Cambridgeshire County Council and many local education providers have teamed up with the UCAS Progress team so young people can use the new service which replaces Cambs Coursefinder.
UCAS is best known for managing university applications, but UCAS Progress is for younger students looking beyond GCSEs at courses like BTECs, A levels and apprenticeships.
Students can search for courses (perhaps with the help of parents of teachers) then go on to save the ones that appeal to them, and share them with friends, family and advisers.
They can then make applications via the UCAS Progress website for a range of opportunities, with just one application. With an easy step-by-step guide students can work on their application in stages, and once submitted, track its progress.
Cambridgeshire is one of 58 local authority areas in England using the new system, which is provided by UCAS – best known for handling university applications.
Neighbouring Peterborough Regional College is also using the system to bring its courses to young people in the area.
Gina Bradbury, Head of UCAS Progress said: “We’re very excited to be working with Cambridgeshire County Council and local education providers, to help young people make informed applications and make the most of the opportunities open to them.
“With so many changes within education, and new responsibilities for schools and colleges, we have worked to develop a service that is effective for students and those supporting them.”
There are 69 education providers in Cambridgeshire, offering over 3,700 courses or learning opportunities; and annually there are approximately 6,000 young people in the county making post-16 education choices.
The UCAS Progress site has had over 35,000 visits since launching as an application service on 1 October.
For more information contact the UCAS Progress team on 0871 468 2568 or email ucasprogress@ucas.ac.uk.
UCAS is a registered charity and the organisation responsible for managing applications to universities and colleges in the UK.
UCAS Progress is a unit within UCAS. It was formed in 2011, bringing together UCAS 14-19 and S-cool Ltd, and seven years’ experience in delivering Area Wide Prospectuses (AWPs) and the Common Application Process (CAP), as well as work experience and e-ILP (individual learning plan) products.
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For more information call UCAS Press Officer James Woodward on 01242 545469 or email j.woodward@ucas.ac.uk