Posted on Friday 25th August 2023
Students collecting their GCSEs are being reminded that there’s no wrong path when it comes to the options available to them.
From further education, A Levels or Vocational Courses, Apprenticeships, employment with party-time study or other training, there are a wide range of options for school leavers.
With thousands of students up and down the country considering their next steps, Staffordshire County Council’s Careers Participation Service is on hand to help them navigate their options and find the path that is right for them.
For those with a 6th Form, College or job offer who aren’t sure if it’s right for them, advice and support is available via the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers website.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education Jonathan Price said:
“Thousands of students across Staffordshire will be nervously awaiting their GCSE results, and I want to congratulate every one of them for the work they have put in over the last two years. All students should be proud of their results, no matter what they achieve.
“All young people need to stay in education or training until they are 18, but this does not have to be full time at school or college. Students can mix and match with work-based experience, or even become self-employed. Our career experts are on hand to give those who are perhaps unsure about their future advice, support to help them take that next step.”
Local businesswoman Julie Wallman works as a producer and has her own business, Green Eye Productions Academy (GEPA). Julie has Autism, and left school without GCSEs.
She said:
“I went down the GCSE route, but failed at every step, so I left to go to London and work as a carer, with dreams of being in the film industry one day. Through hard work, I’ve built GEPA from nothing, and now have an amazing team.
“The company was born and bred in Staffordshire and I can’t wait to get started and show the world the talent that exists from people with all sorts of backgrounds. I’m passionate about bringing people with hidden disabilities, academics and non-academics together with the common goal of making amazing films. I also want to send out the message that you don’t have to have a degree to get there, everyone has a chance!”
Students can visit the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers website, while the Careers Participation Team can be contacted at CareersParticipation@staffordshire.gov.uk.