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Learning Opportunities for 16-18 Year Olds
Not in school, college, training or work right now?
No stress - you're in the right place.
This page is packed with opportunities made for young people in Kent who want to start earning, learning or building experience but aren't sure where to begin. Whether you left education recently, took time out, or you're just figuring things out, there are plenty of ways to get back on track - and none of them require you to have it all worked out yet.
Here you'll find options that can help you:
- Build skills employers look for
- Discover careers you might actually enjoy
- Join courses that boost confidence and open doors
- Find training or support that fits your goals
Think of this page as your launchpad. You've got potential. You've got choices. And you've got support waiting for you.
Let's get you moving toward something that feels right - your next step starts now.
Discover opportunities available in Kent
Start your career with an exciting and rewarding tailored Study Programme which will help you get into work, a Traineeship or Apprenticeship. You'll get an enjoyable placement for real work experience and learn the valuable employability skills that employers are looking for. What's more, you'll receive support to improve your English or Maths skills to give you the best possible chance of success. You will be taught by a friendly and encouraging tutor who will support your individual needs to help you on your journey into work.
Find out more about Study Programmes at Kent Training and Apprenticeships.
Connect to Work is a voluntary employment support programme launched by the UK Government as part of the Get Britain Working Strategy. It's designed to help people who face barriers to employment - such as health conditions, disabilities or specific disadvantages - find and stay in meaningful work.
Supported employment is for people that have additional barriers or who need a bit of extra help to find and keep a job.
Find out more about Supported Employment Service at The Education People.
Social Enterprise Kent offer individualised employment support, helping people to work, progress and thrive.
Find out more about Employability Support at Social Enterprise Kent.
The National Careers Service provides careers information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions at all stages in your career.
Apprenticeships are real jobs that combine work with training and study. You'll earn a wage, gain skills and have the opportunity to put what you learn into practice.
Find out about all your options after year 11. Search and apply for sixth forms, colleges, training providers, apprenticeships and work experience.
Find free support near you. From mental health to housing, money advice to loneliness - get the help you deserve, all in one place.
There is a range of support services available for ages up to 25 on the Kent County Council Local Directory.
A T Level takes 2 years and give you a mix of learning in the classroom and a minimum 9 week placement with an employer. This means you'll learn what a real career is like while you study.
HTQs are technical qualifications that employers have helped develop so you can get the right training and skills you need to succeed at work. You can study an HTQ full time or part time.
VTQs are practical qualifications designed to give you the skills and experience you need for a certain job. They might be for you if you have a strong interest in working in a particular industry.
A levels are subject-based qualifications usually taught in classrooms and assessed by exams.
Higher education courses are usually taught in universities or specialist colleges, like art schools. You can often study flexibly at your own pace by learning online or part time.
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