18+ OPTIONS AT A GLANCE

Once you’ve finished sixth form or college, there are various directions you can take.

• Higher Education
• Gap Year                                                                               
• Apprenticeship                                                                    
• Employment                                                                           
• Another school or college course                                        

Making choices

So how do you choose?

Choices – lots of them! And everyone telling you what they think you should do next.

But how do you know what is right for you?

It's important to check all of the options. Remember that your Connexions Personal Adviser can help you make sense of it all.

Choices checklist

Think about your skills, interests and likes.

Consider how you like to learn.

Talk to your tutors, careers teacher, family, friends, Connexions Personal Adviser, or youth worker.

Work out what money you need and can get to study or work.

Research ideas in your school Connexions area, Connexions Centre, local library, or on the Internet.

Put together a back-up plan in case your first choice doesn’t work out.