What are my choices?

You have so much choice at 16 and 17, but don't worry, as there are a lot of people who will be able to help you.

At this stage you need to be thinking about:

• What you want to do with your life?
• How you like to learn?
• What you are happiest doing?

You have two main choices:

• Education
• Training and work

Your main choices in education are:

• a school sixth form. Either the one at your current school (if it has one) or at a different school.
• a sixth form college. Here you'll meet students from other schools
• a college of further education. You'll study with a range of ages, including adults.
• a specialist college. These offers subject such as horticulture, agriculture, creative arts and music. There are also colleges for people with a learning difficulty or disability.

Your main choices in training and work are:

• an apprenticeship. On the job training and study to gain the skills and qualifications you need for a specific job.
• a part-time job with part-time education. Many courses are run during the day and evening.
• a job with time off for study and training. This will help you gain a level 2 qualification and improve your job prospects.
• self-employment. Not many people choose this at 16. But, if you are interested, ask for advice.
• a training programme to prepare you for work.