Results day can be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether you’re waiting for A-Level or GCSE results, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. When you get them, it can be elation, relief or disappointment, if things didn’t go as planned.

But the truth is, grades don’t necessarily define your future. In fact, some of the most successful careers start with a plan B. At Pertemps, we’ve seen countless people turn an unexpected results day into the start of something even better.

Here’s how you can do the same.

Take a moment

It’s okay to feel frustrated, but don’t let that stop you from moving forward. Give yourself a day or two to process what’s happened, then start looking at the bigger picture. Think about what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at and where you want to go. There are more routes than you might think.

Explore apprenticeships and traineeships

University and sixth form aren’t the only routes to success. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and qualifications at the same time. From engineering to marketing, IT to healthcare, there’s something for almost every interest. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 736,500 people participating in an apprenticeship in England alone, proving there are plenty of opportunities available.

Traineeships are another great option if you want to build skills and confidence before jumping into full-time work.

Start building experience

Employers value real-world skills just as much as formal qualifications. Look for part-time work, volunteering opportunities or short-term contracts. Every role, whether it’s in retail, hospitality, admin or logistics, helps you develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities. These softer skills are very much sought after with 9 out of 10 global executives agree that soft skills are more important than ever.

Upskill online for free

There are thousands of free and low-cost courses available online. You can pick up new skills in coding, business, design, customer service – whatever interests you.

Adding these to your CV shows employers that you’re proactive and eager to learn.

Use a recruiter

Starting a job search alone can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what’s out there. That’s where we come in. Pertemps can connect you with local employers looking for fresh talent – from entry-level positions to structured career pathways.