Choosing what to do after GCSEs can feel like a big decision. With so many options available, from A-levels and Apprenticeships to college courses, it can be difficult to know which route is right for you. If you enjoy learning practical skills and want to gain experience in a real workplace, T Levels could be worth considering.
At RNN Group, T Levels offer students the opportunity to combine classroom learning with valuable industry experience, helping them prepare for their future careers.
This week is T Level Week so it is a great time to explore what these qualifications involve and how they could open doors to new opportunities.
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications designed in partnership with employers to give young people the knowledge and skills needed in different industries. The ‘T’ stands for technical, and they offer an alternative to A-levels for students who want a more career-focused approach to learning.
One T Level is broadly equivalent in size to three A-levels, meaning students can develop specialist knowledge while working towards their future ambitions.
Unlike qualifications that focus mainly on classroom-based study, T Levels combine lessons with practical projects, assessments and an industry placement. This allows students to understand how their learning applies to real-life situations and what working in their chosen industry might look like.
One of the biggest benefits of a T Level is the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace.
Students complete an industry placement lasting at least 45 days, where they can develop practical skills and experience what it is like to work in a professional environment. This is a chance to learn from experienced staff, build confidence and gain a better understanding of the expectations of employers.
For many students, this experience can be just as valuable as the qualification itself. It can help them discover what they enjoy, identify areas they want to improve and feel more prepared for life after college.
Combining theory with hands-on experience also makes it easier to see how the skills developed in the classroom can be used in a future career.
At RNN Group, T Levels are available across a range of subject areas, giving students the opportunity to explore different interests and career paths.
With such a variety of subjects available, there are opportunities for students with different interests and ambitions. Choosing a subject you enjoy can be a great first step towards finding a career that suits you.
Course availability varies between RNN Group Colleges, so it is worth checking the individual course information before applying.
Completing a T Level does not mean you have to follow just one career path. In fact, these qualifications are designed to give students options for what comes next.
Some learners may choose to move directly into a skilled occupation, using the knowledge and workplace experience they have gained. Others may progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship, allowing them to continue learning while earning a salary.
There is also the opportunity to continue into further study, including higher technical qualifications or higher education.
Having different progression routes available means students can make decisions based on their interests, experiences and long-term goals. It also means that choosing a technical qualification does not close the door on further education.
If you enjoy practical learning, want to develop skills for a particular industry and like the idea of gaining real workplace experience, a T Level could be a good fit.
It is worth thinking about the subjects you enjoy, the careers that interest you and how you prefer to learn. Researching course content and entry requirements can also help you decide whether a T Level matches your plans.
Speaking to college staff, attending open events and asking questions about industry placements can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
T Level Week is an opportunity to find out more about these qualifications and consider whether they could be the right choice for your future.
Whether you are interested in health, construction, digital, business or another specialist area, T Levels can help you build knowledge, gain practical experience and take steps towards your career ambitions.
To explore the courses available, visit our T Levels webpage and find out more about the opportunities at Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College.
Your future does not have to follow the same path as everyone else’s. With the right course, practical experience and support, you can start building a future that works for you.
Find out what T Levels are available at RNN Group of Colleges.
This week marks National T Levels Week (19th – 23rd October 2026), and at Rotherham College, we couldn’t be more excited to shine a spotlight on technical education!
Now in their 7th year of delivery, T Levels continue to transform post-16 education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience. With nationwide pass rates hitting 92.6% this year and over two-thirds of students achieving a Merit or above, as shown by statistics published by the Department for Education, there has never been a better time to showcase what makes these qualifications so special.
Whether you’re a student weighing up your post-GCSE options, a parent looking for guidance, or a local employer eager to shape tomorrow’s workforce, here is everything you need to know about T Levels and how we’re celebrating this week.
T Levels are dynamic, two-year qualifications taken after GCSEs. Designed in direct collaboration with leading employers, they equip students with the exact skills, knowledge and practical experience top businesses are searching for.
Whether your next step is moving directly into an entry-level skilled career, securing a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship, or progressing to university – including Russell Group institutions – a T Level opens the door.
At Rotherham College, T Levels Week is about the celebration of our students’ hard work, our dedicated teaching staff and the incredible regional employers who host our industry placements.
Research shows that around a quarter of T Level students secure employment directly with their placement employer after graduating. According to the Department for Education’s T Level evaluation research, 71% of students agree their course prepared them directly for the workplace – significantly higher than traditional Level 3 routes.
Want to see what studying a T Level is actually like?
