It's exam results time, but the training isn't over, says DAVID HARBOURNE, chief executive of North Yorkshire TEC.

THE end of August is an important time for teenagers across the country, because it's when they hear whether they have gained the exam grades they wanted.

It is also a good time to reflect for a moment on what the future holds. The weeks leading up to exams are a bit of a treadmill, and it can be hard to think properly about what comes next.

In York and North Yorkshire, very many young people go on to study for 'A' Levels and GNVQs after their GCSEs, and a high proportion then progress straight to university. We can be extremely proud of their achievements, which of course also reflect the talent and dedication of their teachers at school and college.

Equally, substantial numbers of young people each year choose the work-based route to skills and qualifications. In the last financial year, TEC-funded training programmes helped over 5,000 young people aged 16-24 to develop their skills and knowledge, with a great many of them going on to achieve National Vocational Qualifications at various levels.

I make no secret of my belief that NVQs offer a genuine alternative to 'A' Levels for 16-18 year olds, and that they can be an equally valid choice for 19-24 year olds. Programmes like Modern Apprenticeships offer the scope to develop high-level technical skills in subjects ranging from hairdressing and hospitality to business administration and engineering, while also building essential skills such as team work and problem solving. What's more, someone who has successfully completed a Modern Apprenticeship has every chance of being offered a university place, if that's what they choose.

From an employer's point of view, work-based training gives the chance to employ people with energy and drive, and to help shape their skills - skills which will be valuable throughout their working lives.

I must stress, too, that just as teachers in our area achieve exceptional results, so do the trainers who support work-based training. They work for the 40 or so providers, ranging from major colleges to specialist private and voluntary sector organisations, who contract with the TEC to support work-based training for young people. They make sure experience gained with an employer links properly with other methods of learning so that the individual achieves qualifications and the employer has a productive member of staff.

I hope these brief comments will encourage interest in finding out more about the many opportunities open to young people and employers. If you want more information about work-based training for yourself or your son or daughter, the Learning Helpline will be pleased to hear from you on 0800 515547. And if you're an employer and want to find out more about training providers and Modern Apprenticeships, give TEC Directory a call on 01904 692777. It could be the best call you make this year!