Wales鈥� largest training provider welcomed representatives from the Welsh Government amongst its guests for the initial screening of The Lost Generation.听

is a documentary set against the backdrop of the recent Milburn Review, interviewing a number of learners across South Wales about their experiences living in 2026. The film, which was created using Welsh Government Renew and Reform funding, explores themes of digital safety, community, role models and lack of opportunities.听

The stars of the film are learners on 樱桃福利视频鈥檚 Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, a work-based skills provision for students aged 16 to 19. Behind-the-scenes production, such as the film鈥檚 musical soundtrack, was also created by learners.听听

The documentary is the conclusion to a year-long learner-led project which began life as a film on knife crime. However, initial focus groups with learners revealed a broad spectrum of social and economic challenges that teenagers were facing, all of which were magnified by the presence of social media and the wider digital world.听听

From these initial talks, the film鈥檚 focus shifted to being a platform for authentic young voices, with learners sharing glimpses of their lived experiences and their hopes for societal change.听听

Managing Director at 樱桃福利视频, Richard Spear, was in attendance at the premiere.听听

Speaking with news publisher BusinessIn Wales prior to the event, he was asked about the film and what his overriding emotion was during his initial watch.听听

鈥淭hat鈥檚 a very difficult question,鈥� Richard said.

There are a lot of emotions going on in this film as these young people take us on a journey…but I鈥檇 have to say hope. That鈥檚 the emotion I felt at the end of the film because whilst [the learners] have faced barriers and challenges, they have shown fantastic resilience, they鈥檝e done so well on the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, and they鈥檝e shown loads of positive attitude and ability. 听

鈥淲hilst they鈥檝e faced lots of challenges, I鈥檓 filled with hope that they will achieve great things in life.鈥�听

The film鈥檚 release coincides with the publication of the recent Milburn Review, a report by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions into soaring NEET (not in education, employment or training) statistics amongst young people. In Wales, 56,000 young people are classed as NEET, with the direct cost to the Welsh economy estimated to be at 拢2 billion every year.听

Speaking on the report, Richard added: 鈥淭he report highlighted that we鈥檝e got one million young people not in education, employment or training which is a frightening number and I know the treasury are projecting that could possibly triple over the next couple of years. That鈥檚 a massive alarm bell. We talk about the 鈥榣ost generation鈥�, that鈥檚 young people not getting the opportunities they deserve and if we don鈥檛 intervene that鈥檒l have a lasting impact on them, their health and society. So, it really is a crisis – and I don鈥檛 use that word lightly. [What鈥檚 needed is] a lot of people providing the adequate support for these young people to turn their lives around, find opportunities and thrive.鈥�听

Five of The Lost Generation鈥檚 key stars – learners Cian, Adom, Lynda, Tyler and Max – attended the premiere, taking part in a discussion panel with guests.听

A representative from the Welsh Government asked what the Government could do to further support young people. Learner Cian answered simply: 鈥淯tilise us.鈥� Adding that young people are keen to be involved and want the opportunities and platform to make a difference to society but often face barriers due to their age and perceived lack of experience. This is a common theme echoed throughout the film.听

You can watch The Lost Generation in its entirety

At 樱桃福利视频, we鈥檙e using Men鈥檚 Health Month to platform conversations听about the experiences of young people in 2026. 听

From loneliness and 鈥榣ooksmaxxing鈥�, young men are facing a wide variety of issues that are magnified by the constant presence of social media and the wider digital world.听

In this episode of the Little Big Actions podcast we speak to 樱桃福利视频’s Head of Youth Engagement, Leon Patnett, and Safeguarding and Prevent Manager, Ros Lovatt, to discuss the experiences they have had working with young people across听樱桃福利视频鈥檚 Jobs Growth Wales + provisions. They also share their advice on how best to support a young person who may be struggling, and what to look out for that may indicate someone needs your help.听

That鈥檚听certainly true for learner Abby Jones, who joined Jobs Growth Wales + in January of last year,听unsure what she wanted to do in the future.听

“I went to college for a month to do hairdressing which made me realise that hairdressing is a hobby and not something I want as a career,鈥� Abby explained.听鈥淎fter that I was working full time听as a waitress…then I joined 樱桃福利视频.”听

