As young people across the Highlands and Islands anxiously await their exam results, Careers Scotland is preparing to open an Exam Results Helpline for students who need professional careers advice before they take their next steps after leaving school.

Standard, Intermediate and Higher results are due to arrive with candidates on Tuesday 7 August 2007 and from 8am that morning Careers Scotland staff will be on hand to reassure callers, provide impartial advice and support, no matter what their grades are.

The freephone number 0808 100 8000 will put callers in touch with Careers Scotland advisers who have the latest information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK and information on other opportunities for school leavers.

Careers Scotland has direct access to the UCAS clearing system which helps students to find a place at college or university. The clearing system matches students with available places and the freephone Exam Results Helpline is designed to give students the most up to date information as they make important career decisions.

Lines will be open:

Tuesday 7 August 2007 and Wednesday 8 August 2007 from 8am -8pm

Thursday 9 August 2006 – Friday 24 August 2007 from 10am -6pm (including weekends)

The Exam Results Helpline advises thousands of young people about career opportunities every year, with almost 4000 callers seeking career advice last summer alone. Many parents and carers take advantage of the helpline, which aims to set their minds are rest at what can be a worrying time.

Careers Scotland advisers can also connect callers to a range of opportunities in the world of work and training and give advice on exam re-sits, taking a year out and other post-school options.

Liz Galashan, head of career planning and employability at Careers Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:

“This time of year can be stressful for young people and their friends and family. However, it is important to remain calm and not to panic. Even if the results that students receive are very different to what they are expecting, there is always a solution. It costs nothing to call the Exam Results Helpline and talk to one of our experts and we will do our best to find callers a positive outcome to their situation.”

“It is vital for students to call the Helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out. We can discuss the options and look at the different learning pathways and routes that are available to help the caller make an informed career choice that is right for them. Students should call 0800 100 8000 as soon as they can after they receive their results.”

Recent research undertaken by DTZ Research and Consulting on behalf of Careers Scotland has recognised the importance of career guidance in helping young people make the correct career choices. It identified that well informed career decisions improve motivation which in turn means a higher likelihood of sustaining opportunities and a higher level of qualification.

Liz continues, “Evidence shows that confidence levels rise after receiving career guidance. At this stage of their decision making, it is important that young people consider all the opportunities that are available to them and are encouraged to have the confidence to make the choice most suitable for them. The Exam Results Helpline provides vital support to young people as they make some of the most important decisions of their lives.”

This year a number of students who have signed up for the Results Online service will receive their results the day before the printed versions arrive in the post. Results Online is a new service provided by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) that allows candidates to view their SQA record in secure environment over the internet. A text messaging service is also available to those who have chosen to sign up for this option. Students who receive their result on 6 August can contact Careers Scotland on its general telephone number 0845 8 502502.