Heather Anstey-Myers, Chief Executive of Chambers Wales, said:

“Congratulations to all those collecting their exam results this week! After a challenging year adapting to distanced learning and disruption to their education, this year’s students have demonstrated their resilience to work in a changeable environment.

“Whether choosing to enter the job market, take up an apprenticeship or going onto higher or further education, these are the next generation of employees and their agility, hard work and dedication in the face of adversity is promising for the future.

“As we look to a post-covid future, learning will have an important role of driving innovation in the economy and developing much needed skills to propel productivity and growth.

“For those entering the job market now, we can offer reasons to be optimistic. Our recent quarterly economic survey reported than more than half of businesses expect to increase their workforce over the next three months. While almost three quarters of businesses face difficulties when recruiting due to skills shortages and availability, the soft skills these students have shown such as attitude to work, good communication and teamwork are valued highly and will be a great asset to many workforces.”