A helping hand towards your child’s future
Parents Direct March 2007
Apprenticeships Work skills training and recognised qualifications Aged 16-24? Want to train while you are working, earn a wage while you learn and get a recognised qualification? We offer Apprenticeships in Accountancy (AAT), Administration, Catering, Contact Centre, Customer Service, IT, Care, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
For more information contact Braintree College on 01376 557020 email: enquiries@braintree.ac.uk www.braintree.ac.uk or Julia Hoyle at Witham Technology Centre on 01376 521411 email: juliah@witham-tec.co.uk www.witham-tec.co.uk
OPEN EVENINGS
@BRAINTREE COLLEGE
Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 November 2007 Tuesday 4 March 2008 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Friendly advice and guidance on A/AS Levels � Apprenticeships � BTEC Diplomas Construction Awards �e2e � NVQs � Pre-work Skills Braintree College offers: � � High quality teaching in an adult learning environment � � Excellent range of A Level, vocational and work based learning programmes � � Extensive pastoral support provided by dedicated tutors � � Specialist guidance on university applications or your chosen career path
For details call Enquiries on 01376 557020 or email enquiries@braintree.ac.uk or visit www.braintree.ac.uk
Providing Further Education in North Essex
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ECISIONS DECISIONS Pupils in year 11 have some major decisions ahead of them. Choosing GCSE Subjects in year 9 will have given parents some experience of helping them to make important decisions. But the options made available at the end of year 11 are a lot more complicated and will involve a great deal more research, discussion and some tough decision making.
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You will need to discuss with your son or daughter whether they want to and are capable of continuing in full-time education, which is by far the most popular option for pupils after leaving compulsory education. It is not the only option however, and many young people join a training programme or look for a job. You will all need to consider which of these options will best help your son or daughter to achieve their long-term goals and ambitions. You will need to be the voice of reason in some instances, reflecting on the reality of some potential choices your son or daughter might be making because of their peers, because of trends (large numbers of pupils choose career areas linked to popular TV programmes), or because of outside interests such as sport or music – both notoriously difficult to get into. Continuing in Further Education is by far the most popular route for 16 year olds. Each September around 70% of all year 11 pupils follow this option. However, it is not always the best and most relevant choice for every young person.
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Published by Careers Media, The Glass House, 6 Nicholson Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1RJ Editorial and Advertising Enquiries Lynda Hallett 01702 551100 Parents A helping hand towards your child’s future
Design & Layout Sam Kudryk samkudryk@hotmail.com
Direct
March 2007
Printed by DXP No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means without the permission in writing obtained from the publishers. The editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, but no responsibility can be accepted for the consequences of actions based on advice portrayed herein.
Many schools have their own sixth form or are linked to Sixth form colleges and will tend to encourage pupils into thinking of these options first. In many cases this represents familiar ground and the pupil is more or less guaranteed a place, providing they achieve the right level of entry qualifications. However as a parent you must be aware of what else is available and what these other options may lead to. If your son or daughter would like to continue learning in a different environment, they may want to consider a Further Education college or Work Based Learning, where a young person spends some time in a real life job, gains off the job training and often leads to the achievement of A level equivalent qualifications.
Try to instigate discussions on the choices available to your son or daughter as early as you can. The more thoroughly you can all investigate the options the better chances you will have of helping them make an informed decision.
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HY LEARNING IS IMPORTANT
People often think that learning is all about taking exams, but there are many different types of learning available. For some young people, practical ‘hands on’ learning in the workplace may be preferable. Others may wish to go to college, while some may prefer to stay on at school and study for ‘AS’ or ‘A’ levels. Whatever route they decide to follow the benefits of learning are substantial and can lead to better prospects, increased confidence and a greater choice of career.
Everyone is different which is why there are so many options available.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFFERENT POST 16 LEARNING OPTIONS?
Some of the questions and answers below may help in deciding the best option for you son or daughter.
In a nutshell, the different learning options for young people when they leave year 11 are as follows:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING?
• Stay on at school and study for ‘AS’ levels, ‘A’ levels or vocational ‘A’ levels
• Improves job prospects – better prospects leads to higher pay and a better standard of living.
