Have a back-up plan

Richard is in Year 10 and keen to pursue a career in medicine. He's taking GCSEs in English, maths, science, religious studies and business studies. He's also doing a BTEC First Diploma in Public Services. Post-16 he plans to continue in full-time education. He's researched medical careers, knows that there's fierce competition and understands that he'll need good academic qualifications. As medicine is so competitive, Richard has a back-up plan which is to join the emergency services.

Richard used his career ideas to help him choose his Year 9 options. He hopes that his learning programme will help him with both his main career choice and his back-up plan. 'If I do not make my career within medical practice, my other subjects will also be useful for a career working, for example, as a police officer, firefighter or paramedic.'