FAQs

"I'm choosing my Year 9 options and don't know what career I want to follow in the future - I don't know what to choose and I am worried I wont be with my mates."

When it comes to choosing your options it can be a worrying time, particularly when you feel unsure about your career choices. However, something to bear in mind when choosing what to take, is that the subjects that the school makes you do, like English, maths and science and perhaps a language or ICT, give you everything you need to keep nearly all career options open. Specific subject choices tend to become more important at further education level.

Therefore, when making your choices, the best thing to do is to stick with subjects that you enjoy and perform well in - as these are the ones which you are most likely to achieve your best grades in.

Should Tom do the same options as his friends?

"I am in Year 10 and want to know how to find details of apprenticeship vacancies in my area?"

The ways in which you can locate local apprenticeship vacancies will be pretty similar to how you would look for a job. You can speak directly with employers and also check out vacancies or speak with an adviser at your local Connexions centre. Employers in the area looking to take on an apprentice will often advertise vacancies with them - so it is worth checking. You can make an appointment at your local centre or check out vacancies on your local Connexions website if they have them. Remember, no vacancies are advertised on the main Connexions Direct website; you need to check out your local Connexions centre for these. You may also find it useful to try the National Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service which could help you search and apply for a vacancy online. This service is available through the Apprenticeships website.