Many young people across Scotland will have received their SQA exam results this week. It can be a moment of great excitement, however, for some, their results may not be what they hoped for.
At MCR Pathways, we want to reassure those young people that your future is not determined by a single exam result. If you didn’t get the grades you needed to go to your first-choice option after school, please remember that there are many varied and brilliant pathways waiting for you.
Here we will explore some of those options available to you, that can lead to a fulfilling career or even a degree down the line, if that’s your goal.
University Clearing
Clearing is a process run by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) that helps universities fill any empty places they may have on courses before the start of the academic year. It can be a great way to find a different course, or university, that you may not have thought of before!
- What is it? It’s a second chance to find a place at university this year. If your exam results didn’t meet a conditional offer, or if you’re only just applying now, Clearing can be a simple way to see what courses are still available to you.
- Is it for me? If you’re determined to go to university this year, then Clearing could be your way in. However, you need to be quick and proactive. Clearing is a fast process, so be on the ball in pursuing any courses you’re interested in.
- First steps: Check the UCAS website for the official Clearing vacancies. You can also look at individual universities websites to find their own Clearing processes and helpline numbers.
Modern Apprenticeships
A Modern Apprenticeship is a brilliant way to earn a wage while you gain a qualification. You will be employed by a company while you undertake your Modern Apprenticeship, and will gain hands-on experience in the industry, leading to a recognised qualification.
- What is it? A mix of working and learning, which can last from 1 year to 4 years. It’s a brilliant option for those who prefer hands-on experience.
- Is it for me? If you have a pretty clear idea of what you want to do, and prefer to learn through doing, then a Modern Apprenticeship may be perfect for you. They are available across all different sectors, from retail to hospitality, and IT to healthcare.
- First steps: Head to the Apprenticeships.scot website and explore the different types of Modern Apprenticeship available, and to search for any vacancies in your area.
Options at College
College can be an excellent stepping stone between school and full-time employment or university. Colleges across Scotland offer a wide variety of different options that can help you get to where you want to be. These qualifications can also be used as a stepping stone to higher qualifications in a process known as “articulation.”
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
These are higher qualifications which are widely respected by employers and universities. A HNC is typically a one year course, while a HNC lasts two years.
Is it for me? HNCs and HNDs are great if you are looking for a more skills-focused course with clear routes of progression. They can lead directly to work, or can also lead to direct entry to 2nd or 3rd year of a university course.
First steps: Have a look at the websites of colleges in your area to see which subjects they offer HNCs or HNDs in, the process for applying will be outlined on each website.
College Access Courses
These are geared towards those that have been out of education for a while, or those who don’t have the entry-level requirements for higher level courses, such as those who leave school in 4th year.
- Is it for me? Access courses can be a great option if you don’t have the qualifications to enter a higher-level course, or if you’re not totally sure what you’d like to do and would like to test the waters.
- First steps: Look for courses offered through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) at colleges across Scotland.
School Qualifications at College
Many colleges offer National 5 or Higher courses, which are great if you left school before getting these qualifications, or if you didn’t get the results you needed to meet a conditional offer to college or university.
- Is it for me? If you were close to the grade you needed for university or need to gain another qualification to get accepted onto your ideal course, then studying at college is a great option.
- First steps: Contact the admissions team at your local college to find out what SQA courses they offer, or have a look on their website.
Trade Apprenticeships
Similar to Modern Apprenticeships, Trade Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you work and gain valuable experience. These apprenticeships are available across many careers, and provide a clear career path as well as invaluable experience in the world of work.
- What is it? Apprenticeships are programmes which typically run for 4 years, where you’ll be employed by a company and placed under the mentorship of those who have a wealth of experience in the industry. You’ll spend most of your time on the job learning your chosen trade, but will also attend college regularly to gain your qualification.
- Is it for me? If you’re a hands-on learner, then a trade Apprenticeship could be the route for you. It provides a practical alternative to more academic-based routes into careers.
- First steps: Visit the Apprenticeships.scot website and have a look at their listed apprenticeships. Alternatively, some apprenticeships can be gained by reaching out to companies who work within your preferred trades, sending over your CV and asking if they have any opportunities available. If they have nothing available at the moment, they may well keep you in mind when they do.
There are many different paths to get to where you want to be, and no one path is right or wrong. If you haven’t received the results you wanted this week, have a think about whether any of these options could be right for you – and remember that there’s #NoWrongPath to achieving success, awakening ambition and reaching your potential.
As part of the DYW #NoWrongPath campaign, the MCR Pathways team have been sharing some of their own stories of how they’ve come to find success, and how the journey doesn’t always look like what you might think. You can read more here and here.
