Don’t panic, there are plenty of other options

GCSE 2008

Don’t panic! That’s the message for hundreds of young people across Oldham who get their GCSE results today.

The Learning and Skills Council is urging them to make the most of their options and not to panic about what to do next.

John Temple, the council’s Greater Manchester director said: “You may wish to stay in full-time education. But even if you are certain full-time learning is for you, there are still a variety of paths you can take.

“As well as moving on to sixth form to take A-levels you might want to look at the range of further education now available at colleges which offer a whole host of courses, many with a vocational aspect, in a range of subjects and at many different levels – there really is something for everyone.”

Getting a job doesn’t mean you have to stop learning, he added.

There are over 180 apprenticeships in over 80 industries from accounting to beauty therapy, electrical engineering to floristry and much more.

Education Maintenance Allowances can give young people up to £30 a week during term time.

He said: “Get advice on your next step from Connexions or your local college.

“Once you know what you have achieved you can start to make exciting decisions about your future.

“No matter what happens — whether or not your results are what you expected — it is important to know that there are plenty of learning and career options out there.

It really is just the beginning!”

Log on to www.connexionsdirect.com or www.apprenticeships.org.uk or www.ema.direct.gov.uk