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.

A group of young people studying together in a room.

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.

Explore a range of courses with the King’s Trust

Explore a range of courses with the King’s Trust

The King’s Trust offer a huge range of support and free courses across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas. Click below to explore all of their courses and see what’s available in your area. There are courses available in getting hired in a huge range of...

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Ignition Summer School 2025 – University of Salford

Ignition Summer School 2025 – University of Salford

From the 9th-11th July 2025  Year 12 students from across Greater Manchester are invited to become a Salford engineering student, becoming part of a race team and constructing a remote-controlled car all the way from concept design through to physical construction....

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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.

Greater Manchester’s Festival of Technical Education

Greater Manchester’s Festival of Technical Education

Date: 30/06/2025
Time: 30th June - 11th July
Suitable for: Anyone interested in technical education

The Greater Manchester Festival of Technical Education starts in June 2025! Join us for two weeks of virtual and in-person events celebrating student achievements in technical education.

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Health Careers Live – National Health Careers Conference 2025

Health Careers Live – National Health Careers Conference 2025

Date: 05/07/2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Suitable for: Aspiring & current health care professionals

Join the UK's largest conference for aspiring and current health & care professionals! A day filled with inspiring talks, interactive workshops, simulation, exhibition areas and networking zones with key organisations and health leaders.

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Pilot Careers Live Manchester

Pilot Careers Live Manchester

Date: 12/07/2025
Time: 10am-4pm
Suitable for: All ages

Pilot Careers Live is an exciting career event which brings together leading flight training companies, training experts and pilots in one venue, to offer the best possible advice on what it takes to becoming a professional pilot.

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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.

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.