A levels

[Danno]

Welcome to Hallam, what you going to be studying?

Best decision I ever made to come to this city, had some fantastic times.

I'm gonna be studying international business & spanish mate. Bit worried because they still havent sent me the confirmation email and I need that to confirm my accomodation.

[LcFc_Smiv]

I'm gonna be studying international business & spanish mate. Bit worried because they still havent sent me the confirmation email and I need that to confirm my accomodation.

 

I'm guessing they are just extremely busy today mate, keep checking it and if you haven't heard anything within a few hours give them a call. Accommodation is always a major worry for everyone, always ends up fine though, even if you don't get the one you want theirs not many bad places to live. What you applied for?

[Guest Bilo]

100% pass rate again, students going to uni as planned. Beer will be consumed!

[Wymsey]

I got 3 A's, just graduated with a 1st from my law degree and still struggling to get an interview for a job. Shows the traditional way isn't necessarily better so the results don't determine your career.

That's extremely unfortunate and ridiculous! I Wish you the best of luck.

[Steven]

I got my A-Levels in the last century. 

[Wymsey]

Apprenticeships are the way to go now, to be honest; the pre-Graduate/Graduate market is as stiff as anything, even if you get A's and Firsts!

[Benji]

Depends what you want to do.

[Danno]

I'm guessing they are just extremely busy today mate, keep checking it and if you haven't heard anything within a few hours give them a call. Accommodation is always a major worry for everyone, always ends up fine though, even if you don't get the one you want theirs not many bad places to live. What you applied for?

Accomodation wise? I narrowed it down to about 6 different halls but they are all pretty much the same apart from one which has a gym. Hoping i can get one with a double bed cos i can't fit in a single bed cos i'm too tall.

[Sol thewall Bamba]

100% pass rate again, students going to uni as planned. Beer will be consumed!

Well done mate! 

[Frank to be]

100% pass rate again, students going to uni as planned. Beer will be consumed!

Outstanding. The consistent linear progress in exam results is a miraculous achievement.

[ScouseFox]

I agree. If you're not going to university then A levels are a waste of time. An apprenticeship route is far more beneficial to someone who has no intention of going uni then half the kids doing A level because that was the next step they were told to do. They go on to do a degree in something they're not that passionate in before becoming a manager at Boots.

A lot of pupils in school and college arent given the right career guidance at all.

yep, even if it's not an apprenticeship as such it seems it's just as worthwhile to start at the bottom of a business/company straight out of school, and apply yourself and do shit tasks whilst being paid. But as you've got an "in" in that job/company in the three years you'd take to pay 30 grand for a degree you can progress up a company whilst being paid etc.

And a lot of companies will advertise in house and if training is required will pay for a lower (but clearly capable) employee to progress. It's in their interests.

Better off to start at the bottom and work up a company than become debt ridden and try and join a company half way up with a degree. Most graduates end up joining at the bottom anyway, just 3 years later.

[Wymsey]

100% pass rate again, students going to uni as planned. Beer will be consumed!

Did you receive any 'Thank You' cards or presents?

[Tommy G]

I got a B and 2 D's at A levels. Decided not to go to uni, did AAT and ACA and became a chartered accountant. 

 

I'm in the higher rate tax band and have a great job. A lot of people I know who went to Uni have struggled since. It's not the be all and end all anymore.

 

I thought I was a failure at the time but with hard work anything is possible

[Xen]

As others have said, the graduate job market is so over-saturated with applicants because of the big push to get everyone to Uni, that now Uni isn't actually that beneficial. A lot of people end up starting at exactly the same level as they would have done otherwise., or even worse.

 

My other half, for instance, got a 2.2 in History&Politics, so not good enough to get him onto a grad scheme, but he's 'overqualified' for a lot of the entry level jobs he goes for.

 

What I will recommend though for those going to Uni is - if possible on your course - try and make sure you do a placement. It'll delay graduation by a year, sure, but placements are a lot less competitive than grad schemes despite being nigh-on identical once you start, and when it comes to finding a job after you graduate you can go for grad schemes where you'll have more experience than the vast majority of candidates (and that initial bit of experience makes SO much difference). OR you could apply for regular jobs, stand a chance against more experienced applicants (whereas normal grads may be overlooked) and command a higher salary.

 

I've just finished mine at Virgin Media and learnt loads (and finally know the sort of industry I want to work in), and I can already tell that applications are going to be SO much easier for next year (no more using a university project as an example for EVERY competency based Q). Loads of connections too, and an informal job offer for once I graduate if there's a role available.

[Izzy]

yep, even if it's not an apprenticeship as such it seems it's just as worthwhile to start at the bottom of a business/company straight out of school, and apply yourself and do shit tasks whilst being paid. But as you've got an "in" in that job/company in the three years you'd take to pay 30 grand for a degree you can progress up a company whilst being paid etc.

And a lot of companies will advertise in house and if training is required will pay for a lower (but clearly capable) employee to progress. It's in their interests.

