Post-16 education, training and employment

Young people aged 16 to 18 must continue with education or training.

This is to give them the best opportunities to achieve their potential.

It does not mean they must stay in school.

Young people can choose from one of the following options:

• full-time education, such as school, college or a learning provider
• work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship or traineeship
• part-time education or training (if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week)

If the young person has SEND

For young people with SEND, there are different post-16 opportunities into education, training and / or employment.

If the young person has an EHCP the placement must be agreed by the Post-16 SEND Panel.

They will look at the young person's goals, needs and progression to determine which placement is most suitable.

Guidance

Young people continuing with education or training when they are between 16 and 18 years old is known as the 'raised participation age'.

It is in place to:  

• help develop the skills needed for adult life 
• raise aspirations and expectations 
• reduce the likelihood of unemployment 
• increase income earning potential 

See GOV.UK: Participation of young people: education, employment and training

Connexions advisors provide careers information, advice and guidance to young people aged between 13 and 19, and up to 25 if they have SEND.

They can support young people to make positive choices about their future, with information about:

• college courses
• apprenticeships
• 6th form in schools
• employment
• a range of other options depending on their needs and interests.

More information and courses and qualification can be found on the UCAS website.

Connexions advisors can also assist in completing a Post 16 placement preference form  for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

All education for 16 to 19 year olds is delivered as a 'study programme', which brings together the help that they need to get a job and live independently.

Study programmes include qualifications, work experience, and life skills.

English and Maths are considered 'core' skills.

If the young person hasn't achieved a GCSE grade C/4 in these subjects, they will need to continue them as part of their study programme. This may be as a GCSE or as a Functional Skills qualification.

Young people can generally access free full time education from ages 16 to 18 (finishing by age 19), or up to age 25 if they have an EHCP.

The focus of a study programme

All study programmes must have a 'core aim', or focus, which should reflect what the young person wants to do when they leave school or college.

This can be:

• A work-based qualification, such as a BTEC or NVQ to prepare for work
• Work experience, which can be used to gain vocational qualifications by demonstrating work-based skills
• An academic qualification, such as A levels
• Supported internships and traineeships (study programmes that have work experience as their core aim)
• An apprenticeship (a job that includes training)

What qualifications are needed

The qualifications the young person will need for a study programme will vary, and will depend on the education setting or programme they attend.

The qualification the young person is hoping to achieve should be at a higher level than they currently have.

Supported learning

Supported learning courses support people with Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to:

• gain more independence
• improve their knowledge
• get the guidance and encouragement they need to successfully move into work.

Functional Skills qualifications

Functional Skills qualifications teach post-16 and adult learners how to apply practical maths, English and ICT skills in real-life and work.

They are available in Entry Level courses (see what qualification levels mean).

A level 2 course is the equivalent of a GCSE grade 4 to 9.

NVQs

NVQ are work-based (sometimes known as 'vocational') qualifications, achieved through assessment and training, usually in the workplace.

They are focussed on the practical skills and knowledge that a person needs to do a job.

They do not involve taking exams and can be an option from Level 1 to 4 (see what qualification levels mean).

BTECs

BTECs are designed for young people interested in specific sectors or industries.

They are flexible and are usually studied full time.

BTECs are divided into units which cover the relevant areas of knowledge and skills that are needed by the specific sector / industry.

The courses involve a series of assignments which can be written and / or activity based, and completed as an individual or as part of a team.

They can be studied alongside other academic qualifications, as part of a wider programme, or as a standalone course.

A Levels

Advanced Level qualifications (A Levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to further study, training or work.

Students normally study 3 or more A Levels over 2 years.

They are usually assessed by a series of exams at the end of each year.

Students usually need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), with a grade 6 in the subject you want to study.

T Levels

T Levels are a new 2-year qualification, and are equivalent to 3 A levels.

They are a Level 3 qualification  (see what qualification levels mean).

T Levels are for 16 to 19 year olds who want to focus on developing the skills and knowledge needed for a specific occupation or job sector.  

They include at least 3 months' work experience, and the opportunity to build transferable skills and knowledge related to a job area. 

Students can progress from a T Level on to apprenticeships, jobs and university. 

For more information on courses, and what is available in the local area, visit GOV.UK: T-Levels.

The type of qualification the young person is considering will affect the type of setting that is available to them.

Some courses have more time within a classroom, where others are more hands on, with students learning whilst doing.

Young people should visit education settings that are offering the course/s they are interested in to find out more about what to expect.

Young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can complete a Post 16 placement preference form to let us know of their preferred education settings.

Sixth forms 

Sixth forms are attached to secondary schools and offer courses for 16 to 19 year olds.

Every sixth form is different, but they usually offer A Level courses, alongside some courses that are work-related.

Special school sixth forms offer work-related and life skills courses.

Further education colleges

Further education colleges offer a wider range of study programmes and courses, including those for mature students.

Eligibility for entry will depend on the course the young person is taking.

Specialist colleges

Specialist colleges are for young people who have significantly higher levels of need that cannot be met in mainstream education settings.

Eligibility is on an individual basis and will need agreement from the Council.

If the young person has named a specialist college in their Education, Health and Care Plan, then this will be considered by the Post-16 SEND Panel.

Training providers 

Trainer providers offer a smaller group environment and work-related or work-based learning (sometimes known as 'vocational') courses, which often specialise in specific areas related to employment.

Not in Education, Employment or Training

Young people aged 16 to 25 that are not in employment, education or training are classified as NEET.

