Young people in Renfrewshire will take the next step forward to their future careers after opening their results.
Gryffe High School pupils are among 4,000 across the area to receive results from Qualifications Scotland. These cover exams, coursework and vocational course results. They are sent through text, email and post.
The routes young people will take into future careers are varied. They can choose from staying in school, going to college or university, or starting apprenticeships, training, or work.
Some young people told us they want hands-on experience through apprenticeships and training.
Guy Ritchie said:
I’m hoping to get an apprenticeship with a finance company. With an apprenticeship, I don’t need to go to uni, so I don’t need to spend more time in education. I can get paid for the apprenticeship and keep living at home instead of being away from family. It’s the best option for me.
Lucy Runciman is going to do pilot training. She explained:
I’ve always dreamed of being a pilot from a young age. I want to experience the world and see different places. I’m going to do the Speedbird Academy. They train you and, at the end of it, you get your pilot’s licence.
Studying and living abroad is why some young people have chosen a university route.
Jessica Golding said:
I’m most excited about going abroad during my international business degree. Seeing different cultures and learning about business in different places. My dad has his own business and, one day, I’d like to have my own, possibly in the pharmaceutical field.
Kirk Gray ideally wants to live in France. He explained:
I love the language. I’m doing business and French and, in that course, it’s mandatory to have a year’s experience of living in a French-speaking country. That will be the highlight for me.
For others, it’s about where they’ll live after university.
Emily Martin wants to live in London. She said:
I don’t know what kind of field of accounting I want to work in, but I do want to live in London. Ever since I was little, I’ve always been interested in the big business buildings.
Helping people as part of their future career is what drives these young people.
Amélie Robert-Rocher said:
I want to become an occupational therapist because I love the idea of helping people doing what they love and getting back into it. I want to work with children, maybe in a hospital.
Jake Smith explained:
I’m interested in helping people, maybe through family law but there are lots of different avenues I can go down. Law is a good degree because it keeps my options open.
William Singer said:
I’m doing biomedical engineering at university, so I can help fix medical problems. My mum and dad have been big on helping others and give others a helping hand, I think it’s come from that. In the future, I may become a paramedic, or something in the military that’s medical.
Luke Halpin explained:
I like the thought of being able to help people, that why I want to be a forensic scientist.
Others have a passion for their interests that they want to turn into a career.
Rory Christie enjoys music. He said:
I’m hoping to get a career in sound production. I want to help create music and there are a lot of opportunities in this field, from live shows to music studios.
Gagandeep Sandhu found a passion for dentistry. She explained:
I had a lot of work done on my own teeth when I was younger, so I became intrigued by this career. I think its work I will enjoy and eventually, I’d like to have my own practice.
Sandy Bonnar likes maths and numbers. For after university, he said:
I hope to get a good job in investment banking or accountancy and travel the world.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said:
Every young person should be proud of their results. They have worked hard and been dedicated throughout the last year. For both academic and vocational pathways, today is an important moment to celebrate.
While many will be delighted in their results, for other young people there may be disappointment. That doesn’t mean they can’t do what they wanted. There are many pathways into their future careers. I would encourage anyone who didn’t get the results they wanted to speak to their school for guidance and support.
Whatever pathways our young people choose, it will be right for them. I wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.
Janie O’Neill, Director of Renfrewshire Council’s Children Services, added:
Results Day is an important milestone for our young people as they take the next step towards their future ambitions. They have worked hard over the last year, supported by teaching staff and families.
Our young people are talented, determined and aspirational. We want each of them to take the pathway that’s right for them into their chosen careers. I’m very proud of the work undertaken here in Renfrewshire to support young people to enter positive destinations.
Help and support are available from the Skills Development Scotland’s exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.