• Go to a Further Education or Sixth Form College and work towards vocational or academic qualifications
• Gives more choice of jobs which means they can progress in their chosen career – doing something they enjoy will also lead to greater job satisfaction.
• Go on a Work Based Learning course, such as an Apprenticeship, and work in an organisation while gaining vocational qualifications.
• Gives them more confidence, which can help, in everyday life and in crucial situations such as job interviews
• Go on an Entry to Employment (E2E) Course.
• Broadens their horizons and helps them to meet new people in a different environment. • Gives them expertise in a specialised subject or occupation. •
Help their personal development.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED TO PROGRESS FURTHER IN LEARNING? The qualifications that your son or daughter will need will depend upon the type of learning they go into. Some learning will require qualifications, while other learning will not require any. More information is given under each of the learning routes further on in the magazine.
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It is important to remember that whatever their qualifications when they finish their year 11 studies, whether they have 10 GCSE’s or none at all, there will always be an opportunity for them to progress.
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PPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are high quality work-based training programmes for young people who want to develop their prospects and career. WHY DO AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Advanced Apprenticeships:
Get ahead whilst getting paid. If your son or daughter decides to take up an Apprenticeship they will:
Working towards a NVQ Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Level passes), a technical certificate and Key Skills qualification. This usually takes 2-3 years to complete.
• Earn real wages • Gain new qualifications • Gain new knowledge and skills
EVERYONE’S DOING THEM: Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 255,000 young people in England training in over 150 different types of Apprenticeship.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
To find out about Apprenticeships which may be available in your area, call free phone 08000 150 600.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone ages 16-24 living in England and not taking part in full-time education. Entry requirements are flexible because apprenticeships aren’t just based on academic achievement.
WHAT APPRENTICESHIPS ARE AVAILABLE? If you son/ daughter likes the idea of an apprenticeship but has no idea which area they would like to work in – lets inspire them! Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk and click on young people.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIPS? Yes – there are two different types:
Apprenticeships: Which is working towards a NVQ level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs grade A* - C), a technical certificate and Key Skills qualification e.g. working in teams, problemsolving, communication and using new technology. This apprenticeship usually takes 12-18 months to complete.
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If you have more questions you would like answered either visit www.apprenticeships. org.uk or contact your local Connexions Centre
Check out the local press or websites for local employers who offering Apprenticeships.
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IXTH FORM:
Your son/ daughter may decide that they would like to continue their studies in School Sixth Form. This could mean staying on at their current school if it has a Sixth Form or moving to a different school and meeting new people.
STUDYING IN SCHOOL SIXTH FORM:
School Sixth Form students will work towards ‘AS’ Levels, ‘A’ Levels or Vocational ‘A’ Levels in their preferred subjects. There may also be an opportunity to re-sit GCSE exams and have more tuition in some subjects.
Some schools offer special qualifications such as the international Baccalaureate Diploma. Students may also be involved with extra curricular activities such as sport, trips, work shadowing or the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
THE SCHOOL SIXTH FORM ENVIRONMENT: Young people entering
School Sixth Form usually find things quite different from their previous schooling. As the older pupils in the school, they are treated as adults and are expected to set an example to the younger students. There a fewer lessons and more opportunities for study, especially during exam time when they may get study leave. Sixth Form students usually have their own common room for study and recreation.
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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED TO ENTER SCHOOL SIXTH FORM: Young people who wish to go in to
Sixth Form may need GCSE’s, especially if they want to study for ‘A’ Levels.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SCHOOL SIXTH FORM? School is an academic
route into higher education; many School Sixth Forms have links with local schools and colleges. This may prove useful when deciding which one to choose. It may also help your son/ daughter to progress on to further learning or university once they have finished their studies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: About
School Sixth Form, you can talk to your careers adviser in school, your local Connexions Centre or obtain prospectuses from the Sixth Forms direct.
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URTHER EDUCATION
If your son/ daughter would like to continue learning in a different environment, they may want to consider a Further Education institute.
