To go on a
gap year
or not? top tips for job hunting
interesting facts on jobs
Apprenticeships | Phoebe’s festive pantry | The Review Room | Company Profiles
contents Editor’s letter
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To go on a gap year or not?
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Top tips for jobs
6-7
Rolls Royce
8-9
Interesting facts on jobs
10-11
The facts to know about apprenticeships
12-13
PwC
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The Review Room
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GE Aviation
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Phoebe’s Festive Pantry
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editors letter Wow, I can’t believe how fast this year has gone, it seems just like yesterday it was Christmas and what a wonderful year it has been. As the Marketing Communications Coordinator here at Bright Futures, on my Placement year from the University of Gloucestershire, I am responsible for creating and bringing you our termly e-magazine. I have worked at Bright Futures for around 3 months now so I have a good understanding of how your Societies work in schools. As it is our winter edition of the e-zine we thought we would inspire you with some interesting Facts on Jobs; Apprenticeships; Gap Year Advice: the Review Room and finally Phoebe’s Pantry – (always popular!) We have had a number of great events run by our School Society Committees this term, from big skills events, to Question & Answer Panel & Networking events; Mock Interview events: and the chance to hear from recent school leavers, current undergraduates and graduates on their routes from school and into their careers.
Do check out the great video, on our website, created by one of our School Societies (The Castle School) Do share with me what you would like to see in this e-magazine be that about specific careers, University life or skills related topics, as this publication is for you; or if you just want to share some feedback about a great event your School Society have run then again let me know and I will feature it in the next e-magazine There is no doubt that a lot of you will be doing exams recently or just after Christmas they might be mocks or schools exams but we wish you the best of luck with them all. Anyway have a look through and enjoy reading this terms e-zine but also have a fabulous Christmas Holiday! Contact me: phoebe.scowen@brightfutures.co.uk Follow us on twitter @BrightfuturesNT
www.brightfutures.co.uk
*If you don’t have a Society at your school then set up your own! Contact us at society@brightfutures.co.uk and we can get you started right away!
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To go
gap For some of you, you might be thinking of going on a gap year after you have finished school and some of you might be thinking that you want to go straight to University or into employment. Going on a Gap year will do loads for your CV, as long as you make it meaningful. Sitting at home on your x-box for a year may not be the best use of a year! So be clear about why you want to take a gap year. It may be you want to travel; add to your work experience; earn money; take a break from studying; develop new skills or a bit of them all. Either way it starts with being clear as to why you want a gap year; this will then help you decide how best to use that time. If you are unsure or not even considered it, then to help with that decision Phoebe, our undergraduate on placement with us at Bright Futures, shares some Pro’s and Con’s on taking a gap year.
Pro’s • You could get a job for some or all of the year, to start building that work experience on your CV. That work could help give you an idea of what
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career you want to pursue and / or it could funding your travelling, if that is what you want to do. • Travelling provides you with new skills that an employer will be impressed with – independence (especially if you self-fund it), initiative, learning about and adapting to new & different cultures, planning, the list goes on… • You will meet tons of new people that are travelling as well which helps broaden your awareness & understanding of others as well as about yourself – this just won’t happen if you stay at home • It is a once in a lifetime experience as it is unlikely you will get the opportunity to have this much time off once you start working! • Depending on where you travel to you might be able to pick up a new language which will look great on your CV. • As don’t forget ‘bragging rights’! You will come back from travelling and all your non travelling friends will get annoyed with you as you will have millions of stories that you will tell over and over again because they are so brilliant!
o on a
p year or not? experience (all great skills that employers like); finally make sure you have insurance and important contact numbers (that are not just • You might become homesick but this will only last stored on your phone) and you try to be a sensible a few days. So make sure that you are always as possible! doing something with your time and you will forget all about home. • Lastly it will initially be quite hard to come back
Con’s
• You will be a year behind some who go straight into work or to University but so many take a gap year who will be in the same position, so don’t worry. • Your parents may well be worried about you as there are inevitable risks whilst you are travelling (which are significantly lessened with some sensible precautions and behaviour!) • It can be expensive if you do not budget your travelling money so make sure you stick to cheap hotels & hostels, cheaper food and only spend a certain amount a day. And do consider finding work while you are travelling to help with funds.
home especially if you are away for a year or so as you will have to get into the normal boring routine! All in all, going on a gap year can be the best experience of your life and you will remember everything that you did on it. There are always complications to everything but you will never know until you try, and then you will find out what you are truly capable of (you will surprise yourself, I know I did!). And even if you do not go after school then maybe consider it after University!
