16 – 18 years
Take your careers research to the next level with the information on GMACS.
Explore the MBacc gateway resources
The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate could help you discover your pathway to a job in Greater Manchester. Explore the resources by clicking below.


Discover the top industries in Greater Manchester
Find out which sectors in GM are growing quickly, research the top employers, and see which pathways you could take to start your career. There’s also some information about the top jobs in each sector.
Find out more about education and training
If you’re thinking about staying in education or you’d like to know more about the training courses you could take, research your options on GMACS.


Use Xello to explore your options
Xello is a tool that you can use to research your career and education options and build your own career profile. It’s available for free to every state high school and college in Greater Manchester, so you’ll need to get access through your college. Once you’ve got access, you can use it to explore your career options and think about what you’d like to do.
Get started with opportunities and support
Greater Manchester has lots of opportunities for you to experience working life or volunteer with a local organisation to get valuable skills. Plus, there’s loads of support you can access – from help with interview prep to free skills boosters. See some opportunities specifically for your age group below.

Apprenticeships and Early Careers Opportunities at Seddon Construction
Find out more about Seddon Construction's range of apprenticeship offers. Seddon Construction offer a wide range of apprenticeships, including bricklayers, joinery, painting and decorating, electrical, plumbing, multi-skilled; as well as higher level degree...
Qualifications in Horticulture at Cheadle Town FC
Do you like being outdoors, working with your hands and creating things that people can enjoy? If so, then a career in horticulture could be the right path for you. This Study Programme will provide you with a good basic understanding of the horticulture industry...
ERIC- The creative careers app for young people
ERIC is the UK's #1 career app for young people looking to get into the creative industries. With thousands of internships, events, careers resources and opportunities, we connect young people directly with the organisations they want to work for most. Click on the...
Our Pass, more than just a bus pass…
If you’re aged 16-18 in GM, you could get Our Pass, a membership scheme for young people that gives you free bus travel, discounted tram travel, and exclusive discounts and offers.

Discover exciting careers events in your community
There’s lots of events on offer near you, whether you want to meet prospective employers, learn more about further education or get mentoring and other support. See events tailored for your age group here or see what’s happening in your area.
Association of Apprentices’ Big Apprentice Meet Up – Manchester
Date: 02/05/2025
Time: 1pm-6:30pm
Suitable for: All current and completed apprentices
Join the Association of Apprentices for this fantastic BIG Apprentice Meet-up event in Manchester this May.
Hear from people like you on our blog
Our blog has posts and articles from young people sharing their experiences. We also have expert advice from people already working in industry.

Early Years and Education Apprentices Share Their Career Journeys
“You're just so proud because the children learn new things every day”: in this article, early years and education apprentices share their career journeys to date. A job in early education and childcare is unique and rewarding. You get to be part of a child’s early...
Explore Jobs in the Creative, Culture and Sport Sector
If you're thinking your future could be in the creative, culture or sport sectors, read on! This article, written by Jamie Weetman, has information about all the pathways that might be an option for you, as well as information on the jobs and careers within these...
Support Active Travel with TfGM’s Youth Travel Ambassadors
In this article, hear from Claire, Ambar, Daniel, Libby and Megan, who are Transport for Greater Manchester’s Youth Travel Ambassadors on what the programme is, the changes they can make and the skills they have developed.What is the Youth Travel Ambassador (YTA)...

Read about real people’s careers
You can learn a lot from reading about other people’s experiences in the workplace and the career options they chose to get there. Explore some examples below.