FURTHER EDUCATION: Offers young
people the opportunity to continue learning after leaving compulsory education in a variety of ways by attending a college of Further Education or Sixth Form. Some young people may prefer to follow the academic ‘classroom’ route. For example, subjects they may wish to study are, accountancy, business studies or law and there are more courses available in many different subjects. Alternatively, they may prefer the vocational route with practical ‘hands on’ learning, which will give them the opportunity to develop practical skills. There are many different courses they can take in the vocational area including hairdressing, construction, bricklaying plus many more. Further education aims to meet the needs of the individual. Whatever the students aims, aspirations and preferred way of learning, there will be every opportunity for them to develop their individual skills and abilities in a supportive learning environment.
THE COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT: Is much less formal than at school and young people will not be required to wear a uniform. They will also meet new friends and enjoy social activities in a new setting.
QUALIFICATIONS – Are desirable,
but not essential. Your son/ daughter may be able to begin a course in a Further Education College with no formal qualifications; however, qualifications would be needed if they wanted to go on a more advanced course. Similarly they may need qualifications for some Sixth Form Colleges, especially if they want to study ‘A’ Levels.
AFTER FURTHER EDUCATION: Your son/ daughter will have the opportunity to progress to Degree Level or they may choose to go on to University after they have completed their studies. Alternatively they may take their new skills onto employment.
MORE INFORMATION: Is available from your local Connexions Centre who will have a detailed directory of every Further Education College in your area.
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BULLYING
Beat bullying Are you being bullied? Know someone who is? Perhaps you're doing the bullying? Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that bullying is not normal. Find out more at www.need2know.co.uk/
Bullying hurts and you don't have to endure it. If you are on the receiving end of bullying, there are many things that can be done to make your life easier. This web site is intended to show pupils, their families and teachers how to tackle a problem that has gone on for far too long. It is packed with new ideas, practical techniques and the valuable experiences of those who have been bullied, or have even bullied others, to demonstrate that you need not Suffer in Silence. TACKLING CYBERBULLYING Mobile, Internet and wireless technologies have increased the pace of communication and brought benefits to users worldwide. But their popularity provides increasing opportunities for misuse through 'cyberbullying'. It's crucial that children and young people, who are particularly skilful at
adapting to new technology, use their mobiles and the Internet safely and positively, and that they are aware of the consequences of misuse. School staff, parents and young people have to be constantly vigilant and work together to prevent this form of bullying and tackle it wherever it appears. The advent of cyberbullying adds new dimensions to the problem of bullying. Unlike other forms of bullying, cyberbullying can follow children and young people into their private spaces and outside school hours; there is no safe haven for the person being bullied. Cyberbullies can communicate their messages to a wide audience with remarkable speed, and can often remain unseen and unidentifiable. For this information and more go to www.dfes.gov.uk/youngpeople/
AFLYINGSTART
Whether its an NVQ, First Diploma, National Certificate/Diploma or another vocational qualification, you can make the most of yourself here at Colchester Institute. In addition to our degree programmes, we have over 120 full-time courses to choose from - all designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Centres of Study include:
• Art, Design and Media • Business and Management • Computing and Administration • Construction
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• Education • Engineering • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy • Health and Care
• Hospitality and Food Studies • Music and Performing Arts • Apprenticeships
To find out more, please call (01206) 518777 or e-mailinfo@colchester.ac.uk Colchester Institute, Sheepen Road, Essex CO3 3LL.
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www.colchester.ac.uk
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GE TETTING TING THTHAT A T J OBJOB
For many young people the idea of finding a job as soon as they are free from compulsory education can seem a very attractive option, as it gives them the chance to start earning money and declaring a certain level of independence. Before undertaking this option serious consideration needs to be made about how this may affect long terms prospects. Going straight into a job where there is no formal structured training may mean they are unlikely to progress in a career or increase their earnings. Labour market information, facts and figures on the job market, is an area they may well have some experience in already, but even if they do, researching availability and accessibility of jobs is something to encourage. Local and national newspapers are good sources of information on up and coming industries or those in decline. Watch out for shortage areas and try to get your son / daughter, however difficult and painful this might be, to think of the medium and long term. Your local Connexions Centre will certainly have.
