A-level results: what's next?

As the dust settles on A level results day, a careers advice service is urging students not to make any rash decisions.

It comes after 18 thousand UK students dropped out of University after the first year of study in 2022.

Justin Kerr, Head of Careers Service at the Department for the Economy, is advising young people receiving their results, and their parents, to make use of the free impartial advice and guidance offered by the Department’s Careers Service.

“For many young people, receiving their exam results today will be the culmination of years of hard work, some of which will have been extremely challenging during the pandemic. This day marks the next step in their career journey and the need to take sound decisions will be of vital importance to their effective career planning."

“There will be those receiving results who will be delighted with what they have achieved and will have a clear pathway for their next steps."

I know that there will also be others who may be facing disappointment and be unsure of where to turn for advice on the best way forward."

"I want to reassure everyone that advice and guidance is available and the Careers Service is ready to help you access the path best suited to realise your career ambitions.”

Justin continued: “The Careers Service can offer impartial advice and guidance on career pathways including further and higher education, training and employment including apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships and traineeships as well as help and guidance on applying for employment, either full-time or whilst studying."

For immediate advice and guidance contact the Careers Service by calling 0300 200 7820, lines are open 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Careers Advisers can also be contacted by webchat or email by going to nidirect at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers