Way2Go - North West 3

issue 03 | january 2008

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME to W2G North West, a new inspirational magazine aimed at giving teenagers help and advice when it comes to careers and education.

Happy New Year!!

We hope that you are all sticking to your new years resolutions that you made? And that you are all back into the swing of things.

In this Issue we take a look at careers in Construction, Hospitality and facilities management. We get to hear first hand about life as an apprentice Hairdresser and a modern day chemistry woman gives us the low down on her career.

We have advice on applying to University and all about apprenticeships and we are also have the second part of our series ‘ The Danger of Drugs’.

Once again we have Playtime covering some of the latest Movie, DVD, games and music releases to hit the streets this month.

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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MOVIE REVIEW I Am Legend Directed by the same man that brought you Constantine, Francis Lawrence brings you this epic movie staring Will Smith (Men in Black, I Robot). He plays Dr. Robert Neville, the last man on earth, who realises that a man made virus reversing the effects of cancer is not all it’s made out to be, resulting in the complete wipe-out of all human life on earth a few years later. We soon find out however that the virus didn’t wipe out all life on earth, it just changed it. Leaving Smith to find a cure. With a stunning performance by Will Smith, and Sam the Dog, I Am Legend could be 2008’s best sci-fi thriller.

Favourite Quotes: “God didn’t do this, we did”.

“Please say hello to me”

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DVD REVIEW Transformers From the genius director that is Michael Bay (Pearl Harbour, Armageddon) comes an incredibly well directed reinterpretation of the well-known and well-loved cartoon that should bring out the little boy in every male viewer. Staring a young and promising Shia LaBeouf (Bobby, I Robot) and the gorgeous Megan Foxx (Hope and Faith), Transformers is an incredible display of special effects in a tale of two robotic clans at war with each other leaving planet earth’s fate hanging in the balance. For me this was the biggest scifi, action adventure film of 2007 and with various DVD extras this is definitely a good investment to entertain all the family.

Favourite Quotes: “No sacrifice, No victory”.

“Sir. Just ask yourself...

What would Jesus do?”

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MUSIC REVIEW Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace With previous Foo’ albums I’ve been amazed by the fact that each track has had the power to be charismatic and exiting no matter how heavy it was, even for the people who don’t like heavy rock music. For me the album ‘One By One’ (2003) was perfect, every song was great and the album could be played over and over. On their latest effort some of the songs have been well written and are tolerable, however lack that little bit more that you always seemed to get with one of their ‘older’ albums. One thing I must say is that the two songs that have been released to date ‘The Pretender’ and ‘Long Road To Ruin’ are the reason that I bought the album. I cannot get enough of these tracks and think that this may be the reason the rest of the album seems a little slow. It is for this reason that makes me partly regretful for buying the whole album.

Favourite Tracks:

The Pretender Long Road To Ruin Once And For All (demo)

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GAME REVIEW Pro-Evolution Soccer 2008 (X-Box 360) The latest edition to this epic football game completely blows all competition out of the water. In truth the last version of Pro-Evo’ on X-Box 360 was quite poor, a lot of people preferred the PS2 version. This year it was a different story as one thing has been said about Pro-Evo’ since it has been released is that the game play is completely flawless, however, the graphics could use some improvement. This is not the case any longer, whilst reviewing this game I found the graphics and the standard of game play to be impeccable. My only complaint now is one that has stayed with the Pro-Evo games since the beginning, licensing. If only this game were a little more official I’d have given it 5 stars.

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SummitSkills provides a taste of a real-life route to a rewarding career Have you considered a career in building services engineering? Advice and example routes are now available at the click of a button thanks to SummitSkills, the sector skills council for building services engineering, following the recent launch of its interactive careers map - www.summitskills.org.uk/careersmap The map illustrates the variety of routes into the sector, including apprenticeships, NVQs, degree and masters degrees, plus the progression routes through the sector to all possible careers at the end.

A real-life route Andrew McKenna, 25, from Anfield, is an air-conditioning and refrigeration service engineer for Lorne Stewart PLC, Leigh, Lancashire. The role entails servicing and maintaining air conditioning, heating plant and equipment components. Andrew is currently studying NVQ level three in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Liverpool Community College.

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He started his career as an apprentice straight from school where he obtained 10 GCSEs. Andrew studied the collegebased part of his apprenticeship at Salford College and over four years he obtained an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services, Heating and Ventilating Rectification of Systems. Last year Andrew won ‘Experienced Worker of the Year’ at the National Training Awards for the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sector.

