ESSEX County Council is congratulating the thousands of pupils across the county who are collecting their GCSE results today.

County councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for education, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone that is collecting results today. I know many people have been waiting nervously and I hope the months of hard work have paid of and pupils are proud of their achievements.

“I would also like to add my thanks to all the teachers in the county’s schools, as well as the parents and carers of any pupil that took exams this year, for the invaluable support they have provided.

“These results represent a gateway to numerous opportunities, be it in further education, vocational training or full time employment. I wish all of our students the very best of luck for the future.”

Further advice can be found by calling the Careers Helpline on 0808 001 3219 or texting 07766 413 219. Individual schools can offer support to pupils on results day and local further educational colleges can provide details of courses and opportunities available.

Pupils may also want to consider an Essex Apprenticeship. An apprenticeship will enable you to develop technical skills whilst you study as well as giving you the opportunity to put your new found know-how into practice in the work place. And you’ll get paid while you do it.

There are lots of opportunities available across the county in fields such as engineering, engineering construction and the energy sector.

To find out more about any of ECC’s apprenticeships visit essex.gov.uk/essexapprentice or contact 01245 438815 or e-mail apprenticeships@essex.gov.uk