Raleigh International

After thousands of young people picked up their A Level results this week, the gap year industry is set to expect a boom as many students miss out on a place at their chosen university.

More students are expected to take a gap year this year and one company is even predicting a 150% rise in bookings as students look for alternative options to university.

However, if gap year travellers want to find a job when they return, or try again for a university place, they have been advised, by the head of UCAS among others, to make sure their gap year is productive and relevant to their chosen career.

Employers are said to look favourably on students who have travelled, as long as they have planned an organised and well-structured trip.

Voluntary work, such as the projects Raleigh offers, is looked on as a good way to boost a CV and be fitted in around other travel plans. And if a boom is about to happen, it's wise to book your project as far ahead as possible.