Andrew said: “I have a great passion for the industry and there is always something new to learn in my trade. Under my current employment I feel I can work my way up to a higher level of responsibility and in five years time I see myself in a more managerial role, passing my knowledge on to the next

generation of building services engineers. I have worked hard to get where I am and I intend to continue training to achieve my goals.�

Andrew’s job is one of the many roles that make up the BSE sector, which encompasses air-conditioning and refrigeration, electrotechnical, heating and ventilating and plumbing. The sector employs over 600,000 individuals in the UK; nearly 70,000 of those are based in the North West of England. Building services engineering covers a wide range of skills that provide the essential design, installation and maintenance of services, for industrial, commercial and domestic applications. It plays a major function in the areas of sustainable development and energy efficiency – i.e. renewable technologies such as solar and wind.

Entry requirements for an advanced apprenticeship, the necessary route for technician and professional roles, is five GCSEs grades A* - C, in maths, English and science, plus appropriate IT skills.

How do I find out more?

The interactive careers map can be located at www.summitskills.org.uk/careersmap. A poster copy of the careers map is also available by calling SummitSkills on 01908 303960. For general information on careers call the careers advice line on 08000 688 336.

For detailed information about other careers in your area visit www.careersnorthwest.co.uk

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If you’ve never heard of a facilities manager before, you’re not alone. Thousands of young people haven’t a clue what it is, but it’s worth paying attention because the facilities management industry is getting bigger all the time.

What is a facilities manager?

Facilities management (FM) is a new industry and one that probably needs explaining. A facilities manager is someone who looks after an office building. That means making sure it’s clean, the electrics are safe, the air-conditioning and heating works, it is eco-friendly, the catering and security are managed well and many other things.

It’s not a one man show. The facilities manager will head a team of people with experience in the different areas of building maintenance. A facilities manager may also be in charge of budgets and have financial control over a building, so it’s a job with big responsibility and requires someone who’s good at multi-tasking.

Why now?

In the old days, big companies managed their own buildings.

But now, with so many businesses based in huge buildings over many floors, it makes sense to “contract out” the building maintenance to an FM firm.

Though still just a baby, FM is growing fast. A number of big construction firms are now keeping hold of their new buildings instead of selling them off, because they realise there’s big business in offering FM services. More facilities management companies are being created as smaller, specialist companies merge. For instance, a cleaning business may merge with a pest control service to become a facilities management company.

The new diploma The fact no one really knows what FM means makes recruitment tricky. Asset Skills, a Sector Skills Council (Government organisation that helps raise skills in the workplace), is working to spread awareness of FM and help secure a strong future.

It’s hoping a new qualification called the Diploma in

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Construction and the Built Environment (CBE) will bring more young people into the job. The CBE, which starts in September 2008, covers a wide range of industries including facilities management and surveying.

Asset Skills has helped its development from the start to make sure it contains the technical knowledge needed for a job in FM. “This diploma gives a definition to the role of the facilities manager,” says David Bell, Director of Qualifications and Policy at Asset Skills.

“By linking FM with other professionals in the built environment like planners and designers, we hope to present it as a real alternative for young people looking to make their early career decisions.”

Taking the CBE diploma doesn’t mean you have to pursue a career in that field. It teaches transferable skills that will be welcomed by colleges, universities and employers.

The diploma starts in Years 10 or 12 and is available in England only. For more information ask your school’s careers service or visit http://www.cbediploma.co.uk/

Facilities Management – Key Facts Salary info: Facilities Assistant - £18,000 - £25,000 Facilities Manager - £30,000 – 35,000 Senior/Regional Facilities Manager - £40,000 - £45,000

Qualifications: You don’t have to have a particular qualification to become a facilities manager but it would help. You do need work experience at management level. To get these technical and managerial skills you might want to consider a Foundation Degree, BTEC, HND or degree in facilities management after your diploma has finished. The British Institute for Facilities Management (BIFM) is the professional body for FM and has its own qualifications.

For more information visit: www.assetskills.org

This diploma gives a definition to the role of the facilities manager David Bell, Director of Qualifications and Policy at Asset Skills.

Professional careers in construction offer a chance to make a difference to the world around us. Construction is about creating, restoring and sustaining the built environment. From homes and offices to town centres, tunnels, bridges and roads, the construction industry affects the way people live now and in the future.

Whether you want to get involved with the design of a project, manage a project or site, or look after the maintenance of a building once it is completed - there are opportunities for you in the industry.

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Construction plays a massive part in the way we live and the industry has to change and respond to the needs of a variety of clients. The industry changes constantly to meet these needs and increasingly makes use of new technology to plan and build new projects. The highest priority for the construction industry at the moment is sustainability: the need to make sure that developments are environmentally friendly at the same time as meeting the needs of the client.

What’s on offer?

There is a huge range of roles in construction available. The main professional opportunities can be found in: n n n n n n

Building services Building services engineering Construction Management Facilities management Project management Project planning

Other areas of work include architecture, quantity surveying and building surveying, civil and structural engineering and town planning.

Routes into the Industry There are a number of routes into the industry either through A Levels and then a full time degree, or through day release or sandwich programmes. Construction Industry employers look for skills such as: Communication and team –working skills Analytical and problem -solving skills Organisation and time management Commercial awareness

What are the highs and lows of working in construction?