For pupils who are likely to achieve lower grades or who are not as academically minded as others, recent employment legislation called ‘The Young Person’s Right to Time Off for Study or Training’ gives them the right to paid time away from work to study for a qualification; It is aimed at young people who are: • Age 16 or 17 • Employed • Not in full-time education • Not already qualified to level 2 (i.e. have fewer than 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, or do not have an NVQ at level 2 or an intermediate GNVQ).
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The onus with this legislation is on the young person to approach their employer to ask for the time away from work to undertake a course of study, which does not necessarily have to be linked to the job they are doing. Any young person faced with this scenario is likely to need support and it is probably a good idea to discuss the issue with an employer at interview stage to ensure there is no misunderstanding later on. You can help your son/ daughter by preparing some questions with them before they embark on an interview to try to make sure this and other issues are covered. Local Connexions Centres can give you further details, and also help with all aspects of job seeking, including interview practice. Your son or daughter will be allocated a Personal Adviser who will be able to help with information and advice on these issues.
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DULT COMMUNITY LE A R N I N G E SS E X
The Adult Community College Who are we?
We offer a range of mainly part-time learning opportunities designed to fit in with your life. Courses include art, crafts, health and fitness, languages, computing, office & business skills, science and personal development.
Where can i find The Adult Community College?
The Adult Community College has centres in most towns and often in smaller local communities. you should be able to find classes near where you live or work.
What do we offer?
Our courses are friendly and supportive. You may wish to come back to learning to improve your job prospects, develop new skills to enhance your life, gain qualifications or for personal satisfaction. As an adult learner, we positively value the skills, knowledge and life experience you bring. We can help you to choose the right course and give you impartial advice about what to go on to next.
How do I find out more?
Last year over 45,000 adults in Essex joined a class with us. Contact us in your local area. We look forward to welcoming you back to learning.
In North East Essex
In South Essex
For Colchester, Tiptree, Mersea, Wivenhoe & Brightlingsea Tel: 01206 542242 Fax: 01206 574853 Email: grey.friars.college@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.grey-friars-college.org.uk For Clacton, Harwich, Manningtree, Frinton & Walton Tel: 01255 424151 Fax: 01255 436765 Email: tencol@essexcc.gov.uk website: www.tendring-acc.co.uk
For Rochford, Benfleet, Canvey Island, Hockley & Rayleigh Tel: 01702 544900 Fax: 01702 541293 Email: meacc@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.cpracc.org.uk For areas in and around Basildon Tel: 01268 520599 Fax: 01268 524362 Email: Basildonacc@essexcc.gov.uk
In West Essex
For Chelmsford, Writtle, Broomfield, Galleywood, Great Baddow & Sandon Tel: 01245 494129 Fax: 01245 494364 Email: accchelm@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.adultcollege-chelm.ac.uk For Braintree, Witham, Coggeshall, Halstead & Hedingham Tel: 01376 516533 Fax: 01376 513099 Email: neacc@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.neadd.ac.uk For Burnham, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers & Wickford Tel: 01621 853337 Fax: 01621 850286 Email: eeacc@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.eastessexacc.co.uk
For Dunmow, Epping, Waltham Abbey, Harlow, Saffron Walden, Stansted & Thaxted Tel: 01279 427711 Fax: 01279 770880 Email: enquiry@nweacc.ac.uk Website: www.nweacc.ac.uk For Billericay, Brentwood & Ongar Tel: 01277 218593 Fax: 01277 230471 Email: meacc@essexcc.gov.uk Website: www.meacc.ac.uk
In Central and East Essex
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HAT IS E2E?
E2E is a learning programme which has been available since August 2003. The programme aims to help those young people who are not yet ready or able to directly enter Apprenticeship programmes, further education or employment. E2E replaces programmes called Life Skills, Preparatory Training and NVQ Learning at Level 1 (for people aged 16-18). Young people are helped to prepare to get a job, a job with training, an Apprenticeship or to go into further education.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR E2E? If you are between 16-18 years in England and you are not taking part in any type of learning since leaving full time education you are eligible to go onto E2E, if you and your Connexions Personal Adviser feel that it will help you progress to further learning and/or a job. Your Connexions Personal Adviser can talk to you about your eligibility if you still feel that the E2E programme would be suitable for you and you are older than 18.
