Moving on to higher education
What will you do when you finish your course? One option is of course to look for a job. However, for an increasing number of students, going into higher education, whether at a university or a college, is the right route, and you should certainly consider it seriously.
Why consider higher education?
- almost all professional jobs require a higher level qualification
- opportunities for high quality training without one are limited
- career progression - those with higher level qualifications are promoted faster
- you are much less likely to be unemployed during your working life
- those with higher level qualifications earn significantly more
- the job market - 80 per cent of all new jobs during the next decade will require a higher level qualification.
Advantages for Higher Futures learners
Higher Futures is a partnership of all the colleges and universities in the region. These organisations collaborate to make it easier for you as a Higher Futures learner to progress onto their higher level courses. There is close contact between further and higher education staff.
Higher Futures advisers have detailed knowledge of the courses available to you and how to succeed in getting a place. In some cases there are Higher Futures Progression Agreements - these are contracts between organisations to offer clear progression routes for vocational and work based learners, sometimes with advantages such as a guaranteed place if you achieve certain grades or a guaranteed interview for very popular courses.
As a Higher Futures learner, you will be offered trips and visits to higher education providers, the opportunity to link up with a student from your course who is already in higher education to find out more, advice on making your application, interview coaching if you need it, and much more.
If you are already studying on a vocational course, your Higher Futures adviser at college will contact you to offer this support. If you are in employment, contact your local college and ask for the Higher Futures adviser.
These pages will help you to find out more, and guide you through the process of researching your options and making a successful application. Find answers to your questions: