What should you think about before you apply?

When you are going to choose upper secondary education and training, it is a good idea to give some thought to which options you have and which limitations you may meet. What should you think about before you apply, and how does your choice affect the future?

Live at home or move?

Is the education programme you are most interested in, provided where you live? If not, you must consider whether you are willing to spend time on long journeys, or whether you would like to leave home. Some schools have dormitories. If your travelling time between home and school comes to more than three hours per day, or the distance is at least 40 km, you may receive a housing grant from the State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen).

What are the requirements for admission?

It can be difficult to be admitted to some of the educational programmes. The grade requirements vary from year to year, according to how many people apply. So examine how many points are needed to be admitted to the education programme you want, but remember that the number of points needed may change from year to year.

May I make a new choice if I have made the wrong choice?

Perhaps you think that the choices you have to make seem scary. If it turns out that you have made the wrong choice, it is possible to change your mind once and make one and get an extra year of education. This means that you can choose an education programme/ programme area once more.

How easy is it to get a job after finishing my education?

The need for workers in the different occupations varies from year to year. You should not therefore choose a profession or vocation on the basis of how easy it is just now to get a job. At the same time, it is important that you do not educate yourself for unemployment. Gather as good information as you can about occupations that are needed.

How long does it take before I can start working?

If you want to choose one of the education programmes that give you university admissions certification after three years, you should be motivated for further theoretical subjects. General studies education programmes do not lead directly to a vocation or profession. This means that it takes longer before you are ready to enter working life.

What can I expect concerning career, pay and working environment?

Perhaps you wonder whether it is possible to «get ahead» after you have been employed for a period of time. Try to find out which opportunities there may be in the vocation or profession you are interested in choosing. Everybody wants to have a good income but well-being, the working environment and the feeling that you are doing something worthwhile may be just as important factors for how you are going to enjoy working life.

You should also examine what the working hours are like. Is there a lot of travel? Is shift work usual in the profession or vocation you are interested in? Are you prepared for that?