In his regular column for Caerphilly Observer, Caerphilly Business Forum’s chair Tony Sheehan looks at the options available to people post-GCSEs and A-levels.
It’s that time of year again when thousands of students across Caerphilly collect their GCSE and A-level results and consider their next move.
For many young people the end of their GCSEs and A-levels will simply be a stepping stone for the next phase in their education but for others, it is the chance to explore other avenues and start on their chosen career path.
Of course, staying in education and going on to get a degree is a great option and one that can open a lot of doors. However, a lot of people leave school unsure what they want to do or unable to afford the high tuition fees and I want to reassure them that there are plenty of other choices available.
In my last article I touched on the importance of collaboration and nowhere is it more important than in encouraging the younger generation who are finding themselves at this vital cross roads today.
Getting 16 to 24-year-olds into work is a critical issue in Caerphilly and to this end we have joined forces with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Job Centre Plus and Caerphilly colleges – it is my hope that by working together we will be able to inspire this generation of school leavers to go on to bigger and better things.
Of course, learning doesn’t stop when you leave school and for those among us whose GCSEs (and in many cases, O-Levels) seem a long time ago, we know that those qualifications, which seemed like the end of the world at the time were, in fact, just the start.
People who get ahead in business know that learning never stops. As Chair of the Caerphilly Business Forum, I believe that it is vitally important for business people to learn from each other. It is often our own failures that teach us the most and these are the valuable lessons that can be passed onto others.
In September, as the school terms starts again, normal service resumes for business too and the first Business Breakfast of the new season will be led by Anthony O’Sullivan talking about, among other things, the value of apprenticeships.
This is a great opportunity for many of us to continue our ‘business education’ and I look forward to seeing you there.
Tony Sheehan
Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email Natalie@cbforum.co.uk