PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE

From the moment you start college, we start preparing you for your next steps. It's your future, and we want to ensure you have the opportunity to make the most of it - starting with a career that matches your ambition. That's why our Progression+ team are here, to give you professional careers advice as well as tools to help put you in the driving seat. From one-to-one meetings to group workshops, we'll give you access to up-to-date careers information and the support you need to progress.  

PROGRESSION+

Our aim is to support you in making choices that will suit your interests and abilities and equip you with the personal and employability development that you need to make the most of your future opportunities.

We know you are an individual. That's why we'll give you impartial advice and guidance on courses, employment, work experience, apprenticeships and higher education opportunities. We'll help you make the right choice for you.

Our expert team will also offer you support and guidance when the time comes for you to start your UCAS or job applications. We'll help you with job searches, CV writing, interview techniques as well as give you information about self-employment and personal branding.

We provide access to careers and higher education fairs, as well as arrange talks, visits and guest speakers - all demonstrating the choices available to you as well as deliver workshops that will help you to develop the life skills which will prepare you for future work or study. The future's in your hands, but we can help you get started.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you need help or advice, please see your local Progression+ team at college:

One to one career interviews with Careers Advisers are available. These appointments can be used for any matter relating to your course & career progression, including personal action planning.

We also advertise both full and part time jobs available in the local area. To see what jobs we have available at the moment, take a look at our social media channels (see our About Us section and the Job Vacancies page). If you would like help with writing a CV, applying  for a job or practicing your interview skills we can assist you with this also.

There are several resources in this section that provide general advice and guidance to support you making those important decisions about your future.

ONLINE CAREERS ASSESSMENTS

Trying out one of the careers assessments could be a helpful way to finding out possible job areas of interest for the future. If you would like to review your assessment results with a careers advisor please get in touch (see About Us section).

  > NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are a great way to continue studying to gain a qualification, on the job experience and employability skills whilst earning a training wage. Taking this route will enable you to build a wide range of skills and experience that employers really want and help you progress in your chosen career.

GENERAL INFORMATION

WHERE TO LOOK FOR APPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION SUPPORT

DEGREE & HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS

T LEVELS

T Levels are an alternative to A levels, Apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher education study or apprenticeships.

TRAINEESHIPS

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering and work experience placements are a great way of gaining skills and experience as well as having fun and maybe finding a career you will love. Below are some links to volunteering and work experience organisations, both nationally and in the local area that may provide opportunities.

Looking for a part time job or employment? Check out our resources below to help you stand out from the crowd.

CV AND COVER LETTERS

JOB SEARCH

INTERVIEW PREP

Got a great idea for a business? Or maybe you just fancy being your own boss. Below are a few resources on setting up businesses and start-ups, as well as information on how to get funding.

STARTING YOUR 2023 UCAS APPLICATION?

Listen to our pre-recorded webinars to get started:

RESEARCH RESOURCES

We can assist you with your university and higher education options and have a wide range of resources which include useful websites to support you when making these important decisions.

PREPARING A PORTFOLIO & FOR INTERVIEWS

REPLYING TO OFFERS

UCAS EXTRA, CLEARING & ADJUSTMENT

PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY

UCAS APPLICATIONS & PERSONAL STATEMENTS

APPLICATION

PERSONAL STATEMENT

PRIORITY & COMPETITIVE APPLICATIONS

OXBRIDGE

CAMBRIDGE

OXFORD

VET MEDICINE

DENTISTRY

MEDICINE

VISITING UNIVERSITIES

Interested in looking around a university that you might apply to? Or maybe you'd like a chance to experience lectures or halls of residence?

Below are some resources and information about events at local and national universities happening throughout the year.

UNIVERSITIES OVERSEAS

Interested in studying in another country? The links below will help you find courses and funding, as well as information about the realities of living abroad.

UNIVERSITY FINANCES

Student Finance applications are now open for full-time undergraduate students!

If you’re starting a new Higher Education course at university or college, you can apply for student finance at: www.gov.uk/studentfinance  

Here are a few things you'll need to apply:

• Identity Evidence: that's your UK Passport details or Birth/Adoption Certificate

• Your university or college course details. (Don’t know what you’ll be studying for yet? Pick the course you’re most likely to study; you can update course details in your account later once you know for sure.)

• Your UK bank details (Sort Code & Account Number)

• National Insurance Number

Below are some useful links and guides to help you with your application.

A gap year offers you the opportunity to take a break, gain skills and new experiences, while giving you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next. The time out of formal education can be used to self develop and enhance your future applications for further study or employment.