UCAS Application Deadline Closed
BREAKING NEWS COMMENTWhat students can do if they don’t get their place at university
Applications for university are up as students try to avoid the tuition fee rise that will see some courses cost nearly £30,000 from 2012, and because thousands missed out on places last year. With early signs indicating that scores of sixth-formers are considering opting out of the UK system completely and applying for places in universities abroad, now that the UCAS application deadline has passed, what other options do students have if they don’t get their place at university?
Janie Burt, Managing Director of junior residential activity trip provider, JCA, commented:
“Students may find that not getting their place at university might actually be a blessing in disguise. University isn’t for everyone – students that are concerned about not being financially dependent could consider doing a short apprenticeship instead. JCA runs an apprenticeship for young people to train as Activity Leaders to work in outdoor centres. This is the perfect career for motivated young people who enjoy being outdoors and working with children, and at a time when thousands of recent graduates remain out of work, almost all of our apprentices have gone on to full-time employment, working for us, or at Center Parcs villages and ski resorts across the globe.”
Sam Cox, Managing Director of RealGap Travel, advises,
“In the current climate it has become apparent that universities and employers are looking for a strong record of qualifications as well as seeing what students have achieved outside of the academic world. This is a great time to seize the opportunity to gain a life enhancing experience either for two weeks at Easter or during the summer holidays, or alternatively taking a full year to explore the world”.
She continues,
“The gap year isn’t always about travelling abroad for a whole year, which only a percentage of students do enjoy, but could also be the opportunity for a new learning experience over a shorter period of time overseas. These experiences can put a student light years ahead of their competition as it gives them the opportunity to start a career path. This will give students the opportunity to test the waters, and to find out more about themselves, other communities, learn a new skill and offers the platform to become a well-rounded individual. Choosing a gap year gives a young individual a head start in networking, and shows future employers and universities how serious they are about learning, a student can even choose paid work to travel to fund the trip – they earn why they learn”.
Former secondary school teacher and Managing Director of educational expedition company World Challenge UK, Pat Milston commented:
“Inevitably some students will lose out on their chosen university place but future school leavers can plan ahead by investing their energies into a World Challenge expedition in their final year. This will enhance their ‘employability’ and life skills and prepare them for the next stage of their careers.
He continued; “With its focus on teamwork, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills, university admissions tutors regard students who have undertaken World Challenge expeditions favourably, as the experience takes them out of their immediate comfort zone and makes them face real-world mental as well as physical, challenges.”
To arrange an interview with Janie Burt, Sam Cox or Pat Milston or for further information please contact: Georgina Chahed, PR Manager Corporate Education
Mobile: 07787 418682
Email: georgina.chahed@tuiactivitypr.com
For Further Information on Real Gap please contact:
Lynsey Devon, Activity Sector PR Manager
Tel: 07930 631493 or 020 8971 2966
Email: Lynsey.devon@tuitravel.com
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