Most people working in construction find loads of reasons to love their jobs. They tend to enjoy getting out and about on site, as well as the variety of the work. No day is ever the same as another and when a project is finished, the work you have done will stay there for generations to come. Add to this the fact that there are many opportunities to travel and work overseas and also the very competitive salaries on offer to new graduates, the downsides of long hours and working outside in all weathers don’t seem too bad at all!

If you are interested in a career in the Construction Industry, or would like more information log on to www.bconstructive.co.uk

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What is YASS? A chance to study Open University courses alongside your AS and A2s.

Why do it?

It is something different and interesting and shows that you are capable of independent study. It lets you experience what university study might be like, and looks good on your personal statement.

How does it work?

Through your school, you enrol as an Open University student . You are sent a pack of high quality learning materials (which you keep). You study by yourself but have access to a web site and tutor support. Your work is then marked by the Open University

What can you study?

There are short courses (100 hours of study) in topics like Astronomy and Understanding the Universe, writing fiction, plays and poems, digital photography, drugs and genetics, and longer courses in many other subjects. Go to the website to find out more www.openuniversity.co.uk/way08

What happens next?

Get in touch with your head of sixth form or personal tutor and ask them to contact E.F.Walker@open.ac.uk.

Josh Betts: I am hoping to do Dentistry at University.

You got a feel for doing the work – not being spoon-fed.

It’s up to you to research the answers. Some of it was GCSE, some was covered by AS but some was more advanced.

Amy Boff: ‘I chose ‘Start

Writing Plays’ because this was most like what I wanted to do. There are two assignments. The first was to write a modern day Fairy Tale and the second was to write a short play. It was useful to talk to other students on the web site and I liked the fact that you could talk to other students on the web and send in example so they could comment’.

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The OU has been top of the overall student satisfaction tables in the National Student Survey for 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Rosalind Fielding:

‘I take amateur shots at gigs and wanted to take better pictures of friends so I did the digital photography course. I want to study Japanese and be a translator or possibly a journalist.

I think it helped me get an interview at Cambridge. I enjoyed it a lot. I found the web-site. I found it was useful to get honest feedback and opinions from other people and it helped to review other people’s work’

Matthew Warburton:

I took the ‘Molecules, Medicine and Drugs’ course because I want to go on to do Forensic science. I found it hard because I haven’t taken biology but I learned a lot of stuff. I did the reading in my spare time. it took about a fortnight to complete the assessment.

James Jackson: I chose

‘Studying Mammals’ because I want to be a vet. The materials were very high quality – the DVDs were great and the book was really good for examples that support the theory. It gave me an awareness of all the other animals that are out there.

Rob Burns: I did ‘Life in the Oceans’. I just started by watching the DVDs and postponed the reading till the Christmas holiday. It was better to do it all in one go.

There was about £40 worth of material. I had already watched the Blue Planet DVDs but it was good to watch them again.

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step one: applying for a place

step four: getting an offer

You can apply online for full-time courses through the UCAS website.

Universities and colleges make offers between December and May. If you get an offer from a place you’ve not visited, an open day could help you decide whether you want to study there.

The advantages of online application are: n n n n n

it’s harder to make a mistake it will be processed more quickly you can monitor the progress of your application online there is online help with filling in the application form it’s easy to make changes to your application

If you don’t have access to the internet, contact UCAS for further information on how to apply.

For part-time courses, apply direct to the university or college you are interested in attending. n How to apply to university or college through UCAS n Apply online for a university course

application deadline Apply in the academic year before you plan to go to college.

The earliest you can send in your UCAS application is the beginning of September.

The deadline for submitting your form is usually mid-January, but some courses and colleges are earlier or later than this. Check what the deadline is for the courses you are interested in. n Check application deadlines on UCAS website

step two: interviews Your application gets passed to the institutions you’ve chosen.

Each university or college has its own application procedure.

Some may ask you to come for interview and you may also be asked to take a test. Others offer you a place based on the information on your application.

step three: applying for financial help Once you’ve made your UCAS application, apply to your local authority for financial help. You don’t need to wait for an offer. n Student finance

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n See when you can expect offers n Getting an offer from a university or college

ucas extra If you don’t get an offer from the universities or colleges on your list, or you turn down or cancel your choices, UCAS runs a service called Extra which gives you a second chance to secure a place. Extra operates from mid-March until July, and UCAS lets you know if you’re eligible for it.

If you don’t get an offer through Extra, you can go through the Clearing system, where universities and colleges advertise course vacancies. n UCAS Extra: your second chance to get a place n Clearing: last-minute places at university or college

step five: accepting an offer Offers will either be conditional (dependent on getting certain grades on your current course) or unconditional (you automatically get a place). You will need to make one firm choice and one insurance choice, as back-up. n Getting an offer from a university or college

step six: getting your results If you get the grades you need for a conditional offer, your university or college will confirm your place. UCAS will send you a formal letter of confirmation.

