WorldSkills UK LIVE Apprenticeships, Technical & Education Pathways

What are pathways? At a number of points in your education journey you will be able to choose from a range of different pathways: University, college, technical, vocational, apprenticeships, employment… There is no right or wrong pathway. Everyone is different and different pathways suit different people. You should make your choices when you have researched the options and got advice from the people that know you and people who are experts in these pathways.

What options are there? 14 – 16 years old 16 – 18 years old GCSE GCSE / A-Level Further Education Foundation or Higher Diploma Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma Higher Education Foundation Learning Tier Foundation Learning Tier Apprenticeship post 18 Apprenticeship Employment Employment with Training Employment with Training

What are the differences? Apprenticeships Technical/Vocational University You can start an apprenticeship at 16 straight after your GCSEs. Or you can start later perhaps at 18 after A Levels or vocational qualifications. You can even do an apprenticeship if you have a degree but decide to retrain or upskill. You may decide to go to college after you have finished GCSEs or 6th form study. A college can offer a range of vocational and technical courses that allow you to begin studying key elements specific to a career whilst continuing full-time study. These courses should have a large element of hands-on learning giving you practical insight into the subject. Most people start university after they complete A Levels, many university courses will require the student to have completed a set of A Level or equivalent qualifications. You can however go to university later in life, some people study and work part-time.

What are the differences? Apprenticeships Technical/Vocational University Depending on the qualifications you have when you start an apprenticeship and the type of apprenticeship you want to do, you may do a Level 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (the top level is a degree apprenticeship). The length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship will depend on the level and type you choose to do. There is a range of technical and vocational courses which can start at level 1, 2 or 3. There are also technical qualifications at higher levels. The length of time you will study depends on the course and qualification. A bachelor’s degree is the three or four year course you can take in undergraduate higher education after you’ve finished further education – also known as a ‘first degree’ or ‘undergraduate degree’.

What are the differences? Apprenticeships Technical/Vocational University You work for an employer from day one of the apprenticeship. This means you get paid a salary, have a job description and there will be clear expectations of you. Depending on your training you may do the study part of your apprenticeship at work, in a college, with a training provider or at university. It is most usual for people to go to a college or specialist centre to study technical and vocational qualifications. It can often mean a local college facility so you are studying full-time in your home town or at least a local town. Much of the qualification will be delivered by teaching staff with some free periods for personal study. You do not usually pay for your time at college unless you are a mature student. Most people who go to university will move away from home and live on or near the campus. You live independ-ently whilst you study, mana-ging your time and study responsibilities. Universities are known for their student life. There is a cost to going to university and living away from home which you are respon-sible for.

How to choose what to study It’s really important to understand what pathways will most suit you, and support you to achieve your long-term career goals. Researching as much as you can about all of the options open to you will be a big help. You can go and visit the different places, get a feel for the environments and talk to students or apprentices who are currently studying or working in those environments. If you know what career route you are most interested in you can research what education or pathways employers may favour.

Find the answers to these questions Do I enjoy studying, can I see myself studying for another year, two, three years or even more? Am I good at independent study? Do I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, see new places and try new things? Do the costs balance with the benefits I will get? Will the route help me get to where I want in my career?

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