Take a look at a ‘Day in the Life’ of a Rotherham College T Level student and experience a firsthand look at how our learners balance campus study with real-world industry placements.
A day in the life of a Rotherham College T Level student
Ready to take the next step or partner with us?
Happy T Levels Week 2026 from all of us at Rotherham College!
Rotherham Day, held last month on 18th September 2026, was a chance for the town to do something it probably doesn’t do often enough: Celebrate itself. There were events and activities taking place across the borough, with businesses, community groups, schools and local organisations all getting involved.
It was a good idea, because Rotherham is one of those places that can sometimes be defined from the outside by things that have gone wrong, rather than by the much more interesting and wonderful story of what is actually happening here.
And if you look around at the moment, there is quite a lot going on that is genuinely positive.
Last week, at the AESSEAL New York Stadium there was a SEND Futures Fair, bringing together young people with special educational needs and disabilities, their families, schools, support organisations and local services. The idea is to help young people think about what comes next, whether that means further education, employment, independent living or simply finding the right support as they move into adulthood.
It isn’t the sort of thing that necessarily makes the national news, but it is exactly the kind of event that makes a difference to people who live here.
Then, over at Kimberworth Library and Neighbourhood Hub, children spent the afternoon making their own space helmets as part of World Space Week. It was free, aimed at children from three upwards, and is the sort of wonderfully simple community activity that libraries are very good at putting on.
It also follows a September that gave the borough plenty to celebrate. The Rotherham Show returned to Clifton Park, bringing its familiar mixture of entertainment, music, food, sport, horticulture and community activities. Heritage Open Days gave people the chance to explore some of the places and stories that have shaped the borough, and then Rotherham Day brought all of that local pride together in a more deliberate way.
What RNN liked about Rotherham Day was that was an opportunity to recognise the people who make the place what it is, from local businesses and voluntary organisations to sports clubs, community groups and residents who quietly get on with making their bit of Rotherham better.
There is a tendency to look for one big thing that tells us a place is doing well. A major development, a new attraction, a big investment announcement. Those things matter, of course, but they aren’t necessarily what makes somewhere feel like a good place to live. Quite often it is the smaller things.
It is the library putting on something that gives children a reason to get out of the house. It is a community organisation helping a young person work out what they want to do next. It is a local business continuing to trade and employ people. It is a sports club giving youngsters somewhere to go. It is people volunteering, organising events, looking after green spaces or simply turning up to support something happening on their doorstep. It was what Children’s Capital of Culture was all about.
And perhaps that is why Rotherham Day was worth having. Not because one particular day can change a town’s fortunes, but because it gave people a reason to stop and notice what is already here.
There is plenty to criticise about Rotherham, as there is anywhere else. But there is also plenty that is worth celebrating, and sometimes you have to make a conscious effort to see it.
So, a few weeks after Rotherham Day, we think it is worth carrying on with the same idea.
So keep looking around you. There are some pretty wonderful things happening in Rotherham.
Learners studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing at Rotherham College recently had the opportunity to hear first-hand about careers in engineering from BAE Systems representative, Zeeshan Mahmood, who is a Through Life Support Engineer for Fast Jet Support.
The session, held at University Centre Rotherham, explored the engineering industry, the range of careers available and what employers look for when recruiting future engineers.
Zeeshan shared his journey into engineering, from gaining his GCSEs and studying for an engineering degree at Sheffield Hallam University to securing roles within the sector. He also spoke about working part-time at ASDA alongside his studies and how the skills he developed there have continued to benefit him, including providing useful examples to draw on during job interviews.
His experience showed students that there isn’t always one straightforward route into engineering and that experience gained outside education can be just as valuable as qualifications. Students were encouraged to make the most of opportunities such as part-time work, volunteering and sport to develop transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, reliability, leadership and problem-solving, which can strengthen their CVs and help build a portfolio of experience.
Students also learned what employers look for during recruitment, including qualities beyond academic qualifications. Character, attitude, motivation and teamwork can all help candidates stand out when applying for engineering and other professional roles.
Simon Hartley, Skills Consultant Team Leader at Rotherham College, also shared practical interview advice, encouraging students to prepare thoroughly, use specific examples to demonstrate their skills and practise through mock interviews with friends or family.
Zeeshan introduced students to BAE Systems and the work carried out by the company.
The session explored the company’s history and its position as one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and a major defence contractor in Europe. Students learned about the wide range of products and technologies developed by BAE Systems, from iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire, Concorde and Typhoon to the highly advanced technologies being developed today.
