WG6 Student Correspondent – January feature
Ruby Kaufman is the student correspondent for WG6. “I am an aspiring journalist working with the school blog to advocate for the student voices within the sixth form and to share my own personal experiences.”
Year 13 is finally reaching the last stretch to the A Level finish line, the end is near and whilst this is exciting the next steps can be daunting. It is a strange feeling, difficult to pin down, leaving the comfort of academia which most people have lived within for the last seven years into the wider world of opportunity and new experience. However, always embrace change, as it can bring you the best things in life that you never even knew existed.
From university to apprenticeships the possibilities are vast, and I aim to give you more detail on these choices. Universities require a UCAS application due in November, these act as a ticket to different locations depending on your choices. It’s great to visit a variety of cities and campuses to narrow down your choices. My university adventures took me to Leeds and Norwich and even though I didn’t choose them, I was able to filter down my ideas on what I was looking for.
The alternative route, still carrying a degree, is a degree apprenticeship. These are highly competitive but carry great payout. The advantages stem from no student debts and a salary but it does require full-time work, which is a shift from school life. The demanding lifestyle of work and studying is an important factor to consider when applying. The application window varies with some opening as early as October. However, there are also opportunities for apprenticeships without degrees, level 3-5 can still result in paid salaries. When looking ensure to look at all options and never rule anything out!
Whilst apprenticeships and university are advocated for, there are paths through full time employment. After leaving school, you can get entry level jobs and work your way up through the company, developing your skills and gaining better salaries.
