TEENAGERS collecting exam results are being encouraged to consider all options for their next career steps.
Meanwhile charity Samaritans Cymru is reminding those waiting for results, and those that care for them, to put wellbeing ahead of grades and ask for help if they’re struggling.
Vocational BTEC results are published today while A level results are released tomorrow, Thursday, August 15 with GCSE results released a week later.
Careers Wales is responsible for the Welsh Government’s Working Wales free service to help people aged 16 and over progress with their career choices and find long-term employment. It provides a single point of contact for young people to access impartial and personalised expert advice, whatever their results.
Data released by Careers Wales shows that, in 2018, 57.72% Year 13 school leavers in Powys progressed to university while 20.4% went into work-based training or other employment. At post 16 42.4% of Powys pupils opted for school after Year 11 while 45.3% opted for college at the end of their GCSE studies.
The annual ‘Destinations of School Leavers’ report surveys students in Years 11, 12 and 13 to collect data on their plans for the next year.
The latest report shows that pupils who chose full time education after Year 11 were more likely to choose college than 6th form, with 6.6% more pupils choosing this route. A higher proportion of females than males chose to remain in school. Most of the cohort from Year 11 (92.1%) went into some form of continued learning (in full time education, part time education or work-based training).
In Year 13, 76% of respondents went into a form of continued learning, with 59.8% of the cohort progressing into higher education. Of this, 7.9% more females than males progressed to higher education.
A total of 12.1% of respondents from Year 13, and 7.8% of Year 11s entered the labour market either going into employment or work-based training.
Nikki Lawrence, Careers Wales chief executive said: “The results day period can be a tense and challenging time for young people across the country. Our goal is to urge them not to panic and make them fully aware of all the options that are available to them.
“Whether you’re considering going into work, continuing with full-time education or wondering how to make the most of a year out, there are now more options than ever available to young people. We have resources and advisers on hand to help you make an informed decision that is the best for you.”
Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams said: “Receiving your GCSE or A-level exam results is a major milestone in most people’s lives and choosing what to do next can be daunting.
“It’s important to be informed about the options available to you and with Start Your Story, whether you want to become an apprentice, continue in education or go straight into work, support and advice is there to help you decide what to do next.
“The best of luck to everyone receiving exam results this summer and however you do, Working Wales is there to help you make the right choice.”
Samaritans Cymru is reminding students and parents alike they are there to offer support for anyone, including those who are anxious or those who don’t get the results they were aiming for.
Where to go for help?
Students and their parents, carers and teachers can also access free advice and support online at www.workingwales.gov.wales.
The Samaritans
Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to a trained volunteers face to face. You can also call the Welsh Language Line for free on 0808 164 0123 (Please visit Samaritans.org for opening times)