University ‘not the only route 
for A-level
students’

A DEGREE is not the only route to a successful career, and taking a year off will not always harm a youngster’s job prospects, employers say today as students discover their A-level grades.

Graduate recruiters are increasingly looking at different ways to select and train school leavers, and also consider vocational courses worthwhile, according to experts

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Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) said: “Following reports that a number of universities – both within and beyond the Russell Group – have declared themselves full this year, many students will be feeling concerned about the options available to them through clearing should they fall short of their expected grades.

“My advice for those school leavers considering clearing is to take a step back and consider their options fully – going to university to study for a degree may not be the right path for everyone, and students who are pressured into making a snap decision today may come to regret it.

“With the further rise in tuition fees this year, students need to be sure that university is the right investment for them.”

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Clearing is the process that matches students who have not received offers, or who have been turned down by their original choices because they failed to meet the required grades, with available courses.

Mr Gilleard said that AGR members believe that a degree is a “significant asset” and has an impact on a graduate’s earning potential.

But he added: “It is not the sole route to a successful career; high level qualifications and vocational courses are also worthwhile, and recruiters are increasingly looking at ways to select and train school leavers. Students who miss out a place at their chosen university this year but do want to study for a degree may choose to re-take some A-levels to boost their grades in preparation for re-applying next year.

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“Those who take a year out ought also to seize the opportunity to gain experience of the workplace in order to add to their next university application, and to help them to begin preparing for career decisions after university.

“Taking a year out before going on to university will not weaken future job applications, providing that you are able to demonstrate what you have gained during the year.”

A survey published separately by the Adecco Group suggests nearly two thirds 65 per cent of the UK’s workforce believe that the A-level system is failing to prepare young people for the working world.

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Around one in 10 of 1,114 employees questioned said the exams were a valuable foundation for working life.

For those that do choose to go into clearing, Ucas is running a hotline for would-be students who have questions about their university application, clearing or adjustment, which allows those with better than expected grades to “trade-up” to a different university, available on 0871 468 0468.

One survey claims that there is still widespread confusion about how the process works.

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Almost half of 1,000 A-level students say they are not confident about the clearing process or how to gain a place through the system, according to a poll by London South Bank University and The Student Room.

Prof Patrick McGhee, chairman of the university think-tank million+ and vice-chancellor of the University of East London said there will be university places available for those students who are “prepared to be flexible and explore opportunities”.

He said all UK universities offered high quality courses with excellent teaching and state-of-the-art facilities.

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“At a time of high unemployment, this is the best time to study for a degree because graduates will be much better placed to take advantage of an upturn in the jobs market. Modern universities in particular ensure that students gain employment skills as part of their courses.”

He added: “Whatever reservations students may have about the new funding system in England, no student will have to pay fees up front.”

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