Way2Go - North East 16

issue 16 | april 2008

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME to issue 16 of W2G North East, your local magazine aimed at giving teenagers help and advice when it comes to careers and education.

One of the main concerns young people have when going off to University is not just the course work and finances but leaving home, in this issue we take a look at this and offer some helpful hints and tips.

We also look at how you can help other people through voluntary work.

We are also pleased to help in the launch of ‘Portrait of a Nation’ a year long programme of events in association with the Heritage lottery fund As usual we have loads of advice on careers, education and we hear about young peoples experiences in their chosen career path.

There is also Playtime helping you chill out a bit, this month we cast our eye over some of the latest Games, DVD’S, CD’s and films to hit the streets including Devil may cry 4 and Jack Black in Be kind rewind.

Distinctive Publishing LTD 24 Lancaster Street Summerhill Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6EU T: 0191 2983571 F: 0191 2983561 John Neilson Sales Director john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Ewan Waterhouse Business Development Manager ewan.waterhouse@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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by Michael Rolf

MOVIE REVIEW Be Kind Rewind.

As I expected, Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) has directed another masterpiece.

Although I wasn’t a huge fan of Eternal Sunshine, I could appreciate the originality and the brilliance of Gondry for having the courage to follow his idea up and turn it into a stunning feature length film.

In cinemas now, ‘Be Kind Rewind’ is proving a huge success with a brilliant original script. The movie stars Mos Def (16 Blocks) who works in a small video store owned by Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon 1 - 4). Problems occur when the government try to redevelop the land the video shop sits on. Jack Black (School of Rock) plays a friend of Mos Def and wants to sabotage the local power plant, in doing so, he gets caught in some electrical equipment and becomes ‘magnetized’ which results in him erasing all of the tapes in the store. Leaving the fate of the store and all of the video tapes in the hands of Jack Black and Mos Def. I found it a great twist and a witty insight into amateur film making. With a great performance by the cast, especially Danny Glover, this film is well worth watching again, again, again...

Favourite Quotes: JB - “Have you seen Elvis lately?”

JB - “I will shoot you, and i know Robot Karate!”

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DVD REVIEW Good Luck Chuck Mark Helfrich, the director of the brilliant Rush Hour films, has managed to make a film that is guaranteed to have you in stitches from the opening titles to the credits. In this hilariously silly story, we see Charlie Logan (Dane Cook), a rich dentist who finds out he has a curse which he must break in order for the woman of his dreams, played by Jessica Alba (Sin City), to fall in love with him. However this curse that Charlie has isn’t exactly a curse most men would want to get rid of, especially Charlie’s best friend Stu (Dan Fogler - Balls of Fury) who thinks that Charlie is the luckiest man in the world to have the curse that makes hundreds of women sleep with him to find true love.

This really is a hilarious classic men’s comedy film and is well worth buying, more for the shear brilliant performance by the incredibly witty Dan Fogler and Dane Cook who both have the audience ecstatic with laughter all the way through.

Favourite Quotes: Dane Cook: “don’t look at me on that tone of voice”.

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MUSIC REVIEW Nickelback - All the Right Reasons It’s safe to say that by now people of all ages and races, have heard, and more than likely loves the massive hit single ‘Rockstar’. Following the huge success of their previous albums, such as; ‘The Long Road’ (which sold 5 million copies worldwide) and ‘Silver Side Up’, Nickelback have spawned another ‘multi-mood’ album. By this I mean that they have provided us with a great album that can be played in a range of different scenarios and atmospheres. With a wide range of sounds, some heavier rock than others, you can easily play this album quietly to relax too, or for friends and family in a party atmosphere. But most importantly, I find this album to be one of the best driving albums I’ve ever owned, I really enjoy having it on as background music, especially on long journeys. This album definitely has that certain Nickelback edge that made all of their earlier albums such a huge success, which makes them a band I’d certainly love to see live.

Favourite Tracks: Rockstar Photograph If Everyone Cared

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GAME REVIEW Devil May Cry 4 Devil May Cry is back for a fourth installment, but should you bother?

The game sees you play as Nero, a young knight, as well as Dante from previous outings. Taking a cinematic approach (you can watch all the cut scenes back as one continuous movie) the game plays out a storyline of standard fare: revenge, a beautiful girl and plenty of demons to kill.

To help you complete your mission you’ve got a massive sword, a double barrel pistol, oh and an arm that has mystic powers.

On either difficulty level there are plenty of enemies and those looking for a bit of a challenge will be pleased there is a good smattering of big bosses with some clever ideas and powerful attacks.

As for graphics - they are stunning. Forced camera angles are clearly designed to show off the environment to its maximum, sweeping vistas, waterfalls and gory looking monsters all sit within a medieval castle landscape. Devil May Cry will continue to be a huge success and I am already looking forward to the fifth installment!!

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Thinking of staying on at sixth form, or going to college, and want information on how to get there, and how much it’s going to cost you?

Then have a look at www.how2get2.co.uk. It has all the information you’ll need to get to school or college. n Find all the bus and Metro information for every school and college in Tyne and Wear n See details of lots of special tickets and passes for 16 -18 year old students in Tyne and Wear that’ll save you loads of money on adult fares. n And of course public transport isn’t just useful for getting you to school or college – it lets you get to your part-time job, go to the shops, meet up with your mates……..

So, check out how2get2 – it’ll save you time and money!

Or, you could: n Pop into a Nexus TravelShop – to pick up timetables and buy season tickets – and help from our friendly trained staff in planning your particular journey n Phone the helpful advisors at Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, for information about all public transport services in Tyne and Wear.

While you’re still at school though, if you live in Tyne and Wear, make sure you’ve got an Under 16 Card to prove you’re entitled to the reduced child fares. Just show your Under 16 Card to the driver or inspector to pay concessionary fares (40p on weekdays until 7.00pm) – and you’ll also get cheaper commercial fares on evenings and weekends. If you haven’t got an Under 16 Card – pick up an application form from any Nexus TravelShop, or download one at www.nexus.org.uk.

If you’re thinking of going to Gateshead College’s new Baltic Campus on Gateshead Quays, you’ll be able to use the bright yellow electric QuayLink buses. Service Q1 stops right outside the new campus, and connects you with Gateshead Interchange, Newcastle city centre and Newcastle’s Central Station. Visit nexus.org.uk/quaylink for full route and timetable details.

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The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) has today announced that Victoria Nicholson, age 20 from Colchester has scooped the 2007 IET Young Woman Engineering Apprentice of the Year award.

Victoria beat hundreds of applicants to claim the title which recognises the skills and achievements of apprentices and also to raise awareness of the value of an apprenticeship route into engineering and technology careers.

An advanced apprentice with BT, Victoria works in BT Wholesale in a team responsible for managing capacity within the switch telephone network. In just over two years Victoria has become an essential member of her team and has ownership of various tasks such as planning and creating certain processes in BT’s 21st Century Network. Victoria also has responsibility for managing the development training within her operational team.

Judges of the award were particularly impressed with Victoria’s drive and ambition to promote apprenticeships to others. Victoria was nominated by a number of senior staff to appear in advertisements for BT’s Apprentice Attraction Campaign which aims to recruit more female apprentices into BT. Victoria also represents more than 300 BT Wholesale apprentices as an Apprentice Network Committee Member which involves supporting fellow apprentices, creating website content and arranging educational, social and charity events.

Robin McGill, chief executive of the IET said: “The IET is committed to raising awareness of the value of apprenticeships, particularly as the engineering sector is currently facing skills shortages. Victoria is a wonderful role model for other young women considering entering the profession through the apprenticeship route and I wish her all the very best for the future.”

In addition to supporting fellow apprentices in BT, Victoria is also actively involved in visiting schools and careers fairs to talk to other young women about apprenticeships.

Victoria will receive a cheque for £500 and an engraved trophy at the BT Centre, London presented by scientist and TV personality Dr Maggie Aderin. The IET Young Woman Engineering Apprentice Award is part of the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award which aims to highlight the shortage of female engineers in the UK.

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Victoria is a wonderful role model for other young women...

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IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT ALL THE LIGHT BULBS ARE ABOUT LET US ENLIGHTEN YOU In Spring/Summer 2008 NHS North East in association with Aim Higher are holding a series of events aimed at teenagers to help them understand what it might be like to work with people with learning disabilities. On these pages you can find out all the things we talked about at the events and more.

Events are running throughout the region until July So have you ever considered a career working with people with learning disabilities? Hang on... what is a learning disability?

WELL LET’S START WITH THE FACTS... n

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There are 1.5 million people in the UK with learning disabilities.

Learning disabilities have many different causes but are always lifelong.

A learning disability can affect someone’s life in many ways, causing difficulties in learning, communicating or doing everyday things.

neighbour, relative, employee, colleague, fellow citizen. A label describes one aspect of a person, but does not capture the whole person.