Better off to start at the bottom and work up a company than become debt ridden and try and join a company half way up with a degree. Most graduates end up joining at the bottom anyway, just 3 years later.

This pretty much sums up my career. I started on a YTS aged 16 with a major retailer on £29.50 a week 25 years ago. Cleaned the bogs, vacuumed the shop floor every night, mopped the floor and did all the shit tasks.

Within 5 years I was a store Manager and Regional Director by the age of 30. I now work for myself earning a decent six figure income. And I've only got 3 O levels at C grade, no A levels and no degree.

There is another way if you're prepared to work hard on the job and learn your trade.

[Fox92]

I didn't even do A-levels. I couldn't really. I've only got two GCSEs. I hated school and didn't try. At that age I was only into football and music. Went to college (and worked part time in between) and developed an interest in web development so wanted to study it at Uni to enhance my knowledge. And I'm pleased I did that, but I'd certainly love to have experience now. The graduate market is difficult.

 

Uni isn't the be all and end all, I agree and it depends on what you want to do in life. I don't know how 6th form works but it seems like they push/advise people to go to Uni. It's not all about that. Many people I know went to Uni without knowing what they wanted to do in the future as a career which I think is pretty pointless. I know it's difficult at that age but you've got to have somesort of idea.

[Guest Bilo]

Did you receive any 'Thank You' cards or presents?

I actually did! Stationery sets galore.

Teachers love stationery, kids!

[Finnaldo]

I actually did! Stationery sets galore.

Teachers love stationery, kids!

You'll only get it permanently 'borrowed' off you

Fantastic results though, congratulations. Reminds me of my old history teacher, she was your harshest critic and an absolute taskmaster of the highest order but the best teacher you could have and always got results. I got a B at GCSE with a different teacher, the year after got a 90% rate for A or higher- absolutely remarkable. Then I got the A that pretty much saved my grade.

To be fair I couldn't imagine you being that strict though

[Footballwipe]

Ah the annual willy waving contest of people who didn't go to university and made a success of themselves. These people do realise that everyone knows you can do well for yourself by not going to uni? Celebrities, forums, the lot. In this day and age it's absolutely possible to be a success not going to uni, whether it's going down the apprenticeship route, building a successful career or by turning a passion into a career (such as a career YouTuber, utilising the e-commerce etc)

 

It's not for everyone and it most certainly isn't value for money on your investment compared to teaching time etc, but the attitude, every year of "Well I didn't go to university and now I'm flushing money down the loo" by people gets quite tiresome. As does the annual "A-Levels are easy you're all thick" from people.

[purpleronnie]

I got my A-Levels in the last century. 

me too, they we're much more difficult back then.

[Finnaldo]

Ah the annual willy waving contest of people who didn't go to university and made a success of themselves. These people do realise that everyone knows you can do well for yourself by not going to uni? Celebrities, forums, the lot. In this day and age it's absolutely possible to be a success not going to uni, whether it's going down the apprenticeship route, building a successful career or by turning a passion into a career (such as a career YouTuber, utilising the e-commerce etc)

It's not for everyone and it most certainly isn't value for money on your investment compared to teaching time etc, but the attitude, every year of "Well I didn't go to university and now I'm flushing money down the loo" by people gets quite tiresome. As does the annual "A-Levels are easy you're all thick" from people.

To be fair it can be good to hear from people who went alternative ways as though everyone knows you can be successful without Uni it's also obviously a lot less linear. I'm looking for an apprenticeship now and it's good to hear how people progressed from that or other trainee schemes, there's many roads to cross down if you go that route so feedback is always useful.

[Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot]

Rare you'll find a top class escort who offers this service.

[Jattdogg]

Goodluck guys and gals. Our system here in canada is different but the same stories emerge.

A lot of people are told to go to uni because thats the way to success. Now too many degrees are handed out and jobs pay less because or surplus applicants.

Meanwhile the trades are killing for workers and paying a great wage compared to your typical business or IT jobs etc.

I find that pre uni guidance counseling is a joke. They dont teach you or help guide you into a field thats best suited for you. They basically say "if you want to make more go to uni". Maybe we need to have less math and english and history shoved down our throats aNd more on the job experiences. A course whereby you spend a week or two at a different company/field. But something done every year in your 3 years preceding uni. They do work placements here in canada (pre uni) but its always something silly like selling tennis shoes as opposed to working with a mechanic (Not that theres anything wrong with selling tennis shoes).

We live in a scary economy these days which doesnt make it any easier. Id much rather have someone do something they love or at least really like then to be pushed into uni. Obviously basket weaving may not be a great option unless your selling it to the uber rich haha.

[Samilktray]

I agree with Scouse, it's disgusting the way they drill 'uni or nothing' into your heads at school.

[LcFc_Smiv]

Accomodation wise? I narrowed it down to about 6 different halls but they are all pretty much the same apart from one which has a gym. Hoping i can get one with a double bed cos i can't fit in a single bed cos i'm too tall.

Well best of luck pal, you'll have to post any updates.