'How stressful it is for parents and children alike''

MS for North Wales

It’s been a busy time for parents. Last week it was A-Level results, and this week it was GCSE results.

My children aren’t at those ages yet, but I can imagine how stressful it is for parents and children alike!

There will be many people delighted with their results and University places, and I warmly congratulate you. Exam results are important, but it’s fair to say they aren’t necessarily the be all and end all. Indeed, I would suggest that for many people there can be far better paths through life than the academic route.

I should know, as I didn’t go to University and instead went straight into the world of work and picked up a degree later on in life. These days, there are many options for young people. There are a huge number of vocational courses that people can take, and lots of apprenticeships. Wales and the United Kingdom are in desperate need of more individuals with these useful practical skills.

For example, bricklayers, masons, carpenters, joiners and roof tilers are just five of the jobs currently on the UK Government’s skilled Worker shortage occupations list. If you are qualified in areas such as this, then your skills will be in high demand.

If you are going to University, then I wish you the best of luck. One of our very own institutions of higher education, Wrexham University, was recently ranked the top university in Wales for teaching in this year’s National Student Survey.

In terms of results, the Nursing, Applied Art, Physiotherapy and Forensic Science courses have all received particular acclaim, being ranked number one in the UK.

This is a great boost for the city and the area, and Wrexham will be welcoming more people from around the UK, and the world, come September and beyond.

As ever, if you have any queries or issues, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me by emailing sam.rowlands@senedd.wales or calling on 0300 200 7267.