Scottish Borders Young People Encouraged to Explore Every Opportunity This Exam Results Day with #NoWrongPath
As pupils across Scotland receive their exam results today (Tuesday 5 August), DYW Borders is encouraging young people to remember that there is no wrong path to a successful and fulfilling career.
The national #NoWrongPath campaign aims to reassure young people that whatever results they receive, there are many different ways to achieve their goals. From college and university to apprenticeships, training programmes, or going straight into the workplace, careers often take unexpected turns, and that is something to celebrate.
Lee-Anne Gillie, Chair of DYW Borders, said: “Exam results day can be an emotional time, but #NoWrongPath reminds young people that results are just one step in their journey. Many successful careers don’t follow a straight line, and our region is full of inspiring examples of people who have taken alternative routes to achieve their ambitions.”
One inspiring example is Niomi Patterson-Bunyan, Breakfast Manager at Schloss Roxburghe Hotel. Her “squiggly” career path has allowed her to gain valuable skills and experience in a variety of roles before reaching her current position.
Niomi shared: “I left school with few qualifications and initially pursued a career working with horses but after a few life-changing events, I decided just over three years ago to explore a new path in hospitality. I started as a Food and Beverage Assistant and worked my way up.”
She later completed an apprenticeship through the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel and SDC Learn and was nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. Niomi reflected: “I hope my journey shows that there’s nothing stopping you from changing direction at any point in life. It’s never too late to learn or challenge yourself. Exam results don’t define your future – they’re not the be-all and end-all.”
Meanwhile, young employee Jenna Hosie will be receiving her Higher results this year and says the campaign has given her confidence that there are exciting opportunities ahead, whatever the outcome.
Jenna said: “Right now, I’m planning to go to university, but beyond that, I don’t have a specific path – and that’s okay. I’m stepping into the next chapter after school with an open mind and seeing where life takes me. My friends are all doing different things: some are heading to university, some are going straight into work with plans to work up the career ladder, others are taking a year out to reflect on what they want to do.”
Kevin Greenfield, Programme Director for DYW Borders, added:
“Through our work with employers across the Scottish Borders, we hear countless stories that prove success is not determined by exam results alone. By sharing these journeys, we hope to inspire young people to explore all the opportunities in front of them.”
DYW Borders works with schools, employers, and young people throughout the region to help prepare the next generation for the world of work, ensuring they are supported to take whichever path is right for them.
