School and your career path
For some people knowing what you want to do as a career is straightforward. Others may not be so sure and this page contains information and advice which will help you to make these very important decisions.
From Year 8 it is important to start thinking about what career you may want to follow.
Your careers teachers can then help you decide what subjects to study at school in order to help you achieve your goals. Information is also available which can help you decide on career paths which can involve apprenticeships, further education or a mixture of both.
Advice is also available for you if after Year 12 you choose to leave school and seek full-time employment.
Advice and guidance on careers and further education
Careers education in schools is provided by careers teachers who work in partnership with the Department for the Economy (DfE) Career’s Service to support the careers' education programme.
Information on the Careers Service
An online tool is available that can help you match your interest, skills and expected qualifications to discover career options, by building skills and knowledge to create actionable plans for the future, regardless of your chosen pathway.
An apprenticeship can give you the training and qualifications you need to help you get ahead in your chosen career.
If you want to develop your skills to advance your career, further education can provide the training and qualifications delivered in a flexible way to meet your demands.
The Skills to Succeed campaign aims to help people get the skills and qualifications that they need to achieve their full potential. Skills give you confidence, open doors and help you compete.
If you have decided to leave school and look for a job then you may need help in how to complete a CV and application forms. You can chat with a careers' adviser who can help you with these and assist you in looking for a job.