Rubbish exam results? Donít despair!

On 16th August many dreams of well-paid jobs and high-flying careers will be dented, as hundreds of young people across the UK fail to achieve the ëAí Level results they are hoping for. But Pitman Training, one of the UKís leading training companies, is urging them to think positive and consider other options in order to achieve their goals.

ìMany young people head off to university with no clear idea of what they want to do, other than achieving a qualification at the end of three years,î said Stan Knights, Managing Director of Pitman Training Group. ìPitman Training courses provide a more flexible and fast-track alternative for those keen to make their mark in the world of work, and for those who may not have the necessary qualifications for university.î

65% of UK employers find it hard to recruit good quality staff due to a lack of specialist skills, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Technology is integral to virtually every modern business and so practical IT and business focused skills are in extremely high demand.

ìOn a daily basis we speak to employers who are looking for highly skilled staff,î continues Stan. ìIt is fair to say that the majority of them want people who can add immediate value to their business. If a candidate has a comprehensive range of IT or business focused skills they will be an attractive prospect for a potential employer.î

Pitman Training specialises in delivering practical training designed to help people progress in their chosen career. From basic computer and secretarial skills to book-keeping and web-design, there are over 125 courses to choose from at more than 80 centres throughout the UK and Ireland.

In addition to short courses and seminars, Pitman Training offers longer term Diploma programmes. Each Diploma consists of a range of modules covering a comprehensive range of IT and office skills. Students can then opt for specialist modules such as legal practice, medical terminology, marketing, book-keeping or accounts. They will then be fully equipped with the relevant skills needed to get ahead in a range of careers including Legal Secretary, Executive PA, Accounting Technician or Medical Secretary.

Pitman Training is offering a free confidential career consultation for all school leavers with an experienced training advisor in their local area. During this meeting they will be able to talk about their concerns, career goals and what they liked, and didnít like, about learning at school. This will help the advisor to recommend the best course to suit each individualís personality, ability and aspirations.

ìNot everyone thrives in a classroom environment,î explains Stan. ìThe pressure of being in a competitive situation and having to learn in a particular way does not suit all students. Pitman Training courses are not at all like going back to school. It is a very adult and flexible way to learn. Learners are provided with an audio CD and workbook and can choose the study times that suit them best, but a tutor is always on hand to answer questions and provide support and encouragement.î

ìBecause Pitman Training qualifications are well-known and well-respected, the vast majority of our students go on to get jobs that they really want. This is helped by our excellent links with local and national recruitment agencies. Not only can they aim for a career which they enjoy ñ the better qualified they are, the more money they can hope to earn,î concludes Stan Knights.

For more information on the range of Pitman Training courses or to find out where your nearest centre is, please call 0800 0858270 or visit: