11 – 15 years
Get advice, help and support from GMACS to get you thinking about your careers and education choices.
Meet your education choices
You can choose from a wide range of options for education and training. You’ll need to make a choice when you finish your GCSEs, so learn about all the different options now.
If you’d like to go on to further education, you could choose to take A levels, T levels, or BTECs – or a combination of these.
Or you could kickstart your career with an apprenticeship.
Opportunities and support
There are lots of opportunities for you to experience working life in Greater Manchester. And there are lots of support programs designed to help you transition along your career journey. See some of the options tailored specifically for you below.
#Beewell Needs Your Voice
#BeeWell depends on young people to help us improve youth well-being in Greater Manchester. Your voice matters to them. if you're aged between 12 and 16 and want to influence the lives of young people, join the #BeeWell Youth Steering Group. With your help, the...
Virtual Work Experience and Opportunities with JD
Dominate the High Street – Virtual Work Experience with JD This virtual work experience programme from JD features over 6 hours of content and explores lots of different roles available at JD, and how you can get involved. In the programme, you could uncover JD’s...
Style your future with Kleek Apprenticeships
Want to be a hairdresser, barber or beauty therapist? Then access all the information you need from Kleek Apprenticeships' digital resource. It includes an overview presentation, comprehensive Apprenticeship Guide, course information, career paths and success stories,...
Get connected with travel around Greater Manchester
If you’re under 16, you can use an igo card to keep your travel costs down. The igo card allows you to use child tickets on buses in Greater Manchester. You can also use it as proof of age for travelling by tram with a child ticket.
To qualify for an igo card, you must:
- Be aged between 5 and 16
- Be a permanent resident of Greater Manchester, or go to school here
Your igo card will last until the end of August after your 16th birthday. It costs £10 to apply.
Discover careers and jobs events
Greater Manchester is packed full of careers, jobs, and education events that you can attend to help you discover what options you might like to take. See some events designed for you below or see what’s in your area.
National Apprenticeship and Education Event: North West
Date: 10/03/2026
Time: 9.30am - 3pm
Suitable for: Students, parents, teachers
The National Apprenticeship and Education Event: North West - Manchester invites you to an inspiring, face-to-face event that connects employers, universities, colleges, and training providers in a welcoming and interactive setting.
Get more advice and support on our blog
Read blog posts and articles from people just like you, as well as posts with expert advice from people in industry and education.
Advice on How To Start Your Small Business From the Young People Doing It
As it was recently Small Business Saturday, it got us thinking about what being a young entrepreneur in Greater Manchester feels like. Starting your own business can feel like a scary prospect, especially if you don’t have anyone in your life that works as a...
Coronation Street Turns 65: Could This Iconic Soap Help You Discover Your Career in TV?
This week marks 65 years since Coronation Street first made it to our screens. As the world’s first and longest running soap, not only is it setting records, but it has also put Greater Manchester on the map. Its popularity is all thanks to the drama it serves. The...
Celebrating GM Greats – How Their Career Could Influence Yours: L.S. Lowry
Greater Manchester can proudly proclaim that it is the home of many talented people. Many individuals from GM are celebrated for the work they have done or are doing. This is a huge testament to the range of skills and abilities of the people belonging to the region....
Hear from real people about their careers
We’ve spoken to some people about their careers – how they got started, what choices they made, and what they like and dislike. Reading about other people’s experiences can help you make better decisions – explore some examples below.
