Skills Development Scotland will run dedicated exam results helpline

A dedicated helpline will open to support tens of thousands of pupils and students across Lanarkshire set to receive their full Higher, National and Advanced results on August 6.

The youngsters, along with their parents and carers, will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated results helpline, which will be offering impartial career information, advice, and guidance.

The helpline will once again be staffed by expert careers advisers and will be live from 8am on August 6 to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps.

The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer advice about colleges and universities, UCAS confirmation and clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering or staying on at school.

Dave McCallum, head of career information, advice and guidance operations at SDS, said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic.

“Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on your journey.

“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities.

“Whether you didn’t receive the results you were hoping for, or exceeded your expectations, we are here to help you navigate the next steps and the make the best decisions for your future.”

The SDS results helpline has been going for 32 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots.

There is also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to pay tribute to all the young people who have worked incredibly hard and are now waiting for their exam results.

“Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers.

“There are options out there for you whatever your results may be.

“The helpline provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options.

“Anyone with concerns, no matter how small, should take the chance to phone the careers experts if they need advice or reassurance.”

The number for the 2024 results helpline is 0808 100 8000 and it will be open on August 6 and 7, from 8am to 8pm, and August 8 and 9, from 9am to 5pm.

Parents’ organisation Connect promotes the results helpline every year to parents, carers and young people as a great source of information and support.

Gavin Yates, Connect’s executive eirector, said: “Each year we encourage parents, carers and young people to use the results helpline.

“There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their results are.

“With the support of the results helpline team, families can navigate these to explore all options.”

In addition to the dedicated SDS results helpline, young people and their parents or carers throughout North Lanarkshire can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you on the “Contact Us” page of the SDS website ), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.

Skills Development Scotland’s goal is to “ensure our services are accessible to all, whoever they are, wherever they live, whatever their needs”.

It also aims “to be a employer of choice and exemplar of fair work” and is “passionate about our role as a leader in inclusive growth within the public sector and ensure equality and fair work principles are at the heart of everything we do”.

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