Career Information and Resources for Young People, Parents and Carers

Explore Education, Training and Employment Opportunities in Dorset

If you're a young person, parent or carer looking for information about future education, training or employment options, you've come to the right place.

Dorset offers a wide range of opportunities across many different industries and sectors, making it a great place to learn, work and build a future career.

Whether you're considering sixth form, college, apprenticeships, university or going straight into employment, there are many pathways available. We know that understanding the different options can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about what to do next.

Please note: We do not provide personal careers advice or guidance. Instead, we work with schools, colleges and careers professionals, and provide information, resources and links to help young people, parents and carers explore the opportunities available.

On this page, you can:

  • Explore the wide range of careers, industries and progression routes available in Dorset.
  • Learn about different education and training pathways, including A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships and higher education.
  • Discover where different subjects and interests could lead in the future.
  • Find information about schools, colleges and training providers in your area.
  • Explore apprenticeship and employment opportunities across Dorset.
  • Access trusted resources to support career exploration and decision-making.

What Are My Options?

Use the links below to navigate to information about the different education, training and employment pathways available to young people.

GCSEs

Post-16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING options

Apprenticeships and work

University

Aged 16-18 and not in education, employment or training (NEET)

Dorset Labour Market Information (LMI) Resources

Helping Young People Understand Dorset's Labour Market

Labour Market Information (LMI) can help young people make informed decisions about their future education, training and career pathways by providing an insight into local employment opportunities and industry trends.

To support career learning and exploration, we have developed a range of LMI posters, which focus on Dorset's priority employment sectors and provide information on:

  • Career opportunities within each sector
  • Skills and qualifications employers are looking for
  • Typical salary and earnings information
  • Current and future workforce demand
  • Progression pathways into different roles

The posters are a useful starting point for exploring the diverse range of sectors and careers available across Dorset.

You can access, here.

Resources for Parents and Carers

Apprenticeships: Hints & Tips for Parents & Carers

An introduction to apprenticeships, including how they work, the benefits they offer and how parents and carers can support young people through the application process.

BBC Bitesize Careers

Career inspiration, job profiles and information on education, training and employment routes, designed to help young people explore future possibilities.

Careers Advice for Parents

A range of resources from Youth Employment UK to help parents and carers support young people with career exploration, education choices and employability skills.

Careermag for Parents

A digital magazine packed with information on careers, apprenticeships, further education, higher education and emerging employment opportunities.

Careerpilot: Parent Zone

A comprehensive resource for parents and carers, featuring information on education pathways, qualifications, apprenticeships, university and labour market information.

Home Education UK: Free Skills and Careers Resources

A collection of careers, employability and skills resources designed to support young people who are educated at home and their families.

Routing for Them

A practical guide for parents and carers explaining the education, training and employment pathways available to young people aged 15 to 18, including post-16 and post-18 options.

SUN Parent Hub

A dedicated information hub from the Southern Universities Network, providing guidance on higher education, university applications, student finance and progression opportunities.

Talking Futures: A Parent's Toolkit for Career Conversations

A toolkit that helps parents and carers have positive, informed conversations with young people about careers, education and future opportunities.

GCSEs

GCSEs are qualifications typically studied during Years 10 and 11, although some schools begin GCSE courses in Year 9. Most students choose their GCSE subjects in Year 9 (or Year 8 in some schools) and continue studying them until the end of Year 11.

English, Maths and Science are compulsory subjects, while the remaining choices allow you to explore subjects that match your interests, strengths and future aspirations. GCSEs are usually assessed through examinations and, in some subjects, coursework or practical assessments.

Choosing your GCSE options is an important decision, as some subjects can help keep future education and career pathways open. Taking the time to research your options and talk to trusted adults, teachers and careers professionals can help you make informed choices.

Please note: Dorset Careers Hub does not provide individual careers advice or guidance. The resources below can help you explore your GCSE options and access information from organisations that specialise in careers and education support.

Useful Resources

Choosing Your GCSEs

When selecting your GCSE subjects, you may want to consider:

  • Subjects you enjoy and are motivated to study.
  • Your strengths and abilities.
  • Subjects that support future study or career interests.
  • Keeping a broad range of options open if you're unsure about your long-term plans.

Remember, many people do not know exactly what career they want to pursue at this stage. GCSEs are an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and confidence while continuing to explore the different pathways available to you.

Post-16 Education and Training Options

Choosing what to do after Year 11 can feel like a big decision. A useful place to start is by thinking about three simple questions:

  • Where am I now?
  • Where do I want to be?
  • How will I get there?

Many young people don't yet know the answers to these questions at age 16, and that's completely normal. This stage is about exploring your interests, learning about different opportunities, and understanding the range of education, training and employment pathways available to you.

If you're unsure about your future plans, it can be helpful to keep your options open by choosing subjects and courses that provide flexibility for the future. You may also find it useful to talk to people who know you well, such as family members, teachers or careers professionals at your school or college.

Please note: We do not provide individual careers advice or guidance. The resources below are intended to help you explore your options and access information from specialist organisations and careers services.

Explore Your Options

The Government's Skills for Life content hub brings together information about the different education and training routes available after age 16, including apprenticeships, technical education, college courses and university pathways.

Useful Resources

For further information, explore the following resources:

Whether you're considering sixth form, college, an apprenticeship, technical training, employment with training, or higher education in the future, these resources can help you understand the opportunities available and the routes that could be right for you.

Apprenticeships and work

Apprenticeships and employment can be excellent pathways for young people who want to develop skills, gain practical experience and start earning while they learn.

