GCSE students across Vale Royal have been urged to stay in education or training schemes regardless of their exam performance.

Julie Dowd, executive director of the Cheshire and Warrington Learning and Skills Council, said every year 3,000 teenagers 'drop out' of the education system and ended up jobless or in low-paid work.

Almost half of these live in the mid Cheshire area.

Julie said: "Whether or not learners achieved the results they hoped for, there is a 'next step' for everyone out there.

"We need to stop asking the question 'are you staying on?' and ask instead 'are you dropping out?'. Leaving education or training should not be something young people consider a viable option."

For students who have decided not to return to the classroom, modern apprenticeships now presented greater career opportunities.

Julia added: "Modern apprenticeships are a bridge between the world of education and the world of work. They provide the opportunity for young people to train while in a job, get a qualification, earn a wage and work towards a career.

"For employers, they are a chance to recruit highly motivated staff and train them in the skills their businesses need."

Modern Apprenticeships are divided into two levels - Foundation and Advanced - which means that young people can start at the level that suits them and then go on to study further.

Youngsters aged between 13 and 19 can talk to an impartial Connexions Personal Adviser, who will have information on a wide range of jobs, courses and training opportunities.

For more information, drop into a Connexions centre, call 0808 0013 219 or log on to www.connexions.gov.uk.

Case study

EMMA Weedall, of Birch Avenue, Winsford, switched to her modern apprenticeship after gaining eight GCSEs and two AS levels at Verdin High School.

She said: "I did start out down the further education route but realised I hated college and that spending more time in the classroom wasn't for me."

Emma, a theatre lover who often assists behind the scenes during performances at Winsford Civic Hall, joined Mid Cheshire College in Northwich as a trainee administrator lost September and is looking forward to completing her apprenticeship and applying for more senior roles.

She added: "I really enjoy work. The apprenticeship is helping me learn skills that provide job security and also gives me the cash to do other things."