By now, you’ll have received your SQA results and, first of all, I want to say well done. You should be proud of your hard work and achievements. You might still be feeling nervous about your next steps, but enjoy your success – you’ve earned it through months of preparation and by studying hard.
If you are thinking about your options for what comes next, I would encourage you to consider coming to college. There will be a college local to you that would love to welcome you as a student for the 2024-25 session.
Around 240,000 people like you come to college each year to learn new skills and gain qualifications. Coming to college means that you can gain more qualifications and skills, move into a good job and start to build a great career.
As a college student, you can also enjoy fantastic networking opportunities through the college Students’ Association, clubs and groups, as well as making the most of sports facilities, volunteering opportunities and, through some colleges, even the chance to study abroad. And if you need extra support, colleges have trained staff who can help you understand money, and some colleges have mental health counsellors and welfare officers as well. One in four college students has a disability, and colleges understand the needs of every learner are different and unique – colleges in Scotland are inclusive and supportive of everyone.
The technical and ’hands-on’ training which takes place at college is practical and based around the skills you would use right now in a workplace, from laboratories and workshops, to salons and kitchens. The skills provided ensure college graduates have the relevant experience and learning that employers are looking for. At the moment, Scotland needs skilled college graduates to take up roles in hospitality and tourism, cyber security and digital industries, and in industries which are helping to tackle climate change like wind turbine technology, electric vehicle maintenance, and engineering.
Another opportunity you can take up at college is a Modern Apprenticeship. Scotland’s colleges support over 13,100 apprentices every year who are learning while earning. And thousands of other people are taking advantage of part-time or evening classes to improve their skills while working full-time.
So, as you think about your next steps, I would love you to consider choosing college and starting your journey to more success and achievement.
Learn more on the Colleges Scotland website. You can find more useful information for learners in the run down to Results Day by checking out our National Qualifications blog series.
