IN the run-up to A-levels and GSCE's results day, the Department for Education and National Apprenticeship Service are supporting young people with what to do next.

Come August 16 and 23 the focus will change for students and parents across the country.

Whether young people achieve the grades they hope for or not, many will be undecided about their next step and searching for careers advice.

Olivia Wheeler, 19, from Colchester, is one of the apprentices which the National Apprenticeship Service has been working with.

Instead of going to university, Olivia opted for a placement at Great Ormond Street Hospital where she coordinates events within the Post Graduate Medical Education department.

She said: "My parents were never against apprenticeships and they never had any doubts, however, similarly to me, we didn’t fully realise the benefits apprenticeships had to offer.

"The majority of my friends were set on attending university, therefore apprenticeships didn’t cross their mind so when I told them this was the route I'd take, there wasn't much interest.

"However, now being ten months in, they love to hear about what I'm doing at work.

"I must say though, with all my friends going to university, it did make me question an apprenticeship, but I'm extremely glad I took my own path."

Learning on the job means Olivia's CV has "doubled in content".

Apprentices themselves say some of the advantages are skipping student debt, earning while they learn, and getting meaningful work experience.

She said: "My greatest achievement so far is being selected as the events lead for the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network.

"I was also lucky enough to have a section of an essay I submitted published in the Learning and Work Institutes publication of All Change: Where next for Apprenticeships?, and was invited to the launch event at the House of Commons.

"I've never been a confident person, but having this role and attending these kind of events has really helped to improve my confidence."

On average there are 20,000 apprenticeship opportunities listed online at the Government's Find An Apprenticeship site each month across a range of sectors, and all the way up to degree level.

For individuals who need a helping hand, the National Careers Service’s exam results helpline is the official service available for young people and their parents.

  • Interested in starting an apprenticeship? Visit getingofar.gov.uk or call 08000 150 400
  • Want to know more about employing apprentices? Complete the online enquiry form on GOV.UK or call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.
  • Need careers advice? Call the Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900.