STARTING college or sixth form can be an exciting step as young people begin shaping their futures, but it may also bring feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty.

“Our careers advisers working with young people know that the challenges learners face are not just about their studies —they’re also personal, social, and economic.

“There are key themes that our careers advisers see coming through from young people during their appointments – all of which we are well placed to support.

1. Finding a part-time job to supports studies

Balancing education with financial independence is a growing concern. Many learners seek part-time work to cover living costs, travel, or simply to gain experience. However, navigating job markets while managing coursework can be overwhelming. Careers Wales offers tailored support, including CV help and job search tools, to help with finding work and improve the chance of success.

2. Parental involvement in career planning

Parents and carers can be instrumental in their child’s career decisions, including booking a careers appointment for their child, or joining the call themselves. While parental support can be invaluable, it’s essential that young people also feel empowered to make choices that reflect their own aspirations. Our careers advisers encourage collaborative conversations that put the young person’s voice at the centre and guide them to look at the future with their strengths, skills and interests in mind. Parents and carers looking for advice on how to support their child’s career journey can visit our parents pages on our website.

3. Access to apprenticeship information

Apprenticeships offer a practical route into employment, but learners can sometimes feel apprehensive about this route, or they might not be sure what opportunities are available. Careers Wales provides up-to-date resources and impartial guidance to help young people explore apprenticeship pathways that are available to them and align with their goals and interests.

4. Worries about progressing

A significant number of learners worry they won’t be able to progress to the next level of their course. Whether due to academic performance, attendance, or funding issues, these worries can feel overwhelming. It can be useful for young people to speak to their tutor or learning provider about their situation in the first instance. Careers Wales services can also help learners to understand their options and build confidence in their ability to succeed. We encourage young people to take it one step at a time and help them to map out plans A, B and C. Even if learners aren't able to progress, there are options we can talk them through to put them on a suitable path. Our Working Wales service supports those leaving education to plan their career and explore work or training opportunities.

5. Work-based learning options

For some young people, full time study proves difficult to sustain. Many of these young people want to consider other ways of learning whilst gaining practical experience of the workplace. Our careers advisers can help them to weigh up their options, including Jobs Growth Wales+, a training and development programme for 16-19 year olds to give them the skills, qualifications and experience they need to get a job or further training. During sessions with a careers adviser, young people can discuss their preferred learning styles and have support and guidance to identify the next steps best suited to them, including how they could make suitable changes to their learning journey.

6. Planning for life after college

“What’s next?” is the question many learners are asking themselves throughout their time in college or sixth form. Whether they are considering university, employment, vocational training or starting their own business, many pupils benefit from structured support to plan their next steps. Careers Wales offers tools like the Career Match Quiz and Future Jobs Wales to help learners identify their individual strengths and explore future opportunities within their desired industry, location or subject area. Tailored guidance sessions support individuals to feel empowered to use the information available to them along with their passions and interests to make confident decisions about their futures.

7. The course isn’t meeting expectations

For some learners, they feel that their course is not right for them and may consider leaving. Before making any decisions about leaving college or sixth form, it’s important for them to take a step back and understand the root of their doubts. It’s also important to reflect on how the course makes them feel. Is it that they are not enjoying the subject, are they finding the work challenging or are the concerns due to external or personal worries? This can help clarify their next steps. It’s also vital to consider the long-term impact of leaving, which could impact their career goals or future options. Taking time to explore these questions with an expert can lead to more informed, confident choices about their education and future.

As young people across Wales navigate the start of their courses in college or sixth form, we want them to know that their concerns are valid, and they do not need to navigate their next steps alone.

The challenges they face highlight the importance of accessible, empathetic support services that empower learners to make informed decisions about their futures.

By listening to young people and responding with tailored guidance and coaching, we can help ensure that no learner feels alone or left behind on their journey through college or sixth form—and beyond.

If you’re a young person in college or sixth form in Wales—or supporting someone who is—don’t navigate these challenges alone. Visit Careers Wales’ Stop Don’t Drop pages or book a free appointment with a careers adviser to talk through your concerns.