Learning

Work-based learning

Learning and earning

You might do well in your GCSEs but feel that full-time education is not for you. Alternatively, you might not like taking exams and feel that this could hinder your chances of doing well in your final GCSEs.

Either way, work-based learning could be for you as it gives you the opportunity to gain a qualification while getting good on the job training and money in your pocket.

Work-based learning

If you want to learn how to do a job, develop the skills an employer needs, gain nationally-recognised qualifications, and get paid, then work-based learning (WBL) could be for you.

You can get training for lots of different types of jobs and some WBL programmes give you a job from the very first day.

To be considered for WBL you must be either 16 or 17 and have just left school or college; or you can be aged 18 or over (even if you are working) as long as you finish your training before your 25th birthday. This also applies if you are disabled and your entry has been delayed due to disability or health problems.

Work-based learning options

There are several different routes to consider within WBL. You could undertake an Apprenticeship, combine a part-time job with study towards GCSEs, a Diploma or a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at college, so you can learn valuable new skills whilst enjoying all the benefits of paid employment.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are the most common way for young people to get into work-based learning. At 16 you can do two levels of Apprenticeships and both lead to a National Vocational Qualification, Key Skills qualification and technical certificates.

Apprenticeships are very job specific and can be taken across a range of industries - from the creative to construction fields.

If you decide to take an Apprenticeship you will get the opportunity to work for an employer and build on your skills and qualifications and, of course, earn money.

Depending on how well you do in your Apprenticeship, you might be able to go on to higher education.

Help with work-based learning

If you don't feel ready to cope with going into work on your own, Entry to Employment (e2e) might be for you.

e2e programmes are individually designed to help prepare you for work or an Apprenticeship. This will give you an opportunity to try out different jobs and to take more qualifications.

Your e2e programme will last as long as you need it and you will be paid a training allowance.

Help for disabled people

Help and support is available for disabled people. Whether you are looking for a job or want to start up your own business, ask your local Job Centre about the Access to Work scheme.

The help available through this scheme can include a support assistant for job interviews, payment towards the equipment you need at work and help finding training programmes in your area. You are eligible for this scheme if you're in a paid job, are unemployed and about to start a job, or are self-employed and your disability or health condition prevents you from doing aspects of your job.

Time off for study and training

You might be thinking about doing a job that does not offer any further learning opportunities. However, if you didn't achieve the right level of qualifications at the end of Year 11 and want to undertake some further study or training to improve your situation, help is at hand.

Legally your employer has to allow you time off for study or training. This time off should be paid and be during working hours.

Starting your own business

You might want to start your own business. This will mean a lot of hard work and effort for you.

What business do you want to set up, what equipment and premises might you need and where will you get financial backing?

After all this effort you could still fail as the hard fact is that many new businesses don't survive. You might still need to think about gaining new skills, so undertaking work with learning will help to improve your chances of success.

Careers Advice

At the end of Year 9 you should be offered an interview with your form tutor.

As well as discussing your subject options, you will get the chance to talk about your future career choices. Your future career plans may mean that you will have to go to university and A levels might be your only option.

The decisions from this interview should be recorded in an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Your ILP will help you to keep on track with achieving your career goals.

You should also be offered an interview at the end of Year 11. Here you will be able to find out about the different options available to you if you think entering work-based learning is something you want to do.

The decisions from this interview will be recorded on your ILP. You should have used your ILP over the previous two years to help you monitor progress towards achieving your career goals.

• Who can help with 'Work-based learning'?