exciting plans to make. Dont worry if it all seems like a lot to think about there are plenty of ways to get the support you need to make your choices. In this section youll find:
Help from Connexions Birmingham for young people working with us

Connexions Birmingham personal advisers (PAs) give careers information, advice and guidance to young people who are not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET) and who are not yet 20 (or up to 25 if the young person has a learning difficulty or disability). Some schools are buying a careers information, advice and guidance service from Connexions Birmingham and so PAs will also be working with wider groups of young people in those schools. If you are a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, your Connexions PA can:
Help from Connexions Birmingham for young people working with us Other sources of help
help you get back into education, employment or training and choose the right course, Apprenticeship or job help you to find out more about the careers you are interested in help you find out what courses or support might be available to develop your employability, if youre not yet in a position to move forward with your plans, and look at what extra support you might need to follow your chosen option
Connexions PAs are available at a range of venues across Birmingham. Some sessions are drop-in but for some you need to arrange an appointment. The Contacting us / Staying in touch area of our website at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=104 includes all the details about venues, opening times, phone numbers and more. If you are not a young person working with Connexions Birmingham, see the next main section on Other sources of help starting on page 59 for more about how to get information, advice and guidance.
57
more help
bey nd
16
Find out more...

As well as talking to a Connexions PA, you can also get information and advice from the National Careers Service website at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk and the Education and learning section of the GOV.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/ browse/education You can call 0800 100 900 any time between 8am and 10pm to speak to an adviser about careers and learning. You can also talk to a National Careers Service adviser by email, text or online, or join in a discussion in the chat room. Theres more about all these services on the National Careers Service websites Contact an adviser page for young people at https://nationalcareersservice. direct.gov.uk/aboutus/contactus/Pages/ youngperson.aspx
Use the Connexions Birmingham Job Search and other opportunities at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main.php? section=99 to look for local job vacancies and Apprenticeships and search for Volunteering and Personal Development opportunities. Try Getting help / Finding out more > Need more info? - Links at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main.php? section=5383 for links to lots of useful websites, including local school and college contact details.
Using our website

Our website is regularly updated and has lots of useful information. Go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/connexions and follow the link to our website. Try out some of these sections to find out more.
Visit the World of work webpages at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5317 to find out more about local jobs trends and different areas of work. Try the Getting a job area at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5319 for guides to job hunting, work experience, CVs and applications, interviews and starting work. You can also download our Getting a job booklet. Look at the Higher Education section at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main. php?section=5315 for advice on choosing courses, cash facts and more. Visit the What next? Special choices post 16 webpages at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/ main.php?section=5311 for information on post-16 choices for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
58
more help
bey nd
16
Other sources of help

Websites
Try out these three useful websites:
Birmingham Youth Service

You can get information, advice and guidance from Birmingham Youth Service. Whether you are still at school or college or you have already left, you can call in and talk to a youth worker. To find out more about Birmingham Youth Service you can visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/youthservice
www.ucasprogress.com UCAS Progress includes Search, a database of courses on offer locally for 14-19 year olds. You can use it to find out details of the courses available from many of Birminghams schools, colleges and other providers. https://www.gov.uk/browse/education The Education and learning section of GOV.UK has information on subjects including apprenticeships, 14 to 19 education, school life and student finance. Other areas of GOV.UK might also be useful at https://www.gov.uk https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk The National Careers Service website this has national information on career planning, courses and learning, and getting a job. You can also speak to an adviser about careers and learning by going online to https://nationalcareersservice. direct.gov.uk/aboutus/contactus/Pages/ youngperson.aspx or by calling 0800 100 900 any time between 8am and 10pm.
Schools
The law changed last year and from September 2012, schools became responsible for making sure that careers guidance is available to their students. Your teachers will be able to give you advice about what it will be like studying at a higher level. They can also tell you more about the type of study involved in different courses. Careers coordinators can give you advice about your options and they may be able to help you complete application forms.
Family and friends