At the LEARN events the theatre company Moveable Feast performed a drama piece to make us think about how it really is for people with learning disabilities and their families, and how we can make things better. The drama was effective in challenging stigma as a number of Moveable Feast’s performers have learning disabilities themselves.

Moveable Feast’s play “Together we are better” will be available on the LEARN webpage soon at: http://healthcarenortheast.com/nhs/learn/learn.cfm WHAT CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE?

THE GOOD STUFF...

n A learning disability does not prevent someone from learning and achieving a lot in life, if given the right support.

The NHS is not just doctors and nurses you know, and the same can be said for the field of learning disabilities. There are over 300 careers in the NHS, some of which are solely related to learning disabilities such as a learning disabilities nurse, or support worker. However, some people choose to specialise in working with those with learning disabilities after more general training such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Either way if you are passionate and committed to working in the field then there are lots of pathways. Here are just a few...

THE BAD STUFF...

YOU COULD BE A...

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People with learning disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to have health problems than other people.

Nearly one in three people with learning disabilities said someone had been rude or offensive to them in the last year. In most cases, the person was a stranger.

Facts from Mencap www.mencap.org.uk and the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities www.learningdisabilities.org.uk

n n n n n n n n n n n

Social Worker Support Worker LD Nurse Physiotherapist Art Therapist Occupational Therapist Speech and Language Therapist Counsellor Dietitian Psychologist Healthcare Assistant

CHALLENGING STIGMA Remember the term learning disability is a label. But as the British Institute of Learning Disabilities bild.org.uk point out, people who carry that label wear many others, such as friend,

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You can contact NHS careers on www.nhscareers.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 60 60 655, Monday to Friday to talk through any of the careers on offer. They will be able to tell you about training courses, qualifications and give you more advice.

FUTURE LEARN EVENTS>> Thursday 3rd April – Cramlington Community High School Friday 11th July – Macmillan Academy, Middlesbrough

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LEARN EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Email: events@cynergyhealthcare.com Tel: 01642 713211 Fax: 01642 713535

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What does the word ‘enterprise’ mean to you? Do you think it’s something other people do?

That you never come up with any good business ideas – your mind just doesn’t work in that way?

That none of the things you’re good at could give you a start as an entrepreneur? Well, college students across the region are proving that that’s where you’d be wrong.

Young people studying at the region’s ten FE colleges are coming up with business ideas using just their core subjects, hobbies and interests as a starting point. It’s helping them to build their CVs and their career plans for the future.

Meet Graeme.

He’s doing an NVQ2 in Welding and Fabrication at Northumberland College, and has been taking part in a project to get more college students involved with enterprise – learning how to generate ideas, research your market, produce your business plan and promote your business.

“Our idea was to make unique hanging basket brackets which incorporated your house number. Ok, so it’s not the sexiest product in the world, but we knew we had the skills to make them, and our market research showed that there was a demand out there.

“With competitive prices and a quick turnaround for orders, I was confident we could bring in the business.”

And that’s exactly what happened. Graeme received initial orders for twenty brackets. He targeted not just friends, family and people at the college, but extended his market by doing a leaflet drop at local shops including florists.

He’s so enthusiastic that he’s developed new products to add to the line –climbing plant supports for sweet peas and tomatoes, slug and snail catchers, grow bag supports and humane cat deterrents.

Down in Tees Valley, students from Middlesbrough College have also been flexing their enterprise muscles.

BTEC National Diploma in Catering students Gianni Addis and Anthony Norton set up a smoothie bar at the college’s Kirby campus, to offer students and staff a fun way to boost their fruit intake.

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The boys ordered fresh fruit from the college suppliers and offered three different recipes – ‘Very Berry’, ‘Tropical Fruit’ and ‘Re-Vitalise’. They set up their stall in the college main concourse and dressed in Hawaiian shirts and hats to add to the effect! After selling more than a hundred juices and paying for the fruit they’d used, the ‘profits’ were put towards a work placement trip to Sienna in Italy. Gianni’s now a chef at the Savoy Hotel in London.

The list goes on and on.

At South Tyneside College, twenty business students have set up a candle-making factory, selling their products at a local market and at craft fairs. City of Sunderland College students launched a nail-bar.

It’s all very ‘Dragons Den’ at Redcar and Cleveland and Newcastle colleges – there, students have been pitching their ideas to external business experts. They included personalised greetings cards, designing the college hoodie and events management.

Bishop Auckland College students met local entrepreneurs to inspire their enterprise ambitions. At New College Durham, all the full time students on the BTEC business courses have been doing the National Council of Further Education Enterprise qualification, to add to their CVs. And at Hartlepool College students have been making sure staff get to and from work safely – offering them winter MoT car checks!

All the colleges in North East England want to build enterprise into their courses, so that no matter what you’re studying you’ll have the chance to pick up vital skills for innovation and running your own business.

North East England needs to create at least 18,500 new businesses by 2016 maybe yours could be one of them!

Ok, so it’s not the sexiest product in the world, but we knew we had the skills to make them...

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The ten colleges in North East England have been doing lots of new work to put enterprise firmly on your timetable. And enterprise champions – tutors with the specific job of helping students become more enterprise savvy and to turn their business ideas into reality – are at the heart of it.

What’s your favourite part of the job? It’s great when a student tells me they’ve really enjoyed an enterprise activity we’ve laid on at the college, especially when they say they’ve really learned something. We want it to be fun, but when students are taking away skills they can use in their future career - that’s the real icing on the cake.

We’ve given one of them a grilling!

Name: Stephen Foster College: Bishop Auckland What made you want to become an enterprise champion?

Our Director of Curriculum asked me – I thought it was a great opportunity to learn some new skills myself!

What makes a good enterprise champion? A wide knowledge of the business environment, particularly if you’ve run a business yourself. I think networking and people skills will get you a long way – it’s particularly important to be a good listener. I just try to be supportive and approachable, and hopefully that comes across to our students!

Tell us a bit more about what you do. Believe it or not, a lot of it is simply talking! I try to get students to realise that they can all be entrepreneurs. We all have ideas – it’s just that some of us are more driven to do something about them. The reason other people don’t, is often that they’re not sure where to start. That’s where I come in, helping young people to spot opportunities through the college and to come up with ideas, and supporting them with practical stuff like marketing and costing their product or service.

I can also help students link with business agencies that might be able to help them take their idea even further, and I invite local business people to come into college and tell students what it’s really like to be an entrepreneur. There’s nothing like learning from experience.

Some students have come up with such strong ideas, that we’ve referred them to enterprise agencies to develop a formal business plan and cash flow for their start up. It’s fantastic to think that I’ve helped, even in just a small way.

And your least favourite? (!)

Having to tell a student that their idea might not work is really tough. At the end of the day, learning to accept when something just isn’t viable and going back to the drawing board is a really important skill for any entrepreneur – you have to get used to bouncing back! But it never gets any easier to pour cold water on someone’s enthusiasm.

What plans do you have for your work as an enterprise champion?

How do you want to see Bishop Auckland College take it further?

I want to see enterprise becoming part of every single course we teach, with far more students thinking about being their own boss in their future career. It’d also be great to see a recognised enterprise qualification on the timetable.

Give us your top three pieces of advice for students wanting to develop their enterprise skills: n

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Attend an enterprise course or workshop, and get involved with the activities and events Get to know some local business people – they’re already out there doing it, so pick their brains. Volunteer to work for them, in return for some business experience.

Ask your tutor about starting an enterprise at college or your school

If you don’t already know the enterprise champion at your college – ask!

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ny spapers are full of pictures of success: Jon Every week celebrity magazines and new ls kham, Kylie Minogue or the members of ‘Gir Wilkinson kicking to win at Rugby, David Bec ling Row sful. What about Richard Branson, J. K. Aloud’ looking fabulous, happy and succes er heard of him? He is the owner of the Joe or Shami Ahmed. Who’s that last one? Nev wn ire by the time he was 20, not really well kno Bloggs clothing line and he was a milliona route. or famous but very successful at his chosen But what is success?

Success can be defined in lots of ways but very simply it is: ‘having goals and achieving them’…..whether that is to be the best you can be at your sport, passing exams or having a great bunch of friends. At this point in the year; if you are getting ready to take exams, success can be passing with the best grades that you can and being able to move onto whatever you have planned next. If you are looking for a job; success is finding one that is perfect, applying, having a great interview and getting that call to say that they want YOU.

Can you make yourself a success?

