IF YOU’RE picking up your A-level results today you might be thinking that to get on the career ladder your only option is university. But you’d be wrong. Here, Ian Ferguson, the Learning and Skill’s Council’s “exam doctor” and member of its National Council, gives his advice on what your next step could be. “No matter what your grades and future job ambitions, there are plenty of alternatives open to you. “While university is one route through which you can gain higher qualifications, there are plenty of other great alternatives available. “There are a wide range of learning programmes available in further education colleges and community centres such as libraries and museums, covering lots of interesting subjects. “These programmes range from apprenticeships and vocational programmes which prepare you for a specific job. “With more than 500 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) available, from radio production to animal care, it is possible to get the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to succeed in a specific career. “There are also Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs), which are higher education qualifications, similar to degrees. These courses are a mixture of theory and practice and are also available in a range of subjects, from accountancy to video production. “If fitting a training programme around your commitments is a concern, it is possible to learn full-time, part-time or just in the evenings. “Or if you’d like to combine learning with a taste of the working world, most colleges have a student services department with links to local businesses offering advice to learners to help arrange valuable work experience placements. “If you can’t wait to get out and start working, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on gaining further qualifications. Many employers encourage recruits to train and learn essential new skills on the job. One of the best and most structured ways of doing this is through an apprenticeship. “An apprenticeship is not the only option for continuing your training. Many employers are happy to fund training that’s relevant to the job you are doing and give staff additional time off to study for qualifications. --------------------------------------------------------- Tapping into a load of advice IF you’re unsure of what your next step should be, the following websites could help.
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Everything you need to know about getting on-the-job training while studying
www.connexions-direct.com
Offering all the information and advice young people need
www.inourhands.lsc.gov.uk/individuals_funding.html
Information on all the financial help available to young people
www.direct.gov.uk
The best way to access all government services
www.inourhands.lsc.gov.uk
A one-stop shop for all skills training information and support
www.need2know.co.uk
Everything young people need to know about money, work, study, relationships, health and the law
www.lsc.gov.uk
The LSC’s homepage
www.learndirect.co.uk
Information on over 900,000 courses around the country, including ones you can take online | 
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