Explore, learn, and shape your future
Whether you’re exploring apprenticeships, considering university or weighing up alternative pathways, our articles are designed to give you clear, honest information at every stage. From understanding your options to preparing for applications and next steps, you’ll find support that helps turn uncertainty into confidence.
Explore our latest advice articles below and start shaping a future that works for you.
Making a decision…
What’s next after secondary school? Perhaps it’s currently a total mystery. Uni or work? Learn, or earn as you learn? Take some time out? No idea at all? Starting to panic a bit? Well, don’t – it’s all going to be fine.
Options is here to provide some much-needed myth busting around both apprenticeships and university and brings transparency to what choosing either path entails, the pros and cons, and to provide enough clarity to help you reach a positive decision about the route forwards.
Ready to figure out your next move? Explore your options now.
Big questions
A good exercise to help you decide what to do next is to simply sit down and start writing. Below you’ll find a few suggested types of chart or plan. Not only are they great practice for CV writing and the application process, but should bring some insights into likes, dislikes, priorities and goals, and it might even be fun, or at the very least bring about some progress.
Ready to map out your next steps? Grab a pen and get started!
Applying for an apprenticeship
The application process may seem like the first hurdle, but it’s also the first impression, so research, reread, redraft… then send!
Planning ahead will help and, although you may just want to get this over with, drafts – a couple in fact – are always a good idea!
Found an apprenticeship that interests you? Get your application going!
Applying for university
Filling out forms is something a lot of people dread, whether it’s down to a fear of making mistakes or a lack of knowing what to write. But the UCAS form is probably the most important one you’ve faced so far. As intimidating as the process might seem at first, half the battle is just to get started and ensuring you’ve left yourself enough time. After this, the most important thing to bear in mind is: Rule number one: make sure you follow the instructions!
Start your application with confidence.
Discover your next steps
Looking for advice on what comes after school? Options has everything you need to explore universities, apprenticeship providers, and pathways that fit you. Get the guidance to make your next move with confidence.