Exam results – what’s next?

Exam results are a momentous occasion for young people and the decisions they take following results day will have a huge impact on their future.  As a result, it’s important that young people have as much information as possible about the jobs and opportunities available to them so that they can make an informed decision about which path to take in learning, training or employment.

Apprenticeships are one of the options available. These can open the doors for young people to around 1,500 job roles –  from advertising to nuclear decommissioning!  To find out about apprenticeship options visit: www.leedspathways.org.uk/work

Colleges and sixth forms are also good options for post-16. In most cases, you may already have an offer or a conditional offer for a place on a course starting in September. If you don’t have a place yet or if you didn’t get the results you needed, it’s not too late.

Clearing is one of the options available to young people if they don’t get a place on their on the university course they applied for. More information about the clearing process is available on the UCAS website:  http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/results

What if I don’t have a place yet or I didn’t get the results I needed for my course?

It’s not too late to get sorted for September.

• Talk to your college, sixth form or provider as they may be able to help by adjusting the course you’re on and offering you advice.
• Find short courses and study programmes on the Getting Started pages on Leeds Pathways: http://www.leedspathways.org.uk/getting-started/
• Drop in to see an advisor at the Connexions Centre in Eastgate to get some help – be sure to ask about the Youth Contract. http://www.leedspathways.org.uk/connexions

If you’re a parent looking for help you can find more information here: http://www.leedstandp.org.uk/assets/files/Home/For_everyone/1.%20Year%2010%20Parents%20leaflet.pdf

There is also Connexions Opportunities Day at Connexions Centre, No1 Eastgate, Leeds on 22 August which brings together all the options and advice around colleges, apprenticeships and training providers. There will be providers with live opportunities signing students up on the day, and short sessions on job searching and CVs.  http://www.leedspathways.org.uk/assets/files/News/OpportunitiesDay.pdf

There is also a special event at Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square on 29 August for young people to find out more about the 130 live vacancies in Leeds for Business Admin Apprenticeships  – the classic ‘foot in the door’ with good employers which can lead to many different careers. A link to the event can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-administration-apprenticeship-event-registration-12428165979?aff=es2&rank=6

If you’re thinking of taking a gap year to consider your options then our Jobshops can help you find work, teach you how to write a CV or prepare for interviews. There are a huge number of opportunities available in over 170 industries: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Jobshops.aspx

What do you think about the post-results day opportunities for young people in Leeds? Join the discussion on twitter @child_leeds #leedsresults, or let us know  by leaving a comment below…