University? Traineeship? First Job? What’s your post-exam plan?
Opportunities to gain an extra qualification, go to university, get on-the-job experience or start your career if you've just finished your exams.
Whether you are looking to gain an extra qualification, go to university, get on-the-job experience or start your career, there are lots of exciting opportunities for your future. Find out more here.
Exam results helplines
Exam results helplines are there to support students receiving their results. Students and parents can call the helplines to receive advice from experienced careers advisers on the options available to them.
Scotland
The helpline number will open in Scotland from 6 August to 14 August 2019.
Phone 0808 100 8000 in Scotland
England
Students in England can get support from the National Careers Service.
The helpline number will open for students in England from 14 August to 29 August 2019.
Phone 0800 100 900 in England
Wales
Students in Wales can find support from Careers Wales.
Phone 0800 028 4844 in Wales
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Direct provides support with exam results to students in Northern Ireland.
Visit Northern Ireland Direct for more information.
On the job experience
Prepare for the world of work with a traineeship
Traineeships are available for 16 to 24 year olds and are an opportunity for you to gain real work experience, acquire new job skills and improve your English and maths, if you need to. They can last up to 6 months and can be tailored to help you get ready for a job or apprenticeship.
Earn while you learn with an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, a salary and a chance to train while you work.
Further and higher education
Further education
You can continue your studies after secondary school through a range of further education courses, available in different subjects at different levels – ranging from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas. Further education also includes technical and applied qualifications, which will provide you with skills and training to specialise in a specific technical job.
Search for further education courses.
T Levels are new courses coming in September 2020
T Levels are brand new, 2-year courses designed with employers that will be equivalent to 3 A Levels. As the next step after GCSEs, they combine classroom theory, practical learning and a 3-month industry placement to give young people the technical skills, knowledge and experience needed to get a job in a skilled profession.
Find out more about T Levels.
Continue your studies in higher education
You can find and apply for most higher education courses online. If you don’t get a place on your chosen university course you can apply for other courses through Clearing.
Find out which courses have vacancies through UCAS from mid-August to late September.
Career opportunities
Find a job with our careers website
There are a range of great jobs available online, and we can help you find one through our dedicated jobs website.
Visit Find a Job to search based on location, sector, salary and more to find your perfect fit.
Learn about different careers through My Way In
My Way In shares stories and advice from people in work and employers in a range of different fields. You’ll find tips to help you broaden your experience and the number of jobs you have access to as well as information about the industries which are likely to have vacancies in the future.
Visit My Way In to find out more about jobs in sectors you may not know about.
Visit My Way In in Welsh.
Support vulnerable adults with a career in adult social care
Adult social care attracts all kinds of people with one thing in common – a desire to help make a difference every day. If you’re the sort of person who treats others with respect, listens to their needs, understands their emotions, and is warm, kind and honest, then social care could be the career for you.
Check out our Every Day Is Different page to learn more about a career in adult social care.
Discover a career in STEM
The government is working across industry and engineering institutions to support initiatives across the UK to give young people an inspiring first-hand experience of engineering.
Find more resources on the Engineering – Take a Closer Look campaign website.
Embark on a rewarding career in the public sector
There are a host of rewarding jobs in the public sector that you can get involved in. From teaching to nursing – the public sector is looking for people like you.
For more information please visit the following websites:
NHS Careers
Get Into Teaching
Royal Navy
British Army
Royal Air Force
Prison Officer Jobs
Civil Service Jobs
Get all the workplace advice you need
Acas are Britain’s workplace experts and they offer free advice to help you get on and make the most out of your job. So, whether you’re considering going into work, or thinking of picking up a part-time or Saturday job, with information on pay, working hours and even how to dress for your first day, Acas can help.
Read guidance for young workers from Acas.
Careers advice and inspiration
Need further advice on what to do next? Our career services provide free and impartial careers information, advice and guidance.
In England, visit the National Careers Service.
In Scotland, visit Skills Development Scotland – My World of Work.
In Wales, visit Careers Wales.
In Northern Ireland, visit Careers Service Northern Ireland.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain skills and experience, and contribute to your community. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Visit Do-it.org, a database of UK volunteering opportunities. You can search more than a million volunteering opportunities by interest, activity or location and then apply online.
Learn new things and take part in the National Citizen Service (NCS)
NCS is a life-changing programme open to all teenagers aged 15 to 17 in England and Northern Ireland to discover who they are and what they can do. If you want to boost your UCAS statement or CV, meet incredible people, get your voice heard and have a lot of fun while you’re at it, then NCS is for you.
Find out more information about NCS.
Interested in volunteering abroad?
International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK government funded development programme providing overseas placements to 18 to 25 year olds. ICS brings together young people from the UK and developing countries to volunteer side-by-side in some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia. It’s not a holiday, it’s a demanding, rewarding opportunity for personal growth, a stepping stone to future careers and a chance to make your world a better place.
Find out more about volunteering with ICS.
Updates to this page
Last updated 2 August 2019 + show all updates
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Added information about advice for young workers from Acas and about volunteering abroad.
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Added contact details for the Exam Results Helpline that provides advice on the options available to students receiving their A Level and GCSE results.
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First published.