Are you coming to the end of your final year of A Levels? On top of the hard work you’re putting into your coursework and exams, you may also be thinking about what to do next. Deciding what to do after A Levels can be tricky. Although the range of options available is a good thing, it can also make the decision process harder!
The best thing to do in this situation is take an in-depth look at the choices you have and weigh up the pros and cons of each.
There are a few routes you could take after A Levels:
- Go to university
- Do an apprenticeship or internship
- Start working
- Volunteer
- Pursue your passions
- Take some time off
Go to university
Whether you’re excited at the prospect of pursuing your academic education further, or your chosen career path requires a degree, university is a fantastic way to continue learning.
It can also act as a halfway house between compulsory education and work. While university still counts as full-time education, university students aren’t required to attend as many lectures and seminars as A Level students. This gives you the opportunity to manage your own time and workload. Plus, if you move away from home to attend university, you will have to become more independent – doing food shops, cooking, cleaning, and keeping track of your spending.
If university is at the top of your list of what to do after A Levels, but the financial impact of being a student is a concern – Unitemps can help. We have branches at universities across the UK which can help you find flexible jobs that work around your studies.
Do an apprenticeship or internship
Maybe you still want to continue learning, but in a less academic environment? Apprenticeships and internships are another option to consider when looking at what to do after A Levels, as they provide the chance to pick up skills and knowledge in a practical way.
A big incentive for doing an apprenticeship is that they are paid and available across a variety of sectors. You can take on apprenticeships for:
- Office-based jobs, such as admin, finance or IT
- Hands-on roles, for example engineering or within the food and catering industry
- Creative roles, like graphic design or marketing
- Medical jobs, such as dental nursing
Some companies also offer internship opportunities, sometimes called school leaver programmes or holiday schemes. These are often shorter than apprenticeships, usually lasting over the summer period, and probably won’t result in a qualification at the end (although some internships may contribute towards a qualification – depending on the qualification and internship you undertake). There is also no guarantee that you will be paid while interning.
If you are really uncertain about what to do after A Levels, undertaking an internship for a few months is a good way to gain transferable skills, increase your knowledge of the workplace and see if a specific industry or job is the right one for you. Even if you don’t enjoy your internship, having clarity on what you don’t want to do puts you one step closer towards finding the right path for you!
Take a look at the internship opportunities available through Unitemps.
Start working
If your plan for what to do after A Levels is to take a break from education and earn some money, Unitemps has got you covered. Register with us, locate your nearest branch and start browsing the job opportunities available. We have a variety of roles on offer, including part-time and full-time roles across a range of sectors, as well as temporary jobs, which will enable you to gain experience in a few different industries, earn some money and develop skills along the way.
Discover the different types of jobs available through Unitemps.
Volunteering
If you’ve read the above and are still unsure about what to do after A Levels, volunteering is a great way to acquire some extra skills, meet likeminded people and contribute to a good cause. Being a volunteer usually means you are able to pick the hours you work, which will give you time to pursue other interests or goals if you have them.
While you won’t earn any money through voluntary work, it’s still a productive way to spend your time and will look good on job or university applications depending on what you decide to do next.
Pursue your passions
Perhaps you have goals outside of education or employment that you’d like to achieve? Whether you have an idea for a business, would like to travel, or learn a skill outside of formal education (such as teaching yourself an instrument or language), it’s best to start taking steps towards those aspirations as soon as you can.
The longer you leave it the less likely you are to pursue these goals, so use your time after A Levels to make a start. The best way to see if something is possible is to give it a go!
Take some time off
If you don’t have to make a decision straight away about what to do after A Levels, taking some time off will give you the space to reflect on exactly what it is you’d like to do next. Remember, there’s no pressure to have a 10-year plan. Take time to relax and de-stress – you might find that having some breathing space makes all this easier to figure out.
Need help with your job search, applying for a vacancy or the interview process? Take a look at our other career advice articles.
Last updated on 9 December 2022
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