If you don’t get the grades you need for a conditional offer, your university or college may not be able to confirm your offer. If this happens, you have another chance to get a place through the Clearing system.

clearing Clearing takes place after the A level results come out in August and goes on until mid-September. It’s the time when universities and colleges advertise outstanding course

vacancies in the national press and on the UCAS website.

UCAS will automatically let you know if you are eligible for clearing. Tens of thousands of students find places this way.

n Applying for a university place through school n Applying for a university place if you’ve left school n Help with PDF files

how to apply to university or college through ucas

referees

Applications for full-time university or college places are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Watch the deadlines - for some courses and colleges, it’s earlier than others.

registering your application Applications can only be made online. To register an application through a school, college or careers organisation you will need their ‘buzzword’. If you are applying as an individual you do not need one. After registering you will be given a username and password.

You can register in the summer before you plan to make your online application, although the earliest you can submit a finished application form is the September before you want to start your course. n Register for online application

fill in the ucas application form There are six sections on the form: courses; education; employment; about you; personal statement and references.

In the courses section, you can list up to six courses.

The form has pop-up menus with an A to Z list of universities and higher education colleges, and also course codes, so you just have to click and select.

If you’re applying for some art and design courses, the application procedure may be different. n Applying for art and design courses

Once you’ve completed all sections of your application form, click ‘Send to referee’ so the person who’s acting as a referee can check your details and add their statement. If you’re not at school and are applying independently, paste your referee’s statement into the online form.

ucas application fee and deadlines It costs £15 to apply through UCAS, or £5 if you only apply for one course. If you’re applying through school, your teacher will tell you whether you need to pay online with a credit card, or bring a cheque to school. If you’re applying online as an individual, you can pay by credit card.

The deadline for submitting your application form to UCAS is mid-January, or October if you’re studying medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. It’s also October if you’re applying to Oxford or Cambridge.

The deadline for some art and design courses is March.

Whichever course you’re applying for, UCAS advises students to apply well before the deadline.

application number and password Once UCAS has processed your form, you get an application number and a password that lets you track the progress of your application. You also get a welcome letter in the post with the number and password.

applying for financial help Once you’ve submitted your application, you can apply to your local authority for financial help. Don’t wait until you have an offer from a university or college.

personal statement, employment section Your personal statement should cover why you are interested in the courses and what you hope to do after your studies.

In the employment section, you can list part-time or summer jobs.

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The Apprenticeship programme is pivotal to the recruitment strategy across all BT Lines of Business, with it being the only route into a career start with BT in most business areas.

BT’s investment in their apprentices exceeds the requirements of the framework in both learning and skills.

They offer academic and empirical learning, which include life skill development opportunities such as the Princes Trust programme, Foreign Exchange Trips and this year, their first Challenge Africa event combining Cultural, Physical and a Community challenge.

BT Apprentice Challenge Africa Flies, dust, ten hour treks carrying heavy rucksacks and helping to build basic facilities with your bare hands didn’t actually appear on the job advertisement but BT apprentices queued up to undertake a week-long trip to Kenya in February 2007 which included integration with the Masai warrior lifestyle and helping with community projects.

The scheme - for second and third-year apprentices – was designed to build leadership and management skills.

Competition for a place was tough, with more than 160 applicants.

Project manager Mark Biffin said: “When designing this event I put together a program that will push and develop the successful 32 to their full potential.. The Community project I selected was the rebuilding of an eight classroom primary school, in Tsavo East National Park. The apprentices supported the local tradesman in building the project and returned, after their physical challenge, to complete and hand over to the local community. The physical challenge was an eight hour trek to climb Mount Kasugai. Extreme heat and tough terrain meant that everyone had to work together to help us all achieve the goal.

“The apprentices were committed to paying for the community project themselves and collectively they raised over £27,000 before the trip”.

“When I reviewed the project costing I was pleased that we were also able to support a Lunch time meal programme for a small school located in Kibera, Nairobi. Africa’s Largest Slum. Currently the pupils are suffering from under nourishment which is resulting in stumped physical development as they only received one meat meal each week whilst at school.

For the cost of only £10 per day, the school could feed all 112 pupils a meat meal. We were able to provide a year long programme to support this.”

“The conditions were tough and the experiences challenged

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everyone who took part. It tested individuals physically, mentally and emotionally whilst offering the reality of diverse situations and the impact that decision making has to colleagues and the different environments that we work in.”

Head of BT apprenticeships Dave Walsh said: “Communication, leadership, team working, people and life skills are absolutely essential to career success within BT. “We believe that these apprentices have the potential to become the future leaders within our business and this opportunity has helped them to realise that potential.

The apprentices were so inspired and motivated by the experience that they are planning a return trip, funding themselves, to visit the school that they built and also raise funds to add a Library and teachers block.

