Young people whose plans for September have not lived up to their expectations are being encouraged to explore their options through a series of special Switchtember events at Newbury College.
The first event, held on Tuesday 8 September, resulted in the majority of visiting young people choosing to enrol at the College after discussing their circumstances and exploring the programmes still available.
Switchtember is aimed at young people who have finished Year 11 but have not yet entered education, employment or training (NEET), as well as those who have started sixth form or another training programme and are already questioning whether it is the right fit for their goals or preferred style of learning.
The first event welcomed young people and their families who had been considering different options throughout the summer. Some had previously considered or applied to Newbury College but, for a variety of reasons, had initially decided to take a different direction.
The evening gave them an opportunity to re-engage with the College, ask questions and explore whether a practical, career-focused programme could offer the right next step. After meeting College staff and receiving individual guidance, most of the young people attending decided that Newbury College was the right choice for them and completed their enrolment.
Following the success of the first event, Newbury College will hold a second Switchtember event on Tuesday 15 September, from 18:00, at its Monks Lane campus.
Newbury College is keen to work constructively alongside schools, families and other education providers to help young people remain engaged in education or training. College leaders recognise that sixth form is a positive and successful choice for many students, while others may discover that they are better suited to a more practical or career-focused route.
Switchtember is designed to reassure young people that a decision made over the summer does not have to define their future. It offers clear information, supportive guidance and the opportunity to consider which environment and style of learning will help them succeed.
Deputy Principal Lee Jamieson is leading the events. As a father of teenagers who have recently faced similarly important choices, he understands the amount of information young people and their families have had to navigate.
Lee said:
“Choosing what to do after school can feel like an enormous decision. Young people and their families are trying to understand which subjects, environment and style of learning will suit them, while also thinking about where those choices might lead.
“Sixth form will absolutely be the right choice for many young people. For others, a more practical or career-focused route may suit them better. Sometimes you only discover that once you have started.
“What matters is that a young person does not feel stuck or become disengaged from education because their first choice has not worked out as expected.
“Changing direction is not a failure. If you have accepted a place elsewhere and are now having second thoughts, come and talk to us. It’s not too late. We can help you understand the options that are still available and decide whether switching to Newbury College is the right next step for you.”
Newbury College supports people of all ages to improve their career prospects through technical, vocational and professional education. Its ‘Careers, not courses’ approach connects specialist knowledge with practical learning, industry experience and the skills employers value.
Many programmes are developed with or supported by local employers, helping students understand how their learning connects with real careers. Depending on the programme, students can progress to employment, an apprenticeship or higher education, including university.
Students learn in specialist facilities, use industry-standard equipment and are supported by experienced tutors with professional knowledge of the sectors they teach.
Young people do not need to have chosen a particular programme before attending Switchtember. They can visit with a parent, carer or friend, meet College staff and discuss their circumstances without any pressure to enrol on the evening.
Switchtember takes place at Newbury College, Monks Lane, Newbury, on Tuesday 15 September from 18:00.
To find out more and register, visit newbury.college/switch