Exam results 2021 - what now?
Students across Northern Ireland are receiving results and, depending upon the results received, asking themselves ‘Where do I go from here?’
Frequently asked questions
Head of the Northern Ireland Careers Service Frances O’Hara answers some frequently asked questions.
What can the Careers Service offer me?
Professionally qualified Careers Advisers provide young people and adults with impartial advice and guidance on a range of career related issues, including apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships, further and higher education, training, employment including apprenticeships, and voluntary work opportunities. Careers Advisers use labour market information and knowledge of the skills and qualities employers need to inform the guidance process.
I did not achieve the required results for my chosen universities. What are my options?
If you are unclear or confused about your next move, particularly if you did not get the grades you had hoped for, speak to a Careers Adviser. Careers guidance can play an important role in helping you understand the qualification and training requirements of your preferred career, identify routes to achieving your career goals, and help you decide on your next steps.
There are a number of possibilities available and these will depend on your own individual circumstances. Options could include an alternative degree course, an apprenticeship or higher level apprenticeship, foundation degree courses, alternative qualifications, employment, self-employment or even a gap year.
Where will future jobs be?
A number of sectors have been identified by the Department for the Economy as important in rebuilding and rebalancing the economy. These sectors all need skilled and qualified staff and you may wish to think about this when considering your future career options. These sectors are ICT, Business and Financial Services, Advanced Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing and Materials, Agri Foods, Health and Life Sciences, Renewable Energy and Recycling, and Creative Industries and Digital Media.
Further information on these and other sectors is available at Skills in demand and from careers advisers.
What can I do at a further education college?
Further education colleges offer a range of academic, professional and technical qualifications as well as training courses. You can choose from a range of full time and part time options including apprenticeships, foundation degrees, extended diplomas and higher level apprenticeships (HLAs) etc. You can find out more at Further education
What about apprenticeships?
If you want to start work an apprenticeship is great way to get qualification while earning while you learn. You are trained to a quality standard in your chosen occupational area. Learning takes place both ‘on the job’ and ‘off the job’ working towards the achievement of an industry approved qualification. Further information can be obtained from Apprenticeships
Our further education colleges and universities in partnership with local employers also offer higher level apprenticeships. As HLAs are being agreed on an ongoing basis, your Careers Adviser will have a complete and up-to-date list of what is available. Those interested in exploring the opportunities provided through an HLA can also contact their local further education college. Check Higher Level Apprenticeships.
What about training?
The Department for the Economy’s The Skills for Life and Work programme and the Northern Ireland Traineeships could provide you with the tools and confidence you need to find work. It offers training to help you gain the recognised skills, experiences and qualifications to help you progress into your chosen career. For further information go to Training for Success
Is employment an option?
The current labour market is extremely competitive, and therefore individuals may wish to use this time to upskill in order to make them better able to compete. However, there are still jobs available and Careers Advisers can help you to explore job vacancies, they can help support you with your job search activities including help with your CV, applications forms and to prepare for interviews.
The Careers Service website publishes monthly job posting trends information, provided by the department’s economists and that is a really useful way to keep informed of current labour market information. This can be found at Online job posting trends 2020
There are more current and future opportunities in areas where there are skills shortages, in particular, those relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Up to date labour market information is available on the following websites.
To contact a Careers Adviser you can:
- Chat with a careers adviser online at Chat with a careers adviser
- Call 0300 200 7820, or
- Go online at nidirect results: your choices