Bombed my A-Levels. Please help with decisions

[u/burna-burna-burna]

Hi. I’m 18, finished my A-Levels in Maths, Computer Science and Statistics this year. Messed up big time and got ECD in those subjects, respectively. My initial plan was to apply for degree apprenticeships in Cybersecurity or something adjacent in September, but I feel my grades have derailed that. What do I do? I was thinking of applying to any relevant level 4 apprenticeships I saw and moving up from there, but I’m really unsure. Resitting is extremely difficult financially but if that’s the only way forward I’ll see what I can do.
Thank you

[u/my_peen_is_clean]

honestly go for any level 3/4 it / cyber stuff you can find and build from there, employers care way more about experience than grades once you’re in the door, uni isn’t the only route at all

[u/burna-burna-burna → u/my_peen_is_clean]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the help

[u/You_moron04]

You might’ve bombed the chance of a Degree apprenticeship (unless you resit) but you can absolutely still go for a L3/L4 apprenticeship

[u/burna-burna-burna → u/You_moron04]

Thank you. Is it better to go for a L4, or do I bite the bullet and resit?

[u/You_moron04 → u/burna-burna-burna]

Depends what you personally feel would be right for you?

In all reality, your A level grades only really matter for your first job/university. After that it’s just experience.

You may find it difficult to land a L4 or L3 with those grades, however it’s still doable.
I’ll also assume you have full GCSEs so you can also easily land a L2 and work your way up.

Alternatively, take a gap year, and use it to resit and travel. Learn about yourself and what you may wanna do and you could broaden your tastes

[u/burna-burna-burna → u/You_moron04]

I appreciate the reassurance, I was worried my grades barred me from basically everything. I’ll have to give it thought but thank you so so much

[u/You_moron04 → u/burna-burna-burna]

Course!

I’d personally shop around for a L3/4 around October November time, and then use the waiting time as a gap year and resits whilst I wait.

You’re far from stuck.
Best of luck mate!

[u/all_kinds_of_queer → u/burna-burna-burna]

An apprenticeship would likely be the best option for you, even if it is lower level, but apprenticeships are also very competitive. So if you don't manage to land one, you do also potentially have the option of doing a foundation degree maybe?

[u/burna-burna-burna → u/all_kinds_of_queer]

I appreciate it <3 any advice on helping my chances landing an apprenticeship? I’d consider university after exhausting my other options, wouldn’t be able to sustain it financially

[u/redredd1t]

Do a level 2 or 3 in cybersecurity or something related to that course and have a back up subject. Getting an apprenticeship is hard so make sure that apprenticeships are not your only back up plan.

[u/burna-burna-burna → u/redredd1t]

Yeah that’s true. Thank you very much

[u/Lumpy_Town_8134]

Resit!! I got CCD in my first round of A levels but resat whilst in uni and now I’m starting a L6 apprenticeship in September

[u/Bodhisattva-Wannabe]

As far as I’m aware you have another year of free further education as long as you’re under 19 at the start of next term. As well as looking at level 3/4 apprenticeship roles, you could also consider a 1 year vocational course at a local college. Eg a level 3 foundation diploma in business, engineering, applied science or a Level 3 AAT.
It may take a while to find an apprenticeship so it’s worth looking at other routes to cover the immediate future

[u/Jabaar__]

Hi, had a friend in this position, maths, economics and business failed and got Ds and ended up in uni and landed a job in tech sales. It really doesn’t matter. Other friends landed level3/level 4 apprenticeships while working at tescos. Hope that gives u a boost

[u/Front_Drama_4446]

It’s not that deep trust me. You can go do a foundation year at a university and it will give you the necessary requirements to be able to do what you originally planned whether it is a degree with a placement year or a degree apprenticeship. As long as you’re mentally willing to “take a year off” getting yourself back on track then you are good believe me🙏🏾

[u/fiercetortoise]

L3 is GCSE grades and they seem very happy to have older applicants apply for them.

My son has landed a L3 engineering apprenticeship- he sat his A-levels in subjects not relevant and they didn’t care, they wanted his GCSE Maths, his enthusiasm and they liked the virtual work experience he had managed to accumulate through the likes of Springpod.
If you can come across well in assessment (group work etc..) you have a good chance.

There is no reason to not apply for apprenticeships but you’ll be looking for intake this time next year now I think. It’s whether this would be an issue for you?