Post 16 options
You can get support and advice on your post 16 options from careers teachers at your school or career advisers at Skills Jersey.
Our team will run workshops at schools to give you information on your options after GCSEs. You will also have an informal career guidance appointment with one of our qualified careers advisers. At your appointment you’ll be able to talk about options available to then start to put a plan in place for your next steps.
Find more information in our post 16 guide, including a timeline of what support and experiences you have access to during Year 11.
A brief guide on post 16 options for parents and carers
Find more on what we can help you with on
Careers Guidance and appointments.
A-Levels
You can take your advanced level qualifications in different subjects over 2 years. These are known as A-Levels.
Visit each school Sixth Form website to find out more about A-level subjects you can do:
Vocational and technical qualifications
Vocational and technical qualifications relate to a specific job or career sector.
Most courses include theory, practical learning and work experience placements and the aim is to prepare you for work or further study. You would usually only take 1 vocational or technical course.
You’ll be assessed on a mix of:
- exams
- coursework
- practical assessments
Highlands College is the largest college to provide these types of qualifications and offer a variety of courses from entry to degree level.
At some Sixth Form schools you can mix a vocational subject with an A-level. Check out the school’s website for more details.
Courses at Highlands College Jersey
Post 16 applications
You’ll complete your application for Sixth Form schools and Highlands College in school with the support from careers teachers. For further information and support on your next steps contact the careers teacher at your school.
If you want to apply for post 16 education you’ll need to write a personal statement.
Help with writing your Personal Statement for 6th Form
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn money while you study. You would usually do 4 days of work per week as a trainee and have 1 day studying.
Find more information on:
Employment
Once you have finished your GCSEs and leave secondary school you can go into employment full time or part time.
Check out the following programmes which can help you find work:
There are regulations around children and employment. Find out more
about the child employment law.
Armed forces
The armed forces include:
- British Navy
- British Army
- The Royal Air Force (RAF)
Whether it is land, air or sea based, the British forces are a part of the UK government support. They are responsible for the safety of the UK.
Find out more about the different roles, what is involved and entry requirements:
Post 18 options
You have many education paths and career options to choose from when you’re 18. The Careers Guidance team can give you advice and support at any stage for:
- higher education
- apprenticeships
- employment
- gap year
What can I do next? on UCAS
Options at 18 on Careers Wales
Post 18 options on National Careers Service
Choosing your options at 18 on Morrisby
Find more information on how we can help you and make a
Careers Guidance appointment.
Higher education
There are degrees you can do on or off-Island and as distance learning. Find more information on
higher education.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn. You would usually work for 4 days as a trainee and do 1 day of study.
If you apply for some apprenticeships at Highlands College or other on-Island or distance providers, you can receive support from Skills mentors. Find more information on mentoring support for students and adults.
Early in Careers
Internships
Internships give you the opportunity to work for a particular company. They can help you gain experience and try out a job or industry.
Find more information on
Early in Careers.
Employment
When you’re 18 you can go straight into full or part time employment.
Many jobs provide training or opportunities for you to get professional qualifications. Find more information on
traineeships on Early in Careers or
apprenticeships on Early in Careers.
Check out the following programmes which can help you find work:
Gap year
A gap year often means taking a year out in between studies. It can include travel and paid or voluntary work.
A gap year can help you:
- gain new experiences
- develop skills
- decide on what you would like to do next
- find what job you might feel suited to
Gap year on UCAS
Gap year travel inspiration and advice on Year Out Group
Jersey Overseas Aid
REACH magazine 2024
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