Are GCSEs necessary?

iSlideOnItConstance

notanewuser wrote: »

They would if a C grade was proof of literacy and numeracy. It's not.

True, a lot of the people i manage are unable to write clear report/care plans for clients despite having GCSE english language grade C or above, some are graduates. We now have a written test at the interview stage.

tomterm8

Except for a few specialist careers like Teacher or Nurse where it is a statutory obligation no one ever asks about GCSE's or A Levels once you have a degree. It's irrelevant.

Mista_C

Do they matter? I'm afraid I could not give you a good answer to that but...

I'm almost 38, I left school in 1992. Since leaving school I attended 6th form, worked in catering, retail, went back to college, university, gained numerous I.T. related qualifications, became a computer engineer, taught a number of I.T. based subjects including web technologies and computer engineering. I have worked as a computer technician, team leader, managed the I.T. provisions of over 100+ sites and I now run my own I.T. services business.

In the (almost) 22 years since I left school I have not once been asked for my GCSE results. I received them, slipped them into my (ever so important) ROA and popped that into a drawer in my bedroom which is where they've remained until this day.

haycorns

If you are thinking Uni and you wna tthe best choice , I'd get your maths and english done as it will give you a wider choice of courses.

johnthea

in civil/structural engineering you would most likely get into a HNC at a local collage pass that with a good mark and you can use it to get into university get your degree then get a graduate position which you will primarily be judged on your degree not your gcse's.

i do not even put them on my CV. I have never seen them asked for in an advert for an engineer

that being said there are some jobs like teacher etc were it is a mandatory requirement if you want one of these jobs then im sure your could do these part time evening or something.

if you are currently a skilled tradesman i would not count on being that much better off in engineering the pay is certainly not Dr level. 21-26K is a typical graduate starting salary after 10 years you might be on 40k or still stuck around the 30k mark

National_Careers_Service

Hi there Jamopy

You asked how important it is to have GCSEs passes on your CV if, since school, you’ve gained lots of vocational training and OU credits. I guess ultimately this will depend on what your plans are for your new career and retraining.

You haven’t said too much about your plans but you did mention higher powered careers as an example. I’m guessing you really want some career progression and you’ve got some ideas, but perhaps you haven’t made a decision yet about what you want to do in your career.

I’ve spoken to people with similar concerns about making a career change. Maybe the way forward is to assess the careers you’re interested in, looking at whether you feel you have the skills and attributes required and if the job role meets your priorities. You could then look at entry requirements for each career as part of your shortlisting process. If you are feeling a bit stuck with deciding which job you’d like to retrain into, you could even make yourself a checklist and rate individual career roles.

It sounds like you’re someone who’s open to developing themselves in terms of qualifications and skills so maybe, if GCSEs are required for your chosen career, but you’re confident this is the right path for you, you’d look at studying for them as a step forward towards your goal.

If you are trying to make a decision about your career going forward there are some tips and activities on the following sites that might be useful:-

http://www.windmillsonline.co.uk/interactive/intro1.html

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_TED.htm

Best wishes, whatever you decide to do!


Penny

Morlock

Dunroamin wrote: »

There are certain careers like teaching and social work where GCSE grade C or over in English and Maths are statutory requirements, regardless of whatever qualifications you have.

Pre-requisites for a PGCE also include GCSE Science for teaching key stage 3 or below.

paulwellerfan

i didnt have any GCSE's when i left school.
but years later i went on to do an access course.
where english and maths were included for people who didnt have them.
( i am a social worker)

Charityworker

I recruit staff for a charity and I never look at anyones qualifications. The fact anyone has a degree or anything else doesnt interest me. I'm looking for personality, the ability to get on with people from all walks of life, open mindedness (you need it in this organisation) and what work experience they have in the past. Periods of unemployment dont bother me either, its ineviatble in this economic climate, it's more about what they did during the time they were unemployed I'm interested in.

PlymouthMaid

I think it would make sense to get level 2 English and Maths qualifications - either a GCSE or Functional Skills as not having them can be a barrier to many things The government was funding level 2 qualifications for those without them so it may be worth ringing around to see if that offer is still there. If you do have the skills already then they will be quick and easy to pass if not then you will learn something and either way you have an up-to-date qualification on your CV which will show potential employers or unis that you are willing and able to learn