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Leaving school is one of the most exciting and overwhelming milestones in a young person’s life. Whether you’re 16, 17 or 18, it’s important to understand the wide range of options available to you. From earning while you learn through an apprenticeship, jumping into an entry-level job to gain real-world experience, or building practical skills through vocational training, there are many routes to success that don’t follow a one-size-fits-all path. And we want to help you navigate these options and make informed decisions about your future.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
The main pathways available after leaving school
Practical examples of jobs in key industries
Tips for writing a good CV and preparing for the job market
How to secure a job as a school leaver.
Whether you're preparing for college, entering sixth form, or exploring career paths outside of university, we're here to help. With expert career advice for school leavers and a curated selection of CV templates, you'll find the inspiration and tools you need to set yourself up for success.
What are your options after leaving school?
Now is the perfect time to start shaping your future. With so many diverse professional routes available, school leavers today have more choices than ever. The key is to explore your options early, understand what different professions offer, and choose a path that aligns with your strengths, soft skills, and ambitions.
1. Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn by combining paid work with formal qualifications. And traineeships are short-term programmes (usually under 6 months) designed to boost your skills before taking on a job.
| Apprenticeship | Traineeship |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeships range from intermediate to advanced levels, depending on your career interests. | Traineeships refer to programs designed to help young individuals gain key skills needed to secure an apprenticeship or job. |
Why choose this path?
This opportunity is perfect for gaining hands-on experience. Whether you're an aspiring electrician, carpenter, plumber, or even doctor you’ll benefit from job-specific training while earning industry-recognised qualifications.
Examples of apprenticeships and traineeships:
Engineering apprenticeships: Require GCSEs in Maths and Science, along with strong problem-solving abilities and a keen interest in technical subjects. Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and innovation.
Business administration apprenticeships: Require GCSEs in English and Maths. Strong organisational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are highly beneficial for success in this role.
Doctor apprenticeships: Require A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Maths. Essential skills include strong interpersonal abilities, empathy, and a genuine passion for healthcare.
Fashion apprenticeships: Require GCSEs in English and Maths. An interest in the fashion industry is important, with opportunities available in both design and non-design roles.
Where to find apprenticeships:
England – gov.uk, Institute for Apprenticeships
Scotland – apprenticeships.scot
Wales – gov.wales
Northern Ireland – nidirect.gov.uk
Learn more about the qualifications needed for these jobs:
Pro Tip
To increase your chances of landing an apprenticeship, expand your network! Consider attending local career fairs, and reaching out to school advisors at your school or experienced professionals on LinkedIn.
2. A-levels and T-levels
A-levels are traditional academic qualifications that can lead to university, further education, training, or employment. Selecting the right subjects is important, as they can impact your future career options. Many schools have a 6th form college, making the transition to A-levels straightforward and convenient. T-levels, on the other hand, are new qualifications that combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience. They aim to provide a more practical learning experience, preparing you for skilled employment or further study.
| A-levels | T-levels |
|---|---|
| A-levels are ideal qualifications for students aiming to go to university or pursue specific careers. You can do them at sixth form college, further education college or a University Technical College. | T-levels are a newer alternative, which you can do at further education college, offering a mix of classroom study and industry placements in vocational fields. |
Why choose this path?
It’s perfect if you want to keep your university options open or need specific subject knowledge for your chosen career. Check out the A-level and T-level websites for more information about their entry requirements and school leaver programmes.
Examples:
A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths (for medicine)
T-level in Digital Production (for tech careers)
A-levels in English and History (for law or journalism)
Check out our related articles and CV examples for more details on the required qualifications for the following jobs:
3. Vocational courses and school leaver schemes
When pursuing further education as a school leaver or student, vocational courses focus on practical skills and training for specific jobs, such as a bricklayer, electrical work, or beauty therapy. These courses are typically offered by colleges and vocational training centres. Graduation schemes are structured programs offered by employers to recent school leavers from the age of 17, providing a combination of work experience, training, and mentoring to help you develop in your chosen career.
| Vocational courses | School leaver schemes |
|---|---|
| Vocational courses focus on skills for a specific career, such as construction, hairdressing, or IT. | School leaver programmes are employer-led schemes that combine training with real job responsibilities. |
Why choose this path?
These options provide practical experience and usually lead directly to higher study or employment.
Examples:
IT vocational program: for example, BTEC National in IT may require GCSEs in Maths and English, while hospitality courses might need basic GCSEs alongside an interest in the field.
NHS school leaver scheme: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science, alongside a strong interest in healthcare and a commitment to learning and development.
Care Assistant or nurse: Relevant vocational qualifications or A-levels, usually including Biology, followed by a nursing degree or diploma. Practical experience in healthcare settings is highly beneficial.
Hospitality vocational course: Typically requires basic GCSEs and a strong interest in customer service, events, or culinary arts. A BTEC in Hospitality can open doors to careers in hotels, catering, events coordination, or restaurant management.