When she first enrolled on Jobs Growth Wales+, Abby had one clear听objective听in mind. “My main goal was to figure out what听I听wanted to do as a听long-term听career,鈥� she said.听鈥淚听expected听it听to be just like听school听but 樱桃福利视频 was different.听I听met amazing people which was great.”听

Throughout her time at 樱桃福利视频, Abby embraced new opportunities, including an administration placement.听听

“It helped me realise that听I听did not want to go into anything like that,鈥� Abby said.听鈥淚t helped my confidence a bit,听meeting new people and working in a new space.”听

JGW+ also allowed Abby to hone her essential听skills听qualifications, helping her improve in English, Maths and Digital Literacy.听听

“Studying with 樱桃福利视频 is a lot better than school,鈥� she explained.听鈥淲hen you听don’t听understand听something,听the teacher running the class will make sure everyone understands before they move on which is amazing because with听English,听I听have always struggled a bit.听

“Whenever I would finish a class,听my tutor听would always check that听I听was enjoying听myself听and that听I听understood it all.听If听I听was听struggling,听they听would let the teacher know on my behalf.”听

Alongside her studies, Abby gained valuable experience through part-time work in hospitality.听

“When I was working my听part time听job it taught听me听a lot about what different jobs can be like. It听taught me how to greet customers,听how to handle bad situations听and听how to work with听unfamiliar听people.听

“Time听management听was听also听a great skill to learn.听It听helped me make sure I was at work on time and make sure I听didn’t听overwork myself. My confidence in the workspace after joining 樱桃福利视频 was a lot better and helped me听to听not second guess myself as much.”听

One of Abby’s standout experiences was听going to听Barcelona听with fellow 樱桃福利视频 learners and staff. It was听her first time travelling abroad.听

“I had never really听went听on a holiday before and i have always wanted to travel,鈥� she said.听鈥淏ecause听I听was with听a big group听of听people,听I听knew that听I听would feel safe.听I was听excited听to meet听new people and to be able to share the amazing experience with them.”听

The trip pushed Abby out of her comfort zone and created lasting memories.听听

“We took part in听sailing and听banana听boating听which was amazing. We also did go-karting which was by far my favourite activity.听I also very much enjoyed the evenings where we went out exploring听and听was able to see what Barcelona looked like.”听

Looking ahead, Abby has ambitious plans for her future. Inspired by both her experiences at 樱桃福利视频 and听one of her favourite TV shows,听Criminal Minds,听she听has made the听decision听to study听psychology听with听the Open University听in September.听She is then hoping to progress into a career.听

She said:听“After I finish my听degree听I will be doing my听Masters听degree in Forensic Psychology so I can be a fully qualified Forensic Psychologist and go into it as a听full time听job.”听

Reflecting on her experience听within the Jobs Growth Wales + programme, Abby听said:听“The staff in 樱桃福利视频 are amazing and have always treated me with respect and patience,听whenever听I was听struggling or I got confused they would always take their time to help out and make sure听I听was okay.听

“I am very proud that I have gained a lot of confidence throughout my time at听樱桃福利视频听from a mix of the Barcelona trip,听enrichment projects and trips,听as well as meeting new people听in centre.”听

These awards are special to us at ALS because they recognise the passion, commitment, and real-world impact of individuals and organisations we support through apprenticeships and work-based programmes. The event showcased excellence across 14 categories, including apprenticeships, Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, and employer engagement – championing both personal determination and the employers who help cultivate talent.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Will Hayward, the evening brought together learners from across sectors, celebrating their skill development, perseverance, and success on their career journeys. Employers were also recognised for the roles they鈥檝e played in offering meaningful opportunities and nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals through apprenticeships and work-based learning.

