After The Exam Results… What Next?

What now?’ and ‘Where do I go from here?’ Jenny Rush, Downpatrick-based Deputy Head of Operations in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service Northern Ireland, has congratulated all students in making a big effort with their exam results and answers some frequently asked questions which are raised with careers advisers at this time of year. Q.         What can the Careers Service offer me? A. The Careers Service has a team of experienced professionally qualified Careers Advisers who are available to provide free and impartial careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults.  While this help is available throughout the year, it is even more important at exam results time that young people get access to good support and sound advice to enable them to make the right next step. Careers Advisers can provide advice and guidance on a range of topics including, choosing a career, going to college, training opportunities, going to university, finding a job and how to write a CV.  Careers Advisers are located in Careers Offices, Jobs and Benefit Offices and Jobcentres throughout Northern Ireland. We also have Careers Resources Centres in Belfast, Dungannon and Londonderry. FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING THEIR A-LEVEL RESULTS [caption id="attachment_27068" align="alignright" width="400" caption="Downpatrick-based Deputy Head of Careers Service Operation Jenny Rush pictured with Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. (Photo: Michael Cooper)."][/caption] Q.         I did not achieve the required results for my chosen universities.  What are my options? A.       There are a number of possibilities available and these will depend on your own individual circumstances so speak to your Careers Adviser regarding other options that might be best for you.  This could include an alternative degree course, a different university or college, alternative qualifications, an apprenticeship, employment or self employment, a gap year or maybe re-sits. You can also discuss with your school the possibility of re-marks Q.          I hear that there are very few jobs for graduates. Is there any value in going to university and studying for a further 3 or 4 years? A.           The job situation for graduates is difficult this year but indications are that the current economic situation is temporary. It is important, therefore, that you base your career decisions on future potential rather than the current circumstances. Industry Factsheets are available to assist with occupational choice and career decision making.  The Factsheets provide information on job prospects, relevant skills and entry requirements for a variety of occupations and are available on the Careers Service website and from Careers Advisers. FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING THEIR GCSE RESULTS Q.         I want to stay on at school but I did not attain enough GCSE’s to take my ‘A’ Levels, what can I do? A.         Take stock of your current situation. Some points to be aware of: – *            Do your GCSE grades reflect your academic potential? *            Are you sure that ‘A’ Levels are the best route for you? *            Should you consider remarks or resits?  Your school can help in the first instance with this option. *            You may be able to go to a different school to do ‘A’ Levels as entry requirements vary dramatically from school to school. *            Consider whether you can achieve your career goals by studying an alternative course to ‘A’ levels? Think carefully. Discuss your plans with your Careers Adviser who will advise on all the options open to you. Q.         What can I do at a Further Education college? A.         Further Education colleges offer you the opportunity to study from a wide range of full time courses to suit your career path. You can choose from a range of options including ‘A’ Levels, GCSE, NVQ, BTEC First and National Qualifications, etc. Your Careers Adviser would be happy to talk you through the options in Further Education Colleges. All the colleges will be holding information and advice days once the results are issued so it may be a good idea to visit the colleges to get more details. To locate your nearest FE College log on to http://www.anic.ac.uk Q.         Is there any financial support if I decide to go to a Further Education college or to remain at school? A.         If you decide to stay on at school or go to a Further Education college in Northern Ireland you may be entitled to an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA). EMA is a fortnightly payment of up to £60 and paid directly to young people from households with an income of £33,950 or less who stay on in education.  Further information on EMA is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk or by phone on 0845 601 7646. Q.         What about training? A.         If the idea of a more practical route to the job of your choice appeals to you then training is an option to consider. Training for Success provides you with an opportunity to gain the skills necessary for employment. It lets you enter at the level that matches your needs, develops your employability skills and allows you to gain nationally recognised qualifications.  However, as you learn skills and get into work, you can move to higher levels. It gives you a flexible way of working with employers and training suppliers to ensure that you get quality training. You will receive an allowance of £40 per week. For more information log onto www.nidirect.gov.uk/trainingforsuccess ApprenticeshipsNI gives you the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised skills and qualifications while in employment.  Further information can be obtained from www.nidirect.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsNI Q.         Is employment an option? A.     If you really feel that full time education or training is not for you, employment may be an option.  In the current economic downturn job opportunities for school leavers may be limited. Vacancies are advertised in JobCentres, Job and Benefit offices, online at www.jobcentreonline.com in local and provincial newspapers and through recruitment agencies. Careers Advisers can help you to perfect your job hunting skills help with job applications and CVs, and to prepare for interviews. More information and details of how to contact your local Careers Adviser are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/results or phone 0300 200 7820.]]>