Careers, Work Experience and Progression

Going to university can be an option if you have completed or are working towards a Level 3 qualification such as A levels, T Levels, BTEC Level 3 or Access to HE. For further information on going to university click here

Benefits of going to university:

• With a degree you are more likely to enter into a higher paying job
• Targeted career choices
• Gain skills and experience for life and work
• Meet lots of new friends – from all over the UK and the world
• It gives you the opportunity to move away (if you want to) and gain new independence
• In-depth study in a subject that interests you
• It gives you the opportunity to be taught by and network with leaders in that subject field/industry

UCAS
All applications to University for full-time study must be made online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Here is some information to help if you are considering Higher Education.

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experience. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. If you don’t already have GCSE maths, English & ICT, you may have the opportunity to complete Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship.

You can view our apprenticeship vacancies here.

You can search and apply for apprenticeships through the Find an Apprenticeship GOV website

This video on Understanding Apprenticeships features current apprentices explaining their experience.

Levels of Apprenticeships:

There are three types of Apprenticeships you can apply for, depending on your current skills and qualifications:

• Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (Level 2)
• Advanced Level Apprenticeships (Level 3)
• Higher/Degree Apprenticeships (Level 4, 5, 6 & 7)

Higher Degree Apprenticeships can lead to a degree. Studying for a degree whilst you work will allow you to gain valuable skills and experience. It can lead to a bachelor’s of arts/science degree, dependent upon the area studied. You will gain a degree without the debt.

Who can apply?

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at college. To start one, you’ll need to be:

• 16 or over
• Living in England
• Not in full time education

Benefits:

• Earn a salary
• Employment in a real job
• Gain job-specific skills
• Receive holiday pay
• Study towards a recognised qualification
• Transferable workplace skills
• Work alongside experienced staff
• Open to all age groups above 16 years old

As an apprentice you will:

• Earn a wage
• Get holiday pay
• Develop job-specific skills
• Work with experienced staff
• Be allocated time to study

Entrepreneurs, freelancers and self-employed people work for themselves providing either a product or a service for sale. They own or run their own business and this can vary from  providing services such as dog-walking, plastering or hairdressing, to a company set up to produce and market a new piece of technology.

An entrepreneur is a person who starts a business based on an original idea for a product or service that is not yet available in their market.

• Many entrepreneurs set up their companies on their own and have to find support like funding from investors or suppliers for the materials they need.
• Entrepreneurs tend to start with limited resources and have to be prepared to take risks.
• Many entrepreneurs support themselves with other sources of income while they’re starting their business, so that they can take the time to build up a customer base and make a profit.

Self-employed people own a business that offers a product or service that benefits its customers.

• Typically, business owners have a thorough understanding of their industry and already know who their target customers will be.
• Unlike entrepreneurs, the business is often the owners’ only source of income, so their main responsibility is to make it a success in order to support themselves and any staff they employ. Business owners are, therefore, less likely to be able to take big risks.

Freelancing is a form of self-employment. Freelancers offer their skills and talents to a number of clients on a flexible basis, for example in IT, Digital and Creative Media.

• They aren’t employed by a company or committed to a single customer – freelancers have the freedom to choose the projects they’d like to work on and the clients they’d like to work for.
• They usually work from home, although some rent studio or office space.

Where can I get help?

Prince’s Trust supports young entrepreneurs in starting their own businesses.

The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Leeds City Region is open for business at libraries in Leeds, Bradford, Dewsbury, Halifax and Wakefield following last year’s announcement of BIPC Leeds’s expansion across the region.

A step by step guide to setting up your own business and accessing support can be found here: Set up a business – GOV.UK

AD:VENTURE – Leeds City Region provides free business development support and guidance to individuals starting a business.

UnLtd finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs to get started or grow.

Barclays Life Skills (you will need to create a free account): Develop your enterprise and business skills | Barclays LifeSkills

What is Volunteering?

Supporting local charities, businesses and vulnerable people in your spare time. A volunteer isn’t paid for their work, however they will gain employability skills and valuable workplace experiences.

Benefits of volunteering:

• Improve your CV
• Gain employability skills
• Personal development
• Improved confidence
• Training and support
• Meet new people
• Helps with UCAS personal statement
• Work in an industry that interests you

Useful Resources:

• vInspired
• National Citizen Service
• UK National Volunteering Database
• Volunteering in Leeds
• Volunteering in Keighley & District