What now?

Needless to say that this year is proving to be challenging and uncertain. Staff within the Department of Education, Sport and Culture are working hard to ensure that you will have a positive way forward. Right now you need to start to put things in place and think about the next possible steps towards YOUR future.

Direction

Everyone faces new decisions at different times in their lives. Whatever your results turn out to be there are many options to help you to make the most of your future. For some, career pathways are straightforward, for others not so much. Career routes are different for each of us; follow the pathway which you think will suit YOU best.

You can start to take control of shaping your future by thinking about all you have to offer right now. Understanding and focusing on your skills, your experiences, your knowledge and your qualities will help you to understand what you're good at, what your strengths are and how you can use your experiences in the future. This link will help you to think about your own set of unique abilities and characteristics that will bring you success in the world of work in the future.

School Leavers

If you are a school leaver who is not sure of what to do next this link will help you to think about your options at 16 and options at 18. If you are thinking about going to sixth form, find out more information directly from the schools sixth form pages; BHS, SNHS, RGS, CRHS and QE11.

It is not too late to apply for further and higher education courses at University College, IOM you can find out more about this here. If you are unsure about your University College, IOM application or you would like to apply check out this link for information and support. UCM are holding live sessions about each subject area, find out the times and dates using this document UCM_Live_sessions_.docx.

If you would like to find a job after leaving school these pages can help you to start thinking about how to go about applying for jobs. Junior Achievement (JA) have produced Get A Job resources which will help you to start to think about how to produce a Cover Letter, CV and interview techniques in preparation for this.

If you were unable to complete your record of achievement before leaving education you this document will help you think about all of your achievements in preparation for your next destination.

Plans

Explore all of your options freely at this stage. Planning and keeping an open mind to different choices, creates opportunity and increases success in reaching goals. Having a plan in place, helps to put your thoughts in order. Rather than worry about different scenarios you can consider different options and plan carefully for different outcomes.

Remember to

• be realistic about what you have achieved at school
• think about the other skills and experiences you have that may help you take positive next steps
• base your decision on factors that are important to you
• think through other options as an alternative
• keep in mind, there may be more than one route to reach your goal

Take action

If you would like some help with your plans please contact Kerry: 338530 or Andy 471314 E: andrew.mckinley@sch.im or kerry.moir@sch.im

Check your plan, think about your options, get some help!