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Your Next Steps after 16

There are lots of different options after you turn 16, and we can help you understand what’s available. Whether you want to stay in education, start work, or learn new skills, there’s a path that’s right for you.

Hills and Valleys

Education

Higher Education College

Offer lots of different courses, including:

Academic courses (e.g., A-levels)

Vocational courses (practical courses linked to jobs, e.g., catering, construction, IT)

Technical and professional courses (e.g., engineering, hairdressing, agricultural).

Sixth form

Sixth form refers to Years 12 and 13 and is usually part of a school. Some sixth forms are separate colleges. Sixth form courses mainly follow on from GCSEs, including A-levels and other qualifications like BTECs.

Further Education College

Further Education Colleges offer courses at every level from entry level courses that do not require GCSE grades at entry through to higher level qualifications and degree courses.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a job where you learn while you work.

You get:

  • Hands-on experience

  • A salary

  • Time to train (often at a college or with a training provider)

Find out more about apprenticeships and how to become an apprentice.

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Traineeship

A traineeship is a short programme (up to 6 months) to help you get work-ready. It includes:

  • Work experience with an employer

  • Training in job skills

  • Help with English and Maths (if needed)

Traineeships don’t pay a wage, but some young people may qualify for financial support.

Supported Internships

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A supported internship is a programme for young people (aged 16-24) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It helps you learn skills in a real workplace and aims to lead to paid work.

  • It lasts at least 6 months

  • It is unpaid but helps you prepare for employment

  • You will also do some study (e.g., English and Maths) alongside work experience

Working Together

Employment

Volunteering

Volunteering is an unpaid activity where you give your time to help a not-for-profit organisation or an individual who you are not related to. Benefits include:

·        Making new friends

·        Expanding your network

·        Boosting your social skills

·        Developing new skills

Employment

Employment means having a paid job where you work for an employer in return for a salary or wage.

 

Support to work

Support to Work is a free online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales who are looking for paid work.

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Reasonable Adjustments

Employers must make reasonable adjustments (appropriate changes) to ensure that workers with disabilities or health conditions are not at a disadvantage when doing their jobs. This applies to all workers, including trainees, apprentices, contract workers, and business partners.

Access to Work

If you have a disability or a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to do your job, even after reasonable adjustments have been made, you may be able to get extra help from the Access to Work scheme.

Supported Internships

Looking for work can be challenging, especially if you have additional needs. When searching for jobs, look for the ‘Disability Confident’ symbol on adverts and application forms. This symbol means that the employer is committed to employing disabled people and you'll be guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job.

Tending Plants

Getting Support

You don’t have to make these decisions alone. You can talk to:

- Your school or college for careers advice.

- SENDIASS: We can help explain your options.

- Local support services for young people with SEND.

Have your say!

We want to make sure our service works for you. Your thoughts, ideas, and feedback help us improve and support young people better.

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