Millions of young people across the UK are eagerly awaiting their GCSE and A-Level results in the coming days, marking the culmination of years of hard work and exam preparation.
While this is a moment to celebrate their achievements, it’s also a time of important decisions about the future.
With numerous pathways to consider, the choices can feel overwhelming. Some may choose to continue their education by attending sixth form, college, or university, while others might opt to enter the workforce directly through full-time employment or apprenticeships.
At a recent business roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield in collaboration with the Derbyshire Times, leaders from various training providers and companies in Chesterfield shared valuable insights and advice, to help guide our young people in making informed decisions about their next steps.
Discover what our local businesses had to say below…
Jo Down – Assistant Principal for Student Experience and Wellbeing, Chesterfield College
Keep your options open and take advantage of opportunities to try new things. Everything will be a learning journey, and throughout that journey you’ll be developing skills which you can take anywhere.
I’d also recommend you look at the job market in the area as well. Find out more about the careers that are available, then once you find something that interests you, research the different routes and options available.
Lastly, it is OK to change your mind along the way and take a different path. We all do that through life, and it’s good to keep learning new skills!
Rebecca Erskine – Owner, Yellow Bird Marketing and Communications
Don’t rule out the option of self-employment and starting up your own business. You can make a good living out of working for yourself, whilst gaining valuable entrepreneurial skills… which perhaps you might not learn a lot about in school!
Also, the most vital skill you can learn is communication. Ask questions of your parents, your parents’ friends and everybody around you about how they got into their career.
Observe situations around you too, so if you’re in a shop and somebody’s not happy with something, how do the staff speak to customers? How do they reach a solution or come to a compromise? Having good communication and negotiation skills will stand you in good stead, no matter what career you choose.
Catherine Wenborn – Owner, Vines Legal Ltd.
You could have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship and and be paid for the work you’re doing, and also learn and develop as you’re going along.
Secondly, make good use of your school or college careers service and don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions!
I’d also recommend taking part in work experience and getting used to writing to employers. It shows that you can use your initiative, and its shows future employers that you’re interested in working for them, so it can open all sorts of doors!
Lewis Silcock – Business Development Manager, DBC Training
Go into things with an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things. However, don’t expect to achieve things overnight – building a career can take time.
Don’t be afraid to pick up the brush or make those cups of tea – there are jobs in the workplace that you might not necessarily want to do, but everyone’s had to start somewhere and in the long-term it shows that you have a good work ethic.
Paul Stuart – Head of Business Support Services, East Midlands Chamber
I’d advise young people to get a part-time job. It’s important to get those people skills so they’re informed on how to deal with difficult customers.
Simply applying for a job can give you experience on the types of questions employers ask you. You’ll then be set up to handle interviews calmly and use those listening skills.
Helen Bradshaw – Business Development Director, Learning Curve Group
Keep your options open and ask lots of questions. Don’t be frightened to change career direction, but most importantly don’t do nothing.
Get out there, explore and do something you enjoy. You can make it happen, sometimes you just need to go that extra bit of distance to stand out and achieve your goals.
Jamie Wajs – Owner, Lime Living Estate Agents
Don’t worry about whether the choice you make doesn’t work out, because there are always options to go back into education and learn new skills.
You’ve got to find something you enjoy doing, and you don’t have to stay in the same career your whole life. Just go out there with a positive attitude and take opportunities.
The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Find out how you can boost your talent pipeline by supporting our young people on their journey to the workplace. Sign up for the latest updates at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/