HOW LONG DOES E2E LAST? E2E is based on your needs. Some people may need relatively short periods of time to prepare for entry to an Apprenticeship, a job, or further learning opportunities. Others may need much more help before they are ready to move on to training or a job.
HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK WILL I BE ON E2E?
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT E2E PROGRAMMES IN MY AREA? Staff from your local connexions Services can advise you about E2E opportunities within your local areas as part of normal careers guidance activities during year 10 and 11 and as you make your decisions about what to do when you leave full time education. You can also be referred to E2E from other agencies such as social services or youth offending teams if appropriate. Work based learning providers can also identify young people who may benefit from E2E learning programmes.
WHERE AND HOW WILL THE LEARNING TAKE PLACE? Learning takes place in a variety of settings including the class room, or by one-to-one coaching, group activities, discussions, projects, presentations from speakers, on line e-learning, open learning, work placements and experience, external visits, outward bound activities, volunteering etc.
WHICH QUALIFICATIONS WILL I WORK TOWARDS? Ideally all young people will, wherever possible work towards some form of qualification. Gaining a qualification can be a positive motivator for many young people to continue learning. With E2E there is a range of qualifications that you can achieve. Some people may be ready to undertake qualifications from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), whereas for others it may be more appropriate for them to take short courses, such as first aid courses, computer literacy, European Computer Driving Licence, or the City and Guilds Profile of Achievement.
E2E
This depends on the needs of each individual learner but it is estimated that learners will attend somewhere between 16 and 40 hours per week. In special circumstances attendance for 8-16 hours may be agreed.
WILL I GET ANY MONEY FOR BEING ON E2E? Yes. You will receive a minimum allowance plus your expenses are paid in full. You will also receive a bonus for starting E2E and for achieving various outcomes such as completing your Individual Activity
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Plan, making good progress or for gaining a qualification.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT E2E?
Contact your local Connexions service who will be able to advise you.
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Want to help your kids? Now you can! Improve your skills in maths, english and IT with a learndirect course. Our range of courses can provide you with the skills you need to help your kids.
The right course for you
We have plenty of courses so there’s bound to be one that’s right for you. All our courses are very affordable and our staff will be able to advise you on how much a course might cost and if you are eligible for government funding – you never know, it might be free.
Maths and English
Perfecting skills in maths and english can help in all sorts of ways, whether it’s writing letters to school, reading stories or helping with maths homework.
IT
From basics of using a keyboard and mouse to learning about different software packages, out IT courses will ensure you can keep up with the kids when it comes to computers. It’s great to learn with learndirect. We know that looking after kids doesn’t leave you much spare time. The great think about our courses is that they are designed to fit around
you. You can do your course at your local centre or from home if you have access to the internet. Our courses are broken down into bite sized chunks so you can learn at your won pace and whenever suits you. Our staff will be on hand to help you choose the right course and help you as you learn. Better still some centres have childcare facilities. Many leardirect courses can help you gain the skills needed to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
Maths and English qualifications • •
Certificate in Adult Literacy Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 1 or 2
IT Qualifications • • • •
ECDL OCR New CLAiT OCR CLAiT Plus Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
To find out more: Call 0800 101 901 Go to www.learndirect.co.uk Visit your local learndirect centre Billericay IT Learning Centre 151 High Street Billericay Essex CM13 3QP Tel: 01277 655293 Email: hkingsford@havering-college.ac.uk Web: www.havering-college.ac.uk Chelmsford College – The e-learning Centre Coplestone Court 1 Wells Street Chelmsford Essex CM1 1HX Tel: 01245 293141 Email: galet@chelmsford-college.ac.uk Web: www.chelmsford-college.ac.uk Brentwood Learning Centre 81-85 High Street Brentwood Essex CM14 4RR Email: brentwood@havering-college.ac.uk Web: www.havering-college.ac.uk
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PPLICATION FORMS
Before your son or daughter starts to fill in their application form encourage them to read through it thoroughly, get them to take a photocopy so they can practice before completing the original. If this is not possible, encourage them to fill it in in pencil first and read through it a few times to make sure it is completed properly.
