Resources and information for Students and Teachers
Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent or carer wanting to know more about the options available at 16+ and 18+, we have a range of free resources to help you. So start downloading our career planning toolkits and watching our bitesize videos to build your knowledge of what’s on offer here in Stockport. It’s never too early to start conversations and spark ideas in the classroom and at home.
At 16 and 18, you’ll face important decisions about your future career – from what to study to where to study it. We’re here to help you learn about the different training pathways (from A-Levels to BTECs, HNDs to Degree Apprenticeships) and the training providers who offer them (from colleges and sixth forms, universities to independent training providers). Whatever you decide, you’ll find a great selection of study and employment options across the Borough.
Post-16 Careers Week 2024
This year’s Post-16 Careers Week takes place 14th-18th October and includes a whole host of free events, videos and resources, plus the latest College & Sixth Form Prospectus for students looking to enrol in September 2025.
All of the information will be available online throughout the course of the year so you can continue accessing key advice and support to help you make informed decisions about what comes next at 16+ and 18+.
Your choices at 16+
After completing your GCSEs, you’re legally required to continue with some form of education or training until you turn 18. From Year 9 onwards, you’ll start considering your options and making plans for what comes next after secondary school. These include:
- Full-time Study of academic or vocational qualifications in a school sixth form, college sixth form, further education college or independent training provider
- Work-Based Learning with an employer, such as an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship
- Part-time Education or Training combined with part-time volunteering, employment or self-employment
To help you decide, we’ve created a range of factsheets about studying A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs, NVQs, Apprenticeships and Traineeships, together with a Digital Prospectus of all the local colleges, sixth forms and training providers.
Bitesize Videos
Watch our range of 2-3 Minute Bitesize Videos featuring local businesses, employees, colleges and students to learn about career and training pathways here in Stockport.
Your choices at 18+
Once you turn 18, you can choose whether to continue your education or training full-time, part-time or online, at a university, Higher Education (HE) college or with an independent training provider. You can opt for an apprenticeship, a work placement or internship, full-time or part-time employment, volunteering or even starting your own business.
If you’re aged 19 or over, there are also a range of free or ‘fully-funded’ Level 3 training courses, accredited qualifications, pre-employment programmes and skills-bootcamps to help you start work and develop your career.
To help you decide, we’ve created a range of factsheets about studying for a foundation or bachelors degree, HNC or HND, higher or degree apprenticeship, together with an overview of local training providers who offer adult courses and support services in Stockport to help you enter employment or self-employment.
Student Advice & Wellbeing
Making decisions about your future and handling big life changes can feel overwhelming at times. Here in Stockport, there are a range of support services available to provide advice, support your wellbeing and help get your career on track.
Your Future Career in Stockport
Stockport is a great place to live and work. With ambitious plans for economic growth and investment, it’s bringing new employers to the town and district centres and inspiring innovative start-ups to call it home. In a fast-paced employment landscape, there’s an abundance of skilled, creative and rewarding job opportunities available and a keen focus on developing the skills required for the future.
Find out what makes Stockport an ideal destination to start, develop and grow your career. View the latest Labour Market Insights (LMI) to learn about average salaries, notable employers and in-demand sectors. Browse our Career Guides to learn about the latest trends impacting our diverse sectors and businesses, or scroll through our Day-in-the-Life Employer Videos to hear more from the residents who work here.
