hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE
5th February, 2025
Reading time: Two minutes
In the 2023/24 academic year, nearly 60% of young people either went to unviersity or enrolled on an apprenticeship in England.
While this figure is significant, it still only represent a portion of the youth population. There is a large portion of young people needing to find other viable career pathways, such as vocational qualifications or entry-level roles in various industries, which offer opportunities for growth and stability.
Sophie, is a 19 year old woman from Nottingham who is within the 40% of people who chose a different route to success.
Sophie, a determined 19-year-old from Nottinghamshire, was clear from the start that the traditional academic route wasn’t the right path for her. While many of her peers were heading off to university, Sophie was focused on her own goals—earning money and saving for the future, particularly with a focus on building her Help to Buy ISA. She knew she wanted a career that would allow her to be financially independent while also giving her the opportunity to grow.
Sophie decided to visit Futures to explore her options with one of our advisers. "She was a strong-willed young woman, full of drive and ambition." Together, we discussed industries where she could start earning quickly, and after some careful thought, we identified a field that matched her values and goals: education.
We explored the opportunity of becoming a Teaching Assistant, a role that would allow Sophie to work in a supportive environment while earning a respectable salary. We also discussed how an industry qualification could give her the skills she needed to secure stable employment and grow her career over time.
Sophie enrolled in a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification through Futures, which was fully funded, alongside a Safeguarding qualification to further strengthen her applications to local schools. The flexibility of the courses allowed Sophie to continue working while studying, making it the perfect balance for her.
After completing her qualifications, Sophie successfully secured a Teaching Assistant position at a local Nottinghamshire school. Not only was she able to start earning a competitive salary, but she also found herself in a role where she able to progress quickly!
Sophie’s journey is a great example of how a clear vision, dedication, and the right support can help a young person find success on their own terms. Sophie is now planning to continue developing her career in education, with aspirations to eventually become a full-time teaching professional.
Sophie’s story highlights the importance of taking the time to explore all available options. With guidance, she was able to find a path that not only aligned with her goals but also provided long-term potential for growth and success.
If you would like to explore a career as a Teaching Assitant, find out more here
hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE