A NEW phone line dedicated to school leavers who are worried about their future has been launched.
The Staffordshire County Council initiative, launched to coincide with the end of GCSE exams, provides information, advice and guidance with the next steps in life – and encourages them to not wait until results day to take action.
Although many have applied to college or Sixth Form, thousands of students will be uncertain about their post-16 options.
Molly Wynn, a 19-year-old apprentice at Staffordshire County Council, will be among those working on the helpline.
Having chosen an alternative route after school, she said it was important information was available on the options young people have:
“The message from me is that everyone has a future after school, no matter how their GCSEs went.
“School does not suit everyone but that doesn’t mean that they’re not good enough – they just need the right help.
“There are so many different courses these days, including practical options from apprenticeships to BTECs, that teach you the job-ready skills that employers look for.
“But young people can’t wait until results day to get the best choices, even though that’s really tempting. Many of the college courses and study programmes that teach skills that just aren’t taught in school, including construction, hairdressing or adult social care, are already filling up.
“These are great courses that teach real work skills in an environment that’s more grown up, and friendly and supportive of people’s individual needs.”
Cllr Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
“There is life after school for every young person, whatever their experience of school and whatever they are expecting to get.
“Young people need to stay in education in some form until they’re 18 by law, but there are literally hundreds of options, which is great.
“When school has not been a great experience it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious about your next step. That’s where our helpline comes in. We can help to find out not just what courses could be for you, but also the environment that might be best, too.
“There are many different education and training environments to suit different people, and all have brilliant wellbeing support when you’re there.
“I’d urge anyone who haven’t yet applied to college or feel their GCSEs haven’t gone well to ring the helpline now to get the best advice and best options. Everyone can have a great future after school.”
The dedicated helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 01785 854125, or young people can email CareersParticipation@staffordshire.gov.uk for help.