Choice at 16+

Making the right choice now is vital.

To be successful in the modern workforce you will need to continue your education and training gaining knowledge, experience and qualifications as you progress. The County Borough of Torfaen is able to provide a wide range of ways that you can continue to study or train.

There are:

• Five schools with sixth forms, one of which teaches in the Welsh language
• The Pontypool Campus of Coleg Gwent
• Crownbridge Special School
• Modern apprenticeships, national traineeships and skill training schemes, generally offered in partnership with local employers.

There are now varied routes for you to gain qualifications. Take time to find out about the course and qualification that best suits your needs and abilities. Learning is now lifelong and each qualification is an important stepping stone along the way. 

You or your family might be concerned that staying in school or going to a college of further education might cause financial problems. An Educational Maintenance Allowance ( EMA ) is available in order to provide financial assistance for pupils staying on in school and further advice and guidance on this matter can be obtained either from your careers adviser or from the EMA helpline ( 0845 6013636. For example it will be possible for your parents to continue to claim child benefit until you are 19 as long as you stay in full time education. 

Careers Wales Gwent is the careers service for this area. There is a careers adviser attached to each school. He or she will be able to offer personal advice to guide your decisions.