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Learning & Training

Learning and training help you prepare for working life. Qualifications are what you achieve from following learning and training.

There are 4 main routes that can lead you to qualifications and then to employment and/or higher education:

Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma: The Diploma combines theoretical study with practical experience based around a work-related curriculum. It is available at Foundation, Higher and Advanced level (Level 1 - Level 3).

GCSE / A Level: GCSE and A Level qualifications are regularly updated to ensure that they remain high quality, relevant and interesting. They can be combined with Diplomas.

Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships allow students to learn at work and gain qualifications. The number and range of Apprenticeships is increasing hugely so 1 in 5 will take this route by 2020.

Foundation Learning Tier: This is for learners not ready for a full Level 2 qualification and includes a mix of learning suitable to the individual.

  • A further route now exists through the raising of the participation age. This means that young people starting in secondary education now (2009) will continue in education and training until they are 18 or in employment with training.

These are the main options you will have after Year 11 and any route can take you into work.

Remember:

  • there is not just one choice - you can move from one type of qualification to another as you plan your route into employment;
  • if you feel you have made a wrong choice, it does not mean you are stuck on one route;
  • learning is for life; it does not stop once you have left school;
  • the world of work is constantly changing. You will need to be willing to learn new skills and gain new qualifications throughout your working life;
  • there is no 'job for life' anymore. It is likely that you will change your job up to 8 times in your working life; good skills and qualifications will help you adapt and change to a new job/career.

There are people you can talk to about your choices after Year 11:

  • friends
  • family
  • school
  • Connexions

Different jobs require different qualifications.

The level at which you can enter the job market will depend on your qualifications.

The higher the entry level the better the job and usually this means a better wage/salary.

Click on the icons to find out more about jobs and their entry levels within each of the sectors.

Pathways