Competition for university places is fiercer than ever before with the number of applications this year, rising by 36,000. With the release of A-level results on Thursday, the Graduate Recruitment Company reminds students that A-levels not only influence your path in life but also your employability.
Paul Farrer, CEO of the GRC, says:
ìThe end game in education is a decent job, not just a piece of paper. Competition is becoming fierce for the top graduate jobs, so students going to university need to gain a leading edge. This can be through work experience in the holidays, a productive gap year, or by choosing a university with a careers service that has a good reputation. If students donít get into their first choice of university they should not be disheartened, clearing might give them the opportunity to go to a university that leads to better job after graduation.î
Tips for school leavers and parents
Ö Major employers often look at A-level results and UCAS points during the initial selection process. If you have just missed out on a higher grade, asked for your paper to be re-marked
Ö When choosing which university to go to donít simply take the course into consideration. Think about the link between education and work. As part of your research visit university career services to ensure the investment you are making in your (or your childís) education will be matched by their employability prospects. The average student debt is now 13,000, and it is foolish not to look at the university department that will help you pay off the loan
Ö If you miss your grades and go through clearing, donít panic. Try to pick a university with a reputation for excellence not only in your chosen subject, but also with a good careers service. This can mean the difference between being employed and signing on after you graduate.
A-level results mean more than university acceptance
Warns the Graduate Recruitment Company
