Today's education system offers so much choice that young people are faced with a bewildering array of study options.

It can be just as daunting for parents struggling to keep up to date with the full range of qualifications available. But parents will need to stay in touch if they want to help their children get the best out of life.

There are no tuition fees for full-time further education students at Coleg Gwent, regardless of age. Financial help is available for higher education courses with schemes such as bursaries and student loans, which can make a big difference to the individual concerned.

Student advisers at Coleg Gwent campuses can provide more information about these schemes and other grants that might help with the costs of going to college. There is also a subsidised transport scheme and many students are entitled to free bus travel.

When it comes to choosing subjects, colleges and schools now offer broader and more flexible programmes of study so that there is something to suit everyone.

The traditional A-level courses have been split into units to create AS and A2-levels.

There are Key Skills and job-related qualifications such as General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs). There is also the option of a package combining vocational A-levels with more traditional forms of study.

Coleg Gwent is one of the colleges chosen to pilot the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, which gives 16 to 18-year-olds the option of studying core subjects such as Europe and the world, and work-related education as well as existing qualifications.

Many colleges also offer higher education courses in some subjects, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and foundation degrees which can give students a head start if they decide to go on to a degree course.

HNC courses include engineering, business, building technology, sport, animal care and computing. Foundation degrees, effectively two-thirds of a full degree, are offered across a wide range of subjects and are proving very successful.

Coleg Gwent is by far the largest further education college in Wales, which means there are thousands of courses to choose from.

But, more importantly, the college can provide advice and guidance to help the individual school leaver make the right decision.

Nowadays there are different routes to university that may involve a National Diploma course, instead of A2-levels, or the option of taking a HNC or HND first.

Not all school leavers are destined for university and some may prefer to embark on specialised training for their careers.

Others still not sure which path to follow, can choose a package that allows them to keep their options open.

To cater for such students, many vocational courses focus on specific career progression yet have sufficient academic content to give the student entry to university, thus keeping both doors open.

Coleg Gwent offers all kinds of subjects, from engineering to theatrical make-up and from childcare to countryside management, taught by dedicated staff.

It has a proud record of success when it comes to getting the right results.

AS and A2-level pass rates for full-time students are above both the Welsh and UK average and the college can also boast 100 per cent pass rates in many subjects.

Those excellent results were highlighted in the last inspection report on general education, which referred to highly motivated students, challenging yet supportive teaching and well-planned programmes of study.

The impressive pass rates are regularly accompanied by excellent results for vocational and occupational qualifications.

Thanks to its size, the college can provide some of the most advanced facilities in the country. Millions of pounds have been spent on improvements and more dramatic changes will be taking place over the next few years.

New developments have included a health and science centre, modern hair and beauty salons, an animal care centre and equestrian facilities.

Other projects are in the pipeline, including a brand new construction centre and new learning resource centres that will contain the latest high-tech equipment such as interactive electronic whiteboards.

Potential students are being urged to enrol as soon as possible to get a place on their preferred course.

Thinking ahead will enable students to weigh up all the options as well as look around the different campuses.

This year, enrolment starts at 10am on Wednesday, August 20. Skills

School leavers hunting for their first step on the career ladder should look no further than t2 Skills.

The Newport-based training provider offers a five-week Foundation Modern Apprenticeship training course to help young people make the successful transition between school and full-time employment. And school-leavers who sign up for the course with t2 Skills get paid from day one.

The training programme will equip each candidate with a set of core skills, from IT, communication and interpersonal skills through to CV writing and interview techniques. As part of the course, trainees can access Learn Direct and achieve qualifications in Internet Technology or the ECDL (European Community Driving Licence) that will enable them to use any office-based software package. At the end of the course, t2 Skills finds each candidate a work-based placement and closely monitors their progress, advising on further training qualifications to further their development.

Rob Marr, managing director of t2 Skills, said: "Foundation Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to prepare those who have just left school for the world of work. We give them all the skills they need to handle the workplace environment, so it does not come as a complete shock to them when they start.

"When the trainee is ready, we find them a work-based placement so that they gain that all-important work experience. Many of our trainees often find that they really enjoy their placements and are often taken on as a permanent member of staff.

"Importantly, we offer help and support throughout the whole process, helping each of our candidates feel confident about starting work and providing advice and mentoring once they do."

For further information about the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship, please contact Mike Ross on 01633 212133.