Careers Wales: here to help.

TO students receiving their GCSE results this week the message from Careers Wales is: don't panic! Whatever your results, there are options open to you and lots of help to choose what's right for you.

As well as teachers being available on results days, careers advisers will be visiting most schools and colleges to offer free, impartial information and advice on available options. Advisers are also available at careers centres across Wales throughout the summer to help people with their future plans. Young people and their parents can call or ring to make an appointment.

Following Year 11, the majority of students will already have decided whether to begin a new course at school or college or enter employment or training. Last year, just under 80% of year 11 students in Wales continued in full time education by entering Year 12 (first year sixth) or by going to college. The range of academic and vocational courses is wider has limited job opportunities but government- sponsored workbased training is available providing the opportunity for young people to gain valuable skills and work based qualifications.

Whichever path is taken, learning is the key. It's vital that young people develop skills and gain qualifications so that they can take advantage of opportunities in the future and be able to choose work which is interesting and rewarding wherever life takes them.

ha go ba pr yo sk quW lea yo ga ca op ab in whF ad Ca 10 pl sta viG ou For further information and advice contact the Learning and Careers Advice helpline on 0800 100 900 (if calling from a mobile please ring 029 2090 6801- standard mobile rates apply) or visit www.careerswales.com GCSE students should also look out, in the post, for the 16+ Where Now? leaflet produced by Careers Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government. This gives a summary of all the main options following Year 11.

than ever before with courses available for students whatever their qualifications.

Some young people may prefer the idea of learning on the job and if so, gaining a job with training may be the answer. The recession