Young people in England are required by law to stay in education or training until age 18.

Depending on what is on offer locally and what their future aspirations are, 16 to 18 year-olds have several options to choose from, including A-levels and T-levels. They could also choose to take up an apprenticeship, a traineeship or to follow part-time learning whilst working or volunteering.

In England, young people have a range of options at the age of 18. If they decide to get a job, many employers offer training programmes and apprenticeships which will enable them to learn while they earn. If their chosen career means they need to get certain qualifications first, or they want to continue studying, they will usually do this at an education provider such as a Further Education (FE) college or Higher Education provider such as a university. 

The magazine supports residents with features on roles in specific industries and sectors. It also features tips, tricks and insights for securing jobs and training opportunities. It is available free of charge online. Reference copies are also available in schools, colleges, libraries and Job Centres across Essex.  

The Learn Live technology is free to schools and colleges and doesn’t require any additional equipment to be purchased or procured to interact with the live broadcasts. All broadcasts can be viewed via interactive whiteboards or projectors using IE or Google Chrome browsers on existing laptops, PCs or via an app on tablet devices.

Since 2015, Learn Live have delivered over 350 live broadcasts and reached over 400,000 young people in schools, colleges and other educational institutions including Job Centre Plus. Over 2,000 schools and colleges have also engaged with the on demand video content with live interactive chat.

If you are currently a student in Years 10-13, the University of Essex would love you to join our online community of young people who are impatient for change and working towards a better future.

Depending on your age, we have courses to choose from that are optional but extremely useful (and fun). What's more, they're completely free of charge. There's no pressure, no tests – just tons of interactive activities, videos, blogs and tips to help you on your educational journey.

Starting your first or next job then why not check out these resources which can help you to progress:

• Prior to starting work: What Is It Like To BE In Work? - Youth Employment UK

• Preparation for the world of work: The World of Work - Youth Employment UK

Completing These free online courses will help you to:

• Land on your feet when you start work.

• Look after yourself at work.

• Be great to work with

• Understand how and why employers should value you.

• Think about what job satisfaction means to you.

 Check out this free course

• Professional skills training whilst you’re in work:  Exploring your CONFIDENCE - Youth Employment UK

By accessing these resources and organisations, young people with disabilities and additional needs can gain valuable information and support to navigate the process of requesting and implementing reasonable adjustments in the workplace to help you succeed at work.

Completing this free online course will help you:

• Prepare to be successful in your apprenticeship.

• Look after yourself as an apprentice including mental health and wellbeing.

• Learn how to manage your learning.

• Continue to develop your skills for work.

• Plan your future career goals.

You might also want to check out the additional mental health and wellbeing support above and suggested here: “Mental health and wellbeing: Starting a new job or apprenticeship” - UCAS provide great information on their blog page here

Another great resource is the government Apprentices Support Centre where you can register for a free account here  You can receive support and guidance regarding various topics relating to your apprenticeship including: off-the-job training, preparing for your end-point assessment, be able to receive information relating to, if you are an apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability, or if you are a care experienced apprentice as well as opportunities to connect & network with other apprentices via different networks. For more information about the Apprentice Support Centre visit here And for more information about the networks you could join visit here

• The Mix - Moving on to Sixth Form or College article provides information and advice for young people moving on to sixth form or college, covering topics such as choosing courses, adjusting to a new environment, and making the most of the experience read here

• Young Minds Blog - Transitioning to College This blog post from Young Minds offers practical tips and advice for young people transitioning to college, including strategies for managing mental health and coping with stress during the transition period read here

• UK Youth - UK Youth's Youth Ambassadors blog, share their experiences and insights on various topics related to education, employment, and personal development, providing valuable advice and inspiration for young people navigating post-16 transitions read here

• “Navigating school or College – Mental Health matters” – UCAS provide great information on there blog page here

• “Finding Your Path: Transitioning to Training Providers" - Not Going to Uni discusses transitioning to training providers in their blog read here

• "Transitioning to Further Education: Advice for Young People" - Youth Employment UK provides advice and guidance for transitioning to further education in their blogs read here and here

• "Making the Move: From School to Sixth Form" - The Student Room provides personal experiences and advice on transitioning to sixth form in their blog read here

"Preparing for College: Tips for a Smooth Transition" - The UK government offers practical tips for transitioning to college in their here

• NUS – National Union of Students here: National Union of Students UK (nus.org.uk)

• NUS – Student Discount Student Discounts - NUS UK

• Totum - TOTUM | The #1 UK Student Discount Card and App

• Save the Student - Save the Student - Student Money, Discounts and Jobs

• Cost of Living – Government information here and Essex County Council information here