As young people across the Highlands and Islands anxiously await their exam results, Careers Scotland is urging pupils to remain calm and take advantage of the Exam Results Helpline.
Exam results will be posted throughout Scotland in August, and experts from Careers Scotland will be on standby to reassure callers and provide impartial advice.
Standard and Higher Grade exam results are due to arrive on Tuesday 8 August 2006 and that morning Careers Scotland will open the Exam Results Helpline for students who need professional advice before they take their next step.
Whether exam results are expected or unexpected, the freephone number 0808 100 8000 will put callers in touch with expert advisers who have the latest information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK.
Careers Scotland has direct access to the UCAS clearing system which helps students who did not get the grades that they expected find a place at another university. The clearing system matches students with available places and the freephone Exam Results Helpline is designed to let students have the most up date information.
Lines will be open:
Tuesday 8 August 2006 and Wednesday 9 August 2006 from 8am - 8pm
Thursday 10 August 2006 - Friday 25 August 2006 from 10am - 6pm (including weekends)
The Exam Results Helpline advises thousands of young people about their opportunities every year, with almost 4000 callers seeking advice last summer alone. Many parents and carers take advantage of the helpline, which aims to set their minds at rest at what can be a worrying time.
The helpline is not limited to supporting people with questions about college and university applications. Careers Scotland advisers can also connect young people 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 learning options.
Catriona Eagle, Director of Careers Scotland in the Highlands & Islands, said: "This time of year can be stressful for young people and their friends and family. However, it's important to remain calm and try not to panic. Even if the results that students receive are very different to what they were 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.
"Careers Scotland advisers can discuss the options and look at the different courses and institutions that are available to help the caller plan their career and make an informed choice that is right for them. It's really important for students to call the helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out. Students should call 0808 100 8000 as soon as they can after they have
opened the results envelope."
Careers Scotland operates a network of centres across the country with advisers on hand to help. Find your nearest centre www.careers-scotland.org.uk or 0845 8 502502.