Zeeshan demonstrated how engineering continues to evolve, showing students examples of the types of technology they could potentially work with during a career in the sector.
One of the highlights was discovering the latest technologies and emerging projects apprentices could get involved with, including the development of new aircraft and cutting-edge technologies at the Falcon Works drone range.
The session also gave students an insight into the apprenticeship opportunities available at BAE Systems, including the types of roles they could apply for, the training involved and the salaries available.
Students were able to see how an apprenticeship can provide an alternative route into a highly skilled engineering career, combining practical experience and on-the-job training with further study.
For students studying Advanced Manufacturing at Rotherham College, hearing directly from industry professionals helps them understand employer expectations and how to prepare for the world of work.
The visit highlighted how the skills they are developing could lead to opportunities in higher education, apprenticeships or employment, potentially taking them from the classroom and workshop to working on some of the UK’s most advanced engineering projects.
Year 11 is an important milestone for young people and their families. With GCSEs on the horizon, many parents and carers are beginning to think about what comes next, from choosing the right college and course to understanding the opportunities available after school.
For families across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, Year 11 Parents’ Information Evenings at Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College offer a valuable opportunity to explore those options, ask questions and help young people make informed decisions about their future in advance of the admission process starting in November.
Whether your child has a clear idea of what they want to do or is still exploring their interests, these events are a great place to start.
Choosing what to do after Year 11 is a big decision, and it is one that young people do not have to make alone.
Parents and carers play an important role in helping their children understand their options, build confidence and find a pathway that suits their interests, strengths and ambitions.
At these information evenings, families can find out more about the opportunities available at college and gain practical information to help support conversations at home in advance of Year 11 learners making an application to one of RNN Group’s Colleges.
From understanding different qualifications and course options to finding out what college life is really like, attending an information evening can help turn uncertainty into a clearer picture of the future.
Book on to North Notts College’s Parents’ Information Evening:
Tuesday 6th October 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
Book on to Rotherham College’s Parents’ Informatoin Evening:
Wednesday 7th October 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
Book on to Dearne Valley College’s Parents’ Information Evening:
Thursday 8th October 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
Presentations are scheduled to run at 5.15pm, 5.45pm, 6.15pm and 6.45pm. These are repeat sessions, so parents and carers only need to attend each presentation that interests them once. Registration is available, and families can also turn up on the evening.
There is no single route that suits every young person. These evenings are an opportunity to explore different possibilities and consider what might work best for your child.
Encourage your young person to be involved in these conversations. Their interests, goals and aspirations should be at the heart of the decision.
To get the most from a Parents’ Information Evening, it can help to prepare a few questions in advance.
Even if your child is not yet sure what they want to do, asking questions and gathering information is a positive first step.
Our Parents’ Information Evenings at Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College are designed to help families feel informed, prepared and confident about the choices ahead.
If you are a parent or carer of a Year 11 student, take the opportunity to find out more, explore the options and start planning the next chapter together.
After next week’s Year 11 Parents Information Evenings, your young person may have RNN Group’s Schools Careers Teams in school assemblies talking about the next steps as well as seeing the team at mock interviews and careers support during the year. You can help your young person by attending these events to find out more in advance of the Open Events in November which we hope parents / carers and Year 11 learners will attend after having these weeks of information support:
Rotherham College – Saturday 14th November, 10-1pm
Every year, millions of people travel to discover new places, experience different cultures and create memories that last a lifetime. What many travellers may not see is the vast network of people and businesses crafting those experiences. Behind every journey is a huge global industry, powered by people working across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, visitor attractions, cruise lines, hospitality and much more.
On 27th September, World Tourism Day celebrates the social, cultural and economic importance of tourism and the role it plays in bringing people and communities together. The day is an opportunity to recognise the contribution tourism makes around the world – from supporting jobs and local economies to encouraging cultural exchange and helping people experience destinations and communities beyond their own.
For anyone with a passion for travel, people and discovering the world, it can also be the starting point for a rewarding career.
Travel and Tourism is a diverse sector, with careers spanning airlines, airports, travel agencies, hotels, hospitality, visitor attractions, events, cruise lines and tour operations.
At Rotherham College, students can explore this exciting industry through the Travel and Tourism pathway within the Aviation course, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress into further study or a career in aviation, travel and tourism.
Students explore a wide range of topics, giving them insight into the many areas of travel and tourism.
These include customer service, the UK travel and tourism industry, destinations, promotion, visitor attractions, package holidays, travel agency operations, hospitality, event organisation and guided tours.
