1. POST 18 PROGRESSION ROUTES

2. POST –18 PROGRESSION ROUTES  HIGHER EDUCATION – UK  HIGHER EDUCATION – EUROPE  HIGHER EDUCATION – PART-TIME  EMPLOYMENT  TAKING A YEAR OUT – GAP YEAR  FURTHER EDUCATION / TRAINING

3. HIGHER EDUCATION: Some facts….  50% of all students in NI are studying Part-Time;  This is likely to increase in the future given changing circumstances with Tuition Fees  Change is coming – Traditional 3 or 4 year degrees will be reduced;  There will be an increase in Part-Time degrees to be studied over 5/6years;  Fees will be charged per module selected;  Courses are likely to be delivered online.

4. HIGHER EDUCATION cont..  The book which lists ALL degree courses in the UK – DEGREE COURSE OFFERS by Brian Heap – is found in the Study Hall, Library & Careers Room ( F12)  The website for application to University:  www.ucas.com ( all advice found here)  The website for application to the Republic Of Ireland:  www.cao.ie

5. HIGHER EDUCATION cont..  Financing Higher Education:  www.studentfinanceni.ac.uk  Local Universities:  www.ulster.ac.uk ( Ulster University)  www.qub.ac.uk ( Queens Belfast)  www.cafre.ac.uk ( College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise)

6. Higher Education - Europe  Fees for Higher Education are much less in Europe than in the UK;  Visit: www.allstarfuture.co.ukwww.allstarfuture.co.uk  This website provides up-to-date information on the costs of studying a degree in mainland Europe.

7. EMPLOYMENT:  Some companies target non graduates for management roles after they leave school;  Example – Autoline Direct, Newry FPM Newry Alliance & Leicester Building Society Local banks www.careersserviceni.com www.jobcentreonline.com www.loadzajobs.co.uk Check local websites for ‘Career Opportunities’ for school leavers.

8. TAKING A GAP YEAR  ACTIVITIES THAT COULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN A YEAR OUT :  Travel  Voluntary Activities – Community Service; Overseas e.g. Raleigh International; ( See Gap YR Folder – F12)  Studying  Work Experience – becoming critically more important to Admissions Tutors

9. GAP YEARS …..  ADVANTAGES:  Increased Self- Confidence, maturity, independence;  Easier transition form school to Uni;  Increased motivation;  Helps planning for the future;  Chance to earn money;  Strengthens your CV  DISADVANTAGES:  If not well planned may affect application to Uni;  Mathematical & Scientific disciplines – loss of familiarity with formulae  May be side-tracked away from original plans – particularly when earning good money.

10. Some useful Addresses:  BUNAC  16 Bowling Green Lane  London  EC1R 0QH  Raleigh International  Raleigh House  27 Parsons Green Lane London  SW6 4HZ

11. FURTHER EDUCATION / TRAINING  This is Progression through the SRC  Southern Regional College, Newry.  Alternatively – DKIT, Dundalk  You can pursue Higher National Diplomas, Accountancy Certificates; Leadership Diplomas etc..Check:  www.src.ac.uk www.src.ac.uk  www.dkit.ie

12. ADV/DISADVs OF GOING TO UNIVERSITY Allows access to Job Market Higher SalariesImproved Promotion prospects Improved Job Security Chance to study something you enjoy Chance to meet new people Chance to have new experiences Financial Costs Will have debts to pay when start working No guarantee of employment May have to leave home – a reasonably secure/settled environment Delays experience of FT paid employment

13. Finally..  Post-18 Options are entirely your decision…  Please use the School Website www.abbeycbs.co.uk – to keep up-to-date with the termly Careers newsletter on the Careers link online. www.abbeycbs.co.uk