Marks & Spencer school leaver scheme: Usually open to 18-year-olds with GCSEs and strong people skills. This paid program develops retail management and leadership skills, leading to permanent roles in store operations, customer service, or logistics.
MI5 school leaver scheme: Requires strong GCSEs (including English and Maths) and sometimes A-levels. It offers paid, structured training in areas like cybersecurity, business support, or intelligence analysis. Ideal for students with attention to detail, and interest in national security.
Check out our related articles to learn more about the needed qualifications:
For more career advice tailored to school leavers, visit platforms like or the .
4. Internships
Internships provide valuable experience in a specific field, allowing you to enhance your CV while expanding your professional network. These opportunities can be paid or unpaid and typically span anywhere from a few weeks to several months. One of the most popular choices is summer internships, as they showcase proactive initiative, hands-on experience, and dedication to professional growth, qualities that make candidates stand out in competitive job markets.
Why choose an internship?
They offer insight into a role or industry and boost your expertise. Internships often serve as a stepping stone to long-term employment, making them an excellent opportunity to secure your first job.
Before exploring the exciting options available, learn the key skills that employers value most.
Examples of internships:
Marketing internships: GCSEs in English and Media Studies, with a strong skill set in social media management, and basic graphic design tools like Figma, Canva or Adobe Photoshop are advantageous.
Finance internships: GCSEs in Maths and Business Studies, with technical expertise in Microsoft Excel and knowledge of financial principles, such as understanding balance sheets and financial ratios, are crucial.
Journalism: GCSEs in English and Media Studies. Experience with writing for school newspapers or blogs is beneficial. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, and basic photo editing skills using Adobe Creative Cloud are advantageous.
Find out more about the qualifications needed for the above jobs:
5. First full-time and part-time job
Your first full-time job doesn’t have to require previous experience. In fact, many entry-level roles are designed specifically for those just starting out. These positions offer a great way to gain real-world work experience, build confidence, and develop transferable skills that can lead to more advanced opportunities in the future. Alternatively, part-time jobs are ideal if you're continuing your education or need a more flexible schedule, allowing you to balance work with college, sixth form, or training.
Why choose this path?
This route is perfect for those who want to be independent, earn straight away, and develop workplace skills on the job.
For more information, explore our related guide for a part-time CV.
Retail positions: Cashier, sales assistant or stock clerk usually require GCSEs in subjects like English and Maths and good customer service skills. Previous experience in customer-facing roles is a plus.
Customer service: Call centre operator or help desk support may require GCSEs in English and Maths and excellent communication skills. Basic IT skills and experience using CRM systems can be beneficial.
Accountant: Requires A-levels in Maths or Accounting, emphasising strong analytical abilities and keen attention to detail.
Discover more information about entry requirements for the above mentioned jobs:
6. Certificates, diplomas, and higher education
If you’re 18 or older, consider enhancing your skills by pursuing further education after school. With options for full-time, part-time, or distance learning, you’ll have the flexibility to study in a way that fits your schedule and location.
Beyond getting a Bachelor's degree, consider the following options:
Higher National Certificate and Diploma (HNC/HND) or Foundation Degree (FdA): Blend academic learning with practical experience in sectors like sport, hospitality, drama, design, and business studies, usually completed in one year.
Certificate of Continuing Education (CertCE): Provides a recognised qualification in 8 months to 1 year, briefly introducing to higher education, which is perfect for those unsure about university.
Certificate and Diploma of Higher Education (CertHE/DipHE): Standalone levels within a degree program, with CertHE taking 1 year and DipHE taking 2 years.
Keep in mind that each course varies in requirements, duration, and credit system. Be sure to choose carefully to find the one that best aligns with your career goals.
Why choose this path?
These qualifications offer a faster, more flexible route to gaining recognised credentials without committing to a conventional degree. You can typically complete them in 1-2 years, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner, switch industries, or progress to university later with advanced standing. They’re ideal if you’re looking for practical learning or prefer earning while studying.
Examples:
HNC in Sport Science
Foundation Degree in Hospitality
CertHE in Performing Arts
7. Volunteering
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain practical experience while making a meaningful impact. And adding volunteer work to your CV highlights transferable skills that demonstrate both personal and professional growth, making it a valuable and impactful addition to your application.
Explore this platform to discover exciting volunteer opportunities across the UK.
15 best jobs for school leavers with no experience
Whether you're seeking part-time jobs for school leavers, full-time jobs or seasonal work, we have compiled a list of the top in-demand options.
Healthcare: Healthcare Assistant or Patient Care Technician.
Administration: Office Administrator or Data Entry Clerk.
Retail: Sales Assistant or Customer Service Representative.
Receptionist: Front Desk Receptionist and Hotel Receptionist
Construction: Trainee Electrician or Plumbing Apprentice.
Teaching: Teaching Assistant or Nursery Assistant.
