Career choices at 16: A guide to choosing your options

After completing their GCSEs, most students take A-levels before university. However, other options, such as studying a college course or getting a job, might better fit in with your plans. Discover the pathway that best meets your career goals

What can I do at 16?

Get a full-time entry-level job.
Apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Continue your education at a sixth form or college.
Work or volunteer while studying part time or training.

After leaving secondary school, your next move is up to you. You can and should speak to family, friends and careers advisers about your options after GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland), but ultimately - you're in control of your future.

Whether you have a specific career path in mind or just a broad idea, that's totally fine. Careers can change over time - and research shows that yours probably will.

In fact, the Open Study College has revealed that 25 to 34-year-olds typically work in around six different roles over their careers, highlighting how the idea of a 'job for life' is becoming increasingly outdated.

Here's our guide to the range of options available to you.

What to do after your GCSEs or National 5s

At what age can you leave school?

According to GOV.UK, your school leaving age depends on the country you live in and when you turn 16:

England and Wales - this will be the last Friday in June, as long as you'll turn 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
Northern Ireland - you can leave school after 30 June if you will be 16 at some point during the school year (between 1 September and 1 July).
Scotland - if your 16th birthday falls between 1 March and 30 September, your school leaving date will be after 31 May.

Do you legally have to stay in education after 16?

Not necessarily. However, if you live in England or Wales, after leaving school at 16, you'll legally need to do one of the following until you're 18:

remain in full-time education, such as by going to college
secure an apprenticeship
dedicate 20 hours or more per week towards working or volunteering, while involved in part-time study or training.

School leavers in other areas of the UK aren't restricted to these terms. Explore your options after leaving school in:

How to find work at 16

Can I get a job at 16?

Yes, if you have a career in mind and are willing to start in a junior position, some companies/industries will take on new starters straight from school. For many entry-level roles, you'll be trained on the job and be able to work your way up once you gain experience.

However, you may be subject to some restrictions at this age. For instance, some types of jobs are off limits, including:

anything that involves adult content
commercial driving
factory roles operating hazardous machinery
supermarket or pub jobs where you'd be expected to serve alcohol
telephone sales
working with hazardous materials.

Local bylaws may also restrict your work. Visit your local council's website for further details.

How many hours can I work?

The law only allows you to work up to 40 hours a week.

If you're still at school as a 15 or 16-year-old, you can only work 35 hours each week during the holidays.

How much will I get paid?

As a 16 or 17-year-old, you'll be entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for your age group (under 18s). This works out at 拢7.55 per hour (from April 2025).

What jobs can I do?

While your opportunities may not be as far-reaching as a school leaver, you can still find work in the following areas:

food service and hospitality - waiting or kitchen staff, or a caf茅 barista.
online roles - data entry or tutor.
retail - store assistant, cashier or stockroom worker.
sport and leisure - sports coach, lifeguard or activity instructor.

Even if these jobs aren't your ideal career, they provide transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving that will be sought after by your future employers. Read about the top 5 customer service skills to add to your CV.

Discover more about working in different job sectors and explore the careers you're interested in. Be aware that many of these career pages are aimed at university graduates, so they may require further qualifications.

Where can I find a job?

If you're looking for work in your local area, you can search popular job sites aimed at young people, such as:

To find vacancies, it's often a good idea to look for 'help wanted' signs in the windows of local businesses and shops. For these entry-level roles, delivering your CV in person can make a strong first impression and help you stand out.

How do I write my CV as a 16-year-old?

Even though you may be just starting out with little experience, you can still consider writing a CV. This short document would include your education, any part-time or Saturday jobs to date, plus your interests and hobbies.

Take a look at our CV example for school leavers.

For more ideas on what to include, see LiveCareer - CV for 16-Year-Olds (Examples & Templates).

Get the lowdown on CVs and cover letters.

How do I apply for jobs?

For some casual jobs, you may be able to get a written application form from local businesses. Others may expect you to fill in an online application.

If you haven't had a job before, consider how to get a job with no experience.

Get more advice on applying for jobs.

Again, while these articles are aimed at university students, many of the same tips still apply.

Get some work experience

What work experience can I get as a 16-year-old?

You are eligible for work experience at any stage of your career. Now you've left school, there are a number of possibilities open to you, including:

attending a workplace in person to discover what the company does
securing a one or two-week work placement over the summer
working with family or friends who run a business
shadowing (observing) someone in a particular job role
volunteering with a charity or other organisation
carrying out virtual work experience online.

