GCSE Results Day can be an exciting but daunting milestone. Whether you’re elated, disappointed or somewhere in between about your grades, Pathway CTM is here to support you in making the right choices for your future.

The changing world of post-16 options

According to the Institute of Student Employers [ISE], 86 per cent of UK graduate recruiters don’t care what degree subject new employees have studied. This reflects a rising trend: employers are more interested in skills, potential and adaptability than they are in particular academic backgrounds.

What does this mean for you? It means you have more freedom than ever to follow pathways that suit your interests and how you learn best – whether that’s A-levels, vocational qualifications like BTECs and T Levels, apprenticeships or a combination.

Apprenticeships: a valuable pathway

In 2023/24, there were 339,600 apprenticeship starts in England, and 23.2 per cent of those were younger than 19. While only around 3 per cent of 16-year-olds were on an apprenticeship as of 2019, apprenticeships remain a great option for hands-on learning and career progression.

Interestingly, many apprenticeships are offered by small and medium-sized employers, making up about 40 per cent of starts, and apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers. In fact, 16 per cent of apprenticeship starts are taken by those already holding graduate degrees. This is most common in sectors like health and pharmaceuticals, where up to 90 per cent of graduates enter via apprenticeship routes.

Post-16 choices in numbers

• Around 40 per cent of post-16 students choose vocational qualifications like BTECs or T Levels
• About 60 per cent follow more conventional A-level routes
• About 41 per cent of students apply for university
• Around 1 in 10 students drop out of their Level 3 courses before they complete them, a similar number to university dropout rates

Pathway CTM’s advice for students this GCSE results day

Having supported over 500 young people into apprenticeships in the past year and worked in this space for over 13 years, here’s our advice:

1. Choose your learning route: school, college, or apprenticeship?
   You can start working at 16, but only if it’s as an apprentice, as the law requires you to stay in education or training until you’re 18. Apprenticeships offer paid employment alongside learning, so they’re a great path to gain real-world experience.
2. Pick subjects you enjoy and can succeed in
   Remember, 86 per cent of employers don’t care what degree you have. However, certain apprenticeships and university courses do require specific A-levels, especially STEM subjects [Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths]. Below, we list some top employers we work with who require these subjects and accept applications from 16-year-olds.
3. Think about your career and learning style
   Now is a great time to think about whether university, apprenticeships or a job while you figure things out is best for you. With Pathway CTM’s resources, you can explore different employers, industries and roles to get an idea of the best fit. University may seem easier but bear in mind that graduate job competition is fierce – there are around 140 grads competing for every one graduate role. Apprenticeships can be less competitive, with around 113 applicants per apprenticeship vacancy, and can offer faster routes into top careers.

Employers requiring STEM subjects who work with Pathway CTM

If you’re interested in these sectors or employers, Pathway CTM can help you understand the application process and prepare your CV, interview skills and more.

No matter what GCSE results you get, your options are wide open. Whether you choose apprenticeships, further education or a vocational route, Pathway CTM is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Get in touch with us today to explore your options and take your next steps confidently!