Free GCSE advice drop-in in Chatham on 20 August

GCSE students in Medway can drop in for free career and next-step support in Chatham on Thursday 20 August. The Information, Advice and Guidance Service (IAG) session runs from 9am to 3pm at the Marketing Suite, Waterfront Bus Station.

The session is aimed at students receiving their results who are weighing up further education, work, apprenticeships or other training options. No booking information has been provided: it is described as a drop-in session.

A free place to talk through next steps

Results day can bring very different outcomes for different students. Medway Council says students who are unsure of their next move, or disappointed with their results, should speak to their school first.

The IAG drop-in session offers another route for GCSE students who want to discuss their choices in person. The service supports young people in Medway aged 16 and 17 who are not in education, employment or training, and its wider support includes career advice, job-search help and guidance on applications.

Cllr Tracy Coombs, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, said results week is a pivotal moment for young people and acknowledged that it can also bring anxiety or disappointment. She said support and guidance are available for students considering their options.

What the Chatham IAG team can help with

At the Waterfront Bus Station session, students can ask about career choices and practical steps after GCSEs. The IAG service lists support with:

• Job searches and applications
• CV writing and interview skills
• Finding and applying for apprenticeships
• College or sixth-form applications
• Training-course options

For students who want to continue studying, the council points to higher-education options including the University of Kent, the University of Greenwich, Canterbury Christ Church University and MidKent College. Kent Choices also has a GCSE Clearing tool for current Year 11 students looking for available courses across Kent and Medway.

Date, venue and entry details

The council has not published separate accessibility, transport or booking details for the session. Students who cannot attend can also seek careers guidance through the National Careers Service; its careers adviser number is 0800 100 900.

Students interested specifically in apprenticeships can search and apply for roles through GOV.UK, while Medway Council’s Apprenticeship Academy and Medway Adult Education offer apprenticeship routes. For mental-health support, the council also highlights the Medway Therapeutic Alliance and Kooth, a free anonymous service for young people.

Source: Medway Council