I've left school/college and I'm stuck!
Home »
My learning »
I've left school/college and I'm stuck!
Share page:
Okay so you're struggling to find the right thing, but there are opportunities.
Are you stuck and unsure what to do now? Bored?
Parents wanting you to earn some money?
Or maybe you tried a course and it wasn’t for you?
The information below lists some of the options available to you are feeling stuck or you aren't sure what to do next.
Get help from a Young Person's Worker, Early Help Coach or Job Centre Plus.
If you're 16-18 and not in education, employment or training (NEET), you can get 1-1 help and support from a Young Person's Worker or Early Help Coach.
They will be able to help you look at options, offer advice and guidance – maybe think about things you haven’t thought of before and also support with other issues that may be getting in the way.
If you're over 18+ and would like support your local Job Centre Plus may be able to support you.
To find out how to get in touch with a worker in your area, take a look at our page on 'help and support' in Suffolk
Some options you may not know about
Need some money to help pay for training? There are a few schemes to help some groups of young people who want to do a course or training but need help to pay for fees and equipment. You can find out more on our finance page.
If you have only been researching full-time education, here are some other ideas:
Traineeships and Apprenticeships
A traineeship is an education and training programme for up to 6 months with lots of work experience that is focused on giving you the skills and experience that employers are looking for and which often leads to an apprenticeship.
- Find out more about traineeships.
An Apprenticeship is a good option if you are looking for a way to combine on the job learning with a working environment.
- Find out more about Apprenticeships
- Visit the Apprenticeships Suffolk website - search and apply for vacancies
You might not have seen our page on 'Options at 16+' - take another look.
Programmes and organisation who can help you get into learning or work
There are lots of programmes to help you get back into learning, work or training. Independent Training Providers offer shorter programmes and there is sure to be one that will suit you!
To find out exactly what is going on where you are speak to your local job centre or get in touch with your local office or worker. Don’t miss out!
Princes Trust - The Princes Trust offer different kinds of support to help build your confidence, set up a business or get a job.
Work Well Suffolk - a countywide support service for 18+ to help you gain confidence, experience and new skills to enter the world of work
Inspire Suffolk - Inspire run various programmes to help you get where you want to be.
- Visit the YES Suffolk website - a support and employability project for 16-24 year olds in East Suffolk
- Princes Trust Team programmes around Suffolk
- Other short courses – like Step-up see the website
- National Citizenship Service
Minding the Gap - support for 16-24s who are not in education employment and training
Alternative full-time education and Independent Training Providers
YMCA Training
WS Training
TCHC
Lifeskills
Most of these alternative programmes have alternative start dates. Your local college will also provide similar courses that have start dates throughout the year - check their website or contact a worker.
Work experience and volunteering
If you’re not currently in employment, education or training, this a great way to improve your skills, have things to add onto your CV and boost your chances of getting a job.
Many of the Training Providers and organisations listed above offer programmes that include a lot of work experience too, so they may be worth considering.
Visit the Volunteer Suffolk website for volunteering vacancies -
Volunteers have a 27% better chance of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. You'll also gain new skills, meet new people and gain invaluable experience.
