This may be your last year at school so it is very important to begin to consider what you want to do next and to plan for the future. If you intend to stay on for S6 you will have to make decisions about which subjects to study next year. Your choice of subjects may be influenced by what you would like to do after you leave school. Whether you intend to leave this year or next, I can give you information and advice about the options open to you.
Jennifer Jones, Careers Adviser
Having a careers interview
You can contact me at any time throughout fifth year, whether you’re leaving at the end of this year or planning to stay on for S6. Before requesting an apointment do some thinking and research. Speak to your guidance teacher to arrange an appointment.
I can also be contacted by phone at the Skills Development Scotland Centre in Musselburgh on 0131 665 3120 or by email at
Careers Resources
Do your own research into jobs and courses. The careers section in the school library contains up-to-date information. This includes a range of publications to help you make decisions about university and college, as well as advice on job seeking, application forms, interviews, CVs etc.
You can also make use of on-line information using these websites:
– www.ucas.com
Going to College
Look at Edinburgh College website to find out about courses and apply early in 2014 (from January onwards) for courses starting in August/September. Some courses are very popular e.g. beauty therapy, child care, sport. For help completing a college application form please click on the mindmap:
Higher Education
If you are thinking about taking a degree or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma when you leave school, now is the time to check out the subjects and grades you need. If staying on for S6, keep this in mind when choosing your subjects. Look at college and university prospectuses and/or websites for details.
Finding a job or a training place
If you are planning to find a job when you leave school, start looking for work from February/March onwards. Look for job vacancies in the local press and in ‘The Scotsman’ on a Friday and the ‘Evening News’ on a Thursday. Company websites often have information on job opportunities. Many jobs are never advertised, so it is worth ensuring that family, friends and neighbours are aware of your career interests so they can inform you of any suitable opportunities they may come across. You should also prepare a CV to send to employers on a speculative basis.
Information about the different types of training open to school leavers e.g. Modern Apprenticeships, is available on the Skills Development Scotland website.
For more information on planning your next steps, please go to the Career Planning page