They certainly feel that they have made a significant difference to the community in Kiteghi, and to the well-being of the children in Kibera.

Such was the success of BT Apprentice Challenge Africa 2007, Mark is planning the 2008 trip to Tanzania. Mark said, “Now that people understand what the programme is about and how effective it can be as a development tool, I am expecting a high volume of applications. Selecting the 32 apprentices to go is difficult, but the key elements that I look for are those that are up to date with their apprenticeship, have a hunger for development and grab every opportunity, and those that actively set out to make a difference in their workplace and personal life” Photos can be downloaded from: www.btchallengeafrica.co.uk/WebPages/gallery.htm link to video: www.careersbox.co.uk/video/bt_challenge_africa.wmv Interested In a career in BT? Visit: www.btplc.com/Careercentre/

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Hi, my name is Steph and I’m going to try to describe what it’s like to be an apprentice hairdresser.

I think an apprenticeship is a great way to learn and gain qualifications; you feel more ‘grown up’ and independent going to work instead of going to college. I am working towards a NVQ Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A levels!), but don’t intend to stop there. I can take an assessors or management qualification so I could teach and/or run my own salon in the future. I find time to study over the weekend and on Mondays when the salon is shut, or during quiet times at work. A training advisor visits regularly to assess evidence of my learning and I go to college once a month.

But the best bit about being an apprentice is you get paid, which means I can afford a car and go out when I want; I couldn’t do that if I was at college.

I get to work at 8.45am to set up for the first clients who start to come in at 9am. As I’m on my feet all day comfy shoes are a must, all the salon staff wear a uniform as well, which saves time deciding what to wear in the morning!

I’ve been an apprentice for 3 years so have gained enough experience and confidence in my ability to be allowed loose with the scissors, which is just as well; as once you’ve cut it off you can’t stick it back on!

You get to know people – they can tell you their life story whilst having their hair done. I’d say you really have to like people to do this job.

I get an hour for lunch, but depending on whether I’ve got a client in, it can be half an hour here and there.

The rewards of this type of work are getting creative with someone’s hair and them really liking it. A bloke came in this morning, wanting to look like Noel Gallagher! I did my best and he was really chuffed; “cool, fantastic” he said. That type of reaction gives me a real buzz.

The time I go home varies; we have training on a Tuesday from 5pm until 7pm and late opening on Thursdays. But the time flies by, which I suppose proves I really enjoy being an apprentice hairdresser!

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice in any area, get further advice from your careers advisor, or go to www.nwapprenticeships.co.uk Steph is employed by Affinity, Dene Drive, Winsford, her Training Provider is Total People.

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Northwest Vision and Media is one of nine regional screen agencies. It’s our job to work on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries in England’s Northwest.

aspirations into reality, when they became the UK’s firstever participants of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production.

Ultimately, it’s our ambition to create something extraordinary in the region, helping to develop an industry that’s a magnet for talent, is truly diverse and creates opportunities for all.

Around 300 16-22-year-olds originally applied for one of the TV apprenticeships, with some of the biggest names in the business joining forces to offer young people the chance to take their first steps on the career ladder.

We also believe that by investing in creative people and projects that are diverse, distinctive and dynamic, then we’re supporting the wealth generators of tomorrow – you!

It’s the new ideas and projects of tomorrow which have the potential to attract significant inward investment into the region. This, in turn, promotes the region and creates jobs. So it’s never too early to start thinking about a career in media, and if we can, we’d like to encourage you to do that.

Our Mediabox project is designed to give 13-19-year-olds the opportunity to develop and produce creative media projects, using film, TV, print, radio or online platforms.

The £6 million Government-backed fund encourages young people to express their own opinions and ideas through media projects. It’s a brilliant way to get your voice heard, and that’s why Vision and Media encourages Northwest young people to apply for grants of between £100 and £80,000. Check out the latest Mediabox news at www.visionandmedia.co.uk/ page/mediabox From encouraging new mobile phone filmmaking talent, to helping young people find placements on productions filming in the region, Vision and Media is determined to offer advice and assistance.

Earlier this year, we helped 20 young people turn their TV

The BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures, Sumners and the Red Production Company are all backing the ground-breaking initiative, which has been devised by Northwest Vision and Media, Skillset, BBC and the Learning and Skills Council.

Designed specifically for people who wouldn’t usually get the chance to work in TV, the apprenticeships are being hailed as a unique opportunity to break into the business and work behind the scenes of the broadcasting industry.

We currently have other, fantastic opportunities for anyone in the Northwest who wants to work in TV, with the launch of an inspirational – and paid - new training programme.

Northern Routes will give successful applicants the opportunity to get invaluable, hands-on industry experience by offering placement opportunities with some of the region’s awardwinning programme makers.

From production assistant to post-production, make-up to camera area, Northern Routes placements will cover all areas of behind-the-scenes production, with trainees also being paid £300 a week while they learn the tricks of their trade.

