Careers
Information for Post 18 Choices
We aim to ensure that every student has the pace, challenge and depth in their school experience to allow them to success both in Sixth Form and when they go on to furhter education, training or employment.
Why should I do an apprenticeship? It's a real job with training, so you can earn while you learn and pick up recognised qualifications as you go. Training may take place on the job, at college or, for higher level apprenticeships, actually at a university or combination. Your employer will pay for your training and, in some cases, university fees.
There are over 180 different types of apprenticeships in a wide range of subjects - from arts, farming, child care, IT and accountancy to more traditional subjects like engineering and motor mechanics. Click here to see the full range. If you live in England, are >16 and not in full time education you can apply. Apprenticeships take 1-4 years.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS
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Apprenticeships Find out how they work, then register, search and apply for vacancies anywhere in the UK - visit Apprenticeships UK and www.amazingapprenticeships.co.uk for lots of information on apprenticeships at all levels including the vacancy snapshot.
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Is a Traineeship for me? Traineeships last from 6 weeks to 6 months, the content tailored to your individual needs. Advice on how to get a Traineeship and where to go for more information here.
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How to write a winning application - click here for tips on how to maximise your chances of getting the apprenticeship you want.
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Want to talk to someone? You can call the National Apprenticeship Service on: 0800 015 0400 or 0247 682 6482 or email nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
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To see companies who hire apprentices regularly, click here
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Read the latest Apprenticeship Parent Pack here
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Click here for jobs & tips from notgoingotouni.co.uk
Where Can I Find Out More About Apprenticeships
https://www.allaboutcareers.com/
https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk
https://www.ucas.com/file/120301/download?token=DPdwJ0EV
Please Find Links To The Latest Apprentieship Vacancies
https://vacancies.amazingapprenticeships.com/
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
http://www.aimapprenticeships.co.uk/
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeship-vacancies
UCAS stands for the 'Universities and Colleges Admissions Service'. It is the organisation responsbile for managing application to higher education courses in the UK and has lots of information for students and parents.
Study Higher is another excellent resource it is a partnership of universities, further education colleges and other stakeholders working together to proivde young people with high quality impartial advice and guidance about education opportunties They offer a 'chat to us' function
Many universities offer taster sessions, visit the relevant unviersity website directly for more information. Students looking for unviersity events can find them listed via www.openday.com and www.universitytasterdays.com or https://london.ac.uk/ways-study/study-campus-london/university-taster-courses.
Alongside their post 16 students students may consider completing an EPQ or MOOC course for further personal development. Take a look at the following resources for information.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses
Other useful university related websites include:
Money Saving Expert How to afford Uni Full time study
Which? Article on Student finance
In recent years we have developed successful Oxbridge application schems, to support our most able students to apply to the UK's elite universities. The programme is run with support from Wellington College and involves interview preparation and help with extended projects. Oxbridge have bespoke careers sites that have degree information, guides and details on extra and supper curricular activites
Obrudge Applications for September 2025 Entry
Each year in March there is a student conference for oxbrudge admissions click here for more information
If you want to look at alternatives or have a gap year, find out more about your options here.
Useful websites such as Not Going to Uni www.notgoingtouni.co.uk, – the one stop site for apprenticeships, gap years, distance learning and jobs and www.studentladder.co.uk/careers,
Look at The Forest's Jobs, Training and Apprenticeships pages for useful links and information about creating CVs and searching for jobs
For more information about Careers support and guidance contact: Mr S Jackman, sjackman@forest.academy
View the University of Kent Careers and Employability Services website it has information about: Get help with choosing a career, example CVs, and covering letters, practise interviews online, aptitude tests and careers related to your degree subject.
Whether you want to work, travel and/or volunteer in the UK or abroad, here is a small sample of organisations who help with gap years. Make sure to carefully check out any company before making any arrangements, or go with a well established company with a good reputation.
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Gov.UK - Advice for gap year travellers |
Frontier - adventure, conservation. teaching, healthcare and more |
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Prospects - should you take a Gap year, and search Ideas for Gap Years |
Raleigh International - a sustainable development charity working with communities living in poverty. |
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BUNAC - work and volunteer abroad programmes |
iGapyear - links to a range of providers |
All Year 10 and 12 students are offered work experience. It is extremely useful for your CV and UCAS applications. It helps you decide what you want to do (or not do!) and you can get a real taste of the world of work. And when you apply for university, college or employment, it can give you an edge above other applicants. Many organisations now offer virtual work experience placements from insight into industry days, to week long placements. Most opportunities are free, but please note some may have a cost.
Register on the following websites for more information.
https://www.speakersforschools.org/experience-2/vwex/
https://www.springpod.co.uk/work-experience/
https://unifresher.co.uk/how-to-find-work-experience-in-year-12/
Or visit company websites for further details, e.g.:
PWC - https://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/student-careers/school-careers/our-programmes/insight-weeks.html
https://www.careerdays.co.uk/careers-dayshttps://investin.org
When you leave school and start college or university you could consider an Internship. Find out how to get one in the summer via:
https://www.e4s.co.uk/docs/internships.htm
https://targetjobs.co.uk/internships
https://www.milkround.com/jobs/internships
If you are still unsure of your choices visit www.mycareerspringboard.org or use their online tools and quizzes for more advice and guidance.