TODAY is the day that Scottish pupils receive their exam results.
While many will be delighted with their grades, some will have been disappointed when they opened the email, text or letter this morning.
That’s why a social media campaign has been launched to highlight the fact that, for many, there is no obvious path towards a dream career.
The ‘No Wrong Path’ campaign, launched by DYW Glasgow, has encouraged people to share their stories about how they’ve gotten to where they are, and when they left school.
The message has spread across Twitter, with hundreds taking part.
Chef Tony Singh shared that he’d left school at 16, but now runs a top restaurant and has an MBE.
STV 2 presenter Jennifer Reoch wrote: “Exam results out today but no matter the outcome don’t panic there are so many opportunities ahead…there is #nowrongpath”.
And her Live at Five co-host David Farrell said: “No matter what you get, you can achieve great things.”
It is hoped that the messages from a wide range of employment and social backgrounds will help motivate young people to find their way to a successful career.
Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Receiving exam results is a significant milestone in any young person’s life.
“It’s important that everyone is aware that there are many varied options to investigate in the workplace and also routes to get into a job or kickstart a career.
“Developing Young Workforce Glasgow hopes to demonstrate just some of the great number of potential career choices and routes available through the #nowrongpath campaign!
“We really hope this helps to inspire and motivate the young people of our city as they receive this year’s results.”
Good luck to all receiving exam results today & no matter what you get, you can achieve great things #NoWrongPath ?? pic.twitter.com/oqO5GYlQ57
— David Farrell (@DavidJ_Farrell) August 8, 2017
#nowrongpath @DYWICH pic.twitter.com/s7WHfhwMPl
— Tony Singh MBE (@McTSingh) August 8, 2017
Exam results out today but no matter the outcome dont panic there are so many opportunities ahead…there is #nowrongpath pic.twitter.com/zQgECNRalp
— Jennifer Reoch (@jenniferreoch) August 8, 2017
Life is a journey with many twists and turns, and my career has had plenty! – but I'm very happy with the destination ? #nowrongpath #DYW pic.twitter.com/Gtvw322IR4
— Jo Robinson (@frauothemearns) August 8, 2017
Today, Royal Mail will deliver around 136,500 certificates to pupils across Scotland who have taken SQA exams, including Highers and Nationals.
As well as the No Wrong Path campaign, a free national helpline offering advice, information and support for young people and their parents went live on Monday.
The free Skills Development Scotland (SDS) helpline will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 8 and 9 and from 9am until 5pm from August 10 to 16.
Education Secretary John Swinney said: “Receiving your results can be exciting, scary and worrying all at the same time, and I think it’s important that we recognise this and make sure our young people have the right support available to them, to make the best decisions about their future.
“Moving on from school is an important and exciting step for young people. It’s vital that they know what their real options are and how to access them.
“This free helpline is an excellent service which is staffed by fully qualified and experienced careers advisers who will be able to help young people and their parents answer any questions about the choices going forward.
“If you get the results you are looking for, then that is fantastic. If you do better than expected or don’t get the grades you need this time round, then be certain that there are a huge number of options for you to consider and that there are a number of people available to support you.”
The number to call for the helpline is 0808 100 8000.
I studied graphic design, but got better marks for my writing than my design. Good luck with your exam results, Scotland! #nowrongpath pic.twitter.com/QczLlPyPs9
— Christopher Phin (@chrisphin) August 8, 2017
"I knew I had to make a living doing something I loved." Delighted @KTTunstall is backing #NoWrongPath #ResultsDay2017 pic.twitter.com/l5jxJ5gNQE
— DYW Edin Mid East (@DYWEdinMidEast) August 8, 2017
Skills Development Scotland acting director of operations James Russell said: “Our message for those young people and their parents and carers as the results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming at that point.
“Our experienced advisers are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.”
A Colleges Scotland spokesman said: “Students and young people receiving their exam results today should be proud of their efforts.
“Some may not have received the results they were hoping for, and it’s important to know there are a myriad of opportunities available should they look to a college route to develop their skills and progress towards employment or higher education.”
Royal Mail said that special planning teams have been working for months to ensure that the process of delivering results goes smoothly on Tuesday.
Derek Keir, Royal Mail’s head of special events planning said: “This is a massive day for every pupil in Scotland, waiting for their results.
“All of our postmen and women, many of whom have children themselves, understand just how important this day is for families. Our people pull out all the stops to ensure the results are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Royal Mail is used to handling large mailings, having recently delivered all of the postal votes and poll cards for the general election this year. We have worked successfully with the SQA on exam result delivery for many years now and we are delighted to be playing our part in this special day once again.”
Started in Spain now in Scotland. Travel the world #nowrongpath pic.twitter.com/Ui4ZQX94d7
— DYW Glasgow (@DYWGlasgow) August 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/scottreid1980/status/894861346994630656
Best of luck to those receiving exam results today! KFC showing there is #NoWrongPath on the way to success. @DYWAyrshire @OfficialKillie pic.twitter.com/NYg65eSK9A
— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) August 8, 2017
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