Here are some ideas to explore if you are looking at alternatives to university ie you have (or expect to have) UCAS points. Not all employers will require you to have UCAS points, they may just want GCSEs plus vocational/technical qualifications, relevant experience, and enthusiasm. Many of these links offer advice as well as opportunities to apply for. Also see other posts on this blogspot site - check the labels on the right hand side for sectors and other labels according to your interest area.
These opportunities are competitive so be sure to make your applications really OUTSTANDING. They are at least as difficult to complete as a UCAS application. Seek help and advice and don't leave your application till the last minute. You can get help from Youth Connexions with making your application, or ask in Careers Office, or ask someone you trust especially if they already work in the sector you are aiming for.
Don't be daunted if you are turned down - just learn from the experience and make your application better next time. Vacancies come online all year round. Unlike UCAS, you can apply for as many as you want and at any time. Just do plenty of research and only apply if you fit the criteria in the vacancy exactly - or can at least put a good case together to make the employer interested in you.
Youth Connexions Hertfordshire have compiled a list of national employers with opportunities for school leavers who are looking for alternatives to uni. The list is organised by industry sector. These opportunities normally require 280+ UCAS points (predicted or actual) to apply and will include a structured training (paid) with a view to a permanent position. See the list here.
You can apply for apprenticeships - with UCAS points you can apply for a Higher Apprenticeship, or you can apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship - most of these require GCSEs not A levels, but the better ones (more technical, higher paid and better prospects) will require more maturity, experience and engagement than someone leaving from year 11.
Pure Potential is an independent organisation which raises the aspirations of thousands of sixth-formers every year, encouraging them to apply to and achieve offers from excellent universities and leading employers. Good section on School Leavers, including a booklet to download "Guide to Alternatives to University 2014". See their events page too: some of these are free if you register early enough.
AllAboutSchoolLeavers for actual vacancies and advice on how to apply. They list School Leaver Programmes, Higher Apprenticeships and Sponsored Degree programmes.
Total Professions Careers Spotlight: New Routes to the Professions.Aiming to improve access to professional careers.
Future-talent Apprenticeships and Sponsored Degrees. Advice and opportunities.
Not Going to Uni - the one stop site for apprenticeships, gap years, distance learning and jobs.
From apprenticeships to debt-free education, there are literally thousands of other opportunities out there. The Not Going to Uni team are here to help you find apprenticeships, college courses or work experience to start building your future.
Not Going To Uni Newsletter 26-1-15 Opportunities with Skanska, Army, Smith & Williamson (financial services), Merchant Navy, Laing O'Rourke.
Tesco training programmes inc Management training and apprenticeships. Tesco is a very large employer which holds potential for employment in almost every sector, not just retail. For instance they need people in HR, marketing, finance, logistics, operations - as do many large employers.
Find your future in finance and law with Directions. All you need to know about careers in the finance sector and how to get a rewarding career through work experience, school leaver schemes, apprenticeships, internships and graduate schemes.