Why not check out our website for regular updates about these and other opportunities currently available to the Northwest’s new generation of media moguls. Log on www.visionandmedia.co.uk

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www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport

BBC News School Report is a web based project which provides resources to help Year 7, 8 and 9 students to become reporters and make there own news reports at school.

The aim is to interest 11 – 14 year olds in news by helping them to set their own editorial agenda for a real audience.

During an annual, UK-wide News Day, secondary schools become broadcasters, with schools simultaneously publishing video, audio or text-based news on their school websites.

Supported by BBC staff, teachers help students prepare for the day using free resources which are available to teachers on the School Report site. The basics are in 6 lesson plans with professional hints and tips from BBC news reader Huw Edwards.

These lessons cover the basics of journalism including where stories come from, how to gather the news and how to check the facts and make sure news reports are accurate, balanced and fair. There are also tips and exercises to help write, assemble and broadcast the news.

For schools who want to do more, there are more resources

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which can help students with podcasting, how to make simple audio and video reports, and there’s even a section on how to make news on your mobile phone.

During the pilot year (2006/7), 120 schools and more than 3,000 students took part in the project, which culminated in School Report News Day on 22 March.

Students were given a voice and a real audience, as the BBC linked to school websites and featured their work on BBC programmes, including News 24, Breakfast News, the One O’clock and Six O’clock News, Newsround, Radio Five Live, Radio 4, 40 local radio stations, 12 regional TV stations and BBC Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The School Report website also became a dedicated schools’ news channel for the day as School Report LIVE streamed nine hours of continuous news featuring reports from students across the UK. It was also available on the BBC’s red button service.

In October 2007, after only one year, School Report was nominated for a Children’s Bafta in the Secondary Learning category.

In its second year, (2007/8), the number of students and schools taking part in the project will double and 250 schools are working hard towards the School Report News Day for 2008 on March 13th. Once again, School Report LIVE will broadcast 9 hours of news from around the country on the day via the website and the BBC red button. However, this year, there will also be a School Report internet radio channel to feature audio reports and news from schools around the UK. Although the aim of the project is to help young people to understand the news and how it is made, and to encourage them to watch news and current affairs programmes, it is also a good insight into the world of journalism. Because the students work to deadlines and broadcast to a real audience, they develop an awareness of the way a real journalist works.

Where possible, schools taking part in the project also receive a visit from a BBC journalist who can explain what their job involves. All of this experience is useful for students who have aspirations to apply for one of the BBC jobs which will be available when key BBC departments move to the North West in 2011 as part of the Media City development in Salford.

Huw Edwards

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Maersk trainees spend three years at college gaining their HND’s or Foundation Degree. Along side the academic life they enjoy practical experience with worldwide travel.

Here we have two Deck Officers sharing their experiences of both academic and sea life; Ross McBurnie, Warsah Nautical College

First few days of college: My first few days of college at Warsash maritime academy were mainly based around trying to settle in to a new routine, meeting new people and getting acquainted with my new surroundings. The college itself used the first week to introduce us cadets to the new environment as well as completing the necessary paperwork, handing out timetables for our first phase and making the colleges expectations of us clear. The college also produced a series of daily lectures by guest speakers from the maritime industry which were designed to inform us about our future careers from a variety of perspectives. I found these lectures to be a good way of learning more about the path we had all chosen with the merchant navy. At the end of the week, as Maersk cadets we were flown up to Newcastle to participate in a two day company induction which was proved to be good fun and a good way of meeting fellow cadets from the company as well as gain more of an insight into the values of the company and what we all have to come over the coming years!

First few days at Sea: Boarding my first ship, the ‘Maersk Bentonville’ in Busan, South Korea was a very exciting time. When myself and a fellow cadet arrived at the dockside with the agent, seeing the ship for the first time was a great experience, she was massive!

It was very exciting to think that I would soon be part of her crew for four months. Once onboard I was shown to my cabin by the third officer and given a few minutes to settle in before going up and meeting the captain and completing the necessary paperwork. My next job quickly followed as I was called by the chief officer to the aft mooring station to help recover the mooring lines as we left port. This busy few hours set the trend for the next few days as we had a busy schedule which meant I was either called to a mooring station to assist the officer or called up to the bridge to assist the captain.

Although I had busy few days I really enjoyed them and it confirmed to me I had chosen the right career path.

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Kenny Magee - South Tyneside College.

Sea Phase Day One - The Airport I am surprisingly relaxed. I am relaxed about the long flight ahead, although I’ve never had a problem with flying previously; I am also relaxed about the next few months on board the Maersk Brownsville. The challenges that I’ll face, I don’t even know if I get sea sick! My mind wonders, dreaming of the possible situations I may face.

I board my flight, destination Los Angeles, for everyone on that plane except me, my destination was the future. My future!

Sea Phase Day Two - The Vessel Before I knew it, I was stood at the bottom of the gangway, completely unprepared for the butterflies in my stomach!

