‘WHAt next?’ is a question that will be facing many young people this week as students across the Vale of Glamorgan pick up their long awaited GCSE results.

For many it will be a day for celebration but for others it might be one of disappointment. Whatever your results, the message from Careers Wales is don’t panic.

“It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get the grades you wanted,” says Barry- based Ani Jones, Careers Adviser with Careers Wales, the all-age careers information, advice and guidance service. “There are still plenty of opportunities open to you even if you didn’t get the results you expected.

“Careerswales.com features a whole host of useful impartial, bilingual information that can help to make informed decisions about next steps.

“Web chats with careers advisers can also be accessed via the website, or we can be emailed at post@careerswales.com and called via 0800 028 48 44. We will also be posting regular social media updates through our Facebook and Twitter pages to signpost those looking for advice.

“Once you’ve finished your GCSEs there are a world of opportunities out there. Many begin a new course at school or college or enter employment or training.

“A Levels and AS Levels offer more courses than ever before, but if you want to continue with your education and didn’t get the results you wanted, you could consider taking subjects at a foundation or immediate level to begin with.

“But full-time education isn’t for everyone and many people prefer the idea of on-the-job learning schemes which allow young people to combine gaining qualifications with valuable, paid, job specific experience

“Apprenticeship vacancies offering a combination of employment and training across a wide range of sectors can be found via the Apprenticeship Matching Service located on careerswales.com.

For those looking to gain six months paid work experience the Jobs Growth Wales section shows the range of placements available to young people between the ages of 16-24.

“Everyone is different and that’s why there is such a variety of learning options open to school leavers now.

“And the main message to those who haven’t done as well as they had hoped is not to panic but to seek advice, as help is definitely available and at Careers Wales, we’re here to provide it.”

To find your nearest careers centre visit www.careerswales.com.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the options available can visit https://www.careerswales.com/server.php?show=nav.9865 for tips on where to go now.

For further information, please contact Helen Ward / Kath Williams Davies on 029 2083 8313

Email: hward@effcom.co.uk / kwilliams-davies@effcom.co.uk