FIRST sign that autumn is on its way came with this month's media coverage of A-Level and GCSE results. Every year, the questions arise - are results really getting better, or are standards falling?

My view is that results really are getting better. But concentrating on this one issue alone means we overlook other important issues. We would be better off having an annual debate about the destiny of young people who stop learning once they have had their examination results.

As it happens, relatively few local 16-year-olds stop learning altogether. The staying-on rate at school and college is very high, and we continue to see a lot of young people embark on apprenticeships. But that still leaves several hundred across York and North Yorkshire who go into jobs with no formal training, and another (smaller) group who become unemployed.

At 16, young people still have a lot to gain from learning. On top of subject knowledge and vocational skills, they can learn about teamwork, problem solving and managing their own time. This will build their confidence and make them more effective as employees. Apprenticeship training is ideal for young people who choose not to stay at school or college, and the Learning and Skills Council has funds set aside to help pay for the training involved.

But what about the 18-year-olds who left school this summer? A high proportion will go on to higher education, either straight away or after a gap year. But again, several hundred people drop out of learning at this point. There really is no reason why they should.

Part of the problem is that employers do not realise just how much help is available to 18-year-olds. They think that the state loses interest after A- Levels. Not true - the Learning and Skills Council has targets to increase both the number of people participating in learning and the number of qualifications achieved by the age of 19. We also have funds to support Modern Apprenticeships right up to the age of 24.

Going even further, we share responsibility for helping 50 per cent of people to experience higher education before their 30th birthday. This can mean a full-time undergraduate course lasting three years, but increasingly it can also mean studying part-time for qualifications such as Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees.

These are broadly equivalent to two years of a full degree programme, but can be spread over a longer period if it suits the student to mix work with study. They are very practical and have strong links to the skills and knowledge needed by employers.

They may be taught at university campuses, but in many cases opportunities are also on offer at local further education colleges. Wherever they are taught, HNDs and Foundation Degrees carry real weight and national recognition.

So the message is - don't quit now! For information on opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds, phone the Learning Helpline on 0800 515547.

Updated: 09:18 Tuesday, August 27, 2002