As Results Day approaches, we’re launching a campaign to uplift and empower the Class of 2025. This is a pivotal moment for young people, and we want to ensure they feel supported, inspired, and confident—regardless of the grades they receive.
Each week, we’ll spotlight a different theme that reflects the values and insights shared by employers across our region. These messages will help students understand that success comes in many forms and that their future is full of possibilities.
We invite employers to contribute to this campaign by sharing their experiences, advice, and opportunities. Below, you’ll find each theme with space reserved for weekly updates. Check back regularly to see new messages and opportunities added.
Stories of success from employees who didn’t get the grades they expected but thrived thanks to their skills, attitude, and determination.
Employer Messages:
Sophie Paterson, Social Value Advisor for Wates:
"Teamwork is a key trait. The best ideas often come from collaboration, so being able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and work respectfully with diverse perspectives is essential. A positive attitude, paired with a proactive mindset, goes a long way. We notice when someone steps up, takes initiative, or brings energy into a room — even virtually.
Problem-solving is also highly prized. Can you look at a situation, ask the right questions, and think critically about solutions? Innovation isn’t just about creativity — it’s about taking action, testing ideas, and learning from failure."
Anthony Bozzola, Positive Action Officer at HMPPS:
"Real and valuable employers want real and valuable people, and these qualities are not exclusively measured through academia, both in work and in the real world. These qualities will get you so far in life and please never lose them, we need them in abundance, especially today. Go and volunteer, be active in your community and helpful whenever you can be. Develop those qualities and nurture them and you will be successful in work and in life, you’ve got this and with the right attitudes and ethics you are going to do absolutely great!"
Louise Mumfod, Learning and Development Manager at Ogi:
"What we’ve learnt is that attitude, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are far more important than what’s written on a CV. We can teach the skills, but what you can’t train is a positive mindset, resilience, and that spark of determination that makes someone want to do well and keep growing. That’s what we look for."
Sian King, Program Lead of iCrossing:
"Whether you’re studying acting, engineering, or anything in between, focus on the skills you’re building. Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are what companies value most, and showcasing those skills could be your ticket to landing your dream role!"
Insights into alternative routes into employment—apprenticeships, traineeships, internships, and more. Opportunities will be promoted via https://www.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk.
Employer Messages:
Louise Mumfod, Learning and Development Manager at Ogi:
"We’ve hired people who didn’t take the traditional route, or who got lower-than-expected grades, and they’ve gone on to do brilliant things here. So if your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, don’t panic. We know there’s more than one path to success, and sometimes it’s the unexpected one that takes you the furthest."
Aled Nelmes, CEO of Lumen SEO:
"This is one of the best things about the marketing industry, there are so many routes to entry such as starting your own blog or social media project, you could get an internship, you could build and grow your own website - you'll find that employers in marketing are moved more by what you can create rather than how much information you can retain."
Sophie Ennis, Assistant Site Manager from Bouygues:
"There are many different pathways and routes into your prefeed industry. For Example, i didn't take the typical route into the construction industry but instead entered through a summer placement leading to my fulltime employment allowing me to pursue my chosen career."
Caitlyn Robert, Trainee Design Co-ordinator from Bouygues:
"I got into my job as I did work experience for Bouygues in February and March 2024, 1 day per week. I done this work experience to see what job roles I could go into when I finished University. Due to showing great attitude towards learning, I was offered a Trainee position which goes hand in hand with what I study at University. After completing my final year, I hope to get onto the Graduate Programme which Bouygues offer."
What do employers really look for in young talent? Teamwork, problem-solving, positivity—these traits matter most.
Employer Messages:
Sophie Paterson, Social Value Advisor for Wates:
"Ultimately, we look for people who care about making an impact with both their head, and their heart, not turning up to just do a job. Show us what drives you, how you handle setbacks, and how you lift others up — that’s the kind of talent Wates wants to invest in and grow with."
Vikkie jones, People and Culture Manager at Wild Creations:
"When we’re hiring talent, we look for attitude above all else. We value people who are hands-on, team-orientated, curious, and ready to learn – because that’s what drives real growth in our industry.
To any young person reading this: Your results don’t define your future. What matters most is showing up with a positive mindset, being open to feedback and staying resilient when things get tough. Be willing to try, to ask questions and to keep learning - these qualities will take you further than you think"
Anthony Bozzola, Positive Action Officer at HMPPS:
"This statement could not be truer for HMPPS, academia is great and should be valued but ultimately the real value of our staff comes from their positive attitudes, their conscientiousness and their willingness to make a positive impact.
My college grades were average, I scraped through university by the skin of my teeth through clearing and entered my application for my current role as a Dyspraxic, Autistic 32-year-old with a personality disorder who still couldn't tie a tie. However, it was not my academic background that landed me this role (I answered one of my interview questions with the opening phrase, "What it is, right", not great with my accent!) it was my determination, my enthusiasm and my empathy, as well as my desire to engage with the role and the people I aimed to serve in the best ways possible."
Aled Nelmes, CEO of Lumen SEO:
"For us, it's all about independence. We love candidates that show a history of starting their own projects, solving their own problems and building their own relationships. It's these skills that are becoming increasingly more valuable in the post-AI world."
Signposting essential resources and support services for students during Results Day.
Employer Messages:
ACT Training:
We will be on The Hayes, Cardiff, this GCSE Results Day 2025 (21 August), offering support and career advice to help school leavers with their next steps.