For example, here are some of our students roleplaying customer service and check-in scenarios at our partner education centre, Skills Street.
This gives students the opportunity to discover the many different roles that sit behind the travel experiences people enjoy every day.
Alongside industry knowledge, students develop skills that can be valuable across a wide range of careers. Communication, customer service, multitasking, sales and time management are among the skills commonly sought by employers across the aviation sector.
The breadth of travel, tourism and aviation means there are many different career paths to consider.
For someone who enjoys meeting people and providing excellent customer service, a career as cabin crew could offer the opportunity to work with passengers from all over the world. Cabin crew play an important role in making sure passengers have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight, combining customer service with safety, communication and teamwork.
For those interested in aviation beyond commercial airlines, there are also opportunities within the Royal Air Force, including roles involving aircraft, airfields, logistics, vehicles, medical support and many other areas.
And aviation is only one part of the picture.
Students could go on to explore careers in travel agencies, hotels and hospitality, visitor attractions, events, cruise lines, tour operations and many other areas of the tourism industry.
Explore Rotherham College’s Aviation course and discover our Travel and Tourism pathway.
Students on Rotherham College’s new Level 2 Fashion course, which launched this September, have taken their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Clifton Park Museum, exploring local history and finding inspiration for their latest creative project.
The visit was organised as part of the College’s Personal Development programme and included a guided history talk exploring Clifton House, the Walker family and Rotherham’s industrial heritage.
Students also explored the museum’s upstairs galleries, including the ‘Collecting Rotherham’ exhibition, which brings together a wide range of objects collected in Rotherham and donated to the museum.
The visit also provided valuable primary research for the students’ current Fashion project, ‘Your Environment’. The project explores the world around us, from natural forms to manmade environments, encouraging students to consider how their surroundings can influence fashion design. At the museum, students could draw on the colours, textures, patterns, shapes and details of the objects and displays around them, as well as the stories and history behind them, to develop ideas for their own work.
Lecturer Sarah Gleadhill said:
“The visit gave students the opportunity to gather primary research and inspiration through discussions, viewing architecture and artwork, and exploring objects from the local community, both past and present.”
One object that particularly caught the students’ attention was a pair of Chinese foot-binding shoes from the museum’s archives. The shoes offered an insight into the history and traditions surrounding foot binding, a practice known as chánzú, and provided an unexpected source of creative research for the students.
The visit is part of the wider Personal Development programme at Rotherham College, which gives students opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and experiences alongside their course.
Student Jedd enjoyed discovering more about the Walker family and their connection to Rotherham’s industrial heritage. He said:
“Viewing the paintings, particularly the history of the Walker family and their portraits showing the generations, links to the steel industry and status.”
The visit has also given Jedd ideas that he can take directly into his ‘Your Environment’ project. He said:
“I will use the photograph images from the cabinets to design into an outfit for Grayson Perry and create samples.”
With new ideas and research to take back into the studio, students can now continue developing their ‘Your Environment’ projects and exploring how the world around them can shape their designs.
The new Level 2 Fashion course welcomes students who want to develop their creative skills and explore the world of fashion.
Find out more about Fashion courses at Rotherham College and discover where your creativity could take you.
It hits out of nowhere. You’re sitting in a classroom, staring at a slide or a computer screen, and a cold wave of dread washes over you; I’ve made a massive mistake. This course isn’t for me.
First, take a deep breath.
Experiencing the ‘wrong subject’ panic in your first few weeks of college is almost a rite of passage. Transitioning from GCSEs to BTECS, T Levels, and vocational courses is a huge shift, and choosing your options at age 15 or 16 doesn’t always match the reality of sitting in the classroom.
Feeling like you’re on the wrong path doesn’t mean your academic life is over, nor does it mean you’re stuck. Here is how to navigate the panic, figure out your next move, and swap courses.
Before you rush to change things up, figure out what’s actually causing the panic. Is it the subject itself, or the environment?
T Levels and BTECs can hit very differently than GCSEs! Feeling stressed about heavier workloads or weird timetables is totally normal. Give yourself time to adapt before deciding you’re on the wrong path.
If you picked Animal Care expecting endless puppy cuddles, but got hit with biology, enclosure scrubbing, and strict welfare checks… yeah, that’s a classic subject mismatch! If the content really isn’t for you, let’s talk options.
