Careers and Progression

It doesn’t matter where you are in your learning journey – we can help you find the best place to start.   

All students are entitled to access impartial information and advice from our Student Services team. We will work with you to create a suitable learning pathway to achieve your goals. This may be a change in career, returning to work, Higher Education or just to build your confidence and skills with us.   

So, whether you are looking to join us for the first time or returning to the College and you need some extra advice and support, call 01226 216123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk.

Use the information below as a guide for where to begin and how to progress.  

    No formal qualifications    

We recommend:

   

Short introductory courses and Essential Skills in English and maths

   

Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area

   

How many courses should I apply for?

   

Select 4 courses that are of interest to you and / or relate to your future plans.

   

After completing the 4 courses, a member of staff will review with you whether you continue short courses to build confidence or you whether you could move onto some short accredited courses.

   

Once you have completed this course, you will have:

   

A basic knowledge and introduction to a subject / topic

    Completed Introductory / Exploring courses    

We recommend:

   

Short accredited courses at Level 1 and Level 2, Functional Skills in English and maths, Essential Digital Skills Qualifications

   

Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area

   

How many courses should I apply for?

   

Select 1 or 2 accredited courses that relate to your future plans. This will provide you with an opportunity to gain qualifications and prepare you for moving onto longer more substantial qualifications or to look for employment and / or volunteering opportunities.

   

After completing 1 or 2 Accredited courses, you may want to do 1 or 2 more to continue building confidence or you could move onto our long course accredited Diploma courses.

   

Once you have completed this course, you will have:

   

Level 1 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSEs Grades 3 to 1 / D to G

   

Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C

    Completed short courses at Level 1 and Level 2, Functional Skills in English and Maths    

We recommend:

   

Long accredited courses at Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, GCSE English and Maths.

   

How many courses should I apply for?

   

Select 1 long course that will help you to move onto university or employment.

   

You may also want to study GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications alongside your course that will help you to progress.

   

Once you have completed this course, you will have:

   

Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C

   

Level 3 qualifications that are the equivalent to A Levels or BTECs

    Completed long courses at Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, GCSE English and Maths    

We recommend:

   

University courses at Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6

   

How many courses should I apply for?

   

Select 1 long course that will help you to achieve your chosen career goal.

   

Once you have completed this course, you will have:

   

Level 4 qualifications are the equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC)

   

Level 5 qualifications are the equivalent to a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)

   

Level 6 qualifications are the equivalent to Degree

Careers support whilst at College 

The Careers Team provides expert guidance on career pathways, university applications, interview preparation, and much more to help you take your next step with confidence.

Meanwhile, the Enterprise Team enhances your student experience by offering exciting opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, explore business ideas, and gain valuable industry insights.

Whether you're planning your next move or looking to start your own business, we're here to help you succeed. 

We also work in partnership with the National Careers Service, who offer more in-depth careers guidance to help you make decisions at all stages of your career. Whether you are a prospective or current student, you can book an appointment by contacting the College on 01226 216123.  Alternatively, visit the National Careers Service website for further information. 

What We Offer

The Careers and Enterprise Hub provides expert support to help you plan your future. Whether you're a current student, prospective student, or alumnus, we offer:

  • Impartial careers advice
  • Higher Education and UCAS guidance
  • CV and job application support
  • Apprenticeship advice
  • Interview preparation

Career Entitlement

Here are some of the careers activities, events and resources you can expect to take part in during your time at College:

  • 1:1 Careers Information, Advice and Guidance meetings
  • Apprenticeship support
  • Career-specific events across College
  • Career Coach tool
  • CV workbooks
  • Industry insight sessions
  • Interview preparation
  • Job search support
  • Personalised career action plans
  • Student finance guidance
  • Tailored UCAS personal statement advice
  • University Survival Guide
  • Work experience and volunteering support

For additional support, students can book an appointment with the Careers Team by emailing careersteam@barnsley.ac.uk.

Useful careers information 

Prospects is a careers website which includes information on job profiles, as well as advice on CV writing and interview preparation for those seeking employment 

The UCAS website (Universities and Colleges Admissions System website) provides comprehensive information on applying to university.   

For information on apprenticeships and current opportunities, the Get my first job or Apprenticeships websites are a great place to start.   

Alternatively, Volunteering provides an opportunity to give back as well as develop new skills and gain experience.  

Take your first step and start your new chapter  

We have a wide range of courses to support you to secure your ideal job or build a new career. We will support you every step of the way to achieve your goals. Visit our courses page or contact us to learn more.