Is it worth resitting my GCSEs
Discussion
Hi all,
Background
I'm 28 and I am due to finish the 2nd year of an electrical course (C&G 2365) around June.
When I was at school I did not possess the same level of drive that I do now and as such my grades reflected this. I think they were all around D's for the main 3 subjects.
For the last 7 years I have worked for a large bank mostly in Operations in a wide range of roles. (I still work for them part time whilst studying)
In June I will be applying for roles in the Electrical industry. My question is would it be worth my time to pay for a resit to up my grades in say English and Maths.
I have passed each module, assignment and test first time on the level 2 and level 3 course including the mathematical science modules. Does that count for anything as some modules seem harder than GCSE level to me? That's just my feeling.
The cost isn't a problem it's more the time.
Sorry for the long post
Background
I'm 28 and I am due to finish the 2nd year of an electrical course (C&G 2365) around June.
When I was at school I did not possess the same level of drive that I do now and as such my grades reflected this. I think they were all around D's for the main 3 subjects.
For the last 7 years I have worked for a large bank mostly in Operations in a wide range of roles. (I still work for them part time whilst studying)
In June I will be applying for roles in the Electrical industry. My question is would it be worth my time to pay for a resit to up my grades in say English and Maths.
I have passed each module, assignment and test first time on the level 2 and level 3 course including the mathematical science modules. Does that count for anything as some modules seem harder than GCSE level to me? That's just my feeling.
The cost isn't a problem it's more the time.
Sorry for the long post
Most employers will look for GCSE or higher education.
If you have (or are studying for) qualifications suited to your industry then I imagine a lot of employers will look at this primarily and GCSE results will be more of an after thought, if not something they have zero interest in at all. Luckily I gained a good set of GCSEs when at school but always found employers were far more interested in my previous working history and experience than grades I got in school.
No harm resitting the core subjects (maths, english, science) if you can though, especially if you ever want to look at work in a different industry. I've seen entry level jobs demanding at least a C in these 3 subjects as a minimum.
If you have (or are studying for) qualifications suited to your industry then I imagine a lot of employers will look at this primarily and GCSE results will be more of an after thought, if not something they have zero interest in at all. Luckily I gained a good set of GCSEs when at school but always found employers were far more interested in my previous working history and experience than grades I got in school.
No harm resitting the core subjects (maths, english, science) if you can though, especially if you ever want to look at work in a different industry. I've seen entry level jobs demanding at least a C in these 3 subjects as a minimum.
Edited by MysteryLemon on Monday 12th January 15:05
At the age of 28 and with plenty of background already [I would assume], you could always take a similar approach to myself on your CV - one line saying the following
'10 GCSE's gained, Grades A-D including Maths, Science, English'
Nobody needs to know which grades were D's unless asked at interview, at which point you can usually explain it anyway... You'll have enough other job history/qualifications anyway I assume. I failed my A levels and list those out individually & truthfully, and find that employers are happy with the truth [i.e. no drive at that age, my own fault - but since that day I have promised to myself to achieve my potential]. It can be a good way to show you are humble & that you have experienced the bad and now want to live the good.
'10 GCSE's gained, Grades A-D including Maths, Science, English'
Nobody needs to know which grades were D's unless asked at interview, at which point you can usually explain it anyway... You'll have enough other job history/qualifications anyway I assume. I failed my A levels and list those out individually & truthfully, and find that employers are happy with the truth [i.e. no drive at that age, my own fault - but since that day I have promised to myself to achieve my potential]. It can be a good way to show you are humble & that you have experienced the bad and now want to live the good.
Do you have another other qualifications after GCSE level? If not it may help.
Personally though, im 28 and neither GCSE's or A-Levels are on my CV anymore. Never once has it even been mentioned. As far as im concerned they are irrelevant after getting a degree and years of experience.
Personally though, im 28 and neither GCSE's or A-Levels are on my CV anymore. Never once has it even been mentioned. As far as im concerned they are irrelevant after getting a degree and years of experience.
I would bet my life on the fact that nobody would bat an eyelid if you wrote 10 GCSE's A-C on a CV regardless of what you got.
Nobody gives a s
t about GCSE's, surely, they're almost totally irrelevant for everything apart from getting into college, then a levels become irrelevant when you get a degree, then that almost becomes irrelevant when you've had a few years work exp.
