This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Galbraith assures help will be on hand for pupils receiving exam results
05/08/1999
Help will be at the other end of a phone for pupils receiving examination results tomorrow. A free telephone helpline to give them advice on employment, education and training opportunities becomes operational from tomorrow (August 6).
Additionally the Royal Mail is offering a helpline from tomorrow for any pupil who is experiencing difficulties receiving their results by post.
Speaking during a visit to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Dalkeith, Minister for Children and Education Sam Galbraith said:
"The Scottish Helpline offering advice on employment, education and training is a valuable resource for young people receiving exam results. Over the last seven years help has been offered to over 23,000 callers.
"Experienced careers officers will be able to help young people with the options ahead of them now they have their results. Advice and guidance on college and university courses across Scotland and the UK will be available, as well as general advice on careers, training and employment opportunities.
"I would also like to thank the Royal Mail for all their hard work again at this very busy time of year, the enormity of which I have witnessed today during my visit today to the SQA. The helpline they are providing will offer peace of mind to our young people at a stressful time in their lives."
The Scottish Helpline offering career advice has been advertised in posters and handbills distributed by careers officers in schools, colleges, libraries, sports clubs and other locations throughout Scotland. A publicity leaflet informing young people about the helpline has also been issued with the results certificate.
BACKGROUND
1. The Scottish Helpline offering career advice is the result of partnership between the Scottish Executive, BBC Radio Scotland and The Department for Education and Employment. The Helpline will run from August 6 until August 27. Ten telephone lines are open daily from 0800hrs until 2000hrs on August 6 and from 1000hrs until 1800hrs on 7-27 August. The telephone number is 0800 101 901.
2. The Royal Mail will be setting up two helplines this year offering advice on the postal delivery of certificates. Numbers are 0131-458 8648 and 0131 458 8650 They will operate as follows
Friday August 6 - 0600-1900 hours,
Saturday August 7 - 0600-1400 hours
Monday August 9 0600-1900 hours
News Release: SE0233/99
5 August 1999