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Rosie Saxcoburg (left) and Rachael Fidler from HTP
On the eve of A-Level results day, students on the Isle of Wight are being reassured that their future doesn't depend on getting into university.
Rosie Saxcoburg, 19, from Ryde went to Liverpool University last year, but dropped out after finding that she didn't enjoy her course, and struggling with life away from home.
She's currently doing an Apprenticeship at Ecoisland through training providers HTP.
'It's not all about uni', she says.
'I was always told: "get your A-levels or you fail".
'Worrying doesn't achieve anything. If you're smart enough to do A-levels you're smart enough to get through life, so don't worry'.
Thousands of year 13s at Island schools will receive their results on Thursday (16th August).
Isle of Wight Radio revealed that 140 fewer students have applied to go to university in 2012 compared to last year.
Rosie thinks higher tuition fees are to blame.
'Some people can't afford to go now. It could be because the higher fees have crippled their dreams and mean that they can't go'.
Rachel Fidler, Chief Executive of HTP Training on the Isle of Wight, says a growing number of teenagers may opt for on-the-job training.
'Apprenticeships are equal to a degree', she says.
'They are an opportunity where you can work, get paid and learn at the same time, and still progress to a degree in the future.
'You've got that work experience which employers are looking for and that's the key thing'.
Rosie is urging worried A-level students to consider Apprenticeships as an alternative to university.
'It equips you to deal with things that you don't get taught in lectures.
'I found it a huge benefit to be supported in the work-place and still develop my people skills and working skills at the same time'.
Click above to the story of Rosie's time at university, and her advice to Island students awaiting their A-level results.
Are you an A-level student about to get your results? Are you worried about your future if you don't get into university. Contact us on 01983 822557, or email news@iwradio.co.uk
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