Your family and friends know you better than anyone. They know what kind of person you are, what youre good at and what you like and dislike. It can really help to talk to them about your interests and ideas.
Careers software
Careers software programs can help you to find out more about hundreds of different jobs, so you can decide what kind of career might suit you. Schools/colleges are responsible for making sure that careers advice is available to their students, so find out what careers software your school/ college might have available. National Careers Service Job profiles at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/default.aspx has over 750 job profiles. You can look at job families or use the search facility to find out more about careers.
Social networking
Social networking websites like Facebook at www.facebook.com and Twitter at https://twitter.com can be useful places to chat about your career ideas with friends. Connexions Birmingham uses Twitter to pass on useful information for example about vacancies or opportunities. You can follow us at @CNXBham. There are also specialist chat rooms about learning and careers try out www.thestudentroom.co.uk for discussions and forums about courses, exams, jobs, interviews, politics and personal issues. If you are using online forums and chatrooms, you need to be aware that there are some potential dangers.
59
more help
bey nd
16
Check your security settings on social networking sites to make sure that you know who is seeing information you post. For example, you can usually set your profile so that only people in your group of friends can see photos or messages you post online. Never give out personal information like your phone number, address or the school you go to. Never arrange to meet people you dont know. Remember, people may not be who they say they are. Double check any information you get. Any advice given out on a forum is likely to be one persons opinion, and not necessarily a fact. Some social networking sites are for over 16s or 18s only. You need to obey any rules the site makes, otherwise you may get banned. Remember that posts or tweets may stay accessible online into the future your online history cannot be reliably deleted. Potential employers might one day search through your online history when considering you for a job. People have lost job offers, or failed to get an interview, for exactly this reason.
For more advice on using the internet safely, have a look at our webpages on Online safety (in our Your life and lifestyle area) at www.connexions-bs.co.uk/main.php?section=5355 or visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Publication version information: First published: September 2013 Updated 20 September 2013 (change of provider address on page 46) 2013 Connexions Birmingham, Local Services Directorate, Birmingham City Council The information contained in this publication was as accurate as possible at the time of production.
60

Beyond 16 2013

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Beyond 16 2013

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

bey nd

2014 Options after Year 11

APPRENTICESHIPS DEVELOPING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

JOBS WITH TRAINING

DEVELOPING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

HIGHER EDUCATION MONEY MATTERS

YOUR POST-16 OPTIONS

The new 1619 Study Programme

DEVELOPING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

Raising the Participation Age (RPA)

your post-16 options

Your three-step plan

Step 1 All about you

What are your interests?

What are your skills?

science maths talking and writing using computers

What are your personal qualities?

Step 2 Exploring career ideas

How do you like to learn?

Did you know?

Did you know?

Step 3 Making a plan

3. Do I need to get some more qualifications for this type of job?

Have a back-up plan

Career planning checklist

Find out more...

Career planning calendar

Autumn term 2013

Spring term 2014

Summer term 2014

How do qualifications compare?

Foundation Study Programme

More about qualifications

A Level (AS Levels / A2 Levels)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

an essay or report a performance an investigation a piece of artwork

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

Find out more...

Vocational Awards, Certificates and Diplomas

Building your skills

Find out more...

What could I study?

Raising the Participation Age (RPA)

The new 1619 Study Programme

Where could I study?

Find out more...

Education course grids

Courses outside Birmingham

SCHOOLS: vocational / other courses

Business, Administration and Finance

Construction and the Build Environment

Carpentry and Joinery, Level 1

Creative and Media

Engineering, Level 2 Engineering, Level 3 Motor Vehicle Studies, Level 1

Food Science and Nutrition, Level 3 Hospitality, Level 2 Hospitality, Level 3

Public Services, Level 2 Public Services, Level 3

Society, Health and Development

Sports and Active Leisure

SCHOOLS: vocational / other courses

Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism, Level 2 Travel and Tourism, Level 3

The information in these grids has been provided by the colleges.

COLLEGES: vocational / other courses