With thousands of pupils set to receive their GCSE results today, Careers Wales is advising young people to take time to consider all the options available to them. In a difficult climate of unemployment, cuts and changes to university structure, many Welsh teens will be confused about the best path to take after compulsory education. Here, chief executive of Careers Wales, Trina Neilson, explains the wealth of possibilities open to young people questioning their next stepsIT is vital that young people take their time and put thought into their options, and where each path will lead to. For example, if you decide to stay in full-time education, think carefully about the subjects and courses you wish to take, make sure they are right for you, and look at where they will lead and how they will help your future employability.
There are also a variety of routes into the workplace, including apprenticeships which can be started at any age. It’s important that whatever route you take, at this stage you should ensure it includes some level of formal learning and qualifications.Careers Wales can help with more information on all the options available. There is a local, free advice service where a dedicated careers adviser will provide specialist advice and support for every individual situation.
Options available after GCSEs include...
Continuing in full-time education You may be thinking of continuing your studies, possibly at a sixth form or at a local college.There are different types of courses to choose from, so speak to your Careers Wales adviser if you need help and advice on choosing a course.If you want to study at A-level or Level 3 such as National Diplomas or NVQ Level 3 you will usually need a minimum of four or five GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent for entry.These courses usually take one or two years to complete and can lead on to higher education or different employment options, providing you get the required grades.If you haven’t got as many exam passes as you hoped, you can consider courses at Entry Level, Foundation Level or Intermediate Level such as National Certificates, NVQ Level 1 or Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Level. These courses can all lead on to higher level courses or work and training.
Jobs and training If you are keen to get into the world of work, getting a job with training such as apprenticeships or foundation apprenticeships could be the answer.You will gain a recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) and receive a learning allowance or wage. It is worth remembering that if you receive a learning allowance, your family will also be able to claim child benefit (call the Child Benefit Helpline 0845 302 1444).Apprenticeships are a respected route to starting a career – you will be paid, have a good grounding in that business or organisation and gain skills and qualifications. You will usually need at least four or five GCSEs at grade C or above. Vacancies for apprenticeships vary between areas – your Careers Wales adviser can tell you more about opportunities where you live or check out the Apprenticeship Matching Service and apply for vacancies direct at www.careerswales.com.
There is also the option of Pathways to Apprenticeship, which provides full-time training with work experience. It is a good option if employer apprenticeship places are not immediately available and will prepare you for a full apprenticeship. Speak to your Careers Wales adviser for more information on the types of pathways available or go online at www.careerswales.com.
Traineeships are also available which could help prepare you for an apprenticeship or further training. Again, there are different types and levels of traineeships available, which a Careers Wales adviser can tell you more about.Some employers also offer their own training schemes which can be an excellent option. When looking at jobs, always look at whether training is provided as that will offer you the best opportunities for success in the long term.
Self-employment
You may have a good idea for a business of your own – remember, you need to be very committed and determined to succeed, and to do a lot of research and planning. There are organisations that specialise in helping young people to set up businesses – talk to your Careers Wales adviser for more information.
Youth Gateway
If you need some extra help and support before applying for a course, job or training, Youth Gateway can help you with identifying and developing skills, job search, making applications and choosing suitable options.
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