Scotland’s national skills and careers service is gearing up to deal with calls from pupils as the Exam Results Helpline gets set to open.
Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) results day support services will be available from 7 August.
Around 140,000 pupils across the country will receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results.
The dedicated Exam Results Helpline will be available for a week from results day to support young people.
It will be open from 8am until 8pm on 7 and 8 August and from 9am until 5pm from 9 until 15 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.
SDS Director of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations James Russell said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as the results arrive is not to panic.
“Everything might seem overwhelming, but our experienced advisers and online services are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.
“Lots of people don’t take a direct route to their chosen career – and our advisers are there to help you find your own route to get there.”
Joanna Murphy, Chair of National Parent Forum of Scotland, said: “Speaking from experience, I know that the Exam Results Helpline offers young people and their parents and carers the chance to talk to someone who is impartial, which helps you to step back and take stock at what can be a stressful time.
“Whether you’ve had unexpected results, or just want to talk over your choices, SDS’s advisers can talk you through the wide range of options available to you.
“A calm conversation takes some of the heat out of the emotion of the day, and reminds young people no matter what results they achieve, there is always a way forward.”
This is the 26th year of the free helpline which offers advice, information and support for young people, and their parents and carers, who make a third of all calls.
Qualified careers advisers are on hand to help young people who may not have received the results they were hoping for and those who have done better than anticipated.
These skilled professionals have unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern, Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships, and employment or volunteering.
As well as the Helpline, SDS offer support online via social media and the award-winning My World of Work website.
In the week following results day, learners can direct message careers advisers via Twitter (@mywowscotland) and Facebook (facebook.com/myworldofwork) with any questions they have about their results or what to do next.
My World of Work, Scotland’s careers website, is also packed with advice and information which young people can access at myworldofwork.co.uk/examresults.
SDS’s careers centres, located nationwide, are open year-round to offer advice and support. Our skilled teams can offer information on the local job market, apprenticeships, training opportunities and career routes. You can find your nearest centre at myworldofwork.co.uk/centres.
Information for pupils and parents or carers on what to do after results day is also available at www.myworldofwork.co.uk. There’s also information about Modern, Graduate and Foundation Apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.scot.
Students can also access help, advice and support via SDS’s My World of Work Facebook page which has practical help and links to UCAS, SAAS, Young Scot and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