Speaking听at听the event听was听Strategic Director听for听the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa听Mytton, who had also acted as an independent judge for the听awards鈥櫶齨ominations.听

During her speech, Lisa impressed the importance of work-based learning not just for individuals but for the economic health of Wales, she said:

鈥淓vents like听this听shine听a light on what really drives Wales forward 鈥� the talent,听commitment and ambition of our learners, employers, and training听providers.听听

鈥淎pprenticeships are central to that progress. They give people the听chance to build real careers, they give employers the skilled workforce听they听need,听and they strengthen the Welsh economy from the ground听up. When we invest in apprenticeships, we invest in听Wales鈥櫶齠uture.鈥澨�

The full list of Success Through Skills 2026 winners:听

Essential Skills听Learner of the Year
Bronze听鈥� Christine Beale
Silver听鈥� Lowri Evans
Gold 鈥� Ifeoluwa Anipupo

Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement听Learner of the Year听

Highly听Commended 鈥� Sean Murphy
Bronze 鈥� Jack Jones
Silver 鈥� Logan Harrison
Gold 鈥� Courtney Ali听听

Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement听Learner of the Year
Highly Commended听鈥� Tia Montanari
Highly Commended 鈥� Gwen Jenkins
Bronze 鈥� Kia Richards
Silver 鈥� Jessica Waite
Gold 鈥� Logan Langmead

Jobs Growth Wales+听Employers听of the Year
Bron Afon
Little Inspirations Nurseries

Valued Partners
Jenna Murphy Art
Down to Earth

Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended 鈥� David Boyle
Bronze 鈥� Millie Evans
Silver 鈥� Lisa Isgrove
Gold 鈥� Olivia听Ampleford听听听

Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended 鈥� Lauren Gunning
Bronze 鈥� Michelle Mclachlan
Silver 鈥� Poppy Wright
Gold 鈥� Maddy Groves听听

Higher Apprentice of the Year听

Bronze 鈥� Kelly Beaumont
Silver 鈥� Darren Sweeney
Gold 鈥� Jess Poole听听

Small Employers听of the Year听

Atkins Accountancy
MS Group听听

Medium Employers听of the Year
Midway Transitional Solutions
Welsh Rugby Union

Large Employers听of the Year
Innovate Trust
Legal and General听

Professional Development听Employers听of the Year
The Royal Mint
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

New Employer Partners听of the Year
Eden Nursery
Admiral Group
Sacyr听

The听annual听awards, which launched last year,听celebrate听learners,听tutors,听employers听and businesses听who have helped promote work-based learning across Wales.听听

The awards were created to recognise the importance of apprenticeships and work-based learning, not just as a valid education and career pathway听for individuals听but as an operational听tool for employers.听听

The event, which听comprised听a total of 14 award categories, was hosted by multi-award-winning journalist, Will Hayward.听听

Among those recognised were apprenticeship learners, learners from the Welsh Government鈥檚 16-to-19 programme Jobs Growth Wales, as well as pupils at 樱桃福利视频鈥檚听independent听Schools provision.听听

Employers were recognised for their contribution听to听upskilling internally, as well as offering placements to learners at the start of their career journey. There was also a special 鈥榁alued Partner鈥� award for organisations who have offered their time and resources to听provide enrichment days for young learners on the Jobs Growth Wales + programme.听

Speaking听at听the event听was听Strategic Director听for听the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa听Mytton, who had also acted as an independent judge for the听awards鈥櫶齨ominations.听

During her speech, Lisa impressed the importance of work-based learning not just for individuals but for the economic health of Wales, she said:

鈥淓vents like听this听shine听a light on what really drives Wales forward – the talent,听commitment and ambition of our learners, employers, and training听providers.听听

鈥淎pprenticeships are central to that progress. They give people the听chance to build real careers, they give employers the skilled workforce听they听need,听and they strengthen the Welsh economy from the ground听up. When we invest in apprenticeships, we invest in听Wales鈥櫶齠uture.鈥�听

The full list of Success Through Skills 2026 winners:听

Essential Skills听Learner of the Year
Bronze听– Christine Beale
Silver听– Lowri Evans
Gold – Ifeoluwa Anipupo

Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement听Learner of the Year听

Highly听Commended – Sean Murphy
Bronze 鈥� Jack Jones
Silver 鈥� Logan Harrison
Gold 鈥� Courtney Ali 听

Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement听Learner of the Year
Highly Commended听鈥� Tia Montanari
Highly Commended 鈥� Gwen Jenkins
Bronze 鈥� Kia Richards
Silver 鈥� Jessica Waite
Gold 鈥� Logan Langmead