Hundreds of books are written each year by the successful to tell everyone else how they did it. Hard work, having a talent and some luck seem to be important for achieving your aims but there are some other things that you can do to help yourself……

1. Be Positive – If you believe you can do something you will make

more effort and cope with minor setbacks 2. Plan – Decide what you want to do and look for opportunities 3. Get Involved- Its good to try out new things; sports, studies, or volunteering…you may find that this gives you more skills or a bigger group of friends.

4. Put in Effort – if you have a talent for something be it football, maths or music you will need to work at it to get better.

5. Be Resilient- there may be points where things are not going well, you didn’t get the job you wanted or your exam results but there is often another way to your goals 6. Get help – If its not going well there are loads of places to get help, e.g. a Connexions Personal Adviser could help you look of other ways to achieve your goals 7. Enjoy it – some really successful businesses came from a passion, you will work much harder if you love what you are doing.

So if you don’t become the next David Beckham or Kylie Minogue but have more moderate success….you will know that it is well deserved!

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Success can be overcoming challenges, finding something you enjoy doing, getting involved to help others or being recognised for you talents. Connexions County Durham works with young people to ensure that they make positive choices about their future and achieve success.

Getting Involved!

Local Democracy Week is a way of celebrating democracy and highlighting the work of local Government. Across the country 400 councils and 4000 schools take part in events across the country. One event run by Chester-leStreet council was a competition for young people aged 5-19, they were asked to produce a piece of art that expresses how they felt about the area they live in. Connexions County Durham was asked to provide a panel of young people to judge the competition. As part of our partnership working; the youth focus group from the Durham and Chester-le-Street area took up the challenge. The group: Freevoice undertook their responsibility very seriously.

Overcoming Challenges!

Connexions has been working with its partners in education and learning support on a project called ‘Creative Pathways’.

This encourages experiential learning for young people with special educational needs through: fun projects to develop confidence, work investigations and

community projects. Gary and Kyle are part of a small group who visited BBC Radio Tees to investigate working in radio and took part in other activities such as trampolineing. They went on to form their own group ‘Radio Duo’ who decided (with the support of the adults working with Creative Pathways) to make a film to about their experiences to show others.

They got an award from Mediabox which helped to get the film produced. Kyle and Gary travelled to Manchester to Anthem Productions and spent a day working on their film which they hope will allow other to find out about creative pathways.

Do Something You Enjoy!

James is from a Traveller family and has taken on a project to paint his own dray.

This is one of the living wagons which are a traditional Travellers home. This is a huge job which can take 6 months to complete.

The wagon is made up of a flat base or ‘Rolly’ and a living section or ‘Vardo’. Six coats of paint are put on and each has to be sanded down before the next one is applied. James’ skills are self-taught; he took art at school but this needs very different talents. James loves the work as he was brought up and has travelled in living wagons. Naturally very proud of his

culture he asked for it to be included into his school PSHE lessons so he could share it with his peers.

Get some Recognition!

Being proud of your achievements is fantastic but it’s even better when others recognise your talents too. Aaron Burns received a presentation from Gary Brown; Chairman of the Connexions County Durham Partnership Board in recognition of his achievements as a Young Volunteer. Aaron was nominated for a National ‘Young Achievers’ Award and although he was not selected for the final shortlist, Connexions wanted to recognise his achievement. Aaron is an ‘A’ level student at Framwellgate School but is also active in the community. He is a the most senior member of the City of Durham St John’s Ambulance Cadets, he has been a member for 5 years and has achieved the rank of Leading Cadet the highest available to a cadet. He is an active member of the Connexions County Durham Youth Focus Group and represents young people on the Partnership Board.

Aaron has also been an active member of the Community of Learning Development Group developing the views of young people around inclusion.

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What to look for When you’re looking at places it’s important to check: n You’ll be near to where you need to get

to - lectures, shops, nightlife.

n Public transport or parking is easily

accessible.

n The rent is within budget - be prepared

to pay a bond, deposit and rent up front, and don’t forget to allow for bills in your budget too.

n Appliances such as gas and

electricity have the relevant certificates and are well maintained.

n Smoke alarms are fitted

and have batteries.

n There are no damp or

unpleasant smells.

n Check your contract

carefully. Don’t sign on the spot, take it away to read and if in doubt go to your Student Union for advice - once you’ve signed it’s too late to get anything changed.

Student Accommodation

When you’re going to college or university, you don’t just have to think about your course and finances, you also have to think about where you’re going to live - well that’s if you’re not staying at home! Fortunately there are several options.

Most universities have accommodation on campus or nearby, either Halls of Residence or privately-run housing - you should find details in your prospectus or from Student Services.

If you are looking to privately rent a shared house, bed-sit or flat, ask Student Services for a list of recommended housing that is available.

When to look

As you can imagine, in August and September each year, lots of students are going to be looking for accommodation. When you have had your place on your course confirmed, you need to sort out where you’re going to live as soon as possible.

Most first year students choose to live in halls on campus or in university managed accommodation, it’s easy to meet people, safer and you won’t have utility bills to worry about so it can be easier to manage your finances too.

After the first year you may decide to rent a house with your friends, it can be lots of fun, but you’ll need to learn to live with other people and to budget as a group.

Who can help

Speak to Student Services or the Student Union at the college or university that you’ll be studying at.

They will be able to tell you what accommodation is available both in Halls of Residence and privately.

The accommodationseek website tells you all you need to know about finding accommodation. www.accommodationseek.co.uk

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Together, councils are the biggest employers in the North East, with more than 100,000 people working for them. The work of councils touches almost every aspect of our lives, from cleaning the streets to helping to improve the environment and the regional economy.

This means there is a huge range of career, training and job opportunities within the region’s councils. A website www.careersincouncils.co.uk - describes some of these careers and opportunities. It contains links to other useful sites and current job vacancies within North East councils. It also provides real life examples of young people who are now working in councils, possibly yours. They include young people working as apprentice civil engineers and horticulturists, social workers, tree surgeons, countryside rangers, librarians and personnel assistants. There are also examples of young people working in human resources, housing, and as part of a highly prestigious national graduate development scheme.

Two examples of young people working for councils in the North East of England are shown on these pages.

For jobs directly from school, after university or apprenticeships, councils really do offer an exciting choice for young people.

Local councils will give you the chance to do a job you enjoy, and make a positive difference to the lives of the people and communities of the North East.

Best of luck Councillor Mick Henry Chair of the Association of North East Councils

Toni Brocklesby, 20, is a Cadet Social Worker for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

I like visiting families in need, particularly when I know I can make a difference by helping to alter their current living situation or with any difficulties they might be experiencing. My job involves completing placements within social services. The placements help me to build up a wide range of experience and knowledge from different professionals. They have also helped me to complete an NVQ and contributed to my degree in social work. I like visiting families in need, although I sometimes have to deal with difficult and uncomfortable situations on cases. I want to complete my degree in social work and become a full-time children and families social worker.

Liam Foster, 22, is an Apprentice Civil Engineer for Sunderland City Council

The job’s main attraction is the opportunity to progress towards a rewarding career, including the chance to earn sought after professional qualifications. From day one I’ve been made to feel welcome and treated as an equal. I shadow and assist the principal and senior staff, picking up on the valuable techniques and methods they use. I also get to travel around Sunderland visiting various sites including football pitches, play areas and local nature reserves. Being Sunderland born and bred, the main source of job satisfaction is the fact that I work on schemes and projects that improve the city where I live. A career in local government is highly sought after and I would recommend it to anyone.

For more information on the careers and opportunities within councils in the North East of England, and for links to many of their current job vacancies, please visit: www.careersincouncils.co.uk

Learning in action took place at the Hatton Gallery where students from Marden High School, Norham High School and Seaton Burn were stretched and challenged when they participated in a fast-paced dance activity as part of their Young Apprenticeship work experience directly linked to their studies in Art & Design and Performing Arts.

Professional Development Placements (PDPS) in Industry play an important role in enabling teachers to gain work-related knowledge and develop resources to enhance their subject teaching.

Enterprising teachers have participated in: The Neville Network for teachers of Modern Foreign Languages A series of fun filled sessions gave teachers from around the region the opportunity to network with a variety of employers, develop exciting new resources, take part in bespoke workshops and share their experiences with fellow MFL teachers around the region.

The RAE (Royal Academy of Engineering) Programme for teachers of science technology and engineering was supported

by Nestlé, Kavli Ltd, C2M (Concept to Manufacture) UK LTD and Ford Component Manufacturing.

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Nestlé provided teachers with an insight into the manufacturing technology behind confectionery production.

Kavli Ltd, manufacturers of cheese spreads, snacks, dips and patés hosted a visit for student teachers from the region who learned about engineering and food production processes and had the opportunity to sample the delicious Kavli product range.

C2M UK LTD and Ford Component Manufacturing joined forces to give an introduction to the latest Engineering techniques.

The MLA (Museums Learning & Archives) sponsored 20 regional PDPS with host museums and archives to develop partnerships and learning resources.

