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The first thing to remember is that every individual is different, so your child needs to make the right decision for them. Start by researching the different options available, such as degree courses, apprenticeships, internships, employment, and gap years. Help them to consider how each option fits with their skills, strengths, and interests.

Both my children decided that studying a degree at university was the right path for them. Our next step was then to decide on a course. Their enthusiasm for a particular subject helped get them started, but courses differ greatly, so looking at the entry requirements and the course structure helped to narrow down the shortlist. Would your child prefer a more practical approach or would they rather study theory? Is there an option for a year abroad, year in industry, or a combined honours, if of interest? Are the entry requirements realistic for your child’s current achievement and projected grades?

The distance from home is...

Engineering is a developing industry, with new skills and processes constantly being established. The same is true for talent in the sector, with more businesses opting to hire apprentices and then mould their skills from within the organisation. Here, Miguel Millan, apprentice design engineer at precision drive system manufacturer Electro Mechanical Systems Ltd, discusses his apprenticeship experience.

I’ve worked as an apprentice at Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS) for over four years. My current role is as an apprentice draughtsman, which means that I support the design team to draft engineering diagrams for new components we are producing for our clients.

Normally, I shadow the more experienced members of the team and help them with their projects. The team will work with the client to establish the design concept, whether it be for small components or the entire finished product. I then work on drafting the...

Getting started - When you open a new document and try to start writing your personal statement for the first time, it’s easy to not know where to start. The introduction seems the best place to begin, but this can be the hardest section, so don’t worry if it’s not great at first.

To brainstorm, make a list of points that you want to include and then group them under subheadings (e.g. hobbies). Or instead, if you’ve made applications before, take extracts from these previous statements and putting them together in a new document gives you a base to work on. When I first did this, the structure was non-existent, and it didn’t have everything I wanted to say – but it gave me a good place to start.

The introduction - Don’t worry if it’s cliched. For a subject like medicine, it is standard to talk about helping people while applying scientific knowledge. This is fine if you can justify it by linking it to your work experience or...

School leaver programmes give you a direct route into the world of work. They allow you to learn new skills, meet new people, and earn a wage while you’re learning. Not sure if it’s the right path for you? Mahmoda, from PwC, shares her story.

Why did you choose the programme?
My first experience of PwC was during the Business Insight Week. I saw this as an opportunity to learn about PwC, who they are, and what they do. After attending, I chose to apply to the School and College Leaver programme as I had enjoyed my work experience. If I had attended university, I would have applied for a graduate position after university anyway, so joining the School and College Leaver programme enabled me to work in my desired field, without needing a degree, which appealed to me.

What have you gained from the experience so far?
I’ve learnt many new skills, such as excel and time...