Read about work experience and internships aimed at undergraduate students.

How can I find work experience opportunities?

You can look for work experience by:

getting in touch with local employers in person or through their website
making use of your school contacts with local businesses
speaking to family and friends for ideas
searching online for in-person and virtual opportunities.

If you are set on a certain career, you can also search for established work experience schemes in your industry of choice. For example, the BBC offers 'Get In' taster days for 16 to 18-year-olds, including those who've left school. These events showcase jobs in the media industry and what the employer looks for in candidates.

To begin a career in finance, the work experience programme at J.P. Morgan has been designed for students aged 14 to 16. It provides in-person and online work experience focused on developing core knowledge and transferable skills within financial services, as well as CV and interview techniques and networking skills.

If you haven't left school yet or are at sixth form/college, InvestIN runs weekend and summer experience programmes in London for students ages 15 to 18. These span a number of industries, including:

Another voluntary option is to join a youth panel. By getting together with other young people, you'll get the opportunity to advise an organisation on the issues that affect them.

For example, management consultancy firm Q5 has invited sixth-form students in 2025/26 to join a youth panel. Meeting four times a year, the panel is looking for curious and motivated individuals with:

a passion for business
an interest in sharing their views
a desire to meet new people.

A youth panel is also being assembled by the mental health charity YoungMinds. Topics for discussion on this two-year programme include:

brand and marketing
data protection
fundraising
organisational culture
risk management
safeguarding
strategy.

Finally, the WorkFinder app allows young people aged 16 to 24 to discover work experience opportunities in their local area and search by roles of interest. You can download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Will I be paid for this work experience?

This will depend on whether the experience is classed as a job or part of a school or college programme. In many cases where the opportunity is organised by an education provider, a short one or two-week period of work experience will be unpaid.

However, it's important to check with the company to see if you'll be paid. If you are, this should fit in with the NMW for your age group.

Apprenticeships and traineeships for school leavers

How do I combine work and study?

If you're unsure about continuing with full-time education but would like some structure to your learning, you could get a job (at least 20 hours or more per week) while studying part time. Dedicated programmes include:

Apprenticeships - offer a way to work, get a salary and achieve a qualification at the same time.
Traineeships - provide a route to employment or an apprenticeship, including work experience and study.
Studying a part-time course alongside a full-time job - enables you to earn a wage while continuing your education or training at college.

By studying on a part-time basis, you can fit your learning around your other work and personal commitments.

What apprenticeships are available to 16-year-olds?

Apprenticeships are available to school leavers at two levels:

Intermediate apprenticeships - these Level 2 programmes, available to those living in England, are equivalent to achieving a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 or Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) diploma in a specific subject. Entry requirements will typically include a number of GCSEs, including English and maths. However, if you didn't get the grades expected, you may be allowed to complete functional skills as part of your apprenticeship.
Advanced apprenticeships - at Level 3, this is equivalent to securing two A-level passes. The eligibility requirements are similar to the above, with the apprenticeship open to those living in England. It may also help your application if you've already got some work experience.

These apprenticeships are typically completed within 12 to 18 months, but they can take up to four years. You divide your time between working for a company and studying at a further education (FE) college.

The fields you can choose to work in include:

Search all Level 2 apprenticeships.

What other apprenticeships can I do?

If you decide to study one of the college-level qualifications below, you may also be able to consider:

Higher apprenticeships - these are available at Levels 4 and 5, the same as completing the first year of a Bachelors degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or foundation degree course. For entry, you'll likely require a combination of GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent).
Degree apprenticeships - at Levels 6 and 7, the programmes are equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree respectively. Again, you'll need Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels, plus a number of GCSEs.

Both higher and degree apprenticeships are available in a range of sectors, including those above, but you can also find programmes in:

Explore whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are also available for those living in:

How much can I earn as an apprentice at 16?

The current NMW rate for apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over and in their first year is 拢7.55 per hour (from April 2025).

For more information, see GOV.UK - Apprentice pay and conditions.

Progress to full-time education

Should I study for A-levels or T Levels?

After finishing their GCSEs, many school leavers choose to study A-levels or the relatively new T Levels qualification before:

going to university - see our comprehensive guide to undergraduate qualifications
doing an apprenticeship
getting a job.

