I’m sure you’re aware of A levels, as they are what most people take after they’ve completed their GCSEs. They’re the next step in education but they’re not for everyone. The aim of A Levels is too academically broaden your knowledge using theory-
based learning in whichever subjects you choose.
A Levels are great if you know what exactly you would like to pursue career-wise, for example, if you want to be a doctor, engineer, or politician A Levels are geared to help you start off your career.
Even if you are uncertain about what you'd like to do in the future, then studying multiple A evel courses can open up youropportunities.
A Levels are about specialising in specific areas, which is opposed to GCSEs where you learn a bit of everything A Levels are where you really hone in on the subjects of your choice.
For most people exams are a source of anxiety and stress and most A Levels center around an end-of-year exam which determines your whole grade. So, unfortunately, this means if something were to go wrong in your personal life or in the exam which leads to you failing, there is nothing to fall back on.
The structure of all your courses are primarily exam based which means that you finish the course with fewer practical skills and more theory-based skills which doesn't really bode well in practical life
A levels are very academically challenging as it requires your full attention 100% of the time as every single piece of learning is vital to remember for the exams, which isn't particularly great when it's not your kind of environment.
There is a stigma around beta qualifications which is not always positive as it seemed as the lesser version of A levels. But as of late BTECs have started to beat this stigma with more universities and employers valuing them as stand-alone qualifications.
Studying BTECs can give you a vast range of employability skills for the future which means as opposed to doing A levels you can walk straight into employment after you've completed them especially if the course you decided to do
is in an industry you want to pursue a career in.
BTECs are great if you 100% know what you want as a career path, as BTECs primarily focus on one subject area which means you'll be very well versed in it and thus more attractive to employers or universities.
BTECs are primarily assessed on assignments and coursework which means that there is no end-of-year exam that determines yourwhole life. So this will be the better option if you don't do well with the stress of exams.
As well as it being pro the constant stream of assignments and deadlines that you have to commit to and work on outside of your class hours can also be very stressful.
BTECs are not particularly great if you have tendencies to lose interest or change your mind on your career quite frequently because BTECs are entirely focused on one subject with very little opportunity for variations.
“An apprenticeship is an educational programme that combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning.” This option is available to you once you are 16 or older, this is an alternative to full-time education.
When doing an apprenticeship, you’ll get practical experience while working alongside industry professionals whilst also studying to get a qualification. It's a great blend of theory and practice.
While doing an apprenticeship you will be getting paid and your apprenticeship course is fully funded. You will leave with aqualification, work experience, and no debt.
You can also get certified in your industry, for example, I’m (breaking the fourth wall) an apprentice studying towards a Level 3 digital marketing qualification whilst also working here at CYN getting practical skills.
There are so many careers to choose from when doing an apprenticeship even super niche ones. for example you could do an:
Accounting apprenticeship
Nursing apprenticeship
Media apprenticeship
Construction apprenticeship
Art apprenticeship
And so forth
Like with most on the Job alternatives after you leave school, you are restricted in your career choice, so you have to be sure that the apprenticeship you decide to undertake is what you want to do career-wise long term.
This may not be a big deal to some, but you will not get the university experience by doing an apprenticeship. You won’t live in halls, go to freshers’ nights and fairs, or get up at 9:00 AM for lectures, you will be just working 9 to 5 while studying.
This one may be a pro or a con depending on you, you will be taking on a lot of responsibility very early on. Just because you're starting out your career in an entry-level role does not mean you will not have any responsibilities at work. Me for example, (again breaking the fourth wall) I’m in charge of the promotion of courses, events, live performances, etc that we hold and if I don't do my job right, no one will come to those events and a lot of money will be wasted.
Whilst doing an apprenticeship you will not get the summer holidays or half terms you will be just like any other full-time working member of staff. You’ll get your 25 days and you have to book holidays well in advance.
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