There is no 'one way' route to your chosen career. You may choose to do A Levels, a college course, an apprenticeship or something else. Take a look at this handy booklet (https://trainingprovider.com/which-way-your-way/)created by Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network to explore some options available near you. We understand that learning about all of this can be confusing. So, this handy table (https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dae349_8af2af583cbc48b99a0c75cc366ad9a3~mv2.jpeg)breaks down what each level is equivalent to. If you need to talk about your choices, pop in and see us on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Barclays in Plymouth city centre or sign up (https://plymouth-self.achieveservice.com/en/AchieveForms/?form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-c8535160-d506-4e0c-b859-b7a8b44837fa/AF-Stage-8881a954-a3b8-47b9-80ee-0157d44e9447/definition.json&redirectlink=%2Fen&cancelRedirectLink=%2Fen&consentMessage=yes)as a member, we'd be happy to help.

We want to support you in helping your child to prepare for their next steps. See some advice here.(https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/)

Click here (https://nextstepssw.ac.uk/resources/category/year-11/)to see Next Steps Southwest resources for Year 11s who are planning their next steps.

Most education providers offer bursaries. A bursary is money pay from any educational institution or funding authority to students. It is usually awarded to enable a student to attend school, university or college when they might not be able to, otherwise. What a bursary is for? A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like: • clothing, books and other equipment for your course • transport and lunch on days you study or train. If you’re aged 16 to 19 You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you: • study at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university • are on a training course, including unpaid work experience A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it. What you'll get There are two types of 16 to 19 bursary: • a bursary for students in vulnerable groups • a discretionary bursary. Bursary for students in vulnerable groups You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits. Discretionary bursary You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for How can I find further details? Colleges and schools can provide advice on the process to apply for funding.

• Make sure you feel ready for your next steps – check out the support available (https://www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/youth-hub-all-about-you)if you are feeling anxious, confused, lost or overwhelmed. • Plymouth has lots of growing industries that will have many job openings in the future. One of them could be for you! Find out more.(https://www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/plymouth-s-employers-and-sectors) • Get your own free Careers and Skills Plan with National Careers Service.(https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/) • Too much choice out there? You can always learn more about your career options.(https://www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/youth-hub-choose-a-career)