It's Connexions Personal Advisers' busiest day of the year as they get ready to give help, information, advice and practical support to thousands of young people getting their results – some knowing exactly what they're going to do next, but many needing guidance on the best path to follow.

Ellie Lee, Connexions Personal Adviser at Alfreton Connexions Centre gives some helpful advice to help prepare you for that nerve-wracking day.

• What to do if you haven't got the grades you wanted

Firstly stay calm, and don't panic! If you've only missed by one or two grades, you may still be accepted on the course you originally wanted to do. Or, you could look into doing a different course or subject.

Remember, there are lots of options to choose from but you shouldn't just rush into something without knowing what it involves, where it might lead and why it might suit you!

Look on www.routes-ahead.org for information on courses, apprenticeships and other learning opportunities for 14 to 19-year-olds, in and around Derby and Derbyshire. You can also use Routes Ahead to find out what qualifications you'll need to get on that course, how to apply and more.

And, if you need some help and advice a Connexions Personal Adviser will more than likely be in your school or college on exam results day.
You can also speak to a PA at your local Connexions centre or phone our free info helpline on 0800 269 468.

• Are you thinking of taking your GCSEs again?

It's not always possible to take all your GCSEs again as a full-time course. Most places will let you retake maths and English, and perhaps science, but they often tag these onto other courses.

If you haven't done as well as expected then it might make more sense to rethink your plans and start a different kind of course. Again, it's worth talking through the options with your PA – they'll know about all the choices available.

• What if you do better than expected?

Believe it or not, lots of young people get a pleasant surprise when they get their results! If you achieved higher grades than you expected, there could be some interesting options open to you, which you may not have considered before.

Take another look at the sixth form and college courses, Apprenticeships and other work and training vacancies, but again, give your choice some thought!

You can find all local school and college prospectuses in your local Connexions centre or log on to www.routes-ahead.org.

• Worried about the cost of further education and learning?

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can help you if your family income is £30,810 or less. You might be able to get £10, £20 or £30 a week – in your pocket! – if you stay in learning or training.

If you start an e2e programme you will receive the maximum £30 weekly EMA payment.

You can get more information or an application by calling the free EMA helpline on 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema.

There may be other financial support available to help with the cost of learning. Find out more at www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn or speak to a PA at your local Connexions centre.

And, if you're struggling with travel costs, then look into getting a b_line card – if you don't have one already – which is a discounted card to help with travel costs. Call 08456 058 058 for more information.

• What if you don't want to go into full-time education?

If you don't want to continue in full-time education then you could go on to a work-based learning programme — usually an Apprenticeship — or go into the world of work.

• What is work-based learning?

Training programmes like Apprenticeships mean you can learn on the job and build up your knowledge and skills so you can achieve qualifications and earn money at the same time.

Apprenticeships are offered in different job areas — such as engineering, hairdressing and administration — and at different levels. The level you do depends on your results, although you can progress from one level to another.

You can find out more about Apprenticeships by:

• Visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk
• registering your interest with The Derbyshire Network at www.thederbyshirenetwork.org
• looking on www.routes-ahead.org to see which training providers offer Apprenticeships, and
• checking Purple Pages on the Connexions Derbyshire website regularly for any vacancies.
• Or, you could try e2e?

e2e stands for Entry to Employment. It's a training programme for young people, aged between 16- 18-years-old who are not yet ready or able to go into Apprenticeships, further education or employment directly.

e2e gives young people vocational knowledge, skills and understanding through trying a range of work and learning 'tasters', such as construction, and sport and recreation. You can learn in different settings, including:

o one-to-one coaching
o group activities
o work placements and experience
o external visits, and
o outward-bound activities and volunteering.

Find out more about e2e programmes in your area through your Connexions PA or visit www.routes-ahead.org or phone our free info helpline on 0800 269 468.

• If you decide to go into employment

Many young people choose to take this route. However, you need to think this through carefully as you could find yourself in an unskilled job with no additional training, low wages and few opportunities for career progression.

If you need help finding local vacancies then check your local newspaper every week for vacancies or use Purple Pages on the Connexions Derbyshire's website – it has lots of local vacancies that might suit you.

• And, if you still don't know what to do?

Make an appointment to have a one-to-one guidance session from a Connexions Personal Adviser. They are specially trained to help young people make the right choice for them.

And, if there are any other more personal issues that are stopping you moving forward with your career plans, Connexions can help you with these too.

To find out where your nearest Connexions centre is call 0800 269 468 or visit www.connexions-derbyshire.org.