Did you know...?
Watch out for the special instructions, such as ‘use block capitals’ or ‘please use black ink’. Even if it doesn’t tell them to use black ink it is advisable to do so as this reproduces better on photocopies.
...that in the UK, the percentage of jobs advertised on the Internet is rapidly expanding. A good jobsearch strategy should therefore include a well-defined online action plan where registering and posting or building an electronic CV is a critical part!
When completing the forms get your son or daughter to give as much information as possible. Ensure they use their full name and add all contact numbers including mobile number, email address and full postal address. Educational history and qualifications must always be listed in chronological order i.e start with most recent and work backwards. List your responsibilities concisely but briefly.
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K I LL S S H O RTAG E ? What we are short of is employers
By Graham Lewis Director of Business Development, Prospects College
With ever increasing demand on the Construction Industry it is surprising to find budding apprentices cannot find work. Many people associated with the Construction Industry bemoan the current skills shortage as good plumbers, painters and decorators and carpenters consider early retirement or are reaching retirement age. To fill this shortage the industry needs young people. Within work based learning (WBL) training providers there is a ready source of young people wanting the opportunity to both train in their desired trade and work in the building environment. The biggest problem we face as training providers is finding enough employers willing to take on apprentices. Given the advantages to the employer it does appear to be a “no brainer”. The apprentice is a willing contributor to the employers business and, if allowed to develop the skills necessary to gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), will become a loyal and skilled worker. Provided the apprentice meets the age criteria of 16-19 years old, training at a WBL provider is free to the employer, the only commitment he has to give is that the apprentice can take one day off per week to attend college. There is a misconception that WBL and vocational training is non-academic, this is a myth. Admittedly much of the training is carried out in a practical environment, but in order to qualify as an apprentice the young person must meet certain academic levels of attainment in Maths, English and Social Skills and obtain a technical certificate in his chosen trade. The aim of any training provider is to equip a young person with the necessary trade skills together with technical and key skill qualifications necessary for advancement within the modern employment market.
shor
emplo Employers play a major role in the development of these young people, not only providing them with employment but also setting
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them the necessary tasks in order for them to attain a NVQ. They are also important in developing the individual social skills and feeling of worth, their contribution cannot be underestimated. I personally came from a very dynamic, fast moving commercial business sector and was unaware of the important educational role of training providers fulfil. They are traditionally privately owned organisations that ‘fill the gaps’ in education left by the provision made by Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) colleges. These gaps tend to be in the areas of more application based skills including construction, engineering, animal or childcare or hairdressing. But for many employers, and indeed people involved in the WBL environment, there is very much a social responsibility to develop young people that have “slipped through the net” for whatever reason and cannot develop their skills in the more traditional FE and HE environment. It is our job to develop these people to equip them with the necessary skills and allow them to make a real contribution to our community in the future.
ort of Interestingly, however, especially in construction, the industry is attracting more individuals with a higher level of GSCE attainment. A good carpenter, bricklayer, painter and decorator or plumbers have a greater level of job security in a sustainable market place. Salary levels tend to be higher than those in administrative or office based environments and they are in the enviable position of having a real trade.
Thinking about an apprenticeship in…. • • •
Engineering Construction Pre-apprenticeships
Then call us today on
0800 3893589 email: apprenticeships @ prospectscollege.co.uk At our locations in Basildon and Southend we offer a range of programmes aimed at the development of young people, resulting in skilled employment. We cater for the key sectors of Engineering and Construction, helping to plug the ‘skills gap’ by providing Apprenticeship training.
Apprentices need employers If you are interested in providing one of our learners with employment or want to learn more about Apprenticeship Programmes then please call
ployers My cry for help is aimed broadly at the employers or potential employers of apprentices, but it is equally aimed at parents and potential apprentices. WBL and an apprenticeship maybe a more desirable option for the long term future of any individual, we can all play a part.
