Thinking about your Options?
Start shaping your future with the right choices.
Explore how the subjects and skills you’re learning now can lead to exciting, high-earning careers in Digital Technology, Business & Finance—one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most powerful sectors. From building the next big app to running global companies, trading millions on the stock market or creating viral digital content, this is where creativity, logic and ambition turn into serious money and real influence.
Check what’s available at your school and remember: choosing a strong mix of creative, technical and analytical subjects keeps your options wide open and your future full of possibilities.
Core subjects
What to study?
Relevant Year 9 Options Subjects
Closely Linked Subjects
💼 Business – Builds understanding of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and how companies really work.
💻 Computer Science – Core coding and programming skills that open doors to software development, AI and tech giants.
🌍 Geography – Key for logistics, global trade, data mapping, GIS systems and understanding international markets.
🎨 Graphics – Essential for UI/UX design, branding, advertising and digital content creation.
📸 Photography – Highly relevant for social media management, e-commerce visuals and digital marketing campaigns.
💻 Computer Science – Key for introducing basic coding concepts through play, using educational software, and understanding digital tools in modern early years settings.
Linked Subjects
🍽️ Food Preparation & Nutrition – Links to food retail, supply-chain tech and hospitality business systems.
✂️ Hair & Beauty – Connects to salon management software, beauty e-commerce and influencer marketing.
🏛️ History – Develops research and analytical skills useful in economics and business strategy.
🙏 Religious Education – Builds cultural awareness vital for global business and international finance roles.
🧵 Textiles – Relevant for fashion retail, e-commerce platforms and supply-chain technology.
🗺️ Travel & Tourism – Directly ties into online booking systems, travel tech startups and tourism marketing.
Career areas
Unlock Careers in Digital Technology, Business & Finance
See the high-paying, future-proof roles you can unlock with this gateway—from creating the apps everyone uses to managing multimillion-pound companies.
The table below highlights 10 of the most popular and diverse roles currently in huge demand—perfect starting points for your future.
Career Areas within this Gateway |
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| 💹 Accountant
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🏦 Bank Manager
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🎥 Content Creator
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| 💻 Web Designer
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📊 Data Analyst
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📷 Photographer
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| 💻 Software Developer
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🕵️♂️ Ethical Hacker
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📈 Business Analyst
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Post-16 opportunities
T Levels are a two-year qualification equivalent to three A Levels and combine classroom learning with an extended in-depth industry placement lasting at least 45 days. On completion, progression can be onto Higher / Degree apprenticeships, university or employment.
The course is offered at:
NSCG – View All Courses | NSCG
Stoke on Trent College – T Levels – Stoke-on-Trent College :Stoke-on-Trent College
A-levels are a 2-year programme ideal for students who want to study 3 subjects in depth and plan to progress onto university or a Higher apprenticeship. They can be a great option for learners who enjoy learning facts and theories, are good at exam assessment and are good at doing independent learning and research outside of the classroom.</>
Maths and Physics are important subjects for Engineering. Other relevant subjects include: Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Maths, Product Design
A levels are offered at the following local colleges and 6th Forms:
NSCG – A Levels and A+ Programmes | NSCG
City of Stoke on Trent 6th Form College – Courses Archive – City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
St Thomas More – Sixth Form – St Thomas More Catholic Academy
St Josephs College – Sixth Form – St Joseph’s College
St Margaret Ward – Sixth Form Courses | St Margaret Ward
Apprenticeships can be a great option for learners who are ready for the work place and are sure about the job they want to pursue. Learners will have to find an employer to take them on by searching for apprenticeship vacancies and going through the employer’s recruitment process. Employers are generally looking for applicants who are self motivated, have a good standard of maths and English and are reliable and passionate about achieving their goals.
Search for Engineering & manufacturing vacancies by postcode Browse apprenticeships before you apply
Pre-apprenticeships are ideal for learners who want an apprenticeship but may not yet be work ready. Need to improve your maths and English, develop your confidence or gain some relevant work experience? If so, a pre-apprenticeship at a local training provider could be right for you.
Martec Training offer motor vehicle pre-apprenticeships Motor Vehicle Courses – Martec Training