Carry on learning - and get double pay!

August 2003

Whatever your GCSE results, there are choices for everyone, and the Learning and Skills Council Norfolk is working to ensure as many young people as possible stay in learning and make the most of their opportunities for their futures.

Recent research indicates that those who carry on after GCSEs into further education and gain higher qualifications will earn as much as double as their counterparts who don't.

"We're committed to promoting the benefits of learning and helping as many young people across the county gain the qualifications they need," said John Brierley, executive director, Learning and Skills Council Norfolk. "Whether this is within a sixth form, a college, a private training provider or with an employer - the important thing is that the young people of Norfolk are equipped with the skills to confidently and successfully enter the job market once they finish their education."

The job market many of our GCSE students of today will be entering is also changing. By 2010 there will be a significant change in the number of jobs requiring skilled people. It is estimated that just over 50% of all jobs will require people will qualifications at A Level, National Vocational Qualification Level 3 or equivalent. Another reason why progressing from GCSEs into further education is so important.

So, what are the options for young people just receiving their GCSEs? Click here to take a look at our route map in PDF format. (If you do not have Acrobat reader, download a copy free from www.adobe.com/acrobat)

If you're not sure of the right route for you then contact Connexions, they'll be more than happy to help. We've also collated some of the most frequently asked questions at GCSE results time that may be of help.

FAQs

My son has just received his GCSE results, but has only achieved a grade D in English and Maths. He really needed a C to gain a place at College is there anything we can do?

You could contact the College to discuss your sons place. One compromise may be your son taking the National Test. This test is a nationally recognised qualification and is equivalent to a GCSE Grade C in English and Maths. The test can be completed faster than a GCSE and the College will probably be able to offer this service as well. If not contact the Learning and Skills Council Norfolk on 0845 019 4173 for contact details of your nearest provider.

Am I too late to gain a place on an A Level course?

Not necessarily, it is certainly worth contacting local school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and FE Colleges to see what places they have available. Contact numbers are below.

I've heard about Modern Apprenticeships - what are these?

Modern Apprenticeships are a combination of training at College or with a training provider and on the job training with an employer. They are open to anybody aged 16-24 years old and enable you to earn whilst you learn. You can go onto a Modern Apprenticeship if you're already employed or if not you could be offered a training placement and still earn a minimum allowance allowance of £40 per week. For further information contact the national Modern Apprenticeship helpline on 08000 150 600 or your local Connexions centre.

I hoped that when my daughter received her results she might have had some inspiration as to what to do next. However, despite gaining really good GCSE's she still isn't sure. Where can she get more help to decide?

Your daughter has a whole selection of options open to her, including A/AS Levels, Modern Apprenticeships, National Vocational Qualifications and more! To get independent information and advice on all of these options Connexions is the place to start. They are a free service for 13-19 year olds and can provide a wide range of information and advice on a broad range of subjects including careers advice. Contact your nearest Connexions office or go in person and ask to speak to a Personal Advisor. Alternatively, you can contact Connexions Direct on 080800 13 2 19 - calls are free from a landline.

My son has received his GCSE results, they're OK but he's decided he doesn't want to go to work or stay at school. What sort of qualifications can he gain at college?

There is a broad range of qualifications available from most Colleges including A/AS Levels, BTEC First and National Diplomas and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's). These generally come through full time courses and apart from A/AS Levels link to a specific area of work, such as equine studies, motor vehicle, business administration and sport studies.

My son has just completed his GCSE's and not received the grades he wanted, but still would like to progress onto a work related programme - what are his options?

Your son could go onto a Modern Apprenticeship or if he feels he isn't ready for this step yet, a new programme called Entry to Employment. Entry to Employment is an individualised programme, set around work related areas. Young people are helped to prepare for progression to employment with training, Modern Apprenticeships, further education and training. All courses are based entirely on the individual young persons needs and abilities, while providing ongoing motivation, support and much greater flexibility. To get involved in the programme contact a Connexions Personal Adviser for guidance.

Contact details
Connexions Norfolk (free service for 13-19 year olds offering independent information and advice on careers and other personal development needs.)
Norwich Connexions Centre at MAP (Mancroft Advice Project)
Tel - 01603 766994
Great Yarmouth Connexions Centre (temporary)
Tel - 01493 845400
Thetford Connexions Centre
Tel - 01842 855800
North Walsham Connexions Centre
Tel - 01692 408200
Dereham Connexions Access Point
Tel - 01362 694939
Kings Lynn Connexions Centre
Tel - 01553 666500
Or visit www.connexions-norfolk.co.uk

Modern Apprenticeship helpline
Tel - 08000 150 600
Or visit www.realworkrealpay.co.uk