Hospitality: Kitchen Assistant or Hotel Porter.
Customer Service: Call Centre Agent or Helpdesk Support.
Sales: Market Stall Assistant or Retail Assistant.
Security: Event Steward or CCTV Operator.
Cleaning: Domestic Cleaner or Office Cleaner.
Gardening: Garden Centre Assistant or Park Maintenance Worker.
Care Assistant: Nursery Assistant or After-School Club Helper.
Warehouse: Warehouse Operative or Stockroom Assistant
Supermarket: Tesco Supermarket Assistant or Aldi Store Assistant
For additional guidance, refer to our related blog article on the best jobs for students.
7 tips on how to choose the right career path for you
Finding the right career path always feels challenging, but breaking it into clear steps can help you make confident and informed decisions. Here’s some advice for school leavers on starting your career journey:
Set achievable goals: Define what success looks like for you, whether it’s a specific job, salary range, or lifestyle. Research the skills, qualifications, and routes needed to reach your goal, and map out short and long-term steps.
Take a career aptitude test: To help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, consider using tools like CareerFitter, Sokanu, Career Hunter, Truity, or MAPP.
Create a professional CV and cover letter: Showcase your skills, knowledge, and achievements, even if you have little to no experience. Tailor each application to the job description, using keywords and focusing on how you can solve problems for employers.
Practise interview skills: Prepare for common interview questions, emphasise your strengths, and clearly demonstrate how they align with the role you're pursuing.
Go to career fairs and use networking tools: Sometimes the best opportunities come from meeting the right people. So, regarding career advice for school leavers, we recommend attending career job fairs, being proactive in LinkedIn, asking questions, and following up with contacts you meet at these events. It will introduce you to fresh ideas, connect you with potential mentors, and open doors to hidden opportunities that aren’t always advertised.
Stay updated: Follow industry trends, new technologies, and emerging roles, especially in growing sectors like green energy, AI, digital health, and creative tech. Staying informed helps you future-proof your skills and pivot if needed.
Consider taking a gap year: If you’re still unsure about your career path, a gap year could be the perfect solution. It offers a chance to explore new environments, and reflect on your passions while pursuing personal projects that excite you. For ideas and inspiration, check out gap year programs in the UK or explore UCAS gap year options.
School Leaver CV example
In this school leaver CV sample, Isabella highlights her previous work experience. She has showcased her customer service and language skills to gain a competitive edge. This simple CV template is well-structured, concise, and well-formatted, which looks appealing and is easy to read by recruiters.
Refer to our school leaver CV example for more career advice, and for valuable insights, read our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience.
Boost your career with a winning CV! Use our easy-to-follow guide and templates to create a CV for your first job!
Additional resources:
Key takeaways
Tailor your CV and cover letter to specific jobs.
Create a master CV to optimise your job application process.
Adopt a structured approach to your job search to minimise stress and make the process more efficient.
A traditional educational path isn’t your only option. There are countless alternatives to explore!
Next steps?
We are on a mission to prepare you for success, so here you have different resources to make your job search easier. Our CV Writing Service provides expert guidance, and you can explore our CV examples for inspiration on different career paths as a school leaver. Check out our blog articles, including tips on starting a cover letter, creating a LinkedIn profile, and discovering the highest-paying jobs in the UK, even those requiring no experience.
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FAQs
What are the options for a school leaver?
School leavers have various options, including further education (A-levels and T-levels), work-based learning (apprenticeships, traineeships, and internships), vocational courses, graduation schemes, entry-level jobs, part-time jobs and full-time jobs.
Refer to the SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) London website for more information about pre-professional development and entry-level career options.
Can I work full-time after leaving school?
Yes, you can work full-time after leaving school. Many entry-level job opportunities are available for school leavers, and apprenticeships also offer full-time work combined with training if you have your eye on more senior roles, such as manager.
How do apprenticeships differ from internships?
Apprenticeships combine practical work experience and academic learning, leading to a recognised qualification. Internships are typically shorter and focus on gaining work experience in a specific field without necessarily leading to a qualification.
Are there specific resources for school leavers in Scotland?
Yes, school leavers in Scotland have access to specific resources and opportunities, such as:
How do I choose between A-levels and vocational courses?
Choosing between A-levels and vocational courses depends on your career goals, interests, and preferred learning style. A-levels are a better fit for those aiming to pursue academic careers, while vocational courses are perfect for hands-on, practical careers. Think of what aligns best with your aspirations and strengths.
What are the best college courses for school leavers in the UK?
Some of the most in-demand college courses for school leavers in the UK include:
Business Administration and Management
Information Technology and Computer Science
Health and Social Care
Engineering and Construction Trades
Creative Arts and Media
Some of the best platforms for school leaver courses include Riverside College, City of Bristol College, West Herts College, Exeter college, Weston college, and many others. Alternatively, take a look at the best school leaver courses by Reed.