The partnership between the EBP and P & G supporting local schools in raising attainment and motivation among pupils of Science, Technology and Languages, was celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at the National EBP Conference in London.

During an exciting two day event, students created art and engineering models in the learning context of the garden and it’s facilities as part of their Young Apprenticeship Programme.

Students undertaking a Young Apprenticeship in Art & Design have fantastic opportunities in the creative arts sector to develop their skills. This enterprising workshop at Northumberland College challenged students to make attractive and useful lamps from recycled materials

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a UK charity dedicated to the development of young people. We help young people from every possible background develop the attitudes and skills to help them lead fulfilled and successful lives. We support over 275,000 young people every year: we have the widest reach of any youth charity.

Supported by an Award Leader and motivated by the chance to gain a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, each young person spends at least an hour per week for up to two years volunteering in their community, learning a new skill and participating in sport. They also work as a team to plan and carry out an expedition designed to test them to the limit.

This has an astonishing impact on young people. In a recent survey, 79% of Gold Award holders reported greater leadership ability, 83% improved tolerance and teamworking, 85% more confidence, and nearly two out of three Gold Award Holders – of all ages – said it helped them gain their current job.

We support over 275,000 young people each year. We are passionate about further extending the reach of the Award and giving every young person the opportunity to take part – developing their skills and attitudes and offering them experiences that will have a lasting impact on their lives and futures.

The delivery of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is reliant on the hard work, commitment and dedication of volunteers.

Thousands of volunteers throughout the country are involved in a wide range of activities enabling young people to experience an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development.

We have vacancies for; Award Group Leaders, Instructors, Assessors, Supervisors, and Ambassadors.

What you can expect from the Award;

n n n n n

The opportunity to contribute to the development of young people.

The chance to share your talents, skills and interests with young people.

A flexible commitment that takes account of your personal circumstances.

Up to the minute training, newsletters, and invitations to events.

A sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Find out more by contacting us below, and see the amazing results you can achieve by volunteering your time; The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award North East Regional Office, Maritime Chambers, Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1LZ. Tel 0191 270 3000 or email northeast@theaward.org

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It is often declared by many that trade unions are unfashionable institutions, unable to reach a new generation of workers imbued with individualist values that are at odds with the solidaristic ethos underpinning unionism. They are quick to attribute declines in union membership, observable across most of the Western industrialised world, to young people’s reduced desire for union membership.

Most young workers are employed disproportionately in ‘young’ workplaces or in private services, where the chance of having a recognised union present is very low, thus leaving no scope for them to become unionised.

Why is it important as young workers to get involved?

Although young people are not one homogenous group, they do share common workplace concerns. Young workers:

n Experience much higher rates of unemployment than the rest of the population (in 2003 the worldwide youth to adult

unemployment ratio was 3:5).

n Suffer underemployment, including non-voluntary part-time or temporary jobs, which are frequently not covered by

collective bargaining agreements.

n In many countries young people begin their professional life in the informal economy and experience low rates of unionism. n Are discriminated against in terms of wages and job progression. n Lack knowledge about rights and health and safety issues. n Are often the ‘first fired and last hired’ and lack the specific training or seniority which buffers older workers against changes

in the economy.

Trade unions represent the workforce in all its diversity to guarantee rights at work. As young workers face specific issues, these concerns are included in union campaigning.

u One person in five in the world is aged between 15 and 24. u In 2015, 660 million young people will either be working or looking for work, which is an increase of 7.5% compared with 2003. u Young people bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

Combining experience with innovation leads to stronger unions. So, unions and employers need young people as much as young people need them. To find out which trade union is active in your workplace log on to www.worksmart.org.uk – and join up to join in making a difference for all workers, whatever their age.

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the open university muscles in on science

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The human body is made up of joints, muscles and tendons, all of which behave in complex and different ways. Its impressive ability is undeniable, but it is also vulnerable. Simple lifting tasks can cause spinal injury and repetitive motions such as running and cycling can result in fractures. What’s more, the human body is only able to survive in narrow ranges of temperature, air pressure, composition and acceleration. Despite this, we are constantly pushing those boundaries by diving to the depths of the ocean, climbing the highest heights and flying through air and space. We are always looking for ways to go faster, higher, deeper and further.

Learning how to solve technical problems creatively is a skill that can be developed in a whole range of areas, depending on your interests. You could specialise in science, technology, engineering or maths. Any one of these subjects will equip you with technical training and skills as well as analytical, problem solving and communication skills. And any one of these subjects can lead you into exciting and challenging careers. By combining study in science, technology, engineering and maths you can apply for the best jobs in the industry, from heavy industry to financial services, both private and public sector.

And if you thought getting your head down for a bit of studying was going to be boring, just take a look at what the engineers and scientists at the Open University are getting up to at the moment. James Phillips, a lecturer in health sciences, is developing a biomechanical model of the human leg in order to better understand leg trauma injuries and Jim Moffatt, a professor of engineering, likes nothing better than exploring the limits of human performance: “It’s important to understand how the ‘impact bending’ theory works in sport,

in particular in football, where broken legs are fairly common due to badly judged tackles. We look into the swing dynamics of golf clubs – using equations to understand velocity when analysing the swing of a golf club. For football and athletics, we study the reaction of spikes in running shoes and look at the material performance and required friction on the running surface as well as the forces involved. Designing new materials for shoe spikes is exactly the kind of thing engineering students might end up doing. Just as interesting is learning about the limits of human performance in terms of deep-sea diving and the one-person pressure vessel used for dives. We also look at the suits astronauts wear, the materials used to construct them and the forces such suits will undergo.”

And that’s not all. Understanding the mechanics of the human body and the importance of materials in protecting and enabling the body is key to coming up with ideas and solutions to the problems and obstacles we face in everyday situations, such as riding a bike and driving a car to more extreme conditions such as entering a burning building or a radioactive environment.

“

It’s important to understand how the ‘impact bending’ theory works in sport...

“

As well as learning to overcome the problems faced by the limits of the human body, scientists and engineers work out how to meet the world’s basic needs – such as constructing long-lasting buildings to provide adequate shelter or making sure roads are in place to get food to people.

Studying science, technology, engineering and maths at the OU is flexible – it fits in with you; it’s supportive – there are tutors and study groups on hand to help you out; and it’s debtfree – it doesn’t cost as much as other universities!

Call 0845 366 6054 to find out more or visit www.openuniversity.co.uk/you

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e females onboard a sea going vessels, It was once said to be bad luck to hav more women defying this myth. however we are now seeing more and a male dominant industry Maersk Although the Merchant Navy is seen as en to consider the Merchant Navy as a are actively encouraging young wom f the ranks to become Masters and Chie career, starting with a and moving up ld. mercial vessels in the wor Engineers on some of the largest com ples Nicole Fiolet and Lou Price are fine exam you; take can dedication and hard work

of where

of the few women My name is Nicole Fiolet and I am one I wanted to have .

Navy hant Merc British the in engineers for a few months ess waitr a a career at sea after sailing as I decided that e; futur my with do to t wha while deciding y of office life oton mon this life was for me as I hated the the ship. on re sphe atmo and er and I loved the bant engineering/electroI started doing a cadetship in marine was sponsored by technical engineering and my course es I got to sail phas sea my g Maersk, meaning that durin and seeing East Far the to lling trave ship, r aine on a cont ght that thou I first At res. many different places and cultu d be woul ent onm envir d inate -dom male working in a e myself prov to er hard difficult and that I’d have to work ful in help and ly friend really were rs sailo but I found that to the rmen moto the my learning process. Everyone from was it her whet , thing some me ht Chief Engineers taug ry related. I did, safety or procedures, technical or theo g my college durin best the be to however, tried harder for Engineer prize the won I how be may s that’ and phases the prize and EST) IMAR by cadet of the year (sponsored e Society) Marin the by sored (spon olio Portf g for Engineerin Marine the g durin on Lond which I went and collected in both ive rece to zed ama was I t.

Cour al Society Annu work during my these prizes, as it showed that all hard . It was a real ticed unno gone ’t hadn 3 year cadetship me. for ent evem achi er on the Maersk I now sail as an Electro-technical Offic r-Dunkerque Dove the on s Dunkerque, one of the ferrie is the same. It is day one not that fact the love I route, and I like the sense and e leng chal a hard work, but everyday is work. The s day’ hard a after get I that ent of achievem is that there e sham a is think only thing about sea life that I

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job and get great are so few women. We can all do the are still scared of en wom rewards for it but I think a lot of their loved from y awa time ding spen going away and r really away from ones. To them, I can say that we’re neve great to be visiting a telephone call or an email, and it’s nt living. It makes far away places while earning a dece better... more the all s the “coming home” time

On 6th September 2007, I became Chief Officer on MV Maersk Buffalo; 9 yea rs to the day of starting as a deck cadet wit h Maersk. As Chief Officer I am responsible for the cargo and stability of the vessel, mainte nance of the deck and accommodation and the navigation of the ship between 4 and 8, mo rning and evening.

