Pupils and families considering their options after A-level, AS and vocational results are being directed to the Careers Service, with GCSE results due to follow on 20 August. The Department for the Economy said its advisers can discuss routes into further education, higher education, training and employment. The service is available to help people consider the choices open to them after results day.
DfE said the Careers Service has 78 advisers. Support is available by telephone and webchat as well as through the advice offered by the service. The department has highlighted the provision at a point when students who have received results may be deciding between different education, training and employment pathways.
Further education, higher education, training and employment are all among the areas that advisers can discuss. The service is intended to support consideration of next steps rather than to direct students towards a single route. For those awaiting GCSE results, the department said the results are due on 20 August, extending the period in which families may be weighing their options.
The announcement follows the release of A-level, AS and vocational results. DfE has emphasised that careers support remains available after results have been received, including to people who need to assess alternatives. Its message is also directed at parents and families, who may be involved in decisions about education and work after school or college.
The service’s telephone and webchat options provide routes to speak with or seek assistance from advisers. DfE has identified its 78 advisers as the people providing the careers support. Advice can cover the different pathways cited by the department, from continued study in further or higher education to training or employment.
With another results date approaching on 20 August, the department has reiterated the availability of support rather than tying it only to A-level and AS results. Pupils and families can use the Careers Service while considering their individual next steps. The information is intended to signpost a public service for decisions following exam outcomes, across education, training and employment options.