5 ways to support your child with their next steps beyond college or 6th form.
For any child the transition from the security of college or 6th form into the wider world of higher education, work or apprenticeships is a big deal. It is likely to be the first time they have the responsibility of making a real-life decision about what happens next.
On top of that the past 2 school years have been destabilising and it is likely they have not received the support they usually would have had in the run up to these decisions.
Below are 5 actions you can take as a parent to support your child as they make the decision on what to do next.
Tip #1 - Get clued up
Do some independent research yourself so you know the basics around the options available. https://www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/post/post18-options is a great resource as a start point. Ultimately it is your child’s decision, however having this knowledge will help you guide them through the decision-making process.
In summary your child’s options are:
A higher level college course
An undergraduate course at university
Apprenticeships or traineeships
A gap year
Self employment
Starting work
Also, remember these choices are not mutually exclusive. They can be explore and apply for several of these pathways simultaneously, the final decision doesn’t need to be made until all the offers are on the table.
Tip #2 - Help your child start planning for their next steps
Once your child starts gaining some clarity on what they might do next, it gives them focus and motivation for their time remaining at 6th form or college. The question is how to get them to this point.
A great start point are resources such as www.targetcareers.co.uk or www.prospects.ac.uk. There are many others, but I would recommend these are they are brilliant for this age group and will start to demystify the choices available. If it feels overwhelming for them, perhaps just start with 5 or 10 minutes having a look at the websites without overthinking it too much. Prospects offers a Buzz Quiz to draw out strengths and offer career ideas that might be a good fit. Whilst Target Careers has excellent information to help weigh up the choice between university, apprenticeships and work.
By this point, some ideas for the future might be forming. If so, this will help narrow down the next steps. Equally, if they are still not sure in the direction they want to go, they can focus on choices that keep their options open.
Keep in mind that over 75% of graduate careers do not require a specific degree. Even careers in sectors such as law, teaching and psychology can be accessed by taking a post graduate conversion course.
Tip #3 - Explore ways you can help find a work experience placement
Gaining work experience is vital in preparing your child for the future world of work. It allows them to gain an insight into the labour market, but is also an opportunity to develop new skills. Beyond that it can also help form new connections which may lead to an apprenticeship or a job in the future.
So what can you do to help?
Together with your child you can explore local employers who might be a suitable for work experience. You may also have contacts of your own who might be able to provide an opportunity. Encourage your child to speak to their teacher or career lead to find out if the 6th form or college already have some industry connections.
Once you have a shortlist, develop your child’s independence by letting them telephone, email or even walk into a work premises with a CV and cover letter and ask for the opportunity of work experience.
Tip #4 - Talk about your own experiences and life lessons
As a parent you are a key influence on your child, by encouraging your child to step out of their comfort zone you are helping them open the doors to new experiences.
Rather than telling them directly to do something, find ways to talk about how you navigated situations in the past and what you learnt from them.
Some great examples to pepper your conversation with could be about working with others, especially those that don’t necessarily share your point of view. Or about a time when you learnt the value of knowing when and how to ask for help.
Tip #5 - Be there to offer reassurance along the way
It is highly likely your child is feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the decisions they are being asked to make. You are there to reassure them that they do not need to have all the answers.
It is really important to meet them where they are, not where you think they should be, and to support them to take small, positive steps from there.
If they are feeling particularly overwhelmed, keep the focus on the present and address each step as it comes up rather than focusing too much on the future. Keeping their options open means they can make the bigger decisions later down the line.
One last note …
Wherever possible try to keep in mind that the ultimate decision on what happens next should be taken by them and that you are just there to support them through the process. To this end take every opportunity to demonstrate that you trust them to make a good decision and one that is right for them.