Nobody gives a s
t about GCSE's, surely, they're almost totally irrelevant for everything apart from getting into college, then a levels become irrelevant when you get a degree, then that almost becomes irrelevant when you've had a few years work exp.If you were 18, yes, at 28 you have 10 years of extra life and work experience which to my mind is worth more than some paper qualifications. If I was applying for another job now I wouldn't even bother putting down my o level results, even if I could remember what they are, and just list my professional qualifications and experience.
Edited by HOGEPH on Monday 12th January 17:53
Jaska]At the age of 28 and with plenty of background already [I would assume said:
, you could always take a similar approach to myself on your CV - one line saying the following
'10 GCSE's gained, Grades A-D including Maths, Science, English'
Nobody needs to know which grades were D's unless asked at interview, at which point you can usually explain it anyway... You'll have enough other job history/qualifications anyway I assume. I failed my A levels and list those out individually & truthfully, and find that employers are happy with the truth [i.e. no drive at that age, my own fault - but since that day I have promised to myself to achieve my potential]. It can be a good way to show you are humble & that you have experienced the bad and now want to live the good.
That reads as if some of your grades are indeed an A, as may be the case. The OP isn't in this position.'10 GCSE's gained, Grades A-D including Maths, Science, English'
Nobody needs to know which grades were D's unless asked at interview, at which point you can usually explain it anyway... You'll have enough other job history/qualifications anyway I assume. I failed my A levels and list those out individually & truthfully, and find that employers are happy with the truth [i.e. no drive at that age, my own fault - but since that day I have promised to myself to achieve my potential]. It can be a good way to show you are humble & that you have experienced the bad and now want to live the good.
OP, you're still young and if there's a particular position you really want that requires better grades then I say go for it!
Mr Classic said:
You WILL need a pass at GCSE (C or above), or a pass at level 2 Functional skills, for Maths and English. Most employers will need this for you to start a job.
Do the functional skills if you can, ive have had to do it at 33 as part of my automotive apprenticehip and they are really easy, just basic maths and english.All colleges should have the function to do them, if you are confident you could do both in an afternoon, each paper is a bout 2 hours.
I personally wouldn't bother at 28 unless it's a chip on your shoulder you want to fill in and prove to yourself you can do it. You'd be better off just studying at a higher level at the Open Uni than re-sitting the more foundation qualifications. I don't even mention my GCSE grades on my CV, even though they are decent enough, far too little space on a CV anyway. If you list the date too, it might raise an eyebrow or 2 that you didn't get them at 16.
Thank you all for your honest replies, I agree with a lot of what has been said.
I just wanted to get a feel for how important people thought the GCSEs were in the bigger scheme of things.
I didn't take education further after GCSE level so the only other things I have to my name are a Lean basics qualification through work and they also put me through the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
I think of myself as mature, I've had a steady career, mortgage, daughter and I have also done quite a bit of voluntary work.
One of my previous roles in the bank was a trainer where I would regularly present to very large groups and senior colleagues so I'm very comfortable at the interview stage. This is only useful however if they like your CV enough to call you in for a chat.
I will enquire later this week to see if my college can offer anything suitable.
Thanks Andy
I just wanted to get a feel for how important people thought the GCSEs were in the bigger scheme of things.
I didn't take education further after GCSE level so the only other things I have to my name are a Lean basics qualification through work and they also put me through the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
I think of myself as mature, I've had a steady career, mortgage, daughter and I have also done quite a bit of voluntary work.
One of my previous roles in the bank was a trainer where I would regularly present to very large groups and senior colleagues so I'm very comfortable at the interview stage. This is only useful however if they like your CV enough to call you in for a chat.
I will enquire later this week to see if my college can offer anything suitable.
Thanks Andy
Mr Classic said:
You WILL need a pass at GCSE (C or above), or a pass at level 2 Functional skills, for Maths and English. Most employers will need this for you to start a job.
this and there is funding available for Numeracy / Literacy / ICT at level 2 if your GCSE grades are D or below
Lostprophet said:
Agreed, a re-sit is a must. Its the absolute minimum an employer would expect.
I don't agree. I'd only look at the most advanced thing someone has done. If he's done a course that is at a higher level than GCSE's I wouldn't even bother asking what his school results were, as this far down the line I don't think its relevant. If he was 19 I'd ask though.okgo said:
RobinOakapple said:
It depennds on what else the applicant has. If it's only GCSEs then he'd better have some. If he's got a degree then they might not bother.
But if he has had a previous job then nobody is going to waste their time asking about GSCE's.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff