When you have decided on a career path for you, you may need to look at education and training courses that will support you in achieving this.
All young people need to stay in education or training until they are 18. Schools must help young people to identify what they are interested in learning about, from year 9 which provides opportunities for the future. This could be through:
- a full-time education, for example, school or college or sixth form
- an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship
- part-time education or training combined with either employment (or self-employment) for 20 hours or more a week or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week
- higher education – information about what support you could receive and applications to UCAS can be found on our Education for young adults page
We have provided more information about the learning and employment routes that are available from 13 years of age as well as some advice on the transition into adulthood in education.
Schools and colleges should support young people with career planning and preparing for employment this could include early planning and interviews.
Here is a video of young people discussing training and employment options:
Have a look at some case studies from Devon:
CSW Group (formerly Careers South West)
CSW Group supports young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from academic year 9 if they are likely to make a transition to a different post-16 provider after year 11. CSW also supports young people from Year 12 if they have an EHCP and are planning to change their education provider. CSW will continue to support young people that have an EHCP from ages 16-25.
CSW Group helps these young people to think about what career they would like in the future, and plan what they will do when they leave school.
CSW Group provides a targeted service for young people with an EHCP if they are not in education, employment or training or at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).
CSW can also provide support for young people from Year 9 who are in a defined vulnerable group and who are considered at risk of becoming NEET.
To find out more contact CSW Group.
Youth Hub Devon
Youth Hub Devon is part of the Devon Employment Hub service and can be found within any of the four Employment Hubs across the county (Exeter, Barnstaple,Honiton and Cullompton).
Youth Hub Devon works to support young people (aged 16-24) on their journey to training and employment, offering support with CV writing, interview support, job and apprenticeship search, other application support, and more.
The service is provided by trained advisors who can offer the time to understand a young person’s needs and make sure they receive the right support.
To make an appointment for any of the hubs, fill out the form or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk.
Skills website
Devon County Council’s Skills website has lots of advice and guidance for young people about local training and employment options.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by qualified careers advisers.