I'm 16 to 18

If you're a school leaver

If you're in year 11 and thinking about your next move, take a look at our full-time courses and apprenticeships or go straight to course finder below. If you'd like to do an apprenticeship, you'll need to have a job with an employer who's happy to support you through the apprenticeship - we don't provide the job for you.

If you're aged 17 or 18

You might want to come to East Riding College if you've done a year in sixth form and think college life is more suited to you or you might not be in education, employment and training and be looking to get back into study to improve your job prospects. If this describes you, you'll want to know more about our full-time courses and apprenticeships or you can go straight to course finder below.

Course fees and financial help

Further education is free for people aged 16 to 18 so you won't have to pay for your course, though there may be some equipment or specialist clothing to buy. Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to free transport to college and financial help such as a bursary or weekly support payments. Find out more on our course fees and financial help pages.

Traineeships

If you're aged 16 to 23 and would like to work but need work experience to strengthen your CV, pre-apprenticeships are ideal for you. Find out more about these short courses on our traineeships page.

Staying in Education until you're 18

Recent changes to national rules mean that young people now have to stay in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. Many people believe this means they have to stay in school but this is not the case.

Young people can choose from the following options:

  • Full-time education, such as school, college or home education
  • Work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship
  • Part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week

This change, known as Raising the Participation Age, applies to all young people.  It has been introduced because those who stay in education and training after 16 are less likely to be unemployed or on a low income, and because of the growing need for higher level skills in the UK economy.

More information is also available from the Department for Education. 

Careers

The College has a team of qualified guidance officers, industry experienced tutors and an extensive enrichment programme that supports careers education.  Find out about what support you could get.

Frequently asked questions

The links on the left and right will answer most of your questions. If not, submit a question by going to our contact us page to submit an e-form or find out how to email or text us.