Jobs Growth Wales+听Employers听of the Year
Bron Afon
Little Inspirations Nurseries

Valued Partners
Jenna Murphy Art
Down to Earth

Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended 鈥� David Boyle
Bronze 鈥� Millie Evans
Silver 鈥� Lisa Isgrove
Gold 鈥� Olivia听Ampleford听听听

Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended 鈥� Lauren Gunning
Bronze 鈥� Michelle Mclachlan
Silver 鈥� Poppy Wright
Gold 鈥� Maddy Groves听听

Higher Apprentice of the Year听

Bronze 鈥� Kelly Beaumont
Silver 鈥� Darren Sweeney
Gold 鈥� Jess Poole听听

Small Employers听of the Year听

Atkins Accountancy
MS Group听听

Medium Employers听of the Year
Midway Transitional Solutions
Welsh Rugby Union

Large Employers听of the Year
Innovate Trust
Legal and General听

Professional Development听Employers听of the Year
The Royal Mint
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

New Employer Partners听of the Year
Eden Nursery
Admiral Group
Sacyr听

The FinTech Wales Community Academy听will offer paid, hands-on workplace experience for learners aged 18 to 19听who are not currently in full-time education, employment, or training. Through funding provided by the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, participants will have the opportunity to earn a nationally-recognised qualification听while completing placements with some of Wales鈥� most recognisable fintech organisations, including Monmouthshire Building Society, Hodge Bank, Creditsafe, and Final Rentals.

Designed to address skills shortages and broaden access to high-growth careers, the academy delivers training through 樱桃福利视频 Training. Learners will work towards an Agored Award in Digital Skills for Business Level 2, developing practical skills in:

• Data management

• Digital collaboration tools

• Online security

• Professional communication

Speaking about the launch of the academy,听Rhys Griffiths, Head of Skills at FinTech Wales, said:

鈥淲e are thrilled to launch the FinTech Wales Community Academy. This programme has been shaped by employers coming together to collaboratively tackle skills challenges within the sector. By investing in people, we鈥檙e not only creating valuable career pathways for young people but also strengthening the future of fintech in Wales. This is about collaboration, shared ambition and building a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry.鈥�

Having recently completed its own community academy,听Monmouthshire Building Society听is excited to be part of the programme.听Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings, said:

鈥淲e鈥檝e seen first-hand the positive impact of providing an opportunity to explore a new career 鈥� it鈥檚 exciting for the participants and for us as an organisation. Through working in collaboration with FinTech Wales, Hodge Bank, Final Rentals and Creditsafe, we鈥檙e able to continue making a difference and build the talent pipeline here in Wales. We can鈥檛 wait to meet the potential stars of the future.鈥�

Lucy Wilkinson, Digital Services Route Manager at 樱桃福利视频 Training, added:

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to offer a programme where learners not only gain hands-on experience across the fintech sector but also achieve a recognised digital skills qualification along the way. Being part of Jobs Growth Wales+ allows learners to hone their numeracy, literacy and employability skills, all while receiving support and guidance from experienced tutors. They will also get the chance to work with different organisations, make new connections and get a taste for the world of work. At the end of it, our learners will leave ready to take their next step with a qualification that opens doors for them.鈥�

Those interested in applying can find full details and application information here.

Thousands of learners every year find themselves in a similar position. The good news is there are alternative pathways that can offer more flexibility, practical learning and hands-on experience.

One such option is Jobs Growth Wales + (JGW+), a training and development programme for 16- to 19-year-olds, delivered by leading training provider 樱桃福利视频.

JGW+ helps young people build confidence, gain qualifications and develop skills that prepare them for an apprenticeship, employment or even starting their own business.

The programme is designed to suit learners at different stages:

• Engagement is a starting point for those who are unsure of their next step and need extra guidance or confidence-building.

• Advancement supports learners with a clearer idea of their career interests, helping them gain sector-specific skills.

• Employment helps young people move straight into the world of work, with real-life placements supported by training and learning.

If you鈥檙e unsure of your post-16 journey, the Advancement or Engagement routes can provide exactly what鈥檚 needed – a fresh start in a supportive environment.

