Not enjoying college? Discover a post-16 pathway that works for you

It’s been a month since many young people in Wales started their college journey. For some, the new setting feels like the perfect fit. But for others, it might not be the experience they hoped. If you’re questioning whether they’ve made the right choice, rest assured that you’re not alone. You may be feeling uncertain about the course you’ve chosen or realising that the traditional classroom environment just isn’t for you – this is a lot more common than you might think.

Thousands of learners every year find themselves in a similar position. The good news is there are alternative pathways that can offer more flexibility, practical learning and hands-on experience.

One such option is Jobs Growth Wales + (JGW+), a training and development programme for 16- to 19-year-olds, delivered by leading training provider ACT.

JGW+ helps young people build confidence, gain qualifications and develop skills that prepare them for an apprenticeship, employment or even starting their own business.

The programme is designed to suit learners at different stages:

• Engagement is a starting point for those who are unsure of their next step and need extra guidance or confidence-building.

• Advancement supports learners with a clearer idea of their career interests, helping them gain sector-specific skills.

• Employment helps young people move straight into the world of work, with real-life placements supported by training and learning.

If you’re unsure of your post-16 journey, the Advancement or Engagement routes can provide exactly what’s needed – a fresh start in a supportive environment.

For former JGW+ learner, Ethan Smith, this support, particularly when he his career path was uncertain, helped him stay motivated.

“I started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,” he explained. “But JGW+ and ACT have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn’t know was meant for me.”

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. “I suggested he try out hairdressing,” she said. “From day one, it just clicked for him. He’s thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.”

Ethan says the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

“As a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.”

You can read Ethan’s journey in full – from first day to job placement – here.

If you’re unsure about your post-16 path, remember, there are plenty of options out there and it’s okay to change things up to find your perfect fit. With Jobs Growth Wales +, you can reset, refocus and move towards a future that works for you.

Find out whether Jobs Growth Wales + is the perfect fit for you here.