We all use the internet to research what we want to buy or just to find something out. We can do the same for careers, jobs and courses but unfortunately there is a lot of inaccurate or out of date information around. How do we make sense of it all?
The following websites provide trustworthy information. It is always worth double checking any important information with another source. Even on the best websites the data can get out of date as things rapidly change in the world of education and employment.
Careers (Job) Information – what you do, how much you get paid, what qualifications do you need, what training do you receive.
If you do not know what you want to do, these websites are useful for providing general information on careers:
National Careers Service Use the JOB PROFILES to read about a job, the entry requirements and pay.
Another good website Careers Wales with even more job information is 
Another good website Careers Wales with even more job information. ome items related only to Wales.
A recent addition with good quality job information is the ucas website which may be better known for university applications.
Some schools have a qualified careers adviser …level 6 or 7. This is the minimum qualification recommended by the UK government. Ask for a careers interview with one of the professionals.
More resources
www.careersbox.co.uk careers films to help you understand a job
www://icould.com real stories to inspire your career. Lots of video info.
Where to find courses and training.
START in LEEDS has lots of listings for colleges and sixth forms. You can even apply on line through the website.
There are lots of sixth forms attached to main stream schools. Look on the school website for details of their courses.
You can apply online to all colleges and training providers, and ideally, should get your applications in by early January. Courses can be very popular and an early application before December is advisable. Some schools will give you a username and password for LEEDS START. This is useful if you want to apply to different colleges and sixth forms as you do not have to repeat your information. However, you can apply direct on the college website. Check the websites for open day events where you can visit or look on www.opendays.com for college and universities.
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
For information on apprenticeships these are useful websites:
National Apprenticeship Service
Not going to uni has apprenticeships for school leavers.
Milkround has a school leaver section
You usually apply for apprenticeships in the spring and summer term, but some large national companies may require applications by January, so check the NAS website as well as company websites directly for information on their apprenticeship schemes.
Apprenticeships are available from level 2 (= GCSEs) up to Degree Apprenticeships. You will receive a wage and your training will be paid for by the employer and government. Talk to your careers adviser if you want an apprenticeship.
For even more information go to our main pages on Apprenticeships.
University
ucas.com The main website with lots of information about university.
You can read about Student Finance for university on http://www.gov.uk
For more informayion on university go to our Post 18 page.
The Future of Work
This is an interesting article from Forbes on the future of work beginning in High School .future of work beginning in High School .