Pupils urged to consider vocational career route

Commenting on today's (Thursday 27 August) GCSE results Carol Hopkins Local Manager for Rochdale at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Most of those receiving their GCSE results today will be planning to do A-levels and then go to university.

“I would urge these young people to look at the all the options available to them including apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications. Schools must show pupils that the academic route is not the only path to a career.

“We’re not saying that young people shouldn’t do A-levels and degrees, but that they should look at all their options. We need people with vocational and academic qualifications if we are to have the full range of skills our economy needs.

“Most businesses are fed up with the old debate about whether exams are getting easier. What they want is young people equipped with the right skills for the world of work.”