Informed decisions imperative to effective career planning - Hamilton

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton is encouraging those who are about to receive exam results to avail of assistance offered by his Department’s Careers Service.

Informed decisions imperative to effective career planning - Hamilton

A-level results will be published on 18 August with GSCE results following on 25 August.

Minister Hamilton said: “Making informed decisions following exam results is imperative to effective career planning. Obtaining exam results often presents a crossroads in a young person’s career path and I would encourage students to take advantage of professional careers guidance in order to make well informed decisions.

“My Department’s Careers Service provides impartial advice and guidance on a range of career related issues, including further and higher education, apprenticeships, training, employment and voluntary work opportunities. A comprehensive guidance service is available for those clients hoping to progress into post 16 and 18 opportunities at this time.

“Young people and parents can also access a wealth of useful information through nidirect which also contains contact details of careers advisers throughout Northern Ireland. 

“Alternatively, if you need immediate advice and guidance following your exam results you can contact a careers adviser by clicking on “Chat with an adviser online”.

“This service is normally available from 9.30am to 4.30pm, however the opening hours for careers webchat have been extended from 9am to 8pm on both Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August to provide additional support to those who have received A level results.

“For those who have received their GCSE results the opening hours for this service have also been extended from 9am to 8pm on both Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August.

You can also call 0300 200 7820 to speak directly to a careers adviser.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Careers advice is available online from nidirect
2. Whatever your circumstances when you get your results, options are available and include further education courses, apprenticeships including higher level apprenticeships, foundation degrees. Further information on these can be found at nidirect
3. Alternatively, if you have not been offered a place on your chosen course, you may be able to find a place at university on a similar course using UCAS clearing. This facility advertises vacant courses at universities across the UK. For further information visit nidirect
4. For media enquiries please contact DfE Press Office on telephone number: 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
5. Follow us on Twitter @Economy_NI 

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