Chamber urges 16–18’s to explore range of education options to maximise skills following GCSE results

With 6 out of 10 firms in the region having struggled to find suitable candidates to fill vacancies, according to its Quarterly Economic Survey, East Midlands Chamber is encouraging students to consider the full scope of paths available when deciding their next steps.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Students have a number of opportunities they can pursue after picking up their GCSE results and it’s worth contacting the region’s many excellent further education providers to discover the wide range of choices they can follow for the road ahead.

“Skills shortages are a barrier to growth and with firms facing the persistent frustration of not being able to find suitable candidates to fill a role, as we’ve found in our own research, it’s advisable to carefully consider whether a broad qualification is best suited or whether narrowing in on a skillset needed by a particular profession is the answer.

“Apprenticeships, for example, tend to be built to meet the specific tasks an industry might undertake each day, so on completion a student might be able to approach an employer and say they can already use that machinery or already have experience in the processes needed in a role.

“For those collecting GCSE results and considering future plans, I’d underline the importance of looking into the full extent of offerings open to them to get best prepared for the career path in mind. With A levels, T levels, Vocational Technical Qualifications and apprenticeships among the many routes available, it’s wise to get in touch with providers and talk with them before reaching a decision.”