As exam results day draws near, young people across the Highlands and their families are being reminded they’re not alone.
On Tuesday 5 August, thousands of pupils will receive their SQA results for Highers, Nationals and Advanced Highers.
For many, it’s a day filled with nerves, excitement and a flurry of questions about what comes next.
To help ease those worries, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is once again launching its trusted Results Helpline, offering free, confidential guidance from trained careers advisers.
From 8am on results day, the phone lines will be open and staffed by a team of experts ready to support not only young people, but also parents and carers looking to understand the best next steps.
Whether the outcome is better than expected, not quite what was hoped for, or somewhere in between, advisers can help explore everything from college and university options to apprenticeships, jobs, training opportunities or returning to school.
The SDS Results Helpline has been supporting young Scots for over three decades, offering a steady hand at one of the most important turning points in a young person’s life.
This year’s helpline number is 0808 100 8000, and it will be open:
- Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August, from 8am to 8pm
- Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August, from 9am to 5pm
Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information and Guidance Operations at SDS, had this message for young people and their families:
“Don’t panic.
“It might all feel a bit overwhelming now, but this is just one step on a much longer journey.”
He added:
“Our advisers are here to support and guide, helping young people see beyond results and uncover their strengths, talents and possibilities.”
Joan Duncan, a local SDS Careers Adviser based in the Highlands, will be among those answering calls.
“We’re here for every kind of result,” she said.
“Whatever path someone is on or hopes to be on we can help make sense of the next steps.”
The helpline is part of a wider support network that includes in-school SDS advisers and the national careers platform My World of Work.
Every secondary school in Scotland has a linked SDS adviser, and nearly a quarter of a million pupils get face-to-face support each year.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth echoed the importance of the service.
“It’s vital young people have access to trusted, reliable support.
“Whether they’re heading for university, college, training or work, help is at hand.”
And from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Michelle Fenwick offered a message of hope:
“There’s no one path to success.
“Through the #NoWrongPath campaign and our work with SDS, we’re showing young people just how many opportunities are out there.”
So if you or someone in your family is facing results day this August, know that help is just a phone call away and that no matter the outcome, the future is full of possibility.
