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Choosing what subjects to do for GSCEs or A Levels may have already got you thinking about the future with your child – whether they continue with their education, do more studying or whether they look for more ‘vocational’ studies.There is a lot of pressure to achieve academically and sometimes the dreams we have for our children do not match what they want. It may be that they are already saying they want to leave school after exams and get stuck into a job. This stage can sometimes trigger a tension between a parent and their teenager.
Key points
- Sometimes your child may not choose the route you think is best but is it worth talking to them about all the options
- If your child does not really enjoy study at school they may be interested in study at work – learning skills on the job
- Some young people get a job for a while to get a taste of the world of work and then go back to study. Sometimes exploring a few options helps them work out what they really want
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Further education options
Further educationis choosing to study after 16. This may be A-levels, vocational qualifications like GNVQ, BTEC National Diploma or AVCE or an apprenticeship. Further education often leads tohigher educationwhich means going on to do a degree course.Young people can achieve good rewarding careers through various routes and the next steps they take can help them. These could include:
- Staying on at the school sixth form
- Finding a sixth form college
- Getting a place at a further education college
- Starting an Apprenticeship
- Finding a job
- Doing voluntary work
- Setting up their own business
Sometimes your child may not choose the route you think is best but is it worth talking to them about all the options. Remember, your child might feel they are being ‘nagged’ so just let them know that you just want the best for them. If you show them, you have looked into a few options they may be more willing to listen.
You may also want to think about letting them get on with it – perhaps they need to try a few different things before they decide what route to take. Some young people get a job for a while to get a taste of the world of work and then go back to study. Sometimes exploring a few options helps them work out what they really want. Visit the National Careers Service for guidance.The school may have a careers officer who can help your child too.
Apprenticeships
If your child does not really enjoy study at school, they may be interested in study at work – learning skills on the job. This is where an apprenticeship may be a better route. It is worth talking to your child about apprenticeships, they involve hard work but offer a range of careers in many industries from Accountancy to Construction, to Media and Recreation and Travel.
Other organisations that can help
Take this career quiz from UCAS to discover ideal career paths
The National Careers Advice from GOV.UK has some helpful articles and advice
Visit the Apprenticeships website to connect with opportunities
Further Resources
If you would like further support and advice, you can contact our free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am–3pm).
You can also use our online chat to talk to a trained family support worker, or visit our forums to chat with other parents and carers.
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