Home Children, families, and safeguarding Support for families What to do when you finish school
When you leave school, you must you must do one of these things until you're 18:
There are a number of colleges and sixth forms in Middlesbrough, offering a wide range of courses from traditional academic courses like maths and English, to specialised and vocational courses like animal management and photography.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship lets you learn and get training while in a job and earning money.
Why should I do one?
If you do an apprenticeship you’ll be: in a real job, earning your own salary while getting free training, getting hands-on experience and learning new skills.
Find out more about apprenticeships
Where can I look for an apprenticeship?
Search for an apprenticeship online
What is a traineeship?
Traineeships are an unpaid work placement where you can learn new skills. They’re great for young people who don’t have all the skills to work or do an apprenticeship yet.
Why should I do one?
If you do a traineeship you’ll be: getting experience of a real working environment, learning new skills, and getting support with maths and English if you need it.
Find out more about traineeships
Where can I look for an traineeship?
Search for a traineeship online
You can look online for volunteering opportunities. Using Do-it you can search for opportunities close to you, or by your specific skills or interests.
Lots of recruitment agencies have sections on their website with jobs for under 18s, so they’re a good place to start. If you are working, make sure you know your rights and when and how long you’re allowed to work.