Published at 10:35 AM on 25 September, 2007
So, you are ready for the next exciting stage of your career. You will need to consider the options available for you once you have left school or college.
The aim of this section is therefore to provide you with the information, advice and guidance, both locally and nationally, that you will need to make an informed choice. Check out the menus to see what is available.
Adult Learning Grant
What if you have missed out and not achieved your level 2 (GCSEs) or Level 3 (equivalent to A Level) qualifications?
With the Adult Learning Grant (ALG), you could get up to £30 per week while you’re studying - letting you focus on getting where you want to be in life.
So if you missed out on getting qualifications at school, why not go back to college?
The ALG is available for learners from the age of 19 onwards.
Dean's story
Dean, aged 19 year, was able to pursue a dream career in nursing with support from the ALG after studying for a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care at College.
Dean said: “From secondary school I wanted to be a nurse but I was really lacking confidence. I left school and started a job as a sales assistant. Doing the job for a year was good for me and gave me a massive confidence boost, however the job was not for me.
“I started a BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care and thought I could get a job after that in my chosen field. Then I heard about the ALG and I realised that was my chance to do what I’d always wanted to do. I thought this is it, it’s now or never. So I started the National Diploma. I wouldn’t have been able to study this without the money as it’s helped with my fuel, books and other things that I need for my course. “Being a nurse is what I’ve always wanted to be and now I’m on my way to achieving it.”
For further information and application details, go to Directgov by clicking on the picture.