• It can be stressful if your plans do not work out the way you expected for parts of your trip, as there can be complications when travelling. So expect the unexpected, be flexible, recognise that dealing with challenges is part of the traveling
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Whether you are seeking a part time job, or are looking to get your foot on the career ladder, how you approach this will make a big difference as to how quickly you get what you want. So with this in mind to the right are some top tips: 6
1. Treat your CV like a sales document a. It is the first impression on a potential employer so make sure it ‘sell’ you positively 2. Structure your CV a. Personal details, academics, work experience, extra curricula activities – is a common format 3. List your most recent academic achievement and work experiences etc first a. We want to know first what you have done most recently not years ago! 4. Use bullet points a. Writing big chunk of text make it hard work to find the good things about you, so bullets points and some text work well to achieve this 5. Don’t be afraid of directing them to relevant social media a. If you write a blog or have some creative work online that shows your interest in the industry you are applying to or demonstrates your abilities – include a link to this on your CV 6. Keep it short a. 2 pages is the norm and have layout that makes it easy to see the good things you have done 7. Achievements and Responsibilities – make an impact on employers so make it easy to see where you have achieved (and it can be in anything for academic success, sport, music, volunteering, Duke of Edinburgh, started or been in a committee of your School Bright Futures Society etc) and also where you have earned or been given responsibilities (so house captain, prefect, leading a team or committee etc) Don’t: 8. Include photos in your CV Keys to Success in Job Hunting: • • • •
You will get rejections or your applications will get no response at all! Don’t take it to heart – keep applying. Persistence pays off! Share with as many people as you can what type of work you are seeking as they may know someone who can help Show focus to the employer you are applying to – make it clear as to why you want to work for them Get on with it, don’t wait, do it now!
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The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for the recruitment sector. Part of their role is to job is provide insights into the job market and also anticipate where the demand is for jobs and in which sectors. From reading the Youth Employment UK magazine we have picked up some really useful information that would be valuable. And do read their e-magazine in full – it’s full of useful stuff. To start here are some useful facts and positive news about the job market: • Starting salaries for full time jobs have risen again since October • The number of jobs available has risen at the fastest pace since June 2007 10
The jobs sectors that have hired the largest amount of staff recently are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Engineering companies Construction companies IT & Computing Executive/ Professional companies Nursing. Medical/ Care Accounting/ Finance Secretarial and Clerical Blue Collar (Manufacturing and Production) Hotel and Catering
The sector that has recruited the highest number of temporary / part time staff are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Engineering companies Blue Collar ( Manufacturing and Production) Nursing/Medical/ Care Construction Companies IT & Computing Accounting/ Finance Secretarial and Clerical Hotel and Catering industry Executive / Professional
There are some skills the job market are in demand or in short supply for, these are:
• Accounting/ Financial – Accountancy, finance, Insurance, Purchase Ledger and Tax • Engineering – CAD (computer aided designers)/ CAM (Computer aided manufacturers) designers, general engineering, mechanical, rail, Revit technicians, Utilities and water. • Executive/ Professional – Legal, Managers, Marketing • IT/Computing – Business analysis, Developers, Digital Marketing, Infrastructure, Java and PHP Support • Nursing/ Medical/ Care – Register General Nurses, Registered Metal Health nurse • Other – Creative Designers, Sales
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Here are some apprenticeship facts that we think you will find useful. There are different levels of apprenticeships: • Intermediate and Advanced apprenticeships Frameworks – for Level 2 & 3, so GCSE’s and A levels and their equivalents • Higher Apprenticeships Frameworks – for Levels 4-7, so Higher Education • Traineeships have been introduced in England to prepare those that are aged between 16-18 that are qualified below level 3 who have been applying for apprenticeship vacancies due to lack of skills or experience. Employers that take on apprentices aged between 16 and 24 will get a financial subsidy, as an incentive for them to provide these opportunities and because they are helping you guys out. More than 100,000 employers in over 160,000 work places are currently using apprenticeships in the UK. This means that there is more of a chance of you getting on to one. Lastly apprentices will get paid, although there is no set level of pay for apprenticeships it is of no less than £2.68 per hour and the average pay per week would be around £170 so it is better than doing an unpaid internship. For some of the Higher Apprenticeship opportunities offer a lot more money. Companies such as KPMG they will pay you your tuition and university accommodation fees as well as a starting salary (if on London) of £20,000 per annum. That’s got to be tempting! Apprenticeships include: • A formal competence qualification • A formal knowledge qualification • Functional Skills (only at intermediate and advanced level only) • Employment rights and responsibilities for personal learning and thinking skills (only at intermediate and advanced level only) At the moment the government are changing the way Apprenticeships work, they want to ensure you have the skills employers want – as this will make you very employable. They are planning on having 8 industry sector based ‘Trailblazer’ projects; there is aerospace for all you astronauts, automotive for you car lovers, digital industries, electro technical, energy & utilities, financial services, food & drink manufacturing and life sciences & industrial sciences. Scotland calls Apprenticeships - Modern Apprenticeships.
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Higher Apprenticeship Opportunities with PwC PwC
company profile
Luke joined PwC in 2012 on the Higher Apprenticeship Programme in Tax.
Why did you choose the Higher Apprenticeship programme?
What made you choose PwC?
