Acclaimed helpline offers support to young Scots with SQA results

The Herald Scotland

a day ago

The pupils and students – along with their parents and carers – will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline (0808 100 8000), which opens from 8am on results day.
The Helpline will once again be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice and guidance.
The team of qualified advisers from Scotland's national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer guidance on 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 their journey.
'Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.'
The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 33 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots.
There's 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*.
Calling the SDS Results Helpline was the start of ongoing career guidance for Greenock pupil T.J. Smith, who is now set on his goal for a career in sport.
When T.J. opened his SQA certificate on Results Day last year and didn't get the National 5 results he had hoped for the 16 year old called the Results Helpline to find out more about the [[SQA]] appeals process.
Inverclyde Academy pupil T.J. explained: 'I was nervous about my results, which weren't what I expected, so I called the Results Helpline to ask questions about my options and the appeals system. The adviser was really helpful and after we spoke I felt much better and knew what I needed to do.' The Results
Helpline careers adviser who spoke to T.J. also sent a referral on to his SDS school careers adviser, Larry Hansen, who picked up conversations with the teen when he started fifth year.
From then, Larry and T.J. met at school on a regular basis to look at options available to support his ambition to pursue a career in sport.
Added T.J.: 'Now I know what qualifications I need to be able to get into my chosen career, so the support I got from Larry has helped me focus in school this year, so I could work towards my goals.'
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Young people have so many different ways to achieve their qualifications, with many eagerly anticipating their results coming through next week.
'It is important that no matter how they do, young people and their families have access to trusted and reliable information on potential next steps. That is what the advisers at the Skills Development Scotland helpline provide.
'I would encourage everyone looking for impartial and expert advice on the options available, whether that is in work, training or further study, to consider contacting the helpline.'
In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue, 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.
The number for the 2025 SDS Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and will be open Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August from 8am to 8pm and Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August from 9am to 5pm
Careers adviser prescribes healthy future for Gracie
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship at school was the best medicine for Gracie Forrester, who is now on a clear path to work in care.
Gracie, from Perth, was thinking about leaving Bertha Park High School after fifth year with no plans for next steps, until she met with the school's Careers Adviser, Maxine Scott.
(Image: Gracie Forrester gained experience at Blairgowrie Community Hospital)
It was through meetings with Maxine that Gracie realised there were options to help her achieve her dream of working in Healthcare.
Now Gracie is future focused, having gained invaluable work experience during her time in school, a part time job at a local care home and secured a place in college.
Gracie, now 18, explained: 'I knew I wanted to work in Healthcare. I thought it would be a great career where I would be able to help people.
'I had picked subjects I liked, including Biology, but I wasn't enjoying school at all and suffered from anxiety.
'It was then that I met with Maxine, and she encouraged me to think more about my options. Together, we looked at jobs, college and courses I could take whilst still at school.'
Maxine is one of hundreds of Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers working across every state school in Scotland, supporting pupils with career information advice and guidance.
Maxine said: 'Once I got to know more about Gracie we started to discuss her career ambitions and option choices and it was at that point I explained the opportunities with the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare, which is a school subject giving pupils the chance to gain work experience as part of their qualification.'
A Foundation Apprenticeship is a subject choice that allows pupils to get real industry experience while they are still at school, combining time spent with a learning provider and an employer. Completion leads to a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher and recognised by all colleges and universities in Scotland for entry into their further and higher education courses.
Gracie said: 'When Maxine told me about the Foundation Apprenticeship it sounded perfect. It would mean I would stay on at school but get the chance to learn at college and get on-the-job experience.'
As part of her Foundation Apprenticeship with Perth UHI, Gracie spent one day a week working at Blairgowrie Community Hospital in the elderly ward.
Gracie said: 'I absolutely loved my experience on my Foundation Apprenticeship and it made me even more confident that I wanted to work in Healthcare.'
Gracie also used her school year to help catch up on other subjects, choosing Human Biology, a National Progression Award in Exercise and Fitness and a Higher in Literature and Communication.
With Maxine's help, Gracie successfully applied for an HNC course in Healthcare Practice at Perth UHI, which starts in the new term. Meanwhile, the caring teen landed a support staff role at another local care home, offering paid work over the summer months.
Gracie said: 'I've had my best year at school, and I would never have had the chance to experience it if I hadn't got advice from Maxine. Maxine has been an amazing support and has helped me a lot. As well as talking me through my options she's helped me with job and college applications, developing my CV and my interview skills.'
There's still time for pupils starting senior phase to choose a Foundation Apprenticeship. To find out what subjects are available at your school and apply online visit apprenticeships.scot/foundation