Employment after A levels

In 2009 - 20% of A level students in the South West entered employment straight from their studies.

   Why choose the work option after A levels?

money to spendStudents may need to support themselves or

othersfear of substantial debt during time at

universityconcern about finding a well paid job after

universitytired of studyreached academic ceiling

no further qualifications needed for chosen career eg dental nurse

friends are in workno one from family has ever gone to

university

    Common jobs after A levels

Administration, Commerce, Finance, Hospitality, Leisure,

Nursing and Caring, Retail, Tourism, Uniformed Services

Local A level leavers have gone into the following: HSBC, Helphire, Airbus (engineering) trainee, accountant, hairdressing, retail, Wessex Water (engineering or administration), insurance, nursery nurse, air cabin crew, care assistant Local AS leavers have gone into the following: Apprentice engineer, trainee shopfitter, retail, catering, admin, ICT, trainee quantity surveyor, motor mechanic

Education doesn’t stop on leaving school.There might be part time training or

Higher Education. It is possible to continue to gain

qualifications in the workplace eg Human Resources, Legal Executive.

Many organisations provide in-house training eg Civil Service

Other ways of learning:

Open UniversityNo formal entry requirements needed

A full time course at a local College of Further Education

Apprenticeships

Up to age 25 years -- although some employers may prefer under 18s in certain trades eg in construction.

It is most important to find an employer.

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Agencies, temporary work, a Saturday job or work experience may lead to permanent employment.

When to apply?

Start from November or December. Send speculative letters. Vacancies may appear from

Christmas, so look in the press, Connexions or Job Centre webpages, employment websites

What can I do without a degree?

Administration, Agriculture or

horticulture, animals, engineering/

construction/manufacturing,

work with figures or money,

hair and beauty, health and social care,

hospitality, travel and tourism,

sport, IT, science, photography, retail/marketing/

advertising, transport, uniformed

services

A full time university course is not always the only way to a professional job eg hotel or retail management, surveying, accountancy, journalism (although many are graduates)

If you don’t know what you want to do………?

KudosCareerscapewww.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

RESOURCES

Books and leaflets eg

What can I do with no degree?Employment after A levelsYour way forward, Options at 18

Websites eg

www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

www.connexionswest.org.uk

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

How Connexions can help

Interview with Connexions Personal Adviser

Job vacancies – www.connexionswest.org.uk