0800 3893589 Prospects House 10 Fairfax Drive Southend on Sea Essex SS0 9AR
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Further training or straight into work? It’s a difficult choice for young people to make these days. However, Harlow ITeC has a programme which combines both, and helps to identify an appropriate career path. Apprenticeships are not just about building and plumbing, there are also apprenticeships in customer service, business admin, team leading and IT. These programmes offer the mix of a real job, giving valuable experience, plus training and qualification. And for those young people who feel that finding a job is still a few steps away, Harlow ITeC offers the Entry2Employment programme to build confidence, prepare for the workplace, help you find a job and provide back-up and support. Harlow ITeC also has a range of courses for adultswhether you are working or unemployed. These range from computer training, such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), Computer Literacy & Information Technology (CLAIT), through to BTEC courses in Customer Service and Administration. Those who are claiming benefits can qualify for free training, and subsidies are available to those who are in employment. For further details of these and other programmes available at Harlow ITeC contact 01279 401540.
Apprenticeships - IMMEDIATE START - Weekly pay Between 16-24yrs old? Do you want to be part of a friendly, enthusiastic and hardworking team? Do you want to make a difference? Then call us now. We have places available in: * Customer Service * Business Admin * IT * Team Leading Duration: 3-4 days per week Hours: 9:00-4:00 Holiday entitlement No previous experience necessary as training will be given.
Currently available for PARENTS wanting to get back into the working enviroment: * Employment skills- interview techniques, CV writing * Get into administration- CLAIT, business admin, shorthand etc * Basic computer training * Literacy and numeracy skills Please contact Harlow ITeC on 01279 401540 for more information or email: office@harlowitec.co.uk Harlow ITeC working in partnership with Harlow College Harlow ITeC welcomes applications from all members of society.
Your son / daughter could get £30 a week with EMA if they have stayed on in learning. If they are 16-18 years old and the household income is under £30,000 they could receive an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). This money will be paid directly into their bank account (so they’ll need to set a bank account up if they haven’t already got one). They may also receive bonuses if they remain on their course and make good progress.
“EMA has helped me with bus fares, buying stationery, food at lunch time, even clothes - all the most necessary items needed whilst going to college. I think that the EMA system is a fantastic idea and very helpful” Michael, GNVQ Foundation IT student.
For more information, or to get an application form, call the helpline on 0808 10 16219, visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema, or contact your local Essex, Southend & Thurrock Connexions Centre.
EVERY DAY IN THE ARMY IS THE SAME. DIFFERENT.
website: www.epping-forest.ac.uk
Parents, take a fresh look at....
Politician. Ambassador. Aid worker. Peacemaker. These are just a few of the roles you'll play as an Army officer. Often at the forefront of world affairs, you'll lead and manage your team, containing and resolving any situation that arises. If you're up for the challenge you'll be supported all the way, with financial help in the form of a sponsored Army Scholarship at school, a Gap Year Commission on officer pay, or a bursary to help you through University. For more information contact us on the details below. The Army is committed to Equal Opportunities.
Borders Lane, Loughton, Essex IG10 3SA
telephone: 020 8508 8311
V
V
TS
(Vocational Training Services )
A rewarding career in childcare
Vocational Training Services (VTS) is a leader in the provision of Early Years level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship training. Since 1994 we have helped 1000’s of school leavers and professionals to gain the qualifications they need to progress their career. Officially recognised as an ‘Investor in People’ company, VTS is accredited by City & Guilds, Edexcel and Cache to offer apprenticeships and short courses throughout Essex. A winning combination of on-the-job training, college tuition, support and guidance ensures that our learners not only gain a nationally recognised set of qualifications, but also work experience. In addition all VTS assessors and tutors are occupationally qualified nursery nurses, managers and teachers. This ensures that all training is of the highest possible standard and that the learning experience is an enjoyable one. Working with children can be very rewarding and exciting career. By gaining an Early Years apprenticeship your chances of employment and promotion are greatly improved.
“Working towards my apprenticeship gave me focus and secured my present job...now I’m ready to tackle my level 3 qualification”. To find out how you can start an apprenticeship contact VTS. Tel: 01702 353557 Web: www.vts.ac.uk Email: info@vts.ac.uk VTS is an equal opportunities company aiming for the widest possible diversity in its workforce and learners.
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