This page provides students with access to information, links, and resources essential for navigating their career paths and gaining a valuable head start in building their professional futures.
Explore your options
There is more than one way into a career. Learning is not a direct path; it is fluid. Make the decisions that seem right to you and then learn from the experience. If you find yourself on the wrong path, or your likes and dislikes change it is important to adapt and grow. Keep the communication lines open between your family, tutors and the Admissions Department (so, they can enrol you on to the right choices and sort your timetable.)
Whether you decide to go into Employment, Apprenticeship, or Higher Education (University), even if you change your mind about the courses you are taking you will have gained skills that can be adapted to the future ahead of you and St. Davids College will help you find your way.
Unifrog
- Online careers platform
- Brings into one place every university course and apprenticeship in the UK – compare and make choices
- Access to other opportunities, such as MOOCs and extra reading
- Careers profiles to help students decide on their vocation
Careers Wales
- Online careers/ job platform partially funded by the Welsh government.
- Plan your journey into a career.
- Look at options for post 16yo and 18yo to see how to get work experience, jobs, and see if apprenticeships are the way forward
Russell Group: Informed Choices
- Platform to explore Uni choices
- What you study at college can affect your options at university.
- Use ‘Informed Choices’ to help you understand which subjects open up different degrees, particularly at Russell Group universities.
Care Leavers Thinking of Uni
- Information on what to expect if you’re in/ or were in care.
- What support can care experienced students get in higher education?
- If you are estranged from your parents- what help can you get?
- Refugees and asylum-seeking
UCAS
- Online platform whose main focus is University (but they’re expanding to Degree Apprenticeships)
- Explore by region, subject, employer…
Going to University?
Each year over 400 students progress to university. We are here to support you through making that step, and there are many opportunities available to you, to make a good decision.
During your first year at St David’s you will have career and university advice available to you. This includes progression advice from your Pastoral Tutor, access to opportunities through the destinations team, and support on beginning your UCAS application towards the end of your first year.
By the end of your first year, you should begin researching courses and universities, familiarise yourself with the websites and resources, and begin creating your UCAS account.
In the Upper Sixth, you are allocated a Progression Mentor. This member of staff is responsible for helping you make decisions about your progression and if applicable, guiding you through the university admissions process. They will help you create drafts of your personal statement and support your online UCAS application.
Russell Group and Sutton Trust Universities
The Russell Group and Sutton Trust universities comprise of the top universities across the UK. They are committed to the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research. St David’s College students consistently gain places to Russell Group and Sutton Trust universities including King’s College London, the University of Bristol, the University of Exeter, University College London, and of course, Cardiff University.
University Ready
A collection of resources from all of Wales’ universities to help you get started with higher education, from the Open University. These can help you research, and prepare for university life.
Future Options & Vocations Evening
In the spring, St David’s hosts an information evening for students and parents wishing to find out more about the vast array of options available to them after completing their studies at St David’s, including advice on UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The evening covers everything from personal statements, to student finance and the importance of work experience.
Work Experience
Throughout the year students are encouraged to take part in work experience at local businesses. Work experience is not only a valuable learning opportunity and an excellent insight into working life, it also enables students to stand out on their UCAS personal statements and on job applications. Various opportunities are communicated to students by email.
The Launchpad provides employability and apprenticeship advice.
Each year students progress to employment to start their careers. We are here to support you through making those steps, and there are many opportunities available to you, to make a good decision and work through the process.
You will benefit from one-to-one support, group workshops and opportunities to network with employers throughout the year. By engaging with the Launchpad, you will gain knowledge and skills to ensure you are prepared for the competitive nature of the working world.
If you’re looking for advice on Apprenticeship pathways, the Launchpad is where you can get some help.
You will benefit from one-to-one support, group workshops and opportunities to network with employers throughout the year. By engaging with the Launchpad, you will gain knowledge and skills to ensure you are prepared for the competitive nature of the working world.
Careers Wales
Careers Wales are available every Thursday afternoon within the Launchpad for career advice and guidance. Scheduling outside of these times can be arranged if this day/time does not suit your timetable. Careers Wales offers you:
- Online careers/ job platform partially funded by the Welsh government.
- Plan your journey into a career.
- Look at options for post-16 to 19 year-old’s to see how to get work experience, and jobs, and see if apprenticeships are the way forward.
Look for Opportunities
Look for Apprenticeships
