UCAS, the universities and colleges admissions service, has launched a new online application scheme enabling pupils aged 16 and younger to apply for apprenticeships and training programmes as well as traditional sixth form courses.
The scheme, which sees the non-profit admissions company extend its remit beyond traditional university and college applications, is called UCAS Progress, and will particularly target students about to enter Key Stage 5 – the two years of education immediately following GCSEs.
“It’s about helping all young people, with a direct thread into higher education,” said Gina Bradbury, head of the new scheme. “If people are going to make the right choices on the way to higher education from their GCSEs, it’s very important to engage with young people earlier.”
Over four thousand further education providers including schools, University Technical Colleges and other training providers are listed on the new platform, which features nearly 200,000 courses to which students can apply.
“It’s something higher education institutions are keen on – widening participation, and increasing information,” said Bradbury. “We also want to help people who won’t go on to higher education, as we expect an increased need for people to find work-based learning in the future."
Source: 1st October 2012, The Telegraph, Andrew Marszal, Education Digital Editor
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