Education and training for 16+ year olds

It is now the law for 16 year olds leaving school to participate in further education or training until they are 18. There are two main options for 16 year olds:

1. to study full-time in a school, college or with a training provider
2. to get into full-time employment or volunteering (more than 20 hours a week) but this must be combined with part-time study or training

Need Careers Advice about your next step?

If you are 16 to 18 years old and Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) then please contact the Post 16 NEET team at Worcestershire County Council for advice, guidance and support.

Website: Education Services careers advice and guidance

Visit Worcestershire's New Careers and Skills Website – Skills 4 Worcestershire

Alternatively the answers you need maybe on our website Skills 4 Worcestershire Careers Advice Portal.
This careers website has been designed to provide our young people, parents and schools with all the information required to understand the career opportunities and pathways available in Worcestershire. This website aims to signpost you to useful resources, careers and employability advice and important information about Worcestershire's economy which will help you to make informed careers choices.

Go to your nearest Further Education College to find our about course options?

The county has three further education colleges who offer support to help you access a range of academic and vocational courses to suit your needs .

Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College

Kidderminster College

Warwickshire College Group

But College isn't for me?

However college is not for everyone and for this reason there are many other training providers in Worcestershire that can offer education for over 16s. Why not contact young adult learning team who offers two different programmes:

1. vocational training and qualifications
2. relevant skills and confidence building to get in to education, employment or training

I'd rather work , can I work and study? Try an apprenticeship.

Another option for young people looking to earn while they learn is an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship positions are available with many different employers in the county enabling you to gain  the necessary hands-on and theoretical training as well as different levels of qualifications. Worcestershire Apprenticeships, supported by Worcestershire County Council can help you to find out about apprenticeship and support you to access local opportunities through its clearing hub. Have a look at the  Worcestershire Apprenticeships website for impartial advice and guidance about apprenticeships as well as current vacancies.

Useful links

Website: Parental Guidance

Website: Worcestershire Apprenticeships