Maersk Buffalo is a 4,150 TEU containership with a gross tonnage of 48853 tonnes, a length of 293.81m, breadth of 32.37m and a maximum draught of 13.50m.

My interest in the sea started during summer 1995, when I sailed on board the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s ship STS Lord Nelson as a member of the voyage crew. A career at sea was not my first choice; in September 1995 I went to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Landscape Architectu re.

The call of the sea continu ed and I returned to sailing on STS Lord Nelson during my holidays from university as a Bosun’s Mate.

By January 1998 I had dec ided that Landscape Architecture was not the car eer for me and began to apply for positions as a deck cadet with shipping companies. At this time, 21 was considered old to become a cadet and the re were not many compan ies who were prepared to offe r me an interview. Fortuna tely this has now changed and shipping companies will tak e on ‘older’ cadets. My dec k cadetship with Maersk beg an in September 1998. A cad etship is made up of phases at both college and sea, allo wing cadets to learn the the ory at college and put it into pra ctice at sea. In July 2002 I qualified as a deck officer and since this time I have sailed on Maersk’s containerships.

was held at the shipyard.

The Naming Ceremony is a deep-seated seafaring tradition where the vessel’ s Godmother breaks a bottle on the bow of the ship, nam es her and bestows good fort une on the ship and all who sail aboard her.

The next stage after the nam ing ceremony was for the vessel to be put through sea trials. The trials lasted for two days and involved tak ing the ship to sea and test ing all the equipment whilst und erway. The aim is to ensure that all equipment from the main engine to toilets, and everything in between, wo rked as required. For sea trai ls the vessel was towed from the shipyard to deep water and headed up the Baltic Sea and back to Rostock.

The Maersk Buffalo was offi cially handed over to the Maersk Company Ltd on 22n d June and the vessel sailed from Rostock on her maide n voyage to Kotka, Finland where she would be loaded with containers for the first time.

The time in the shipyard wa s a fantastic learning experience and to be pro moted to Chief Officer on board a new ship that I stood by in the yard a real privilege.

The Maersk Buffalo presently sail s between the USA and the Far East.

In May 2007 I went to the Volkswerft shipyard in Stra lsund, Germany as a 2nd Officer , to stand by the building of Volkswerft 463. The major construction work on the vessel was already comple ted and she was in the wa ter alongside the quay. Deck and Engineering Officers we re required to standby the ves sel at this time to ensure that final tests and inspect ions were completed to the required standards. The 2nd Officer is the navigation officer responsible for upd ating and maintaining the navigational folio of charts, planning of the vessel’s passages between ports, the bridge equipment and is also the vessel’s medical offi cer. Whilst in the shipyard I was involved with the insp ection of paint work in som e of the water ballast tanks (the 463 has 34 ballast tanks) and the communication and nav igation equipment on the ship’s bridge.

On the 2nd June 2007 the Volkswerft 463 was named and she officially became the Maersk Buffalo, the cerem ony

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Emma Thomson isn’t a stereotypical plumber. She doesn’t spend her days fixing kitchen sinks or unblocking toilets, nor does she spend any of her time in a white van or chasing invoices. Instead Emma chose to experience a very different side of the job when she embarked upon a career with the Royal Engineers.

Emma who is 17 years old and from Newton Aycliffe says: “I know that being a plumber is quite an unusual career choice for a girl anyway and, ever more unusual being in the Army as well, but I knew that I didn’t want a run of the mill nine to five job. I wanted to learn a trade and after speaking to the recruiters at the Bishop Auckland Army Careers Information Office, I decided that a career as a plumber in the Army would really suit me.

“I’m the first person in my family to join the Army and I know that a job as a plumber will stand me in good stead to progress up both military and civilian career ladders. It’s a trade that I will have for life.”

As a plumber with the Royal Engineers, Emma is responsible for the assembly, installation, maintenance and repair of heating and plumbing systems. The Army utilises existing facilities, as well as constructing modern bases in the field wherever it operates, and Emma will find herself either working on existing heating and plumbing installations or constructing and commissioning new ones.

“I’m really enjoying the experiences I have had in the Army since I enlisted and have made the most of the opportunities that I have been given so far, going skiing in France and completing adventure training. My family are really proud of me and are very supportive of my career which is just an added bonus of doing a job that I love.” Emma adds.

For further information visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk, call 08457 300 111, text ARMY to 61110 or call into your local Army Careers Office.

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The National Skills Academy for Nuclear is a new organisation which has been developed by nuclear employers to aid in the training of people in the nuclear sector. The Skills Academy works with employers and partner organisations to ensure that the nuclear industry has the skills and resources it needs to remain a World-Class industry. One of the main concerns of nuclear employers is that statistics show the number of people choosing to study Science each year remain relatively the same, and with the announcement by Government in January of new nuclear build, the nuclear industry will need an increase in new recruits. Initial estimates show that over the next 10 years the nuclear sector will need… n Between 5900 – 9700 Graduates n 2,700 – 4,500 Skilled Trades n 300% increase in Apprenticeships So we thought that we would work with our partner organisations to provide you with further information on what the nuclear sector has to offer.

What Can the Nuclear Industry Offer?

David Docherty is a young engineer who at the age of 16 joined Westinghouse, Springfields Fuels Limited, who are based in Preston, Lancashire.

On starting his apprenticeship David chose to train in the mechanical trades. The Apprentice Training Scheme is run

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by Springfields and is accredited by EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd). David pursued an Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering Maintenance, the framework of which is NVQ level 2 engineering skills, key skills i.e.

IT, communications, application of numbers, working with others and improving own learning, NVQ level 3 engineering skills and a technical certificate.

He displayed consistently good performances throughout his apprenticeship and had placements with a number of supervisors and managers, each of which gave encouraging reports on his ability and future potential.

David said “I chose to do an apprenticeship because I preferred to continue training whilst working full time. I knew I would gain valuable experience as well as good academic qualifications’’.

His academic work has matched his engineering progress during his time at Springfields and he has achieved the technical certificate, a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, with distinctions, and went on to achieve the Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

David was awarded the apprentice fourth year prize for the Mechanical trades and also the Guild Trophy as Apprentice of the Year 2005. David’s craft and academic achievements enabled the Company to offer full-time employment on completion of his apprenticeship and the opportunity to study part-time for an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

On completion of the apprenticeship, Springfields

recognised David’s aspirations to progress and placed him into the Company Graduate Scheme, awarding him a part-time training concession to study for an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University. Now in his second year David continues to develop and broaden his experience of the site. He has experienced placements in a number of different production areas on the graduate scheme, in rotating placements. He is supported by the Skills Development Team, and mentored by one of the Company’s Senior Engineers. On each placement his progress is reviewed and discussed to ensure that he is obtaining the appropriate development, which will also ensure development of behavioural skills as well as his technical ability.

In 2006, David was one of only eight young engineers in the UK to receive a Whitworth Scholarship. On completion of his degree David will become a full scholar and will be eligible to enter the Whitworth Society. The title of Whitworth Scholar has been borne by many distinguished engineers and the prestige of the Award is extremely high. It highlights young engineers who are expected to be high achievers in their chosen careers. The Awards date back to the mid-nineteenth century when Sir Joseph Whitworth, who owned a successful tool-making business in Manchester, approached Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli with the offer to fund annual scholarships to help young engineers further their education and training. Today the Awards are still available to outstanding young engineers who can demonstrate academic excellence with the practical and personal qualities to succeed in industry.

The Scholarship and Award provided David with financial support towards the cost of studying for his degree. As an Award winner, David is entitled to use the title ‘Whitworth Scholar’ with the designatory letters ‘Wh. Sch.’ He is also entitled to become a member of the celebrated Whitworth Society.

David has also been involved in other activities and his development has included roles such as the secretary to the Site’s joint union and management partnership meetings.

Who Are Springfields Fuels Ltd? Springfields is the site of the UK’s nuclear fuel manufacturing operations and has been making fuel and products for reactors in the UK and overseas for over 60 years. The site has the technology to manufacture fuel for all major designs of nuclear reactors worldwide.

Most of the fuel requirements for the UK’s nuclear power stations are met by Springfields and around 15% of all the electricity generated in the UK comes from power stations using nuclear fuel manufactured at Springfields.

Ownership of the site has changed several times over the years and in 2005 responsibility for the assets & liabilities of the site transferred to a new UK Government body, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The NDA is a public body whose purpose is to oversee and manage the clean-up and decommissioning of the nuclear sites under its responsibility. A new company, Springfields Fuels Limited, was created to run the site, which continues to be managed and operated by Westinghouse Electric UK Ltd on the NDA’s behalf.

