Learning Routes

After the age of 18 your options fall broadly into 4 categories - you could continue to learn and gain qualifications (FE, HE and Advanced Apprenticeships), you could find employment with training (this may or may not gain you a qualification), you could find employment only (ie, a job without training) or you might do none of these and take time out instead. Examples in this final category include volunteering, work experience or taking a gap year. Of course, you can always combine options such as doing a part-time job whilst volunteering, or working full time whilst doing part-time learning on an evening course.

As you would probably expect, the answer to this question is that the best route will vary from person to person. You may have your sights set on Further Education (eg, level 2 or 3 qualifications at college) or Higher Education (ie, level 4 qualifications at university or college). Perhaps you feel it's time to look for a job (employment)? By looking for an Apprenticeship or a job with training you will be able to continue to improve your qualifications and skills whilst being paid. But you'll need to think about what is available in your area and the nature of the labour market.

You can still talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser until your 20th birthday and up to 25 if you have special needs. Connexions will help you work out what you can choose now in the same way that they may have helped you when you were younger. Connexions PAs are based at schools and colleges and are available to see you at local Connexions centres. You may also want to visit your local Jobcentre Plus which can tell you about employment opportunities in the area. If you are unemployed Jobcentre Plus can tell you about various programmes you may be able to join such as New Deal for 18-24 year olds. Through Jobcentre Plus you can ask for an appointment with an adult guidance adviser who would be able to offer similar help as Connexions do for young people.

Finding employment - or finding a job - is separate because this is not a learning route. In other words you would not be working towards a qualification. This is not to say, though, you wouldn't have a good job which is right for you, pays well and gives you good skills. If you are in such a job why not ask your employer if he or she could add training to it so that you could gain a qualification? If you need help with this go to your local Jobcentre Plus, they may well be able to offer your employer a financial incentive to train you. Your job might then be classed as an Apprenticeship or a Job with Training.

If you are in learning at 18 it is because you have chosen this route - education is not compulsory for you and you do not need to be on any course (though this will change in 2015 when the compulsory education age is raised to 18). As you are in learning voluntarily you choose the courses you want to take and the only things you have to learn are those linked to your courses. However, it is important to remember that subjects such as English and Maths are still extremely important and if you have not yet achieved them it would be wise to try to gain them at level 2 (grade C) as soon as you can. Your local [ADULT] could help you with this.

Adult learning courses can be a great way to continue in learning but at a time and level that suits you. There is a huge range of adult learning courses you can take after the age of 18 and they run either during the day or in the evening. Some might last 10 weeks, some might take a year to complete. Many adults take these courses if they have had a break from education and want to return to learning. Some want to progress into Higher Education so are building up their qualifications to be able to do this. Adult learning can also be ideal for young Mums and Dads, or people who have to work to support themselves and their families and don't have lots of time to learn. 2 hours a week for a few months could be all it takes to enable you to progress to a better job. There may be financial support available for childcare.

You will have opportunities to learn throughout life so don't feel you have to do it all at 18. If this isn't the right time, perhaps due to personal circumstances, health or other commitments you could always return to learning later. We are now in an age of lifelong learning where people have to continually improve their qualifications and skills. You will therefore find support on offer from many organisations who will help you benefit from learning opportunities. For example, you can still enter Higher Education as an adult and you can still find Apprenticeships over the age of 19. Often money is a factor but check out the financial support section to see what help is available to enable adults to learn.