Alternative routes
Not everyone starts university or a career straight after their Advanced/ Level 3 course. More and more people pursue alternative, often temporary, options – some because they choose to (for example a planned year out), others because they have to, having been unable to secure a suitable higher education place or career opening.
- If you are considering time out the year out pages and factsheet would be a good starting point.
- If you are worried about your results it would be a good idea to find out more about what to do.
- You may be unsure about what to do next and, if so, why not
book a guidance interview with a Connexions Personal Adviser? Find out how to contact Connexions in Herefordshire or in Worcestershire.
- You could also look at the information on this site about working and volunteering as well as checking out our online job and Apprenticeships vacancies.
Be Prepared to Change Direction!
Sometimes, people who take time out change their mind about their long-term plans – they decide they’d rather earn money than get a degree, or study English Literature rather than economics. Sometimes, time out is a chance to find a different route to the same goal – for example those without the grades needed for a university degree can often get to the same place via apprenticeships, management training schemes, the Open University etc.
Sometimes, these kinds of changes can mean delays in putting plans in place & achieving your long term goals – but it’s important to be positive. Remember – ‘scenic routes’ take longer than motorway journeys, but are more interesting, and get you to the same place in the end!
