Career Options: How to Decide What Career Is Right for You!

It’s the time of year when many people are thinking about their career plans; whether it’s taking the next steps to progressing in their chosen career, changing jobs, or even planning a complete career change.

If you’ve just completed your course and gained that all-important qualification (congratulations!), you may now be asking yourself the big question:

"What’s next for me?”

This blog is here to help by providing career advice and insights, to aid young people like you in finding the right path to reach your goals for a successful future.

Let’s begin!

Free careers advice for young adults from the best college in Manchester

You might be moving forward and progressing onto the next level of your course, or you might have an alternative plan. Maybe you already have a long-term career goal in mind and have a career plan in place, or maybe you feel unsure about what you want to do and what your next career move should be.

You may be a school-leaver, an adult returner, or simply wanting to improve your current qualifications to boost your career.

We get it! This can seem like a confusing time and making decisions when there are so many options can be difficult and challenging! However, the careers advice team at The Manchester College is here to help.

Whatever your current situation, you can access support from our careers team at The Manchester College.

We’ll support you in looking at your strengths and interests, and provide you with tools to manage your career path, including online self-assessment and profile building exercises which you may find insightful.

Get the best qualification for your career at The Manchester College

If you’re interested in studying for a qualification which will lead you towards your chosen career, here at The Manchester College, we offer a wide range of courses across that will help you develop your technical and professional skills in a range of sectors.

Explore the range of courses that we offer at all levels and areas.

The Manchester College collaborates with national employers

Within the College, we have a shared ethos of ‘Careers Not Courses’, which means that all our courses have an employment focus. Many of our courses are developed in partnership with leading local and national employers, providing learners with insider insights, connections, and even job opportunities.

We’ve developed Centres of Excellence and Industry Excellence Academies, where we’ve partnered with leading companies in various industries to provide both short term work experience and extended industry placements, as well as masterclasses and employer-led workshops.

If you’re aged between 16-18, you may be interested in a brand-new technical programme we’re now offering, called T Levels.

The Manchester College offers the new next-level qualification T Levels in many subject areas:

During these T Level courses, you will be able to combine classroom learning with an extended 45-day industry placement, to put your learning into practice in a real work environment with one of our employer partners.

Careers advice for adults

Returning to study as an adult can be both challenging and very rewarding and you have a lot to balance and consider. Luckily, we’re very experienced in supporting adult learners.

Our wide range of Access courses are specifically designed to support your study needs if you’re thinking about higher education. There are many other adult programmes across most vocational areas to help you get the job and career you want.

Higher education courses in Manchester

Thinking about Higher Education level courses?

An excellent option to consider is Foundation Degrees - UCEN Manchester offers a wide range of Foundation Degrees and Top-Up Degrees. These courses can help you either enter higher education or pursue further education to turn a previous qualification into a full degree.

All our industry-focused courses, across all levels, mean that as soon as you’ve completed your studies, you’ll be prepared for the world of work. On top of that, our tutors are experienced in their field and specialists in their industry, so you’ll be learning from the very best!

Apprenticeships in Manchester

It’s important to be aware of all the options available to learners, so you know what opportunities are out there, and that you’re making the right choice.

Maybe you’re thinking of alternative paths or would like to hear about what’s possible beyond a classroom certification.

For example, have you thought about apprenticeships?

An apprenticeship combines learning with earning a wage; learners are employed workers with an employer and are supported through a programme of learning to match their needs and business needs, allowing them to gain recognised qualifications whilst earning a wage.

Apprenticeships can be ideal for people who want to go straight from learning into employment, but if you want to continue your studies afterward, there are also opportunities to work towards degree level qualifications.

You can find out more about which apprenticeship levels are available, from Level 2 to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, at nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk and apprenticeship provider Total People.

Alternative pathways to a successful career

Volunteering for local and national charities can give you the necessary skills and experience to see what is involved in jobs in that field. You may be keen on finding employment or starting your own business; or looking for opportunities in traineeships or internships.

You might also be considering a gap year before you continue with your studies. As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities.

Choosing the right education provider

When choosing the right education provider for your career, it's important to consider factors like course quality, industry connections, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The Manchester College stands out with its wide range of career-focused programmes, strong links to employers, and dedicated support services that help students succeed in the job market.

Careers and Welfare specialists are available to support you to discuss your next steps. To find out more about these ideas, contact the Careers & Welfare team to book an appointment.

We’ll work with you to develop a career plan, which explores the range of opportunities and courses on offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future.