Find out what the Nuclear Industry Can Offer You? If you are interested in a career in Nuclear – there is a dedicated website www.cogent-careers.com which shows all the roles in the nuclear industry- including where the job fits into the organisation, the work area, the key responsibilities, and the typical day to day duties the postholder will be expected to carry out. Education and qualification requirements are also set out-and of course the salaries!

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear, in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority &Serco / SBB Nuclear, launched a bursary programme in January 2008. The value of the Bursary can be up to £4,000 for your programme of study, and will be awarded to quality individuals on programmes of study relevant to the Nuclear industry, and includes Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees and Masters Degrees. For more information visit www.nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk Have your say for the chance of winning a Playstation3…

Cogent have asked employers what they want from you so that you can make the best choice about your future.

Now, they would like to hear what you think of our industries, and about your experience of learning science, technology engineering and maths.

Cogent SSC Ltd: the Sector Skills Council for Chemicals, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Petroleum and Polymers.

Go to: www.cogent-careers.com/quexis While your there why not Access All Areas with the new interactive game, which will take you behind the scenes for the Nuclear and other Cogent industries!

For the first time, a national conversation has been launched amongst young people encouraging them to discuss and share where they come from, who they are, and what it means for their future.

From local dialects to fashion, places we hang out to music we listen to, our lives are shaped by the cultures, places and people around us. ‘Portrait of a Nation’ is a year-long national programme of events and online activity involving 18 cities across the UK, from Inverness to Newcastle to Brighton.

The film will then be shown at St George’s Hall in Liverpool in December as part of the European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations, where young people from all the cities taking part will come together to put on performances and exhibitions to celebrate what makes their own city special.

This month, young people in NewcastleGateshead and across the UK, working with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, laid down a challenge for our generation to explore, debate and celebrate the impact that our cultural roots have had on our values and sense of identity.

“Portrait of a Nation is a wonderful opportunity for young people to engage with the region’s heritage and identity in a meaningful way and at the same time enables them to hone their filmmaking skills. The Northern Stars are really excited about getting to grips with the themes and producing something to take to Liverpool.”

Holli McGuire, Project Leader for NewcastleGateshead

What is it about their town that young people in Liverpool value compared with those in Bristol, Belfast or here in Newcastle? And what do we all have in common?

Dil Lewington, 17, from the Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 Youth Advisory Group said,

Throughout the year kids from across the UK will be staging celebratory events to show what makes their city unique through a range of art, performance and heritage projects. They will also be kick-starting the debate online at www.portraitofanation.net, posting blogs, pictures and films, and inviting MPs, celebrities and members of the public to get involved by adding favourite cultural ‘hot spots’ in their home town.

‘Portrait of a Nation is a celebration of what it means to be a young person in the United Kingdom sharing their culture and identity with others nationally. I love my City, and its culture, history and character is as vibrant as the people sharing it. Culture is ever changing and growing and the young people of Liverpool celebrate the chance to share this wealth with other young people throughout the UK.’

So what’s happening in NewcastleGatehead?

Liz Forgan, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund explained; ‘From the Prime Minister downwards questions about our culture and identity are being debated widely. We worry about what values, what sense of identity, we shall be transmitting to future generations to bind them together into a proud and coherent nation. But how often do we ask young people themselves what they make of these issues?

NewcastleGateshead’s contribution to Portrait of a Nation sees Tyne & Wear Museums and Tyneside Cinema team up to deliver a filmmaking project. The project will involve 14 young filmmakers, trained by the Northern Stars Young Persons’ Film Academy. They will engage with various youth groups identified through Tyne & Wear Museum’s work, using film to explore their roots, heritage and celebrate local identity and pride.

The making of the films will be documented by a media ‘correspondent’ who will chart their progress online with blogs, stills, images and stories from those taking part. The final film will be premiered as part of the Northern Lights Film Festival in November 08.

‘Portrait of a Nation will be a vision of what makes the heritage of our cities special, created entirely by that young generation. It may surprise or even shock their parents. It may give us all great encouragement for the future. It will certainly tell us something fresh and important about our country.’

Watch this space as we chart the progress of NewcastleGateshead’s film-making project over 2008!

To watch a short film about what Liverpool teens have to say about ‘Portrait of a Nation’ go to YouTube http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL2uBzoPoMo Whose involved?

NewcastleGateshead will be joining the following cities in showcasing exciting dynamic work on heritage and identity for Portrait of a Nation:

n n n n n n n n n

Belfast Birmingham Bradford Brighton & Hove Bristol Canterbury Cardiff Derby Leicester

n n n n n n n n

Leeds Liverpool Newham (London) Nottingham Manchester Norwich Oxford Inverness (Highlands and Islands)

The Liverpool Culture Company The LCC was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000, to lead the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK’s representative for 2008.

The programme for 2008 includes more than 350 events and festivals – many of which are free – delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit www.liverpool08.com.

What does the Heritage Lottery Fund do?

HLF awards grants from the lottery good causes charity to people who want to learn about or conserve heritage. This can be anything from restoring old buildings to saving squirrels or putting together plays and art and film projects that involve people researching their own personal heritage.

If you think you’ve got a project that HLF might be able to help with please contact the team at: St Nicholas Building St Nicholas Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RF T: 0191 255 7570

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As part of Explore Renewables, a unique new region-wide initiative which will bring renewable energy to life across North East schools, St Chad’s school in County Durham has been given a ‘renewable energy make-over,’ saving almost a tonne of carbon each year.

St Chad’s school in Bishop Auckland was selected by eaga Renewables to become a flagship school for the Explore Renewables project, demonstrating to other schools in the North East how easy and beneficial renewable energy solutions can be.

Explore Renewables is being delivered through the North East’s Centre for Excellence for New and Renewable Energy, NaREC, in partnership with eaga Renewables and the Centre for Design Research at Northumbria University.

Explore Renewables is a free initiative now open to all publicly funded middle and secondary schools in the North East. The project is designed to provide schools with a hands-on way of understanding renewable energy, as well as aiding practical learning in sciences, maths, design and geography. Participating schools will each be given their own specially designed ‘Solar Thermal Trolley’, key stage three curriculum support materials, and access to a unique interactive website.

By summer 2008 all middle and secondary schools participating in the scheme will have their own specially designed mobile renewable energy unit which they will be able to use together with an interactive website and specifically written key stage three curriculum support materials. Together these tools will encourage practical measurement and data-recording activities and help children to understand the impact and relevance of sustainability in everyday life.

The new system at St Chad’s will show other schools in the Explore Renewables scheme how a full scale version of their solar thermal trolley works in a real life situation. Solar Thermal works by collecting heat from the sun, which warms water circulating in the system. It is a clean and efficient way of meeting the hot water requirements of a building, requiring little maintenance.

The project will allow children to witness first hand how renewable technology can be applied in their schools – and by inference in their own homes.

Mrs. Hodgson, Teacher for years five and six said, “St Chad’s is a small school which would not normally be in a position to replace its water heater. The building is also quite old, and so I wouldn’t have considered renewable energy as an option for us. The new system provides hot water for our canteen, which has used an immersion heater to heat the water for many years. Now we use sunshine!”

The scheme is open to all publicly funded middle and secondary schools in the North East and teachers are encouraged to sign up to the project via the website at www.explorerenewables.co.uk.

Explore Renewables will be officially launched at the Centre for Life on 29th April, at an informative event focusing on the challenges of hands-on science and sustainability in schools.

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The three-year project will build up a unique network of children and teachers in schools across the North East who will be able to interact through www.explorerenewables.co.uk. Schools will be able to share data and information with other classes using the same technology elsewhere in the region, and arrange collaborative class projects.

All publicly-funded middle and secondary schools in the North East are eligible to participate in the scheme. Schools wishing to sign up to Explore Renewables must register their interest as places will be issued on a first come first served basis and all schools must be registered before the launch event on 29th April. School representatives can find out more information and secure their school’s involvement now by registering on the website at www.explorerenewables.co.uk

We talked about your personal care products from hair gels and toothpaste, to face creams and perfumes. At home, your environment is made comfortable with carpets, colours and fabrics, home entertainment systems and personal gadgets such as mobiles and I pods.

We travel around with the assurance that the industry has produced safe, modern and comfortable vehicles and if we ever happen to be in an unsafe situation or are unwell that the industry has produced medicines and drugs to make us better.

So now that we understand its importance and that our perception of an old fashioned industry has changed, shall we look as a couple of young people who have entered the industry through two very different routes.

Here we look at two young ladies whom have both reached managerial level by the age of 30 – one with chemical engineering qualifications gained at university and one who continues to study as she works and is now progressing through the organisation at a great rate.

