If you're aged between 16 and 24 and wondering what to do next, here are a few options you may want to consider.
Sixth Form
After completing your GCSEs, many will want to continue their education at a sixth form. Most will want to continue in their existing school and that school will provide you with appropriate guidance.
However, you could check out what other schools have to offer by checking out the links to other schools below.
Colleges
Colleges have a wide range of courses on offer and may be better suited to you. You can check out what they have to offer using the links below.
Transport
There is no statutory requirement to provide transport for post 16 learners, however Rhondda Cynon Taf offers a discretionary transport service to 16 to 19 year old learners who meet the eligibility criterion and to which approved 16 to 19 study courses are available.
To be eligible to receive free transport post 16 learners MUST:
- reside within Rhondda Cynon Taf;
- be over the age of 16 and below the age of 19 at the commencement of the academic year;
- be attending their catchment or nearest sixth form school / consortium of schools / college campus for their chosen approved full time further education programme of study (find my nearest catchment school) (Find my nearest catchment school)
- reside two or more miles away from their catchment or nearest sixth form school / college campus.
No transport will be provided for mainstream learners beyond the second academic year after the end of compulsory education. Where the course continues into subsequent years, the learner will be entirely responsible for arranging and funding their transport needs for continued attendance.
For more detailed information please refer to the Eligibility Flow Chart and for the full sixth form and college transport policy see the Starting Schools Booklet.
The link to the transport application and the frequently asked questions can be found on - https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/ParkingRoadsandTravel/Travel/SchoolandCollegeTransport/SixthFormandCollegeTransportProvision.aspx
Prepare for work
To help support pupils in Post 16 education it is important that they receive appropriate guidance and support in their preparation for the workplace.
Pupils undertaking post 16 studies in Secondary and through schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf benefit from the support of the Gatsby Good Career Benchmarks. The Benchmarks are a set of guidelines that support schools in the delivery of Careers and Work-Related Experiences (CWRE).
The Gatsby Benchmarks come under the following headings:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education.
- Personal Guidance.
Schools are supported in the delivery of the Gatsby Benchmarks and undertake a yearly audit.
More details on the content of the Gatsby Benchmarks and the research that was used to create them can be found in the following link.
Good Career Guidance | Education | Gatsby
Work Experience and Internships
As one of the largest local authorities in Wales, RCT Council endeavours to support residents and pupils to gain work experience within the organisation where possible. To make an application, please use the link below and follow the instructions.
Please note – with many service areas now working remotely, we cannot guarantee placements will be available in your chosen area.
Work Experience | Work Experience Make an application
Apprenticeship schemes and Graduate programmes
RCT Council’s award-winning Apprenticeship & Graduate Scheme has recruited over 300 individuals into the scheme since 2012. These 2-year posts offered in service areas across the council allow successful candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn and provide an amazing foundation for a long and successful career in a range of industries.
Rhondda Cynon Taff Council aims to recruit talented, forward-thinking people to its programmes and each job role offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills, develop professionally and start a career in community-based public service.
The roles vary each year, so keep an eye on the website for their release dates and check out the testimonials of current and past apprentices to get a better idea about what an RCT Council Apprenticeship could do for you.
Apprenticeship Scheme and Graduate Programme
Careers Wales
Careers Wales offer a range of support for Post 16 learners. To access this please click on the link to Careers Wales website. Alternatively you can call them to discuss the help you need on 08000284844
Careers Wales | Careers Wales (gov.wales)
A section of the Careers Wales website dedicated to Post 16 education can be found here
Wales' post 16 education and training provision | Careers Wales (gov.wales)
Employability Programmes
Get on the road to Employment with the Communities For Work Teams.
Employment and Employer Support - Rhondda Cynon Taf provide a range of tailored advice and support for local businesses and for those looking to gain employment or further their skills.
Employment Support
View support and advice in finding employment, filling in application forms, interview skills, training and more.
Support for Employers
Help and support for employers including business grants, funding, Business & People Support, HR and Occupational Health Advice and Services.
Employment and Employer Support | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (rctcbc.gov.uk)
Green Light Project
The Green Light Project is a focused support programme for those pupils in Year 11 who need additional support in making choices Post 16.
Each secondary school is allocated places for up to 7 Year 11 pupils on The Green Light Project.
The work of The Green Light Project includes:
- Careers advice and guidance sessions with a designated Employment Education and Training co-ordinator
- Opportunities for work experience
- Visits to colleges and 6th form providers
- Support and information about applying for work or an apprenticeship
Growth Sectors
If you are interested in exploring the areas which are increasing in popularity then you may explore the most up to date trends using the link below.
Labour market intelligence
Get inspired
To help you get inspired and develop your plans for your Post 16 journey you may want to explore some organisations that work with young people in Wales and can support you in developing skills for the future. Click on the link and explore what they have to offer and how you could use their resources. This section also includes information on The Young Person`s Guarantee in Wales. The Young Person’s Guarantee provides under 25’s in Wales with the offer of support to gain a place in education or training, find a job or become self-employed.
Whether you need advice on getting onto the right college course, finding an apprenticeship, support with writing a CV or starting your own business, the Guarantee can provide the helping hand you need to start or change your story.