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What skills and qualifications will you need

More and more employers are looking for people with good skills and qualifications. Developing your skills gives you the best chance of getting into the career you want and there are more courses to choose from than ever before.

Your future, your options

You’ll have important decisions to make in Year 9 and when you’re 16. You may be undecided about the type of career you want to follow, or you may know exactly what you want to be doing for a living ten years from now.

If you have got a particular career in mind, there may be some options that are especially useful. A careers or Connexions adviser will be able to help you with choosing the right subjects and qualifications for the type of career you want to follow.

• Your choices in Year 9 (education and learning section)

• Choices at 16: what's right for you (education and learning section)

• Contact a Careers Direct Adviser Opens new window

If you decide to go into work, it’s a good idea to look for a job with training. Apprenticeships and the Time Off for Study or Training scheme are two ways of gaining a qualification while you’re working.

If you’re looking for a job, schemes like Entry to Employment can help you build up your skills and improve your chances.

• Skills for work if you're under 19 (education and learning section)

Higher education and your career

Higher education and a degree can open up new career options, and there are lots of different routes into university courses.

• Higher education and your career (education and learning section)

Kickstart your career planning

It’s never too early to start thinking about careers. Be on the lookout for fairs and events – especially those that focus on a career you’re considering. Remember that you’ll get more out of them if you go prepared. A careers adviser will be able to give you some tips on how to prepare.

• Getting your first job

Improving your employment prospects

There aren't many people who get their ideal job at the first attempt. If you're looking for your first step on the career ladder, would further study improve your chances? How about doing something in your spare time related to the career you want?

If you’re too late to get on a course at the start of the next academic year, it’s worth considering what you can do to improve your career prospects in the meantime.

Options include getting a temporary job, volunteering or getting some work experience through a placement. You can also look into gap year activities.

Showing that you've gained more experience and increased your skills while you've been applying for jobs will definitely impress employers.

• Work experience and volunteering

• Planning a gap year

Career flexibility

When you’re ready to look for a job, it’s also worth thinking about what type of work would suit you. Will you be looking for flexible arrangements to help you fit in study or childcare, or do you like the idea of working for yourself?

If you’re unsure what to do next at any stage, there’s plenty of help available.

• Finding a career that's right for you

More useful links

• Your rights and responsibilities at work

• Employment support (disabled people section)

Useful contacts

• Pay and Work Rights Helpline

• Jobcentre Plus Opens new window