I wanted to start my career so early, because I wanted to be paid a salary, but still be fully supported in learning a professional qualification. This balance of starting work earlier, and earning a salary, but still learning and training towards a professional qualification, really works for me.
While I was studying for my A-levels at Sixth Form College in Business, ICT and English Language, I also started to explore my career options. I used careers websites to see what options were available to me at this point in my education/career. That’s how I found out about PwC’s Apprenticeship Programme, which meant I could get a great job once I had my A-levels. I also used PwC’s website to really understand what the opportunities would lead to in the future. I still applied to university and thought I was going, until I got this job. So keep your options open, but university is far from the only way to be successful. Picking the right apprenticeship for you could be the best way to further your career.
Amy joined PwC in 2012 on the Management Consulting Higher Apprenticeship. What type of work are you involved in now, what does a typical day for you involve? In Management Consulting I get to rotate around eight different areas of Consulting, which is great for variety and building different skills. I currently work within the Risk and Quality team. I’m responsible for producing the monthly management information
Take the opportunity of a lifetime. www.pwc.com/uk/careers www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK 14
reports and I’m also currently supporting the team by checking documents, and liaising directly with people in the wider business. I’m often asked to be chief note taker for important meetings, where I get to learn about interesting projects as well as networking with directors and partners. What advice would you give to people who are trying to decide what to do next? The Higher Apprenticeship programme is a great opportunity for school leavers as well as people like me who had already started working and wanted to change careers to study towards a professional qualification while also progressing professionally. It’s been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to continuing on the programme.
Phoebe’s Festive Pantry
INGREDIENTS
• 50g rice pops (such as rice Krispies) • 30g raisins, chopped • 50g butter • 100g milk chocolate, broken into pieces • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter • 30g mini marshmallows • 80g white chocolate • Ready-made icing holly leaves (these can be found at any cake shop or some supermarkets)
recipe 1. Put the rice pops and raisins into a bowl. Put the butter, milk chocolate, peanut butter and marshmallows into a small saucepan. Place on a medium to low heat and stir until the chocolate and butter have melted but the marshmallows are just beginning to melt. 2. Pour onto the rice pops and stir until well coated. Line an egg cup with cling film. Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into the egg cup. Press firmly and then remove, peel off the cling film and place the pudding into a cake case, flat-side down. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Chill until firm. 3. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave or in bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Spoon a little chocolate over the top of each pudding. Top with icing holly leaves.
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IPLAYER RADIO
XBOX ONE SMARTGLASS
iTranslate
Platform: iPhone/ Android, free
Platform: iPhone/ iPad/ Android/ Windows Phone, free
Platforms: iOS
This year, the BBC created a standalone app for listening live to its radio stations, which also streams on-demand shows and podcasts and helps you add songs to playlists in other services including Spotify andYouTube.
You’ll need an Xbox One games console to use this app, but it’s an essential companion if you do. You can use it to control the or browse the web on TV – and a growing number of games will use it as a second screen too.
iTranslate is an award-winning translation tool that helps you break down language barriers. With its state of the art technology you can speak any language in a second.
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GE Aviation
GE Aviation’s Engineering Higher Apprenticeship GE Aviation’s Higher Engineering Apprenticeship scheme is able to teach, develop and lead post A-Level students into a career in engineering. The scheme aims to provide Apprentices with the tools and opportunities to be able to determine the future of their own career.
This provides the opportunity to develop communication, organisational and leadership skills. Apprentices also complete the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award; this encourages people on the scheme to try new things and demonstrate commitment and teamwork, which are all valuable assets and experiences.
Personal development is also a fundamental part of the scheme - apprentices are registered as STEM Ambassadors, engaging in volunteering activities both at GE Aviation and within the community.
Nathan is a Systems Engineer in the final year of the GE Higher Engineering Apprenticeship. He began his career in 2009, after achieving A-levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. His first
Higher Engineering Apprentice Profile: Nathan Peck
year was spent studying full time at Gloucestershire College, but working at GE during academic holidays.
company profile
This five-year apprenticeship encompasses a 3-year Foundation Degree in Aerospace Computer Systems, progressing to a Bachelor’s Degree in the final two years. Alongside the academic study, apprentices work on various Avionics projects at the Cheltenham site, alongside experienced engineers, developing practical skills whilst applying new academic knowledge. This fusion of academic study and real-life experience allows apprentices to work towards accreditation through the IET, allowing them to achieve Engineering Technician and Incorporated Engineer status.
Having completed his first year, Nathan worked on a variety of programmes, including Systems work on the Cockpit Display for Southwest Airlines 737, Post-Design Support for equipment on the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and Software Integration for the AW159 helicopter. After obtaining Foundation Degree, in September 2012 Nathan moved to his current role as a Systems Engineer on the Advanced Power Management System test team, but also continuing to study for a BEng in Electronic Engineering at the University of the West of England.
Applications for the 2014 GE Engineering Higher Apprenticeships can be made by visiting
www.ge.com/careers and searching on Job Number 1907592. 17