Is There Life After Exams?

The summer weeks can be a time of apprehension for young people; they may be anticipating starting school for the first time, be ready to move up into the next academic year, be progressing from junior to secondary school, or be awaiting exam results that will determine their further education options. 

Certainly, waiting for exam results and especially A level results can be nerve-wracking. The future can feel like it's totally dependent on good results. And there are increasing concerns about what’s available in the wider world. Between January and March 2026 1,012,000 or 13.5% of young people between the ages of 16-24 were recorded as NEET, not in education, employment or training, the highest figure in more than 12 years. 

Various analyses have found there to be several contributory factors. Significantly, children who are not school ready at age 4-5 are three times more likely to be NEET at 16 or 17, as it can take time for them to catch up with children who are prepared and know what to expect. Also, a stable home life, financial security and a supportive environment are all important factors.  

The harsh reality is that 6/10 young people have never had a job, yet 84% of those surveyed said they wanted training or a job. Former government minister Alan Milburn says that the education and health and welfare systems are not equipped to prepare young people for adult life. He estimates that 1/6 will still be out of work, education, or training in 5 years' time.   

This is in part due to the number of entry level jobs for mid or lower skilled work having fallen by 1.6 million over the last 20 years. According to ONS, vacancies in hospitality have halved in the last 4 years, with many establishments closed due to crippling overheads.        

But equally, there is a growing gap between what the workplace requires and what a significant proportion of young applicants are equipped to provide. This is due to anxiety, inexperience, and inadequate qualifications, as well as lack of knowledge of how a workplace operates whilst being expected to perform in one. 

Historically, much emphasis has been placed on university and qualifications, but increasing numbers of young people are seeking apprenticeships, on the job training and career-focused options, where they'll emerge with a trade, potential employment and a debt-free future. Some young people are fortunate enough to be supported by their employers whilst pursuing relevant professional qualifications.    

There’s been a reduction in the level of enthusiasm about taking a degree that results in huge debt, with little likelihood of employment. The thought of leaving home and living a university life may have held some appeal, but it can’t be discounted that some degrees, like technology and computer programming, are soon out of date as these fields are constantly evolving. 

Considering a different approach to career and business life can open up a myriad of possibilities. Hospitality, cheffing and beauty are skills that can be learned at local colleges, refined through a work environment, potentially leading to overseas opportunities or even self-employment. 

Acceptances onto agricultural degree courses rose 8% in 2024, an increase of 20% since 2019.  

Britain has roughly 1,580 farm retailers employing 25,000 people. Aspiring to advance one’s level of skills and competency through learning about soil, plants and the seasons can enhance progress in gardening, agriculture, and farming. However, the Farm Retail Association warns that various tax changes could shut down as many as half of them.  

An interest in the structure and construction of buildings, their design, development and progression can turn a routine job into something both stimulating and life-enhancing, opening doors to a career, potential future business, and something more than a job. 

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has introduced Youth Job Grants for businesses just starting. There are apprenticeships for the under 25’s, bursaries available of between £4,500-£8,000 and 300,000 work placements, with new work experience and training positions in construction, health and social care and hospitality. All ways to help young people start on the employment ladder.     

Young people have access to 360 Youth Hubs across the UK, offering CV advice, training, and mental health support.  Other available support comes from the Job Centre Plus, with localised job matching, free application training and access to regional job fairs. Early Career Portals, eg Youth Opportunities, (youthopportunities.co.uk) list verified skill building and entry level roles tailored for 13–30 year olds. There’s also The Child Poverty Action Group, Barnardo's, The King’s Trust, Youth Futures Foundation, Disability Nights UK and many local charities (eg localpathways.org) offering regional initiatives, aiming to connect young learners directly to tech and digital employer demands.    

Young people may have to contend with a myriad of different responsibilities which influence their work and further education options. Having a child, a health condition, family considerations, or financial challenges may be factors determining how much freedom they have to make choices.  

But it’s important to remember that exam results don’t need to define your life! There are many positive options available in the world. Listen, network and be receptive to offers and ideas that come your way.  

Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist                        www.lifestyletherapy.net