For former JGW+ learner, Ethan Smith, this support, particularly when he his career path was uncertain, helped him stay motivated.

鈥淚 started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,鈥� he explained. 鈥淏ut JGW+ and 樱桃福利视频 have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn鈥檛 know was meant for me.鈥�

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. 鈥淚 suggested he try out hairdressing,鈥� she said. 鈥淔rom day one, it just clicked for him. He鈥檚 thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.鈥�

Ethan says the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

鈥淎s a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.鈥�

You can read Ethan鈥檚 journey in full听鈥� from first day to job placement – here.

If听you鈥檙e unsure about your post-16 path, remember, there are plenty of options out there and it鈥檚 okay to change things up to find your perfect fit. With Jobs Growth Wales +, you can reset, refocus and move towards a future that works for you.

Find out whether Jobs Growth Wales + is the perfect fit for you here.

The event, which took place at Ocean Park House in Cardiff, welcomed special guest Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies to discuss all things rugby.

The intimate Q&A session was hosted by BusinessIn Wales editor Daniel Bevan, and allowed business representatives to grill the rugby legend on the latest news and developments in the sport.

While rugby remained the focus of the morning, Jiffy opened discussions with a reflection on his own apprenticeship journey.

Jiffy described his apprenticeship placement as ‘the start of working life’ and shared that ‘without it, I don’t know what would have happened to me’.

He went on to explain that an important aspect of his apprenticeship placement was the social skills it gave him. “It was a leap of faith from school into the world of work, but it taught me how to better communicate and to not be frightened.”

Jiffy ended discussions by imparting his wisdom.

The event was also the official launch of 樱桃福利视频’s Employer Pledge.

The pledge was created in direct response to Wales’ NEET (not in education, employment or training) statistic which currently sits at 12% for 16- to 24-year-olds.

Through the pledge, organisations can commit to offering job placements and work experience to 16 to19-year-olds from its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.

For employers, it鈥檚 a cost-free way to discover new talent, reduce recruitment overheads, and build a pipeline of future employees. It is also a way of providing potentially life-changing experience for young talent who may otherwise be overlooked.

Director at 樱桃福利视频 and ALS, Helen Williams, said: “There is a great need for support from employers. This can be in the form of work experience taster sessions, placements, giving talks about your industry or even offering coaching sessions to help young people get ready for interviews.

鈥淏usinesses can help mould the future workforce in Wales, not just for the benefit of their operations and the individual learner, but for the health and prosperity of the Welsh economy.鈥�

You can find more about the Employer Pledge here.

鈥淕rowing up, I experienced a lot of challenges 鈥� from witnessing death and drug misuse to becoming a teenage mother myself,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hese experiences shaped who I am and sparked a deep desire to understand the events, triggers, and underlying factors that influence young people’s behaviours.

鈥淟earning gave me clarity, purpose, and healing. I wanted to resonate with young people, not just on a professional level, but through shared lived experience. [I am] proof that, regardless of how life begins, it鈥檚 possible to overcome obstacles and accomplish positive things.鈥�

This perspective continues to be at the heart of Kellie鈥檚 work, where she supports learners facing similar barriers. During her time at 樱桃福利视频, Kellie has seen first-hand the impact of simply being present for young people.

鈥淛ust being present can make a massive difference. Many of the learners I support are dealing with more than just poor attendance, they鈥檙e often struggling with complex personal issues, mental health challenges, financial issues or unstable home environments.鈥�

As well as a connection through similar experiences, Kellie credits her academic studies with helping her see beyond learners鈥� surface-level behaviours and helping her develop a reflective and compassionate approach.

鈥淏ehaviour is often communication,鈥� she added. 鈥淲hen we take time to understand the root causes, we can support change rather than just manage symptoms.鈥�

In her role as an Attendance Officer, and now a Learning Coach, she has learned the value of relational work, building trust with learners by being empathetic.

