Pathways Information
Exciting opportunities await as you finish secondary school. You have the chance to explore different paths and discover your passion. Whether you’re aiming for university, a skilled trade, or something completely unique, there’s a path for you.
The government requires you to stay in education or training until you turn 18 and we hope the information on this page will help you do choose the best pathway for your personal development.
Study Programmes – Level up your Future
Whether you’re dreaming of university, an apprenticeship, or diving straight into the world of work, there’s a path for you. It’s all about finding what excites you and helps you reach your goals.
A study program should provide a structured learning experience that helps students develop skills and prepare for their next step. Study programs can include academic or vocational qualifications, work experience, and non-qualification activities.
One option for further study is to complete A Levels. A Levels are subject-based qualifications which are assessed by a series of exams at the end of the study period.
The courses are linear and are usually completed over a period of two years. Students usually choose to study three A Levels with courses varying from academic essay-based subjects to creative project-based subjects.
After completing A Levels, students can apply for university, apprenticeships or enter the world of work.
Click on the image for more information on choosing, studying and completing A Levels.
Another common pathway is to study BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council). BTECs are career-focused qualifications which combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications to choose from over 16 industries.
BTEC courses are flexible and can be studied alongside A Levels. BTECs differ from A Levels as they involve continuous assessment through coursework and assignments rather than exams at the end of the study period.
After completing BTECs, students may choose to enter the world of work, pursue professional qualifications or continue further study at university. Please ensure to check entry requirements for BTEC qualifications.
Click on the image for more information on choosing, studying and completing BTEC qualifications.
A new but increasingly popular pathway is to study T Levels, a vocational two-year course with an opportunity to gain experience through work placements.
T Levels differ from both A Levels and BTECs through the focus on vocational skills and technical education. T Level courses include a 45-day industry placement which gives students valuable experience and skills.
There are over 20 T Level subjects to choose from to prepare students for life in their chosen industry.
After completing T Levels, students may continue on to employment at their placement provider, pursue further education at university or embark on apprenticeships.
Click on the image for more information on choosing, studying and completing T Levels.
Where can young people study?
Young people may choose to study at a Sixth Form College, an educational institution focusing solely on educating students aged 16-18. Sixth form colleges offer A Levels and some colleges offer both A Levels and BTECs.
Visit our Post-16 Providers page for a full list of local Sixth Form Colleges.
Click on the image for more information on applying to and studying at a Sixth Form College.
Another option for school leavers is to attend a Further Education (FE) college, an educational institution which educates students of all ages and focuses on vocational training. FE colleges offer a wide range of qualifications from GCSE retakes and BTECs to T Levels and Foundation Courses.
Visit our Post-16 Providers page for a full list of local FE Colleges.
Click on the image for more information on applying to and studying at a Further Education College.
Work and Training Programmes
After leaving school, students may choose not to pursue an academic route but rather embark on an apprenticeship which combines work and study.
Apprenticeships allow young people to receive on the job learning and training tailored to their job role. Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications and are a great opportunity to earn money whilst gaining valuable skills.
A wide range of industries offer apprenticeships from law and finance to construction and education.
The duration of apprenticeship courses varies depending on the level of the qualification. Level 2 apprenticeships are the most common route to take after completing GCSEs and take between 12-18 months to complete.
Click on the image for more information on applying for and completing apprenticeships.
Another option for school leavers is to complete a traineeship, a skills development programme designed to prepare young people for the workplace. Traineeships are suitable for those who feel they need to gain experience and improve their functional skills before applying for an apprenticeship or employment.
A traineeship programme lasts up to six months and involves a work placement where young people can develop valuable skills and workplace experience. The programme also supports young people with Maths and English skills to prepare them for applying to apprenticeships and employment in the future.
Click on the image for more information on finding, applying to and completing a traineeship.
Additional Resources
Resources for parents to have constructive conversations about careers.
Collaborative network of higher education providers offering advice to young people.
Rochdale Training offers Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship training.
Delivers careers advice, recruitment opportunities and health awareness broadcasts.
A social enterprise committed to enabling growth and creating jobs.
Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers Service offers a wide range of careers advice for young people.
