Students have never had so many paths to success

AS GCSE results come out this week I can't help but think that results' days are always filled with a type of nervous energy even when you are not the one receiving them.

The excitement of achieving targets intertwined with the sorrow of missed ones is unique and can make the occasion bittersweet.

At this juncture I must say the strength of our region relies on the success of our students so I hope they accomplish everything they set out to and wish them the very best.

Indeed, at first glance you might not envy the students of today.

Strict KPIs, ever changing curriculums, constant examinations, high university fees and a globally competitive labour market does not make me envy our 12 to 18 year olds.

However, I would tell students successful and almost successful that, no matter what the results the path to success is no longer as formulaic as it once was.

In fact, to put it bluntly, I would say, students have never had it so good.

I say this because the region is brimming with opportunity. Last week, nearly 300,000 students picked up their A-level results and even more picking up their GCSE results this week.

If university isn't the route that some want to take there are plenty of alternative routes they can take.

Over the last 15 years, the way we work, the way we recruit and the way we approach different career paths has varied and moved away from the “you must go to university to succeed” attitude.

While hiring is never easy, in my own business I value our apprentices as much as our graduates. An employer that appreciates the diversity of its workforce will also appreciate the diverse paths its employees to get them to where they are.

None of this happens by accident of course.

I pay particular respect to the various educators in the region. Through the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, I see the passion commitment and patience our educationalists champion having a skilled and adaptable workforce.

A particular success has been degree apprenticeships where students work and study with fees being paid by employers and the governments. Our universities have led the way in degree apprenticeships.

Aston University pioneered the first degree apprenticeships in the UK and launched a degree apprenticeship this summer in transport planning due to the burgeoning demand for skilled transport experts especially with HS2 and other major transport projects on the horizon.

Birmingham City University offers degree apprenticeships in courses such as broadcast technologies, chartered surveyors and nursing to name but a few.

University College Birmingham offer apprenticeships in child care, healthcare, hospitality, nursing and teaching.

University of Birmingham offers degree apprenticeships in place with PWC and Vodafone for digital and technology solutions professionals and for rail systems with Siemens Mobility.

Our further education institutes such as South and City College currently advertise apprenticeships in marketing, construction management, accounts and mechanical engineering.

The uptake has been strong with 6,800 apprenticeships in 17/18 alone and I can see why.

With an apprenticeship available for any career path you can think of, it almost makes me want to go back and do it all over again. Almost.

Saqib Bhatti is president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of

Commerce

The strength of our region relies on the success of our students.