The 3rd Officer comes up to collect us, two new cadets, and this vessels first cadet! The 3rd Officer shows us around the accommodation block, “In here you’ll find the library” “Over here you’ll find the officers day room” “This is the laundry; the steward can show you how to use the machines!” Was it all a blur? We were walking and talking at normal pace, but it seemed so fast. My cabin! My home! It’s so spacious.

Clean and tidy, I unpack, it’s still clean and tidy and I’m informed that on a Sunday the Captain and Chief Officer do the cabin inspections, noted. I take a look at my watch, 1157hrs local time, I head down to B deck, to the officers saloon for lunch. My first meal on ship, and greeted by a smell of food that was pleasing to the nose I ate my lunch, which was just as pleasing to the stomach. The 3rd Engineer sits down and introduces himself. We talk about life at sea and before he heads back to work, he shows me around the galley a little more and gives me some tips. It was at this moment in time that I became aware of the sense of camaraderie that engulfs an environment such as this. I am still in awe.

Sea Phase Day Four - We Are Sailing I awake for my next watch. Back on the bridge; 12 noon.

More plotting points and more looking at very expensive pieces of equipment and I ask more and more questions trying to understand them. We receive a call over the radio, San Francisco Pilots. Pilot will board on arrival. We arrive into Oakland after passing the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

The sun is setting. I go with the 2nd Officer to Stations. We’re at the Forecastle. After we moor up and get on the berth we head for dinner. I then head to my cabin and get my head down. A 6 hour cargo watch entails from midnight.

Day Seven to the Third Week In. The weather is still incredible. Force 10 Winds, Sea Swell higher than I ever imagined. I made a joke in Oakland that I wanted to experience bad weather so I could find out if I get seasick.

After being at sea until the 26th December, we arrive in Dalian, China.

I reflect on the past 11 days. 11 Days crossing the pacific, where for the first 10 days we encountered next to no traffic.

Then we came close to China, fishing vessel after fishing vessel, coaster after coaster, and plenty of large container ships too. On bridge at night it is just a spectacle of lights. I grab my light rule. The light rule is a large ruler that has a sliding piece on it. It slides along and helps you identify lights. I look through the binoculars focusing on various lights and trying to identify them. Also throughout the crossing I have been into a Water Ballast Tank, Checked the Fire Extinguishers with the 3rd Officer, learnt about the different Buoys and Buoyage regions, had Christmas onboard, had Christmas dinner onboard, sent and received dozens of emails with friends and family back home. Right now the Maersk Brownsville is sat just outside of Xingang, at anchor. There is a lot of fog, the port is closed. We are informed berthing will be at 2100hrs. It’ll be a long night.

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Most people don’t, and many talk up what they’ve really done. So how do you know what’s fact and what’s fiction?

Welcome to the latest installment of ‘think everyone takes drugs?’. W2G thanks to talkfrank.com will provide you with the lowdown on lots of the more commonly used legal and illegal drugs.

We will tell you about the effects and their risks and also give you information on other things to do with drug use that you might find interesting. Like what to do if you’re worried about a mate. Or what happens if you mix drugs.

We will also look at people who have been there, done that. And details on where to go for help and advice so that, when it comes to drugs, you know the score.

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2008 will not only see Liverpool be the European Capital of Culture, but with the launch of a new schools competition, it’s aiming for the whole of Merseyside to be the Capital of Enterprise!

Do you think you could impress a panel of dragons with your business idea, win prizes and be crowned the Merseyside Kings and Queens of Enterprise?

From February through until June, the race will be on to see which school has the most enterprising team of Year 10 students.

By now, your Enterprise Coordinator will have been invited to enter a team of 10 students from Year 10 into the competition.

Is your name down? Do you have the ability to lead a team to success? Would you like to gain some skills to help you start your own business?

Teams that win their local heat of the competition will go forward to a 2 day residential Grand Final at the University of Liverpool. Does the idea of competing hard by day to win a variety of prizes whilst enjoying the university nightlife of a live band, DJ, BBQ and making new friends sound appealing?

Ask your teacher how you can get involved and if they haven’t heard about the competition, ask them to contact Young Enterprise via the details below.

A partnership between Young Enterprise NW, Enterprise Advisor Service NW Ltd and New Heys Community School in Liverpool has come together to coordinate this exciting challenge.

Originally the competition started in Liverpool in 2005 when South Liverpool Pathfinder schools, New Heys Community Comprehensive School and Broadgreen High School were

approached by Business Liverpool, a gateway for business support, to help address the low number of business start ups in the region.

Recognising the fact future entrepreneurs need to be identified, inspired and nurtured at an earlier age, all parties committed to a series of innovative initiatives.

One of the most successful projects has been the Merseyside Enterprise Awards (formerly the Enterprise Olympics) , an enterprise competition run as a means of identifying potential entrepreneurs who could then move on and be nurtured by the Enterprise Academy Hubs, based at New Heys and North Liverpool Academy.