Kirsty Winter of Lucite International UK Limited

The process industry in the Northeast England is supported by NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster. We are here to help the industry grow and sustain its future. We have lots of interesting information on our website about careers and training routes, which includes media-videos created by young adults. Why not take a look at our website?

We have all seen how quickly the products and gadgets around are changing and the amazing new things that are on offer to us that make our lives easier, more enjoyable and most importantly longer.

Why not be part of these changes and technologies of the future?

Why not join us and start a career in the process industries?

NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster) Limited Tel: +44(0)1642 442560 E-mail: enquiries@nepic.co.uk Website: www.nepic.co.uk

Sharon Griffiths of The Specials Laboratory

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Case Study 1

Case Study 2

Name: Kirsty Winter (age 30) Position Held: Technical & Development Manager – Lucite International UK Limited, Billingham Studied: Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University

Name: Sharon Griffiths (age 31) Position Held: General Manager – The Specials Laboratory Studied: Accountancy at the Open University

Kirsty’s interest in Chemical Engineering came during her A Levels when she undertook a short ‘Women into Chemical Engineering’ Course. She attended Loughborough University and graduated in 1999 with 1st Class B.Eng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering.

Since graduating, Kirsty under took various Process Engineering roles throughout the region to gain vital work experience. Kirsty worked on projects varying from designing new pharmaceutical plants, uprating of existing chemical plants, general design and technical support, and undertaking risk and environmental studies.

In 2003, Kirsty joined the Lucite International Technical Team, developing and delivering technical improvements through project work at Lucite’s facility in Billingham, as well as aiding the company in manufacturing its products in the most environmental and safe manner. The role is varied including troubleshooting and writing operating instructions through to technical support for planning and execution of shutdowns, commissioning, and production loss accounting.

One of Kirsty’s more recent roles included management of a Manufacturing Improvement Team. The technical improvements delivered by Kirsty and this team have saved the company hundreds of thousands of pounds in production costs, maintenance and resource efficiency, as well as improving customer supply chain confidence.

In 2008, Kirsty was offered promotion within Lucite to increase her level of Technical Management.

This role will broaden her technical expertise and involves safety and line management responsibilities.

Kirsty won the NEPIC 2008 Young Achiever of the Year Award for the Base Chemical Sector.

Sharon joined The Specials Laboratory in October 2002 as a part-time credit controller after having taken a career break to start her family in 2000.

Sharon had already embarked on her accounting studies with the Open University before joining Specials and has developed her role considerably in past five years since.

Sharon quickly progressed to a full time role within the organisation and was promoted to Finance Manager in July 2004, over seeing the company’s entire financial control and accounts systems as the head of a ten-strong finance team.

Building upon her success, commitment and passion she had demonstrated, Sharon was appointed to the role of General Manager of Specials in September 2006, with the responsibility of the day-to-day running of a very complex and agile pharmaceutical manufacturing business.

Currently the company dispatches 80,000 individual products each year and has an annual turnover of £11million.

Having used her sound business sense and financial acumen to manage, develop and motivate a dedicated operational team of over 80 staff, working to strict industry regulation, within 10 months Sharon has led Specials to achieve and sustain a 24 hour delivery lead-time on 80% of it orders, dispatched to its 5000 pharmacy customers nationwide.

Sharon is a shining example of how ambition, character and passion can lead to huge successes. Her continued studying whilst she worked, coupled with the full support of her employer is the perfect combination for people not wanting to study full time straight from school.

Sharon continues to study now and is soon due to complete her professional examinations to gain full chartered status in accountancy later this year. She is also set to study the Pharmaceutical Industrial Advanced Training (PIAT) programme to improve her knowledge in key areas of the business and industry.

Sharon won the NEPIC 2007 Young Achiever of the Year Award for the Pharmaceutical Sector.

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The Range of Volunteering Options People who get involved in voluntary work find that it can make you feel good about yourself and learn new skills, as well as helping others and having fun.

There’s an amazing variety of voluntary opportunities in your local community, such as helping children, organising a fringe theatre group or lending a hand on a community newspaper.

Or, if you don’t feel you can give time on a regular basis, there are voluntary projects and holidays that might interest you, these include opportunities abroad and in the UK. You might need to fund-raise before your trip though to pay for your expenses.

Let’s not forget that volunteering looks good on your CV. Employers often recognise that you can learn new skills useful for career progression, such as team-working, decision making and communication. And remember that any job you are looking for can be found in volunteering - marketing, fundraising, media, IT etc.

You should think about creating a portfolio of your achievements to prove what you have learnt during your time at the organisation and then you can use it to sell yourself at any interviews you have.

What you can do n Have a think about what skills you have, what interests you and what you’d like to get out of your time. Would you like a long term commitment, or a series of short-term activities?

n Talk to friends about your ideas and see if they would like to join in too. If not, don’t be put-off, just do it yourself, you’ll soon meet new people when you start n Whilst you don’t want to let anyone down and commitment is important, if you are not enjoying your voluntary activity or find you just can’t spare the time, talk to the people involved. Your contribution is already valuable, and if you can’t find a solution or it’s time to move on to a new challenge, that’s fine

Who can help Visit the Do It! website at www.do-it.org.uk. They have a massive database of volunteering opportunities all across the country.

The V’s website at www.vinspired.com also has a great range of vacancies that you can search to find the right one for you.

Are you aged 16+? Take a look at the CSV website and have a look at the full time volunteering opportunities for people who want to take a gap year, improve their skills, gain work experience or just have a great time! www.csv.org.uk/fulltimevolunteering If volunteering abroad appeals to you visit the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) website at www.vso.org.uk/volunteering/youth/wy_eligibility.asp The Project Trust is for young people aged 17-19 and is a gap year organisation which can help school leavers to go abroad for a year’s voluntary work www.projecttrust.org.uk

n Be realistic about how much time you can give. For example, if it’s a regular commitment, think about what will happen near exam times or when you’re on holiday

For more information about Youth Funding have a look at www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Youthfunds/DG_067060

n If you’re unemployed, looking to change job or get into a new career, there are voluntary opportunities in almost every job sector, and you could gain valuable experience and skills as well as helping others

Aged 17+? An overseas expedition with Raleigh International will give you hands-on experience of working on community and environmental projects, plus an adventure challenge which will push you to the limit. For more info, visit www.raleighinternational.org

n Don’t rule out opportunities such as volunteering holidays - have a think about how you could fund-raise the cash and ask parents, work or school for ideas. Have a look on the Voluntary Service Overseas website - they’ve a fantastic list of activities to get you going

Trekforce Expeditions offer inspirational and challenging conservation expeditions, language courses and teaching placements in Central and South America and South East Asia. www.trekforce.org.uk

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A competition has been launched across the North East to allow you to put your ideas forward for how you would like to live in 2020.

30 schools across the North East have signed up to take part in the ‘Our Place 2020’ project headed in the region by IGNITE, the Regional Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Communities.

The project will allow Year 7 and 8 students the opportunity to think about the communities where they live, ideas for regeneration and sustainable living in the future.

It will give an opportunity to learn about the impact of climate change on the future communities of North East England and provide inspiration to want to create places in the region to live that meet the challenges faced.

Funded by IGNITE and English Partnerships, the North East Education Business Links Organisation Consortia (EBLOCs) are running the project within schools across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and the Tees Valley from March to July 2008.

The regional competition will allow students to put their best

Barbara McClennan, Chief Executive, Education Business Connections with pupils from schools across Tyne and Wear 54

ideas forward for how they see their future community in 2020. An interim final in June will see eight schools chosen to go head-to-head in a regional final and prize giving event on July 9 where they have the chance of winning £1000.

Committed professionals across the broad field of regeneration and sustainability are working with schools and will help students research, plan and develop their own ideas and projects for sustainable communities of the future.

They will also highlight the range of career opportunities in this broad field.

The Tyne and Wear Launch has seen 280 pupils from 10 schools across Tyne and Wear take part in four challenges: The Pay Me Game - giving an insight into the financial impact of the use of energy and how to save energy,

There’s No Such Thing as Rubbish - challenging the pupils to turn a bag of rubbish into something new, Building a Better Future - challenging pupils to design a sustainable home for their future family and There’s a Job For Me - challenging pupils to think about the huge range of careers available in the field of sustainable communities.

The Tees Valley Launch saw 98 pupils from Acklam Grange, Brierton, Thornaby Community School and Sacred Heart schools take part in three challenges based around Tees Valley hosting four football World Cup team matches in 2020. The young people had to assess economic impacts, the environment, transport and connectivity associated with staging these football matches.

