It’s easy to let worry cloud the vast array of opportunities and resources available to students leaving college or sixth form. Whether you got the results you wanted but no longer want to go to Uni, or whether you got lower results than expected and aren’t sure of your options, know that you are not alone and that there are plenty of experts who have created websites and resources to help you, and who are just a phone call or a tweet away.
Firstly, if you didn’t get into your chosen Universities or if you’re starting to think that academia may not be your thing, then it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through Clearing and that there are other paths you can take.
One such path involves taking an apprenticeship, which is becoming an increasingly popular choice for students across the UK. This could mean taking: an Advanced apprenticeship, which is equivalent to two A-Levels; a Higher apprenticeship, which is a qualification higher than A-Levels but lower than a degree or; a Degree apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a University degree. Approximately 23,000 opportunities are listed on Find An Apprenticeship each month, and these span over a variety of sectors, including: Automotive, Banking, Digital Industries and Chartered Surveying. These opportunities are not only employer-funded, but are also perfect for those who prefer a hands-on approach to education. If this sounds good to you, and you’d like to find out more, then you can either visit The National Apprenticeship Service website, or speak to one of their advisors on 08000 150 600.
If you’re not so sure about apprenticeships, and if you’re instead looking to go straight into employment, then it’d be worth giving The National Careers Service a try. Here, you can get advice on writing an effective CV, receive help when searching for your first job, try your skills out in a practice interview and find out about over 800 jobs 130 industry areas. If you’re looking to retake some of your college qualifications either alongside or instead of going into work, then there’s even a handy ‘Find a Course’ tool which tells you which institutions provide the course you want to study.
Today, on the 18th of August, the day after results day, The National Careers service will be hosting a live Q&A with one of their advisers which will be aired on Twitter (@NationalCareers) from 11am to 1pm and on Facebook from 7pm to 9pm, so be sure to check that out if you have any questions. If you don’t use Facebook or Twitter, or if you don’t get your question answered, don’t fret; you can call up an advisor on 0800 100 900 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
As well as The National Careers Service, there’s also the UCAS Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. These experts provide support to students who received higher or lower exam results than expected, and will help you decide which steps to take next. The helpline is already open from and will remain open until the 31st of August.
So, your future is not determined by your exam result; it’s determined by you. If you are concerned about your results, or if you want to change your path, then know that there are experts out there who are dedicated to helping you make the choice that’s right by you.
- By Papatya O’Reilly
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/papatya-o-reilly-28219477