鈥淓ven though my role is primarily as an Attendance Officer, many of [the learners] see me as much more than that. I鈥檝e built relationships based on trust, consistency, and mutual respect. I鈥檓 proud to be seen as someone who makes a positive difference in their day.鈥�

Off the back of her academic achievements, Kellie has recently been offered the opportunity to travel to the Ivory Coast on a scholarship, where she will work with children, young people, and families across education centres and youth facilities.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to see how communities in a completely different cultural and social context support their young people and families,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 also hope to share some of what I鈥檝e learned through my own studies and lived experiences – not as an expert, but as someone who genuinely cares.鈥�

Though short-term, the opportunity offers Kellie a chance to grow in cultural understanding and bring back new insights to her work in Wales.

鈥淯nderstanding a new culture in depth will help me develop greater cultural awareness and sensitivity – both of which are vital when working in inclusive, youth-focused environments like 樱桃福利视频,鈥� she said.

Despite the exciting international journey ahead, Kellie is committed to her work at 樱桃福利视频.

鈥淯ltimately, my goal is simple: I want to be someone the young people remember,鈥� she added. 鈥淣ot just as an Attendance Officer, but as someone who truly listened, cared, and helped them believe in themselves.鈥�

Whether your child gets the grades they hoped for or not, there are things you can do to support them at such a pivotal moment in their educational journey.

At 樱桃福利视频, we鈥檝e worked with thousands of young people as they navigate through this time and, contrary to popular belief, you don鈥檛 need to have all the answers. We鈥檝e put together a few practical ways parents can help.

Keep talk positive and open

GCSE results seem like the be-all and end-all at the time, but they don鈥檛 define your child 鈥� and that鈥檚 something you may need to be reminded of as well as your child. GCSEs are just one milestone on a much bigger journey.

Whether the results are better or worse than expected, keeping calm and positive is important.

Focus on your child’s strengths, interests, and the opportunities ahead, rather than dwelling on disappointments. Let them know that you鈥檙e proud of their effort and that you鈥檒l support them no matter what.

Explore options together

Many young people aren鈥檛 aware that sixth form or college aren鈥檛 the only options. It鈥檚 important that they know all the different pathways available to them and the opportunities that will play to their strengths. One option is Jobs Growth Wales+, a Welsh Government training and development programme for 16鈥�19-year-olds. JGW+ can help hone numeracy, literacy, and employability skills while also helping young people progress in their chosen field.

For teens who want a bit more freedom from and a more practical, career-focused route, Jobs Growth Wales+ can be a great option 鈥� even if they haven鈥檛 chosen a particular career pathway yet.听 JGW+ can help boost confidence and life skills, as well as offer support for wellbeing and mentorship.

Tap into some insider knowledge

While exploration of different options is positive and insightful, it can also be nerve-wracking and, likely, quite overwhelming. If your teen is experiencing information overload, encourage them to speak with a careers adviser or to attend open days at training providers or colleges.

No one knows a programme as well as the staff that live and breathe it every day, as such they are a great source of information. If your child feels uncomfortable asking questions, attend a meeting or open day with them and compile a list of questions beforehand that you can chip in and ask if they鈥檙e feeling shy.

Sometimes simply talking through a lot of information can make things less overwhelming. Ask your teen if they would like to go over their options with you, and put together a list of the pros and cons of each option.

Avoid comparisons and promote individuality

As with many aspects of modern-day life, the pressure of comparison looms large during GCSE results day. Your teen will likely compare themselves to others 鈥� to their friends, their peers or even to random people on the news or social media.

If their results are vastly different to others it is natural that they will feel left out, especially if their results mean that they can鈥檛 follow the same path as their mates, or that their plans to 鈥榮tick together鈥� after GCSEs have been disrupted.

Understandably, there is a strong sense of comfort and security from friends and this change can cause added stress and emotional upheaval. Remind your teen that it鈥檚 okay to explore different options. Stepping out of their comfort zones can unlock new, undiscovered pathways and their friends will still be there for them even if they are pursuing different options.

They鈥檙e independent but you shouldn鈥檛 disengage

Regardless of outcome, GCSE results day is a pivotal turning point when your child will start making more and more independent choices about their future. Encourage that independence but stay engaged and informed. Help them with applications, offer to visit training providers and colleges with them, and keep checking in emotionally. If they seem ungrateful for your input don鈥檛 be offended, this is a stressful time for them and emotions are high. Even if they don鈥檛 show it, your support and encouragement are appreciated.