Here's the breakdown for each option:

A-levels - the most popular Level 3 qualification and pathway to higher education. Students typically pick three or four subjects and complete them over two years. You can arrange Year 12 work experience in a relevant area to add to your CV and show potential universities and employers that you are already thinking about your career.
T Levels - equivalent to three A-levels at A*, you can select from up to 20 subjects, with more being added each year. They are more vocational than A-levels as they have been developed in partnership with employers to meet the needs of various UK industries.

While you may decide to stay on at the same school to study A-levels or T Levels as a sixth form student, you can also opt to study at an FE college instead. What's available will depend on the courses offered by colleges in your local area.

There are pros and cons to each, so explore studying A-levels at college.

In terms of the subject to study, our advice on choosing the right degree is still relevant.

What other college qualifications are available?

At an FE college, you could choose to study a range of part-time and full-time college courses, including:

BTEC diplomas
foundation degrees
HNCs
HNDs
T Levels.

Get an overview of the UK's further education sector.

Where do I find and apply for college courses?

To explore the various college courses available, search the individual websites of FE colleges in your area.

You can also visit the National Careers Service (NCS) - Find a course.

Distance learning options are available through online study.

You'll typically apply for college by completing an online application form available through the institution's website. Discover more about how to apply for college.

Can I get help with the cost of my college course?

If you're aged 16 to 19, live in England and are from a vulnerable group (for example, you're disabled, have left care or receive Income Support), the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund has been set up by the government to help with your education costs.

Up to 拢1,200 is available to those looking to study at college or attend a training course. Unpaid work experience placements may also be eligible.

The bursary can be used for:

books, clothing and other equipment related to your course
transport and lunch on days spent studying or training.

In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an alternative funding source that provides assistance with the costs of study.

Can I still go to university if I don't study A-levels?

Yes. In some cases, these qualifications can be topped up to a full degree, so if you're thinking of going to university but still aren't sure, the course may offer credit should you choose to carry on with study after the college course. You can also consider taking an Access to HE Diploma.

To see how much your FE course is worth, use the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service's (UCAS) Tariff points calculator.

When do I need to make my decision on further study?

If you're a Year 11 student planning to leave school at the end of June, but wish to continue your education in sixth form or an FE college, here are the key dates to remember.

Autumn term (early September to mid-December) - It's generally advisable to apply for college courses from October/November onwards. If your school has a sixth form, you'll usually select your A-level subjects this term.
Spring term (early January to late March/early April) - College applications are usually accepted until the end of the term. Late school sixth form deadlines are often extended until February.
Summer term (mid-April to the end of June) - your GCSE exams will take place in May/June. You won't usually have to remain into July, as you would in Years 7 to 10.
After leaving school (at least the last Friday in June) - If the FE course has spaces available, you may still be able to apply for college over the summer before the September start date. School sixth form transition days may take place at the end of June or the beginning of July. You'll get your GCSE results in mid-August.

Careers support for 16-year-olds

If you're still unsure what to do when you leave school, don't worry. Plenty of help is available from a range of sources, including:

Careers advisers - Speak to a careers adviser from the government's National Careers Service (NCS). The NCS helpline is available to those 13 and older living in England who want information and guidance on jobs, careers, and training. The young people section of the Department for Education's (DfE) Skills for Careers website is also useful when considering your options.
Charities and other organisations - The King's Trust is an example of a charity that offers courses to those aged 16 to 30 who need help finding a job, building their skills or securing work experience. Your local council may also be able to point you in the right direction. For instance, Manchester City Council recommends the impartial career professionals at Career Connect. This personalised careers service is for 16 to 18-year-olds in Liverpool City Region, Manchester or Salford.
Career tools and quizzes - At 蘑菇视频黄片, we have a Job Match quiz to find out what type of job would suit you. A careers Skills Assessment is also available through the NCS, taking into account what to do with the skills you have and the things that motivate you. You can explore job profiles according to the industries you'd like to work in. For a job sector quiz, see Careerpilot.
Teachers, family and friends - To make the right choice, it's advisable to ask your school teachers about the subjects you excel in and possible careers to enter. You can also lean into the experience of parents/carers, siblings and friends who have had to make a similar decision at some point during their lives.

Whatever you decide to do, it's worth having a backup plan in place and being prepared to rethink your choices as you progress your career.

Find out more

Get advice on choosing a career.
Explore other alternatives to university.
For more guidance, visit NCS - Career choices at 16.

Post-16 options