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.
Enter the All About Stem North West Competition
The All About STEM Competition invites learners aged 9 – 16 from across the North West of England to design a new product, idea, item, or approach that solves a problem facing our world, or the people in it. This could be a robot home assistant, a support solution for...
Have Your Say with the Youth Voice Census 2025
If you’re aged 11-30, the Youth Voice Census is the space for you to share your voice and make change. Whether you're in school, starting an apprenticeship, working, or figuring things out - your voice matters! Your feedback helps create real-world change, including...
Have Your Say on Apprenticeships and Accommodation
By filling out this survey, you can have your say on the important issue of accommodation for apprentice students. The “Our House” project will ‘level the playing field’ so that all young people, whether they take an academic or technical educational route, can live...
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.
Experian Live Online Next Step Career Challenge
Date: 14/05/2025
Time: Starts 5pm
Suitable for: Year 10-13 & FE
Join this live career challenge event with Digdata and Experian.
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.
Travelling Safely and Responsibly During the Easter Holidays
The Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership are encouraging young people across the region to travel safely and responsibly when out and about during the Easter Holidays. A new campaign, which includes CCTV footage of real-life crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB)...
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...
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.
