Careers Scotland’s One Life: Results exam helpline, the most sophisticated exam results helpline ever set up, went live today (Tuesday 13 August), after pupils throughout Scotland received their Higher and Standard Grade exam results this morning. The helpline will assist pupils and those people sitting Highers later in life make vital decisions on their future. Cathy Jamieson, Minister for education and young people and her deputy, Nicol Stephen, attended the launch of the helpline.

The helpline is based in Stirling and advises thousands of pupils on different courses and opportunities across the UK. By dialling the free phone, 0808 100 8000, callers can instantly access specialist careers advisers who have the latest course vacancy, employment and apprenticeship details at their fingertips.

Ms Jamieson said:  "The greatest concern for candidates at this time of year should not be whether they receive their results, but rather what they will do when they get their results. The helpline is there to assist candidates who are considering where to move on next.

"I would like to wish each and everyone of them success in the future, whether they are continuing at school or college, looking to go into further or higher education, wanting to undertake some form of training or whether they are wanting to enter the world of work."

Christina Allon, director of Careers Scotland in the Scottish Enterprise area, said: "The One Life: Results helpline has become a key part of the careers service available to those who have to make difficult decisions based on their exam results. We helped over 4,000 callers last year and the service is getting better all the time.

"We offer people of all ages, from school pupils to those looking for employment and learning opportunities later in their lives a tremendous range of options. We now give very focused advice to people calling us. The days of simply telling someone ‘maybe you could think about...’ are gone. We now deliver advice that will direct them to a specific course or job opportunity. It is the most sophisticated advice we have been able to offer to date.

"One Life: Results is an excellent opportunity to get bang up-to-date information and advice quickly and there’s no need to worry about hefty telephone bills. The advisers can look at different options - perhaps changing to a course or institution demanding lower qualifications. A quick decision is essential, as colleges and universities make their final selection for courses once the results are out."
            
Catriona Eagle, director of Careers Scotland in the Highlands and Islands, said: "People in the remotest parts of the Highlands and Islands can feel very cut off if they need help in a hurry and can’t get to one of our centres. The helpline gives them the same access to advisers that people in the cities have."

Laura Daisley, 16, a pupil at Grangemouth High who received her results today, said: "I feel it is an excellent way to receive advice and information regarding your results and talk through the opportunities available to you that you may otherwise not have been aware of. It is a very daunting thought as to what you are going to do in the future and this helpline steers you in the right direction."

The One Life: Results helpline is open from 8.00am - 8.00pm today and tomorrow (Wednesday 14 August) and thereafter will revert to 10.00am - 6.00pm from Thursday 15 to Friday 23 August.

Careers Scotland centres throughout the country are also open throughout the summer for information and advice on all aspects of career guidance. Addresses can be found in local phone books or on the Careers Scotland website: www.careers-scotland.org.uk

Issued by Careers Scotland - 13 August 2002