Oxford,
18
August
2016
|
11:20
Europe/London

Support for youngsters making next steps after exams

Help is at hand for young people considering their next steps after receiving exam results this month.

Oxfordshire County Council is giving advice and support for 16 to 19-year-olds about staying in learning, finding a job or starting an apprenticeship.

Throughout the results period and beyond, staff will be available via the web chat service on the Oxme website or over the phone (01865 328460) to talk to young people and parents about the wide range of learning and employment opportunities available in Oxfordshire, and to help with applications.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families Melinda Tilley said: “Our simple message to young people is not to panic - there are plenty of opportunities out there and the professional help you need to figure out what to do next. You should speak to your school, local college or get in touch with the council for help and advice.”

Drop-ins and more

Look out for drop-in sessions at your local Further Education Colleges (check their websites) or at Oxfordshire’s Early Intervention Hubs.

Drop-in sessions for young people aged 16-19 (up to 24 for those with Special Educational Needs) are taking place on the following days and times:

  • The Net, Stratton Way, Abingdon Tuesdays 10am - 1pm
  • Banbury New Futures Centre, Hilton Road Thursdays 1pm - 4pm
  • The Courtyard, Bicester, Launton Road Monday 22 August 3.30 - 5pm, special GCSE Results Day drop-in 1pm-3pm Friday 26 August
  • West Oxfordshire Hub, Witten Way, Witney Thursdays 1pm - 4pm
  • East Oxford Results Day drop-in Thursday 25 August 1pm-4pm
  • Blackbird Leys Young People's Centre Wednesdays 1.30 - 3pm
  • Aspire and Hub Job Club - Tuesday from 2-4pm at is Aspire Oxford, St. Thomas’s School, Osney lane, Oxford OX1 1NJ.

All of this information and more can be accessed via a dedicated page on the Oxme website www.oxme.info/resultsday

Guaranteed places

National legislation now requires all young people to stay in some form of learning or training until at least their 18th birthday. That means places are guaranteed for all young people finishing their GCSEs this month.

While the vast majority will choose to stay on at school or further education colleges, there is also a wide range of workplace training schemes and apprenticeships available within Oxfordshire.

Cllr Tilley added: “If you don’t get the GCSE grades you’re hoping for, or are simply not sure what to do next, you can rest assured there will be a place in learning guaranteed for you in September.

“Likewise, for anyone not going down the university route after A-Levels or undecided on their next steps, gaining further qualifications by doing an apprenticeship might just be for you.”

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to earn money, learn and gain qualifications. There are hundreds of local places available across many different areas, suitable for all levels - from school leavers to degree level courses.

More information about apprenticeships and traineeships including current vacancies is available at www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk