Time to Think about Your Education Progression
It’s that time of year in the academic calendar where we look at progression with our students. But what does that mean?
Progression means moving onto your next step, whether that be further study at college, study at university, apprenticeships, or employment. It’s at this time of year where we sit down with students to help them reflect on where they are now and where they want to be.
As part of that process, it’s important to ask the following questions:
- Am I on track?
- Will I achieve the grades needed?
- Do I have a plan B?
In this blog, we’ll be helping you gain some clarity on the next steps in your journey towards a future career.
Where do you start when thinking about your next steps in education?
Hopefully, by now you have decided on the type of career you want to work towards but in case you haven’t, why not read a previous blog on researching your career options. this article provides lots of useful tips and links on how to research your career options.
Once you have your plan your next step is to think about the course you’re studying now, and what previous qualifications you have achieved. What’s the natural next step and what do you need to achieve to get there?
Maths and English skills are essential for any career path. It’s vital that you achieve the right qualifications for you to progress onto the next stage of your career plan.
Making sure you understand what you need to progress onto the next step in your career plan is vital, as without the right English and maths qualifications, you may find that you can’t progress.
There are 2 main types of English and maths qualifications that students can work towards achieving.
- GCSEs are academic qualifications and are accepted by all universities, training providers and employers when you achieve a grade 4 or above.
- Functional skills are vocational and are accepted by some universities, training providers and employers as being equivalent to GCSE’s.
Where can you find more information for your next academic/career steps?
For students seeking guidance on their next education or career steps, a wealth of resources are available to explore. Start by visiting university websites, which often provide detailed information on courses, entry requirements, and career prospects.
Career advisors at your institution can offer personalised advice and help you navigate your options. Additionally, websites like UCAS, Prospects, and LinkedIn are invaluable for researching career paths, connecting with professionals, and finding job opportunities.
Speaking to employers through internships, job fairs, and networking events can also provide insights into different industries and roles, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
For students studying at The Manchester College (TMC), we can help you to explore your progression options, which could mean looking at higher education.
Check out the courses on offer at our own UCEN Manchester.
Choosing a career path
If you’re still considering your career options, then you need to understand how you can make the right choice for you, to ensure that you find yourself on the right track.
At TMC, we have many career guides to choose from, including:
- LGV vs. HGV: Understanding the Pathways and Prospects in Truck Driving
- The Future of Logistics: Why You Should Consider a Career in This Field
- A Guide to Health and Social Care Courses
Check out our news page for more!
Do you want to pursue a degree?
Our blog on To degree, or not to degree? That is the question explains your progression options in more detail and looks at apprenticeships, university, gap years and employment. It gives you an overview of each option and links to help you do further research and find relevant opportunities.
For those aged 16-18 interested in learning more about T-Levels, check out our guest blog The Next Level Qualification - T Levels. This is the latest qualification brought in by the Government and follows a more technical route in education.
Speak to the career advisors at TMC
At The Manchester College (TMC), speaking to career advisors is a great way to get tailored advice and support for your future steps. You can book an appointment with a career advisor by visiting the careers service office on campus.
During your session, you’ll receive personalised guidance on everything from choosing the right courses and university applications to exploring career options and preparing for job interviews. The advisors are well-equipped with resources and knowledge to help you make informed decisions and plan effectively for your academic and professional journey.