We team up with the National Careers Service to make the most of opportunities on offer

ARE you ready to join the A-Team? Next Tuesday is A-level results day.

It’s the second year running that grades are teacher-assessed, due to the impact of the pandemic.

But while Covid may have prevented you sitting exams, there’s never been a bigger choice of post- A-level career paths.

To help guide you through the maze of options, Sunemployment has teamed up with the National Careers Service to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

Go to work

School leaver schemes: Many employers offer entry-level jobs and specialist A-level leavers schemes, including firms in accountancy, engineering, finance, IT, law, leisure and retail.

You usually need high A-level results to apply.

Traineeships: A skills development programme that includes a work experience placement.

They help you get ready for an apprenticeship or job if you do not have the appropriate skills or work experience yet

Kickstart Scheme: These jobs are open to 16 to 24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Thousands of Kickstart Scheme jobs are available right now in a wide range of sectors. Talk to your work coach to find out how to apply.

Supported internships: These specialist schemes are for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities, who need extra support to get a job.

You will spend most of your time on placements with an employer, learning skills for work and get help from a tutor and a job coach.

Work while studying

Apprenticeships: These popular programmes combine on-the-job and classroom learning.

They let you earn while you learn so you’ll get training relevant to your job and be paid a salary.

T-levels: These are new two-year courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A-levels. They bring classroom learning and work placements together.

Continue studying

Degrees: Universities set their own entry requirements but you will usually need A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

You can change course or apply for a different university through the clearing process. Find out about your options at .

Higher technical qualifications: These are Level 4/5 courses which provide technical skills for occupations such as software developer, construction site supervisor, engineer surveyor, nursing associate or sports coach.

They can be studied in universities or colleges, and include qualifications like HNC/D, foundation degree, Cert/DipHE and Level 4/5 diplomas.

Options if marks are low

DIDN’T make the grade? Don’t panic.

Careers expert Debbie Blackburn specialises in supporting parents and students through A-level results day.