Tomos Purnell, 20, from Crickhowell, is now studying sports journalism at university after careers support helped him explore his options and consider a path he hadn’t previously thought was right for him.

When Tomos was finishing sixth form and waiting for his results in 2024, he felt unsure about his future and didn’t have a clear plan. At the time, he was considering taking a year out to travel and had ruled out university altogether.

“I didn’t really have any aspirations. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, and I kind of just hoped everything would fall into place,” Tom said.

Although he enjoyed sport, media and IT, Tom lacked the confidence to explore them as possible career options.

As he weighed up his next steps, his mum encouraged him to speak to a careers adviser from Careers Wales.

“I didn’t really want to speak about it. I just hoped everything would sort itself out. But I went to the appointment in the end,” Tom said.

Tom met with Careers Wales adviser Vicky Jones, who encouraged him to think about his interests and the opportunities available to him.

“Vicky asked me what I liked doing and what I was interested in. From there, she gave me lots of different options I hadn’t thought about before,” Tom said.

Through those conversations, Tom began to see how his passion for sport could translate into a future career.

“I’ve always been a big sports fan. That’s what I enjoy most, and I liked the idea of doing something like sports journalism,” he said.

Although Tom had initially dismissed university as an option, Vicky encouraged him to keep an open mind.

“I said I didn’t want to go to university at all at first. But she suggested I apply anyway and see what happens,” Tom said.

Tom submitted an application shortly before the UCAS deadline and was later invited to visit the University of Gloucestershire.

After seeing the course and facilities for himself, his perspective changed.

“When I went there, I really liked it. The course looked great and I thought this is something I could actually see myself doing,” Tom said.

Tom accepted a place at the university and is now in his second year studying sports journalism.

Alongside his studies, he has started building industry experience through internships. Most recently, he secured a placement with a regional media outlet covering professional rugby in Gloucestershire.

“It’s been really good for my confidence. The course and the experience I’ve gained have helped me a lot,” he said.

Looking back, Tom believes speaking to a careers adviser helped him discover opportunities he may not otherwise have considered.

“Speak to a careers adviser. It was one of the best things I ever did,” Tom said.

He also has a message for young people who may be worried about their results or uncertain about what comes next.

“Results don’t mean everything. A lot of things can still fall into place,” he said.

If a young person is unsure about their next step, support is available. Whether they are considering university, an apprenticeship, training or employment, Working Wales can help them explore their options and understand what comes next.

Advice and guidance are available by phone, email and webchat. Young people can also access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Cari, the Careers Wales virtual assistant, who can help them find information, explore their options and navigate the Working Wales website.