You may very well be one of the lucky ones and know exactly what you want to do with your life. More likely, you’ve got an idea of the sort of career you’re aiming for but are not sure of the best way to get there.

Quite possibly, you don’t have a clue what you would like to do. With so many options open to you, choosing the best course for your future is not easy. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right decision.

Get the information you need

This web site and our Course Guide contains information on the courses we offer and what’s involved. If you are not sure what you want to do, there’s no better place to start. You can also call our Information Centre on 01227 811188.

Open Days provide a good opportunity to look around the College and speak to course tutors and information and guidance staff. Open days are advertised in local papers and radio.  You can also talk to any existing or past students you know. Ask what the facilities are like, how we treat our students and what their success rates are like. At Canterbury College and at Sheppey College, we are proud of our excellent reputation and are confident of the responses you would get.

If you are still at school, talk to your careers teacher who should have a supply of our course guides and may well know former pupils who have come to Canterbury College. Similarly, the Connexions service will give you impartial advice and guidance.

Alternatively, we can arrange for you to have a course guidance interview with one of our advisers at the College. To arrange this, you just need to call the Information Centre on 01227 811188 or call into the Centre at the front of the College.

Choose your route - academic or vocational?

If you have enjoyed studying for your GCSEs and expect to achieve five or more at grades C and above, the traditional academic route offered by A/AS Levels may be best for you.We offer over 30 different subjects and along with standard subjects, you can choose from more unusual ones like Archaeology and Critical Thinking. This way you can keep your options open as A Levels will give you a wide range of Career and Higher Education choices.

Vocational courses tend to be more practical courses that prepare you for the workplace while still allowing you the chance to go on to Higher Education. If you have a good idea of the job you want and prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, the vocational study route may be for you.

Among the nationally recognised qualifications you may expect to study for on a vocational course are:

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)

These courses allow you to develop the practical skills needed for your chosen career e.g. hairdressing, catering. They are taught and assessed in a real work environment.

BTEC Introductory/First/National/Higher National Diploma or Certificate

Most of these qualifications have been around for many years and are very well recognised by employers. They are practical, work-related courses where you focus on a particular subject area and develop a range of specialist skills and knowledge.You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations.

What else will I do?

Enrichment activities are seen as an important part of the programme for all students of the Young People’s College and these may include:

• Work experience
• Sports
• Voluntary work
• Careers education

Your tutor will discuss with you the opportunities available. Evidence of Key Skills are becoming increasingly important to employers and for entry into Higher Education.

All students will study Key Skills in:

• Communication
• Application of Number
  
• IT