As exam season draws to a close, teenagers and their parents are being offered some timely advice on that important next step from Buxton & Leek College.
Both campuses have evenings set aside for information and guidance this month for those looking to enter the jobs market or further their studies. And, with education and training undergoing such dramatic changes over the past decade, getting the right independent advice is more important than it has ever been.
While teenagers must stay in education or training up until 18, they do not need to stay in school after their GCSEs. They can continue studying through a full-time vocational course or start an Apprenticeship where they will be working alongside professionals and studying for just one day a week in college.
Buxton & Leek College is already taking applications for new courses starting in September and, to help teenagers sort their way through the many options available, expert teams will be on hand at Leek Campus on June 22 and Buxton Campus on June 23. Doors will be open each evening from 5pm until 8 pm.
Teenagers will be able to find out what they need to study to prepare for their chosen careers and get advice on UCAS applications if they are considering university. There will also be a chance to view industry-standard facilities on offer at both Buxton’s Devonshire Dome and the Stockwell Street Campus in Leek which has just undergone an £8.5 million redevelopment programme.
Principal of Buxton & Leek College, Len Tildsley feels that teenagers should not be denied a choice by a lack of appropriate advice and guidance to ensure their chosen pathway is the right one for them. He said: “In recent years colleges of further education, including ours, have seen a significant rise in the number of young people enquiring in late September and October about the prospect of switching out of their school sixth form and into college – having realised their mistake. We have also noticed an increase in the number of students applying for vocational courses and apprenticeships at age 17 following a year of A level study – another indication that they may have been poorly advised at age 16.”
Students should go online at www.blc.ac.uk or call 0800 074 0099 to find out more.