Missing your old school squad? Lost on a massive campus? Have no idea what to do with three empty hours between classes? Talk to our Wellbeing Mentors and Personal Development Teams! You can join campus clubs to fill up those free periods and meet new friends who share the same interests.
The most important thing to know is that we’d rather you be happy with your course, then sit and stick something out that you don’t like. You aren’t locked in, and you don’t have to suffer through a subject you dread just because you picked it months if not a year back.
That’s why we run a dedicated ‘Swap Don’t Drop’ system!
Within your first 6 weeks, if you realise a subject isn’t working for you, you can work with us to look at alternative options and swap you onto a different course. The door is open to find a path you actually enjoy.
You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you certainly don’t need to feel embarrassed. Staff handle course swaps every single term, we want to make sure we find a course for you.
Not sure what to swap to? Pop over to the Careers team! They’ll take a look at your GCSE results, chat through your long-term goals, and help you find a course that actually clicks.
Found a new subject that looks promising? Have a quick catch-up with the department tutors first. They’ll break down the modules and let you know if there’s any quick reading to get you up to speed!
To make sure your ‘Swap Don’t Drop’ transition as seamless as possible, keep these three factors in mind:
Applications are only open until November, so be sure to act before then.
Check that your existing grades meet the criteria for the new course you want to move into.
If a course that you are interested in is delivered at one of our other campuses, we have a student bus service to help with your travel!
Spotting early on that something isn’t working-and taking advantage of the Swap, Don’t Drop window isn’t a failure. It’s a step in taking charge of your own education!
Next week is Careers and Skills Week at RNN Group, and it’s a great opportunity to think about where your course, your skills and your experiences could take you in the future.
There will be plenty happening across our campuses, including careers events, employer activities, workshops and opportunities to speak to people from different industries.
But Careers and Skills Week isn’t just about finding out what job you might want to do.
It’s also about understanding what employers are looking for and recognising the skills you are already developing.
When you’re studying, it can be easy to think that your qualification is the main thing an employer will be interested in.
Of course, your knowledge and qualifications matter. But employers also want people who can communicate, solve problems, work with others, manage their time and adapt when things don’t go according to plan.
These are often called Power Skills or transferable skills.
They’re skills that you can take with you from one job to another, from one industry to another and from education into the workplace. RNN Group’s Skills for Employment programme has been developed around ten of these skills.
At RNN Group, the ten Power Skills are:
You might look at that list and think, “I already have some of those.” And you probably do.
You might have demonstrated communication by working with customers, giving a presentation or speaking to someone new. You could have shown problem-solving by finding a solution when something went wrong on your course or at work. Perhaps you’ve demonstrated resilience by making a mistake, learning from it and carrying on. These experiences all count.
The important thing is being able to recognise the skill, understand how you developed it and explain it to someone else.
This is where RNN Group’s Skills for Employment programme comes in.
The programme has been created with employers in mind, recognising that the skills needed in the workplace go beyond what can be measured in an exam or qualification.
Learners work towards developing the ten Power Skills and collect evidence to demonstrate how they have used them. For each skill, learners can showcase three examples, which are recorded through the Group’s system. They can then download a digital certificate showing the skills they have achieved.
That means you aren’t simply saying: “I’m good at communication.” You can actually show how you’ve demonstrated it.
For example, you might have helped at an open event and spoken to prospective students, communicated professionally through emails or telephone calls, or developed your confidence when speaking to employers.
Similarly, creativity might involve finding a different way to approach a task, while resilience could be demonstrated by dealing with a mistake, learning from it and getting on with the job.
These real examples can make a big difference when you’re talking about yourself to an employer.
Think about what happens in a real workplace. A customer might have a problem. A deadline might change. A colleague might need some help. Something might go wrong with a project. You might be asked to do something you’ve never done before.
Technical knowledge is important, but being able to think, communicate, adapt and respond is important too.
That’s why Power Skills can be useful across so many different careers. The same ability to communicate effectively could be useful whether you’re working in healthcare, engineering, construction, business, hospitality, education or one of the many other industries represented across RNN Group.
And these aren’t skills you have to wait until you’re employed to develop. You can build them now.
Throughout Careers and Skills Week, you’ll have opportunities to find out more about careers, meet employers and take part in activities focused on employment and the skills employers are looking for.
Make the most of those opportunities: Ask questions or talk to employers about what they look for when recruiting; find out what different jobs are really like and take part in workshops. Think about the skills you already have and the ones you want to improve.
You could even ask an employer: “What skills make someone stand out when you’re recruiting?”
You might be surprised by the answer. Your skills can tell your story.
