NOW that students have received their GCSE, BTEC and ‘A’ level results most will have their next step towards a future career set.

The choices that are made now, whether students know it or not, will have a huge impact upon the options which are open to them in the future.

However if you haven’t got the grades you wanted then it is very tempting to compromise and settle for an alternative, but less-ideal offer.

When it comes to an apprenticeship, or a degree, you only generally get one chance, so it’s important to make the right choice.

If it didn’t go quite right this time, consider taking another year and doing your qualifications again. Another year spent now could be a very good investment.

In addition start to build your experience towards a stronger CV. Placements and part-time jobs provide skills and an understanding of the sector you may want to work in.

Warrington has a diverse range of opportunities; manufacturing, health, education, logistics, professional services. Get your school or college to help you here. Don’t think about your course as just getting a qualification, consider it as a way to build your CV. Well you don’t want 50 years of the wrong job ahead of you?

LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for business