An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training, allowing you to gain industry-specific knowledge and nationally recognised qualifications while working. Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors and at different levels, from intermediate apprenticeships through to degree apprenticeships.

For many people, apprenticeships offer a valuable route into long-term employment, with opportunities to progress within an organisation or continue to higher-level study and training.

Starting Your Career Journey

If you are considering moving directly into employment, it is important to research the industries, employers and job roles that interest you. Taking time to understand the skills employers are looking for can help you identify opportunities that match your strengths and ambitions.

Job opportunities can be found through:

  • Online job boards and recruitment websites
  • Company careers pages
  • Apprenticeship vacancy services
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Local employers and business networks
  • Recommendations from teachers, family members and personal contacts

Keeping an open mind and exploring a range of opportunities can help you discover career pathways you may not have previously considered.

Applying for Jobs and Apprenticeships

Applications and interviews are an important part of securing a job or apprenticeship. Employers will often want to understand:

  • Your skills, strengths and interests
  • Why you are interested in the role or organisation
  • Examples of teamwork, problem-solving or other transferable skills
  • Your motivation to learn and develop

Preparation can help build confidence and improve your chances of success. It's also important to remember that setbacks and unsuccessful applications are a normal part of the process and can provide valuable learning experiences.

Please note: Dorset Careers Hub does not provide individual careers advice or guidance. The resources below can help you explore apprenticeship and employment opportunities and access information from organisations that specialise in careers and employability support.

Useful Resources

  • Amazing Apprenticeships
    Interactive resources and information about apprenticeship opportunities and pathways.

  • Careerpilot: Apprenticeships at 16
    Information about apprenticeship options available after Year 11.

  • Become an Apprentice
    Government guidance on apprenticeships, including how they work and what opportunities are available.

  • Apprenticeship Success Stories
    Real-life examples of apprenticeship pathways and experiences.

  • Find an Apprenticeship
    Search and apply for live apprenticeship vacancies through the Government apprenticeship service.

  • Degree Apprenticeships
    Information on higher and degree apprenticeships that combine employment with university-level study.

  • Youth Employment UK
    Employability resources, careers information and practical support for young people.

  • Prospects: Job Seeking Tips
    Guidance on job applications, CVs, interviews and developing employability skills.

  • Live Vacancies
    Current apprenticeship, training and employment opportunities across Dorset and Nationally.

Apprenticeships at a Glance

Apprenticeships can help you:

  • Earn a wage while learning.
  • Gain recognised qualifications.
  • Develop practical workplace skills.
  • Build professional experience.
  • Progress into higher-level training or employment.
  • Access opportunities across a wide range of sectors and industries.

Whether you are considering an apprenticeship, employment, or a combination of work and training, exploring the available options can help you identify a pathway that aligns with your interests, skills and future goals.

University 

University is one of the options available after the age of 18 and offers the opportunity to continue your education by studying for a degree or other higher education qualification.

There are thousands of courses available across a wide range of subject areas, allowing students to develop specialist knowledge, technical expertise and transferable skills. For some careers, such as law, engineering, medicine and teaching, specific qualifications may be required, making higher education an important pathway into those professions.

If you are considering university, it is helpful to start researching course requirements early. The subjects and qualifications you choose after your GCSEs can influence the degree courses available to you later. University websites and UCAS provide detailed information about entry requirements, course content and application processes.

University is about more than academic study. For many students, it also provides opportunities to:

  • Develop independence and life skills.
  • Meet new people and build personal and professional networks.
  • Experience new places, cultures and communities.
  • Take part in clubs, societies and extracurricular activities.
  • Prepare for future employment or further study.

There are many routes into higher education, including full-time degree programmes, foundation years and degree apprenticeships, so it is worth exploring the different options available before making a decision.

Please note: Dorset Careers Hub does not provide individual careers advice or guidance. The resources below are provided to help young people, parents and carers explore higher education pathways and access information from specialist organisations.

Useful Resources

  • Southern Universities Network (SUN)
    University guides, outreach programmes and information about higher education opportunities.

  • UCAS
    Comprehensive information on universities, courses, entry requirements and the application process.

  • My Uni Choices
    Resources to help you research universities, courses and student life.

  • Degree Apprenticeships
    Information about degree apprenticeships, which combine university study with paid employment.

Exploring Higher Education

When researching universities and degree courses, you may want to consider:

  • Entry requirements and subject preferences.
  • Course content and assessment methods.
  • Location and whether you would like to study close to home or further away.
  • Accommodation and living costs.
  • Student support services and facilities.
  • Graduate employment outcomes and progression opportunities.

University is one of several progression routes available after age 18. Exploring different options, including degree apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications, can help you find the pathway that best suits your interests, learning style and future goals.

Aged 16 to 18 and Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)

If you are aged 16 to 18 and are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), there is a range of support available to help you explore your next steps and identify opportunities that match your interests, skills and goals.

Whether you are looking to return to education, start training, find employment, or explore alternative pathways, there are organisations across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that can help you understand the options available and access appropriate support.

Being unsure about what to do next is not uncommon, and there are resources available to help you build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards your future.

Please note: We do not provide direct careers advice or guidance. The links below connect you to organisations and services that offer specialist information, advice and support for young people.

Sources of Support and Information

Explore Your Next Steps

The organisations above can provide information on:

  • Further education and college courses
  • Apprenticeships and traineeships
  • Employment opportunities
  • Skills development and training programmes
  • Support for overcoming barriers to learning or work
  • Progression routes for care-experienced young people

Whatever your current situation, there are opportunities and support services available to help you move forward and achieve your goals. More resources, can be found, here.