As the GCSEs, A Levels, T-Levels and BTEC exams, coursework and cramming come to an end, and the end of school celebrations and proms are in full swing, thoughts turn to the next step be it university, further education college, apprenticeships or employment.
At this stage in education there is clear advice from schools and careers advisors and, if a young person choose to take it, from parents, so the road ahead is well signposted.
Clearly, as Minister for Skills at the Department for Education, I have a keen interest in this stage of a young person’s employment and training. Apprenticeships are now a popular and practical alternative to going to University and offer on-the-job training without accruing student debt. To find out about opportunities in our area and beyond, look here https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. But, obviously, being able to leave home and spend three years living with people your own age while studying for a degree is a wonderful intellectual and life experience too.
Whatever the young people of Brentwood and Ongar choose to do at this junction in their lives, I wish them well and hope they have fun, gain lifelong friends and find the start of their future career.
This time of year is also an important time for local community groups, as the Brentwood Community Fund is open for a grant of up to £5000 for a community project which benefits the local Brentwood community and will be delivered within the Borough. If you run a not-for-profit organisation which could do with a bit of a cash boost for a special project, and can show how you can help local people do something practical and fun, you can find out more about the fund here: www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding
I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and wish you well if you choose to apply.