The Council has a responsibility to:

• make sure there is enough suitable education / training for all young people aged 16 to 19, and for all those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan aged 20-24
• make support available to these young people that will encourage and help them to take part in education or training

In South Tyneside, young people that meet these criteria have a named Connexions advisor to support them with a range of options to re-enter education or employment.

There are different types of qualifications available to young people.

It is important that the young person chooses the type of education or training course that is best for them.

Entry Level

If the young person does not have experience, or is not feeling confident about their abilities, then Entry Level could be a good place to start. 

These courses are usually made up of smaller units of work or activity, and are assessed by the teaching staff.

Level 1

Level 1 courses provide a general introduction to skills, tasks and knowledge.

They are ideal if the young person is starting out, or is new to the subject area.

Level one courses may include:

• NVQ 1
• BTEC Level 1
• City and Guilds
• Traineeships

Level 2

Level 2 courses require the learner to have some knowledge or experience of the subject area.

Once completed, Level 2 courses are equivalent to 4 - 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above.

Level 2 options might include: 

• BTEC Level 2
• NVQ Level 2 
• Re-taking GCSEs 
• CACHE Certificate 

Level 3

Level 3 qualifications are a progression on qualifications and courses a young person has taken before.

They will develop the learner's knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Courses generally last 2 years.

Level 3 courses might include: 

• A-levels
• BTEC Extended Diplomas 
• NVQ Level 3 
• Access to Higher Education Diplomas (post-19 only)

Level 4 and above

At Level 4 and above, courses will help the learner to gain specialist knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

These courses fall in the category of higher education, and are equivalent to courses taught at universities.

Level 4 courses may include:

• Degree courses
• NVQ Level 4 within the workplace
• HNCs and HNDs

An apprenticeship is a real job with training.

It means people can earn while they learn, and work towards recognised qualifications.

Training normally takes place between a workplace and the college.

In some cases, all training is provided in the workplace by visiting tutors.

Apprenticeships take between 1 to 5 years to complete.

Apprentices will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job specific skills
• be given time to study related to your role (equivalent of 1 day per week)
• earn a wage in accordance with government guidelines

Types of apprenticeship

There are 4 types / levels available for over 1500 job roles.

• Intermediate (Level 2)
• Advanced (Level 3)
• Higher (Level 4 and above)
• Degree (Level 6 to7)

See what qualification levels mean.

Entry requirements

As apprenticeships are jobs, it is up to the employer to decide who they will employ and their entry requirements.

An intermediate apprenticeship will usually need English and Maths equivalent of at least level 1, and be studying for level 2 (see what qualification levels mean).

If the person has an Education, Health and Care Plan or has had one in the past, there may be flexibility around the English and Math requirements. 

Speak with the employer or training provider to discuss what support and reasonable adjustments may be available.

Traineeships

Traineeships can help people prepare for an apprenticeship, see GOV.UK: Traineeships.

More information

For more information, see UCAS: Apprenticeships.

Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

All employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the workplace. See GOV.UK: Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions.

Some young people with SEND need more support when they are entering employment.

Courses to help get into work

The Council's Skills Service offers a wide range of courses and supports thousands of people every year to get into work.

The courses have been carefully chosen in areas to provide the best chance of finding employment.

There is a variety of courses on offer to help learners upskill or move into employment.

Eligible learners will not pay towards the cost of the course.

See South Tyneside Works.

Traineeships

Traineeships are short, flexible programmes for 16 to 23 year-olds.

They combine work experience and pre-employment training to help people successfully find a job or access to an apprenticeship.

See GOV.UK: Traineeships.

Supported internships

Supported internships are for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education Health and Care Plan. 

They are set up to develop helpful skills and attitudes needed for the workplace, and are suitable for those who learn best by doing.

See supported internships.

Supported internships are for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education Health and Care Plan. 

They are set up to develop helpful skills and attitudes needed for the workplace, and are suitable for those who learn best by doing.

Most learning takes place at work and only a small part of the placement is in a classroom. 

Supported internships are an education programme, so the work experience is not paid. However, at the end of the programme successful interns would be expected to be ready to take up paid work. 

The young person may need to have completed some qualifications before starting a supported internship.

There are several supported internships available for young people in South Tyneside aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

If the supported internship the young person wants to do is suitable, and their application is successful, the internship will become part of their EHCP.

For more information:

• contact our Supported Internship Co-ordinator: laura.burrell@southtyneside.gov.uk
• speak to SEND Services
• see Project Choice: Supported internships

The SEND Code of Practice emphasises the importance of preparing for adulthood from the earliest years.

When a young person reaches year 9 (aged 14), preparing for adulthood becomes compulsory.

See the Preparing for Adulthood: Year 9 Annual Review Guide for information about the key topics that should be covered at Annual Reviews from Year 9 onwards.

Year 9

Services should work together to understand the aims and wishes of the young person, and develop a plan with them for how this will be achieved.

This must include transition assessments, and plans for moving to adult services.

Education Health and Care Plans must focus on the 4 outcomes of Preparing for Adulthood:

• Independent living
• Education, training and employment
• Friendships, relationships and community
• Good health

Young people will be asked their views and wishes in these areas at their annual review, in Section A of the 'All About Me' document.

All young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan will have a Connexions advisor that will meet with them to explore their future ambitions for education, training and employment.

Year 11

At year 11 (aged 16) the young person may move to a different education setting, or into a different form of training / employment.

The Post-16 Panel will decide whether to cease (stop) or change the Education, Health and Care Plan and its contents, including what setting the young person will attend.

To do this they will review:

• the young person's view and wishes
• the parent / carer's views
• information that they have from their current school / setting
• recommendations and advice from relevant professionals across education, health and care services

See Education, Health and Care Plans: Annual Reviews.