Options after TRC

WHAT NEXT?

Studying at TRC can really keep your options open for your future career.

Whether you’ve studied an A-level or BTEC Level 3 pathway, an exciting range of progression opportunities awaits you. Our Options Event, Preparation for HE, Job Ready and Recruitment Fair events in addition to tutor and specialist careers support help you make an informed decision about which is the right next step for you after college.

The Shape Your Future information available in the Careers section will help generate some ideas of the range of employers, jobs, salaries, degree and apprentice options depending on the combination of subjects you study.

If, like around 70% of our students, you decide university is the option for you. We have a team of UCAS specialists and a number of partnership agreements with universities to help get you there.

We have a strong track record of supporting students securing offers for Russell Group universities in a wide range of degree courses including:

• Medicine
• Allied Health professions
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Maths
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• English
• Engineering
• Fashion
• Journalism
• Media
• Primary Teaching
• Spanish
• Sports Coaching
• Computing + Games Design
• Art, Design and Media
• Psychology
• Economics, Business & Accounting

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity to enter the labour market and gain industry experience as well as the skills and qualifications employers are looking for while you earn. The increase in degree level apprenticeships and variety of apprenticeships make this an option for various vocational pathways. More information can be found at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

Apprenticeships are available across many sectors including:

Accounting, Business, Law, ICT and Digital Marketing, Some Health and Care occupations
Engineering and Manufacturing, Sports – Fitness, Leisure, Travel and Tourism and Retail and Commerce

Generally, if you have studied A Levels/BTEC you can start an Apprenticeship at Advanced or Higher level, and in some cases progress onto a Foundation Degree and even a Degree.

Apprenticeships are recognised and valued by employers as they show you have the skills and training to perform well in a role and the ability to progress.

Some apprenticeships are not available in the local area so you may have to look further afield or consider another route i.e. a college course, if you are set on a specific career area.

TRC runs a Recruitment Event every year, featuring local Apprenticeship Providers and Employers, to support students looking to enter apprenticeships.

Employment

You can enter paid employment straight from completing your level 3 qualification. There are plenty of recruitment websites available listing current vacancies. The most common jobs for college leavers are Business Administration, Childcare, Finance related, Health and Social Care, ICT and Retail.

The Careers staff at TRC can offer you practical advice on applying for jobs, including employability workshops on completing job applications, improving your CV and interview skills.

Alternatively, you could apply for a work experience or an internship placement within a company to see if it’s the kind of work you want to do. It is most likely this would be unpaid, but would give you the opportunity to gain experience within the sector which interests you and valuable work skills.

Vocational Route

If you already know what career you would like to embark upon, then working towards a vocational qualification is a great route into the sector. There are many vocational areas to look into and courses are available at a number of levels, including university equivalent.

Speak to our Careers Advisers to find out more about NVQs, BTECs and Foundation Degrees. These vocational qualifications are provided by local colleges in the region. We have a number of links with HE and FE providers offering these courses including: Sheffield Hallam University, RNN, Barnsley College, Doncaster College, The University of Huddersfield, The University of Hull, Nottingham Trent University, Leeds Beckett University and the University of Derby.

Gap Year

Taking a Gap Year after college can give you time to decide whether in fact you want to go to university, or the time to consider different career paths.

Many students use the time to travel, gain work experience, or undertake voluntary work – all of which look great on university and work applications.

Visit www.gapyear.com to find out loads of important information about taking a gap year and ideas for how to spend the time!

Alternatively, if you are interested in the STEM subjects and want to gain industry experience in one of these fields, visit www.etrust.org.uk/the-year-in-industry which lists available placements.

Support Available

Careers information is available throughout your time at TRC. You can make an appointment to see one of our level 6 qualified Careers Advisers to discuss your future plans and career aspirations … and the best way in.

You could also visit https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Come and speak to our Careers Advisers at our Open Evenings about where our courses can take you!