What Next? Articles offer timeless career advice, interview tips and CV examples.

What Will You Do After Your Exams?

It's never too early to start thinking about what you want to do when you’ve finished your GCSEs. And with so many different opportunities depending on your skills, interests or chosen career path – the world really is your oyster.  

Take A Tour To Find The Right Place For You

Attending an open day is a great chance to learn a lot about the ethos and culture of a sixth form or college. It’s an opportunity for you to tour the school and grounds and see everything from the classrooms and library to the dinner hall and sports facilities

Colleges With Special Focus

Some schools, academies and colleges specialise in vocational subjects and offer bespoke curriculums to help students on the way to their chosen careers. Some have a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)or health focus, while others specialise in the likes of music, dance and performing arts and broadcast media.

Exciting Time With New Adventures To Enjoy

Whilst change can often be frightening, it can also be exciting, opening doors and awakening fresh opportunities and adventures upon which to embark. For Year 11 students, that change is the next step on the journey to achieving your dreams and aspirations. But, what does that change actually look like? There’s lots to look forward to when you step foot through the door as a new Year 12 student. 

Extra Support For Students Who Need It

For those of you who need extra support as you move onto the next stage of your education, there are many different paths available. Organisations and services providing support will work together to help you continue your education and training, or find a job, and it gives you a greater say in the support you need and how it’s provided. 

Making Revision A Less Overwhelming Task

Starting revision can be more than a little daunting and let’s be honest, poring over piles of notes and textbooks, is probably the last thing you want to do.  But don’t forget it’s all for a good cause–your future–and there are many ways to make the task more manageable and less overwhelming.

Chance To Get A Taste Of World Of Work

Work experience is a vital introduction to the world of work for students, and has many benefits. It can act as a future career taster and teach you skills that are invaluable to potential employers. 

Starting Work - Making A Good Impression

It's absolutely normal to be feeling both excited and nervous before attending your first job interview. It may seem easier said than done, but it’s important that you don’t let those feelings disrupt your chance to shine.

Take A Gap Year And Gain Life Experience

Taking a gap year offers the chance to gain some life experience. You might choose to travel the world, learn a new skill or get a job to pay for your studies. 

Could Online Study Work Well For You?

Online distance learning offers the most flexible higher education option with students working remotely. It can be a convenient option for those who want to work towards a degree, but also want to start earning by getting a full-time job.

Which University Is The Right Fit For You?

For most of you, choosing a university isn’t going to be a quick process as there are lots of factors to consider. When starting to look at the different options, it’s better to consider the course you want to study first before looking at where it’s offered. 

How To Apply For University

Applying to university can seem confusing, daunting and even overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to be. You may be worried about how to get started but the process has been designed to make it as easy as possible for you. 

Preparing Teenagers For University Life

Mental wellbeing is an important part of university life – so how can parents and carers help?  Is there a teenager in your household heading to university later this year? For many, this will be their first time living away from home – and parents and carers are going to want to help them get ready.

Footing The Bill For Futher Education

While going to university is great for many reasons, there is no getting away from the fact that it can cost quite a lot of money. 

Finding Somewhere Safe To Call Home

Having somewhere comfortable and safe to call home during your studies will impact on your happiness and enjoyment so it’s crucial to spend time finding the right place. From on-campus university halls to private houses, there are plenty of options to consider.

Breaking The Ice And Making New Friends

Moving away from home and from the pals you’ve probably known for probably most of your life can be daunting, but the most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, and that means everyone is looking for a new friendship group 

Get Cooking And Eat Well

Living away from home means that your parents will no longer be providing you with tasty meals every night so you will need to cook for yourself. Students have long had a reputation for living on just Pot Noodles and beans on toast, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Tips To Keep Yourself -And Your Stuff- Safe

You're away from home for the first time with the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.  But it also means that now you alone are responsible for your own safety and welfare. It’s also on you to ensure that all of your belongings are secure and not at any risk.

What If University Isn't Right For You?

If you’ve decided that university isn’t the right choice for you but you’re still keen to continue in education then there are other options available. 
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) can boost your career prospects and earning potential.

Apprentices Earn And Learn

From engineering to nursing and from law to design – thousands of apprenticeships are available every year in a vast range of industries and careers.

Apprenticeships Case Study: Building A Career With The Council

An apprenticeship is a real job combined with studying, allowing you to gain nationally-recognised qualifications and competencies whilst earning a wage. 
Apprentices earn and learn at the same time and gain valuable hands-on experience along with new skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Apprenticeships: Help To Get On Ladder

Launched in 2014, The Ladder for the Black Country has helped thousands of people into work, got hundreds of employers engaged with apprenticeships and provided expert support for training providers, as well as schools and colleges.