One of the most useful things you can do when preparing for employment is learn how to talk about your skills.
Instead of simply listing communication, teamwork and problem-solving on a CV, think about the experiences behind those words.
Those examples give an employer a much better idea of what you can actually bring to a workplace.
And that’s the thinking behind Skills for Employment – helping learners build transferable skills alongside their qualifications and have evidence to demonstrate them. You don’t need to have your whole career planned out: Perhaps you already know exactly what career you want, perhaps you’ve got three completely different ideas or perhaps you’re still trying to work out what you enjoy.
Whatever stage you’re at, Careers and Skills Week is an opportunity to take the next step.
Your career won’t be defined by one week, one qualification or one decision. It’s something you’ll continue to develop as you gain experience, meet people and learn more about yourself. So next week, get involved. Explore. Ask questions. Build your skills. Talk to employers. And don’t forget to recognise the skills you’re already developing along the way.
Your qualification can show what you’ve learned.
Your Power Skills can help show employers how you work.
And together, they can help you take the next step towards your future career.
As a parent or carer, you want the best for your young person. When they choose a college course, it’s natural to hope they’ll begin their College journey enjoying their studies, feeling confident in their choice and stay on track towards their future goals.
But what happens if they start their course and realise it isn’t quite right for them?
At RNN Group, we understand that choosing what to study can be a big decision – and sometimes, the right choice only becomes clear once a learner has had the opportunity to experience a course for themselves. We even have learners who have come on a taster day and realise that a course that felt right at taster, is not the same when learning about it more intensively.
That’s why our message to learners and their families is simple:
Swap Don’t Drop
If your young person tells you they’re unhappy with their course, it can be worrying. You may be concerned about them falling behind, losing motivation or giving up on education altogether.
But changing course doesn’t have to mean giving up. Sometimes, it can be the first step towards finding a pathway that is better suited to their interests, strengths and ambitions.
Perhaps they’ve discovered that the subject isn’t what they expected. Maybe they’ve developed an interest in a completely different career, or they’ve realised that another course better matches the way they enjoy learning.
Whatever the reason, we encourage learners to speak to us before making the decision to leave their course. Their first choice doesn’t have to be their final choice
Young people are making important decisions about their futures at a time when they are still discovering who they are and what they enjoy so it’s perfectly normal for interests and ambitions to change.
A learner might begin a course with one career in mind and, after gaining new experiences, discover something they hadn’t previously considered. That change in direction can be a positive thing.
At RNN Group, we want our learners to feel that they have options.
Rather than thinking, “This course isn’t for me, so I need to leave,” we want learners and their families to consider:
“Could there be another course that’s a better fit?”
If your young person is thinking about dropping out, one of the most helpful things you can do is encourage them to talk to someone at college.
RNN Group has a focused week next week called ‘Swap Don’t Drop’ where we encourage learners to talk about their options to tutors, go and try another course for a day and then decide on the next step rather than leave.
So with that in mind, knowing RNN Group is here to help, start by listening. Ask them what they’re finding difficult and, importantly, what they would rather be doing.
They may not have all the answers yet – and that’s okay.
Our staff here at RNN can help them explore their options, understand what other courses are available and consider what might work better for them.
Having an open conversation can sometimes turn a difficult situation into a new opportunity.
When a learner is studying something they enjoy and can see a future in, it can make a real difference to their motivation, confidence and engagement. That’s why finding the right course is so important.
At RNN Group, we offer a wide range of courses and pathways designed to help young people develop the knowledge, practical skills and experience they need for their next step – whether that’s employment, an apprenticeship, further study or university.
If their current course isn’t working for them, there may be another route that does.
We know that changing course can feel like a big decision for both learners and their families. You may have questions about what happens next, whether they can change course and what it could mean for their future.
The important thing is not to make the decision in isolation. Encourage your young person to speak to their tutor or a member of the RNN Group team. Together, we can look at their circumstances and help them understand their options.
Because sometimes, staying on the wrong course can feel like the only choice – when actually, there may be another opportunity waiting for them.
Your young person’s education journey doesn’t have to be a straight line.
Plans change, interests develop and careers evolve. Sometimes, finding the right pathway means taking a different route.
If your young person is struggling with their current course or thinking about leaving, encourage them to talk to us before they drop out.
There may be a course that better suits them, a new subject that sparks their interest, or a different pathway that helps them move towards their ambitions.
Swap Don’t Drop.
Because changing direction doesn’t mean losing sight of the future – it could be the step that helps your young person find it.
