COLLEGE EXPLAINED
There are several further education colleges within the Bradford Metropolitan area and in the surrounding districts.
If you do decide to go to college then you may be entitled to Study Money.
Why go to college?
Colleges offer many opportunities for people over 16. Colleges offer a wide range of full-time and part-time courses. Many courses provide project work and practical training with the opportunity to obtain well recognised qualifications such as GNVQs, NVQs or City & Guilds.
For some courses you must have specific entry qualifications and sometimes there are closing dates for applications, so early application is sometimes essential. You should check the details in the college prospectus of any courses that interest you and apply for them as soon as possible - before Easter at the latest.
A big advantage offered by most courses at college is that they are vocational, ie they are closely linked to a particular job or training programme.
Some colleges offer twilight sessions e.g. 5pm - 7pm, Saturday classes and evening classes. It may be possible to attend an appropriate part time training course even if you have a job with an employer who is not offering you training or further education. It is possible to study some courses both in college and in school.
How to apply
At 16 years old you can apply direct to local colleges. If you are 18 and looking at university application then you need to apply through UCAS. If you would like to know more about the kinds of courses that are available you should:
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read the college prospectus (a booklet detailing courses) available in the careers library in school
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ask for information from your careers teacher or careers adviser and an application form if you don't already have one
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attend college open days or get in touch either by telephone or by letter with the college's information officer or individual course tutors and ask for details of courses available.
Complete an application form for the course that interests you. Once the college has got your application they will contact you. You will then be invited for an interview. During your college interview you must show that you are interested in the course. Ask questions about it. For example you could ask about the type of opportunities other students have gone on to after completing the course. The college tutors need to be sure that you are committed to staying and doing well.
The tutors will be interested in your progress file - if you have, is it up to date? They may ask your school for a reference. They will then write to you with confirmation of a place or suggest alternative courses if you were not suitable for the one you applied for. Details of when to start and what you will need are sent out to students by the college.