Bryan Alderson, Operations Manager of Tyne and Wear Education Business Link Organisation, TWEBLO, said: “This project is a rare opportunity for young people to have an influence on what they will inherit in adulthood and we anticipate some really visionary ideas coming out of it.”

For further information on the project and how you can get involved, please see www.ebcltd.org.uk, or contact Bryan Alderson TWEBLO Operations Manager on 0191 5166166/ 07887595870 or email ourplace2020@googlemail.com

Citizenship Post -16 “What’s it all about?”

TWEBLO is interested in bringing to life Citizenship learning.

One way is for you, the learner, to be in the driving seat.

We can assist by bringing in outside agencies for you to listen to, debate with or have a ‘Question Time’ session.

The choice is yours. TWEBLO would like your views on what you would like discussed as part of your PSHE enrichment programme or Citizenship. It could be personal finance, benefits, law, bullying, sexual health, drug/alcohol abuse or anything else you can think of.

Email me your ideas at: bryan.alderson@tweblo.co.uk

Pupils from Acklam Grange, Brierton, Thornaby Community School and Sacred Heart schools with business mentors from Turner & Townsend Construction and Management Consultants

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TIME FOR ACTION Following months of planning with partners including Connexions County Durham and supported by the 14-19 Partnership, the time for action event went ahead on February 11th at Meadowfield Sports Centre. The day long event brought a combination of post 16 providers and services together, to present interactive workshops for young people aged 14-16.

The transition key worker team brought together the idea for their client group of young people which include; Impact pupils, Looked after Children and Home and hospital pupils. The idea was to give young people the opportunity to “experience� courses they could potentially be applying for and to explore courses they may never have thought of doing.

The four County Durham Colleges were represented, providing such workshops as Engineering, Catering, Childcare and Painting and Decorating. Additional services such as Disc, Skill Training and Learning links alongside the army,fire service and the EDDY project broadened the scope of opportunites for our young people.

The event has received positive feedback from young people and staff and it is clear that events such as this can help young people overcome barriers to post 16 pathways, particularly for the more vulnerable pupils.

Susan Dolphin Transition Co-ordinator, Access Service

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INCLUDING YOUNG PARENTS

BUSINESS AMBASSADOR FOR DURHAM EDUCATION BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES SUCCESS

Sarah Pinkney, a Business Ambassador from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in Durham has received an award for her voluntary work with local schools. At the IPS annual awards ceremony held in Manchester, Sarah accepted the ‘Business Ambassador of the Year’ award, presented by Dame Tanni GreyThompson DBE, for her commitment to the Business Ambassador Scheme organised by Durham Education Business Partnership (EBP). Taking the first steps into the world of work is always a challenge and many young people are benefiting from Sarah’s advice and experience.

Include, in partnership with Children’s Centres in Sedgefield, are running a project working with young parents aged 16-19 called ABC2 (and baby came too). The project connects with young parents and young parents-to-be who are not currently in education, employment or training. Its aim is to enable them to be able to reengage with learning in a way which is relevant and inspiring to them as a parent and as an individual, whilst moving towards employment, education or training. The first group began in November last year with eight young people for 10 weeks of one full day per week. The project includes first aid, cooking, independent living, planning a celebration event, budgeting, fire awareness and an indulgence day at Bishop Auckland College. The next start date for the project was the 7th February 2008 to work with another 9 young people.

As part of the Business Ambassador Scheme, Sarah visits schools and works with students either in groups or on a one to one basis on a variety of work related learning and enterprise activities, delivered by Durham EBP, with the aim of helping them to develop employability skills and raising awareness of career opportunities.

Sandra Brennen, Work Related Learning Co-ordinator from Durham EBP commented “Sarah

is a highly valued Ambassador who has made a significant contribution to our work in schools.

She is an excellent role model for young people and a credit to her company. I am delighted that her hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the scheme has been formally recognised.

Key to the success of the EBP programmes, which including the Business Ambassador Scheme and Work Experience, is the excellent support we receive from many local businesses. With 27 IPS Ambassadors recruited, trained and working in schools, we are very grateful to them for their staff input to the scheme’’.

Ann White, Communications Manager, IPS, who co-ordinates the scheme within the company, said “This award recognises an individual or team who, in addition to their main role, has acted as a highly effective Ambassador for the organisation over a 12 month period. Sarah’s professional ‘can do’ attitude is welcomed by schools and she is a highly respected advocate of the work of the Identity and Passport Service”.

Durham EBP works with thousands of students every academic year to promote links between schools and local businesses - last year facilitating over 300 events. Their objective is to enrich the education of students and to enhance their employability, through facilitating a range of high quality work related programmes which bring together students and representatives from the business world.

If you are interesting in hearing more about the Business Ambassador Scheme please contact: Work Related Learning Team, Durham EBP, Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill, Co. Durham, DL17 8AN. Tel: 01740 652681

www.countydurham14-19.co.uk

What is surveying?

It’s the collective name for a group of careers with certain skills in common. In fact, chartered surveyors offer knowledge, skills and advice all around the world, on a surprisingly wide range of property issues. Not just on valuing people’s homes, but on major construction projects, farm property management, surveying the sea bed and even valuing 20th century collectables. Plus much, much more…

What is Quantity Surveying?

Quantity surveyors manage the costs of construction projects from initial design plans right through to the building’s completion. They also deal with the maintenance, renovation and demolition costs of buildings and facilities once they are in use.

Their main priority is to make sure that projects meet legal and quality standards and that clients get good value for money.

Why become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? n

Because it is a great profession with a global perspective. If you have an eye for detail, enjoy problem solving and are interested in the built environment then read on…

n Because it is a secure profession. Demand for Chartered Quantity Surveyors currently exceeds supply and this shortage is forecast to continue. n

Because the financial rewards are considerable. The shortage of Chartered Quantity Surveyors means that there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to enter the profession. Once in the profession salary surveys have shown that, on average, Chartered Surveyors earn 15% more than their non chartered equivalents, with average starting salaries as much as £24,000 rising to 35,000 in five years.

n

Because it’s a varied and fun career. Chartered Quantity Surveyors are able to combine desk based work with opportunities to visit external premises and construction sites, and many are currently involved in the preparation for the Olympics in 2012.

n Because it offers great work life balance. No two days are the same and you won’t be sitting behind a desk all day.

Why bother with “Chartered”?

If you want to be the best surveyor possible, then you need to be chartered.

The best professionals like doctors or lawyers all belong to a relevant organisation just for them. Doctors to the British Medical Association and lawyers to the Law Society.

RICS is a global organisation with: n n n n n

140 000 members worldwide 30 000 student members 500 RICS accredited degree courses 170 different specialist skills covered 138 years of representing surveyors

Employers and clients recognise ‘Chartered’ as the mark of quality within the profession. Chartered status is the gateway to numerous job and career opportunities.

What do I need to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? n

Most new entrants pass a university degree on an RICS accredited course. They then undertake a two year post graduate structured training programme which provides the practical work experience required to supplement academic knowledge. Chartered status is achieved at the end of this period upon successful completion of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Stretching yourself to achieve Chartered status is probably the best investment you

will make in your career, both in monetary terms and professional status.

n

There are also alternative routes to entry for mature candidates, holders of degrees that are not accredited

by RICS and for candidates who do not have sufficient “A” level points to enrol on an RICS Accredited course.

For more information on entry routes please visit our website at www.rics.org/JoinRICS/ For more information on Quantity Surveying and Construction visit – www.rics.org/const For more information on Chartered Quantity Surveyors please visit our web-site at www.rics.org/careers

Elsie North | Trainee surveyor | Faithful + Gould.

How did you become interested in surveying?

I wanted to go to university but didn’t want the debt that went along with it. At a careers event at school I came across the CSTT, Chartered Surveyors Training Trust, a charity which funds and assists candidates through training on a day release programme. I did some research into building surveying and quantity surveying, and what attracted me was how much influence the surveyor has on a project and how the job can vary from company to company, making every day different. I’m currently a trainee quantity surveyor, based in my company’s new office in Canary Wharf.

What do you enjoy most about your career in surveying?

Following a project from start to finish, watching it develop and solving problems along the way. It’s a great feeling when a project finishes and you can see all your hard work and time spent in the final result.

What interesting projects have you been involved in as surveyor?

Working with a high profile pharmaceutical company, which then led to another project for them. It involved the disposal of 12,000 assets and preparing a vast site to be sold on. I have also just started work on the refurbishment of a building for an Oil company, which involves controlling the cost of the project.

What are your career ambitions?

I am currently studying at Lewisham College doing a national certificate in construction, and at the same time I am doing an NVQ in surveying support. Once I have completed my NC I will go on to study a HNC in construction at South Bank University. I’ll be Tech RICS qualified by then, and will study for my accredited degree. Once that’s done I will do my APC and become chartered MRICS.