CDI encourages A-Level students to explore diverse career opportunities post-results

As A-level, T Level, and BTEC students across England and Wales receive their exam results, the Career Development Institute (CDI), the UK’s professional body for career development, is offering support and reassurance to those who may not have achieved the grades they were expecting.

With an emphasis on the wide array of options still available, the CDI encourages students to seek expert advice and make informed decisions about their next steps.

David Morgan, Chief Executive of the CDI, stated, "On exam results day, we’d like to celebrate the efforts and achievements of all students, and wish them all the best for the next stage in their education, training, or work. For those who have received lower grades than they hoped, we also want to reassure them that many options are still open to them."

Morgan emphasised the importance of accessing professional career advice during this critical time. He highlighted the role of Careers Advisers, who are trained to provide impartial, expert guidance to people of all ages, helping them explore academic and vocational routes suited to their individual circumstances and career aspirations.

“Careers Advisers are trained to help people of all ages make decisions about their future,” said Morgan. “They undertake ongoing training to maintain awareness of all the academic and vocational routes that are available, as well as the roles they can lead to. Most are also CDI members, which means they abide by our Code of Ethics and offer impartial advice – they are focused on what is best for you."

Morgan further encouraged students to reach out to their school or college Careers Adviser, who can provide support in exploring options such as apprenticeships, training courses, or further study at university. “Whether it’s an apprenticeship, training course, or study at university, each route will depend on the direction you want to take in your career, the way you best learn, and your personal circumstances. A qualified Careers Adviser can help you explore the options and make the decision that is right for you.”

In addition to school or college-based support, students can also access career services across the UK. The National Careers Service in England, Careers Wales, the Careers Service Northern Ireland, and Skills Development Scotland all offer resources and helplines for students seeking guidance during this time.

Career development professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate career changes, manage redundancies, and plan for retirement. These professionals can assist with evaluating career goals, acquiring new skills, and developing strategies to overcome career obstacles.

Highlighting the importance of career guidance, CDI Research Manager Stephen Plimmer shared initial findings from a recent survey of over 5,000 UK adults. The survey revealed a significant gap in public awareness of career guidance services, with fewer than 1 in 5 respondents understanding what a career guidance practitioner could offer and only 1 in 3 aware of the National Career Service in England.

“From our research, fewer than 1 in 5 people in the UK understand what a career guidance practitioner could offer them, and only 1 in 3 know about the National Career Service in England, which is free to use. However, when people do use careers guidance professionals, the great majority report meaningful benefits, which span from understanding a wider range of options open to them, through to being better able to make effective applications," said Plimmer.

Students seeking support can access resources through their school or college, or by visiting the National Careers Service at www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk in England. Additional support is available in Wales at workingwales.gov.wales/start-your-story, in Northern Ireland at www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers, and in Scotland at www.myworldofwork.co.uk.