Careers Events

Although we live in uncertain and challenging times the principles of planning ahead for the future remain the same. As we cannot predict what the future job market may look like but the best way to prepare for what’s to come is:

  • Gain the best set of qualifications you can.
  • Choose an area of study or work that you are enthusiastic about & feel confident you can succeed in.
  • Demonstrate a positive work ethic, be flexible and adaptable to change.
  • Be resilient to set backs and understand there is always more than one way to achieve your goals.

 
So when looking at your plans for next year you should be asking yourself 3 questions:

Post-16 Pathways
After Year 11, students have a range of pathways available to them. At Todmorden High School, we support students and families in understanding these options so that they can make informed and ambitious choices.

A Levels (Academic Qualifications)
A Levels are a continuation of GCSE study at a more advanced and in-depth level. Students typically choose three subjects to study over two years, leading primarily to examinations at the end of the course. Common subjects include Maths, English, Biology and History, alongside subjects that may be new to students, such as Economics, Psychology, Photography and Politics. Entry requirements vary by subject and provider, but most courses require at least a Grade 5 at GCSE, with higher grade requirements (often Grade 6 or 7) in subjects such as Maths and the Sciences.

Vocational and Technical Qualifications (BTECs and T Levels)
Vocational courses are designed to provide practical, work-related learning in areas such as Engineering, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Business and Computing. These courses combine classroom learning with coursework and, in some cases, examinations.
Level 3 qualifications are equivalent in standard to A Levels, are usually studied over two years, and can lead to university, apprenticeships or employment.
Level 2 qualifications are similar in level to GCSEs, typically studied over one year, and often include the opportunity to retake English or Maths where needed. Successful completion can lead to progression onto Level 3 courses.
Level 1 courses provide a foundation for students who may need additional support or who are starting a new subject area, including some construction and trade-based courses.

Work-Based Learning (Apprenticeships and Traineeships)
Apprenticeships and traineeships allow students to combine employment with training. Students gain practical experience in the workplace while working towards recognised qualifications, often through a mix of on-the-job learning and release to a training provider. After Year 11, students can begin Apprenticeships at Level 2 or Level 3, with opportunities to progress in some sectors to higher or degree-level Apprenticeships over time.

The environment you study in is important to ensure it suits your personality and learning style. Would you prefer :

  • School Sixth Form – Often a smaller environment than the colleges but offering high level courses . Locally this would include Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar, Ryburn Valley Sixth Form, Crossley Health Grammar.
  • Sixth Form College – Like the school sixth form but larger, offering more courses and on has Yr12 and Yr13 on site so you teachers will only teach advanced level courses. Locally these are Rochdale Sixth Form College and Trinity 6th Form College, Halifax
  • Further Education Colleges – Large institutions offering a whole range of courses with specialist facilities to run courses a school couldn’t such as engineering, construction, catering, hair & beauty etc. Some offer both academic and vocational courses, some specialise in just vocational. Locally these are Burnley College, Calderdale College, Nelson & Colne College, Hopwood Hall College Rochdale.
  • Specialist Colleges – These colleges offering a unique set of courses such as Myerscough College of Agriculture, BIMM School of Music in Manchester, LLS Sports Academy based in Brighouse
  • In the workplace – If you want to get your qualifications whilst working you’ll need to find both an Employer and a training Provider. Apprenticeships are organised though Training Providers who arrange your study programme with the employer placement and the off the job learning. Local Training providers are Themis Training in Burnley, NLTG covering Lancashire, Manchester and West Yorkshire, Training 2000 covering Lancashire, Calderdale College in Halifax and Hopwood Hall in Rochdale but there are many more national organisations who may deal with local employers. The Armed Forces have their own training colleges and a range of qualifications linked to their skills areas.

You might have a range of ideas about careers beyond your Post 16 study so consider whether the course you’re taking will:

  • Get you into the type of University you’re planning to go to
  • Give you the skills and qualifications to get you into work and keep you there
  • Be flexible enough to move on in different directions if you change your mind at a later date
  • Give you opportunities to develop skills outside of the classroom such as being on student councils, gaining work experience, Volunteering opportunities, an Honours programme etc.

How to research your ideas further

You can click the following links to research the options for local training providers.

BACUP & RAWTENSTALL SIXTH FORM
BURNLEY COLLEGE
CALDERDALE COLLEGE
CROSSLEY HEATH SIXTH FORM
HOPWOOD HALL
NELSON & COLNE COLLEGE
NORTH HALIFAX GRAMMAR SIXTH FORM
ROCHDALE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
RYBURN SIXTH FORM
THEMIS
TRINITY SIXTH FORM COLLEGE