Our guide to your post-exam options – and why on-the-job training will help you secure more opportunities

MORE than a third of a million students are awaiting their A-level, T-Level and BTEC results, but getting good grades isn’t always enough to secure your dream career. In today’s tough jobs market, employers are increasingly looking for young people who have undertaken work experience. Young people with on-the-job training are three times more likely to get an offer than those without Credit: Getty Research from the Institute of Student Employers shows that three-quarters of employers agree that students who do work experience are more work-ready, while studies suggest young people with previous on-the-job training are three times more likely to get an offer than those without. So whatever path you choose at 18, it’s well worth building some work experience into your plans. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Ollie Sidwell, co-founder of student jobs site Higherin, said: “We’re seeing a clear shift in the early careers world. “Work experience isn’t a nice-to-have any more — it’s becoming crucial to most young people’s entire trajectory.” READ MORE FROM SUNEMPLOYMENT Kirsten Barnes, CEO at Bright Network, agrees, adding: “Employers want young people who can demonstrate soft skills, such as communication, resilience and problem-solving. Work experience gives students the opportunity to develop and evidence those qualities. “For employers, these opportunities also build a pipeline of future talent, connecting them with students who have already explored the profession and understand what the role demands.” Here is Sunemployment’s guide to your post-exam options. UNIVERSITY: Many unis now build in work experience as part of a degree, from a year-long placement to shorter internships. Check what your proposed course offers and contact the uni’s career service to find out more about wider opportunities. DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP: These sought-after programmes allow trainees to gain a degree without debt while in a real job. You’ll spend 80 per cent of your time working and 20 per cent studying. Level 6 apprenticeships are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree while Level 7 is a Masters. Learn more at ucas.com/apprenticeships/degree-apprenticeships. STANDARD APPRENTICESHIP: There are more than 600 different job types on offer, with qualifications from Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE) to Level 5 (the same as a foundation degree) — and each one ensures you earn as you learn. To help your application stand out, many employers offer short bursts of work experience or even virtual internships. For more, visit apprenticeships.gov.uk/ HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Designed by employers, HTQs equip students with the specific knowledge needed for skilled roles in high-demand industries. Courses offer practical training and work placements. Find out more at tinyurl.com/2hyt2u2m. ENTRY-LEVEL JOB: Many sectors including retail, logistics and hospitality offer jobs for school leavers, and you’ll gain immediate workplace skills — plus a salary. Research the employers you are interested in and see if they offer prior work placements. For more information, check out notgoingtouni.co.uk or findajob.dwp.gov.uk/ — or apply direct to companies. Future-proofing for the world of work Emma McCallister landed a place as an engineering degree apprentice at Thales UK Credit: Supplied EMMA McALLISTER was turned down for studying a traditional engineering degree at university but landed a place as an engineering degree apprentice at Thales UK. Emma, 22, from Belfast, said: “One set of results or one rejection does not have to decide what happens next. I’m now working towards the same degree I had previously been rejected for, while also gaining real engineering experience. “This is why I go back into schools to help with mock interviews and careers fairs. I love seeing the moment students realise you can earn, learn and gain workplace experience at the same time.” Lynne Watson, VP of Human Resources at Thales UK adds: “Degree apprenticeships are one of the best-kept secrets, and they shouldn’t be. “Technology is changing almost every sector, so combining traditional learning with hands-on experience means students will wind up more resilient, adaptable and future-proof in the job market.” STEER A CLEAR COURSE TO UNI Helen Mercado, Head of Admissions at the University of Derby, explains everything you need to know about UCAS Clearing Credit: Supplied THIS time of year can be very stressful for students. And whether your exam results are better than you’d hoped, worse than you wanted, or if you’ve simply changed your mind about what you want to do, UCAS Clearing can help you change course or university. Here, Helen Mercado, Head of Admissions at the University of Derby, explains more. WHAT IS CLEARING? Clearing is part of the UCAS university admissions process and allows students to secure a place if they haven’t already, or swap to a different degree. WHY WOULD I USE CLEARING? There are lots of reasons – you may be thinking about your next steps, have changed your mind about your course or where to study, are waiting to see how your exams go, or you might not have a place at university yet. WHEN DOES CLEARING OPEN? UCAS Clearing opened on July 2 and will remain open until October 19. HOW CAN I PREPARE? Get hold of the UCAS Clearing list by visiting UCAS at ucas.com/clearing-launch. This will allow you to see which courses are available and more choices will appear on Results Day. Take note of the opening hours of university hotlines in advance as most will open earlier than normal office hours. WHAT SHOULD I DO ON RESULTS DAY? Once you have a list of universities you wish to contact, find a quiet place and start calling. Ensure you give your UCAS number, exam results and your log-in details for UCAS Hub. You may also want to compile a list of questions to ask and have your personal statement to hand to answer any questions. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The Clearing list will update constantly as students switch courses – remember to also log on to university websites to see which courses are available in Clearing too. WHAT DO I DO IF I GET AN OFFER? If it’s made over the phone, make sure you get written confirmation of your conversation as well as the expiry date of the offer. Most unis have visitor days so try to visit then, as you will be committing to spending the next three or so years there. VALUABLE ADVICE MORE than a third of A-level students did not use their school or college careers service in the last 12 months, with those considering apprenticeships least likely to engage. However, 73 per cent of pupils who did access careers support said they were “very or fairly certain” about their plans, compared with 63 per cent of those who had not used the service. Students who took advice were more optimistic about their prospects, with almost two-thirds feeling positive about their future, against fewer than half who had not sought guidance. Chris Rea, of careers experts Prospects at Jisc, said: “Support can play an important role in helping students feel more confident about their future, yet too many are missing out on advice.” BE A DRIVING FORCE Tieron Gordon joined DHL in 2022 on a salary of £27,000, but since taking his driving qualifications and achieving awards for his work, he now earns £39,500 Credit: Supplied IF YOU want to earn £40k a year without going to uni, then hit the road as a logistics driver. The UK is short of 20,000 qualified drivers so Generation Logistics is encouraging more school and college leavers to consider the career. Tieron Gordon joined DHL in April 2022 on a salary of £27,000, but since taking his driving qualifications and achieving awards for his work, he now earns £39,500 – up £12,500 in just four years. Tieron said: “My advice would be to start by understanding the diverse opportunities available within the industry, as there is a lot of opportunity for professional growth.” Bethany Windsor, Programme Director at Generation Logistics, adds: “Tieron’s career journey demonstrates that you don’t need a degree to succeed.” You can find out more at generationlogistics.org/find-your-future/. Jobspot ALARM company Verisure is on a recruitment drive. It is looking for 750 sales and installation staff to work at venues nationwide. You can find details, and apply, at careers.verisure.com/ uk/en/home. NURSERY chain Busy Bees has vacancies for early years childcare apprentices plus hospitality and catering apprentices. Find out more at busybeestraining.co.uk/apprenticeships.