Pudsey Grammar School
Mount Pleasant Road
Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 7ND
Headteacher: Mr M McKelvie BEng (Hons.) Glas.
0113 255 8277
info@pudseygrammar.co.uk
Post-16
Choosing your Future Career:
You do not need to have your entire career planned, but it is important to start exploring what interests you and what opportunities are available.
Think about:
Your interests and strengths
- What subjects or topics do you enjoy?
- What skills do you want to use in your future?
- Do you prefer working with people, technology, ideas, creativity, research or practical tasks?
Exploring careers
Research:
- what different jobs involve;
- the skills and qualifications needed;
- potential salaries and progression opportunities;
- future job trends and industries.
Useful Links:
Career Guidance & Labour Market Information:
| National Careers Service - Job profiles, 900+ careers with salary expectations, entry routes and advice |
| Prospects - Job profiles, 500+ careers with salary expectations, entry routes and advice |
| National Careers Service Helpline - direct phone call appointments with qualified advisors including post-exams helpline |
| All About School Leavers - advertises apprenticeship and job vacancies, provides advice on all routes as well as employment tips |
University:
| UCAS - the main search engine and website used for university searches and applications in year 13 |
| Whatuni - Useful search engine that allows you to put your predicted grades as a filter |
| Student Finance England - Information on higher education loans and bursaries. The website is used for applications in year 13 |
Degree Apprenticeships:
| Office for Students - Non-departmental student body who provides information on higher education and next steps including DAs |
| UCAS Apprenticeships - A large search engine of level 6 and 7 apprenticeships with intuitive filters |
| Gov UK - Further information on degree apprenticeships and how to secure them |
Advanced & Higher Apprenticeships:
| Amazing Apprenticeships - A useful website that offers information on all apprenticeships level 2-7 |
| UCAS Apprenticeships - A large search engine of apprenticeships locally and nationally including advanced, higher and degree. |
| Gov Find an apprenticeship - The main search engine for apprenticeships in the UK. Great when used in junction with other sites. |
It is important to note that most apprenticeships can be found directly on company websites (e.g. Leeds City Council, the NHS etc) or by using further search engines (e.g indeed, baltic apprenticeships, BPP apprenticeships, and All About School Leavers), or via training provider (e.g. Appris, Leeds College of Building, Juniper Training or Leeds City College etc)
Gap Year Opportunities:
| Project Trust - Year abroad opportunities as a voluntary English teacher |
| Camp America - Summer abroad opportunities in America working with young people at activity Summer camps |
| Oyster - Year abroad opportunities using part-time work abroad to fund living and travel (e.g. hospitality, sport instructor etc). |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before making any applications, ask yourself:
- What kind of work would I enjoy?
- What lifestyle do I want?
- Do I prefer academic study or learning through work?
- What qualifications do employers ask for?
- Would I rather stay local or move away?
- Which option will help me achieve my long-term goals?
Attend Open Days
Open days are one of the best ways to decide whether a university, apprenticeship provider or employer is right for you.
Try to attend a range of events during Year 12 and the beginning of Year 13 to compare your options before applying.
Year 12 Work Experience Week:
Work experience is a valuable opportunity to explore a career, develop new skills and understand what working in an industry is really like.
Our work experience week takes place in July, so it is important that you start thinking about possible placements early in the academic year. The most successful students are those who are proactive and begin contacting employers from September and October.
Where should I start?
Think about:
- What careers or industries interest me?
- What skills would I like to develop?
- Is there an organisation or employer I would like to learn more about?
- Could a work placement help me decide on my future plans?
- Your placement does not need to be your dream career, but it should give you an insight into the world of work and help you develop transferable skills.
How to Find a Placement
1. Make a list of possible employers
Start by identifying organisations you would like to approach. Consider:
- Local businesses
- National companies
- Universities, colleges or training providers
- Charities
- Public sector organisations (e.g. NHS, councils, emergency services)
- Employers linked to careers you are interested in
Do not limit yourself to large organisations; smaller businesses can often provide excellent experiences.
2. Contact employers directly
Many employers do not advertise work experience placements, so you may need to contact them yourself.
You can:
- Check their website for work experience opportunities
- Email the organisation
- Phone and ask who deals with work experience requests
- Speak to family, friends or people you know who work in industries you are interested in
Remember: employers are busy, so you may need to contact several organisations before securing a placement.
3. Write a professional email
When contacting employers:
- Introduce yourself
- Explain that you are a sixth form student looking for a work placement in July
- Explain why you are interested in their organisation
- Mention any relevant subjects, skills or career interests
- Ask whether they would be able to offer a placement
- Always check your spelling and use a professional email address.
4. Be organised and keep trying
Successful students often contact employers months in advance.
Keep a record of:
- Who you have contacted
- When you contacted them
- Any responses you receive
- Follow-up dates
If an employer cannot offer a placement, do not be discouraged... continue exploring other options.