15/08/22

A wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available all in one place for young people in Cardiff considering their next steps ahead of this week's exams results day.

What's Next is an online platform for 16 to 24-year-olds that pulls together useful information all in one place that will help young people decide their next steps, making it quicker and easier to find out about available options for the future.

The platform was launched and developed last year by the Cardiff Commitment - the Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors in partnership, with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in education, training and the world of work. 

The site includes information on going to college, university, preparing for work, internship, traineeship and volunteering opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships and even information on starting a new business.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "Many young people receiving their results later this week may be uncertain of what they want to do with their future, which path they want to take and it can be difficult to know exactly where to go to get the right information to be able to make an informed decision about what to do next.

"That's where the What's Next platform comes in, signposting young people to what's out there and maybe giving them options to consider that they had never thought of before.

"It's a really valuable resource that I would encourage any of our school leavers - both A Level results students and those who will be collecting their GCSE results next week, to take a look at. "Of course the platform is not only for school leavers collecting exam results - it's a great asset all the time to any young people looking for inspiration about opportunities for their future."

Cardiff Commitment is now partnered with more than 300 business and organisations including Great Point Studios, PwC, Willmott Dixon, Cardiff and Vale Healthboard and Rio Architects.

Sharing her advice for young people receiving their results this month, Louise O'Shea, CEO ofConfused.comsaid: "As you leave school, the page is turning, a new chapter is being written and you hold the pen. The pressure of sitting exams after not doing them for so long might have you worried about your grades. And it's understandable to feel that these will determine your next steps. The grades you receive are important in determining your future opportunities but, most important, is your attitude.

"Are you willing to roll up your sleeves, be open, flexible and proactive, get involved and make the most of all of your talents, academic and non? It's important to be proactive and seek out opportunities to connect with companies. I remember researching an industry and company I wanted to work in, unexpectedly turning up at their office, amazingly they saw me, even more amazingly they then let me intern for the rest of the summer! They said: ‘you went the extra mile to impress us and it worked'. Find your own way to go the extra mile. It will pay off! Employers are really keen to hear from young talented people wanting to carve a path for themselves. Put yourself out there and show that you are willing."

A short animation about the What's Next platform is available to watch here https://youtu.be/xncskRbUm2Q. Visit the platform at www.cardiff.gov.uk/whatsnext.