The Merseyside Entrepreneurship Commission, Chaired

by Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond, complimented the initiative’s role within the spectrum of enterprise activity and recommended it be extended across Merseyside. With the support of Government Office North West, the European Social Fund and The Mersey Partnership, funding has been made available for the Enterprise Awards to be rolled out to all schools across Merseyside.

If you’re an Enterprise Coordinator at a secondary school in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral and have not already received your invite or would like further information, please contact Anthony Brown - Merseyside Enterprise Awards Project Manager - Anthony.brown@youngenterprisenw.org If your students would like to start their own business within school, why not log on to www.youngenterprisenw.org and find out how we can help them realise their entrepreneurial dreams!

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making your dreams come true...

If you are aged 16 to 24 and want a job that guarantees excellent training, an Apprenticeship could be for you. Apprentices learn on the job - developing skills and knowledge, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time.

Apprenticeships - learn while you earn

To give yourself the best career prospects, you need to carry on developing your skills throughout your working life.

Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications while receiving a weekly wage.

There are more than 180 different Apprenticeships to choose from, in over 80 industry sectors. These include accountancy, business administration, construction and food and drink manufacturing.

Within each sector, you can choose between doing an Apprenticeship or an Advanced Apprenticeship. Which option is right for you will depend on your interests, your experience and opportunities in your area.

How long does an Apprenticeship last?

Different Apprenticeships take different amounts of time to complete. Most last between 12 and 24 months, though some take up to five years. The exact time it takes will depend on the profession you choose, your ability and your employer’s needs.

The time you spend studying can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours, depending on your occupation.

Is an Apprenticeship right for you?

First you’ll need to decide which career suits you best. Next, you’ll have to judge whether you can juggle working for an employer and getting on-the-job training one day, then studying for a qualification at a college (for example) the next.

Who can apply

Money and holidays

If you are a trainee If you start as a trainee, you will go on something called a ‘Programme Led Apprenticeship’ and will be able to apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

However, if you are currently a trainee and started before 10 April 2006, you will continue to receive a training allowance of at least £40 a week.

Programme Led Apprenticeships are designed to lead you towards an Apprenticeship where you are employed.

If you are employed If you start or progress to an Apprenticeship as an employee (an ‘Employer led Apprenticeship’) you will receive an income of at least £80 a week. In fact, most apprentices are paid more than this.

Holidays You’ll get at least one and a half days’ paid holiday for every month of your training. On top of that you’ll get bank holidays.

Qualifications

All Apprenticeships (and Advanced Apprenticeships) lead to the following qualifications: n a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2 or Level 3 n Key Skills qualifications such as working in teams, problem solving, communication and using new technology n (in most cases) a Technical Certificate such as BTEC or City & Guilds Progression Award n other qualifications or requirements needed for particular occupations

There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships.

However, for some more technical Apprenticeships you may need GCSE grades A*-C in maths, English and science.

Further study The qualifications you gain as an apprentice can also help you to get into higher education.

To qualify, you need to be: n living in England n not in full-time education, and n aged between 16 and 24

Advice for young people If you’re aged 13 to 19, your Connexions personal adviser can give you help, advice and further details about Apprenticeships.

You can also get free, confidential advice about careers and courses from Connexions Direct.

Connexions Direct: 08080 013 219 34

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Engineering apprentices from Pendle companies swept the board in the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) 2007 Young People Awards.

The first A.V. Roe Award for apprentices from larger companies went to 17 year-old Amie Proud, who works at the Rolls-Royce plc Barnoldswick facility, while the Irene Short Award for apprentices from small to medium sized companies was won by Chris Nadin, also 17, who works for Weston EU, Foulridge.

Amie, who lives in Cowling, works as an apprentice machinist, she formerly attended West Craven High School in Crosshills. Chris, a mechanical engineering apprentice, is a former pupil of Mansfield High School, Brierfield.

Their achievements also helped training provider Training 2000, where they attend off-the-job training, to scoop the award for Best Training Provider.

Two awards were given by the NWAA for the first time, adding the A.V. Roe Award to that given in appreciation of the work of “apprentices champion” Hon County Alderman Irene Short.

Each of the winners received a specially commissioned trophy and £1000.

NWAA Chief Executive Officer Martin Wright said that young people were a vital element of the knowledge base that was crucial in helping the North West aerospace cluster to keep driving forward, compete internationally, continue developing and remain sustainable.

He added: “We need to sell the aerospace industry and remedy some of the misconceptions of previous years. We need to ensure that young people, from junior school age upwards, realise that we are not a back street workshop industry -- we are exciting, we are high tech, we are science-based and that is our future.”

In addition to the NWAA, sponsors of the awards event included Rolls-Royce plc, BAE Systems, the Lancashire Learning and Skills Council, the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing and the University of Liverpool.

In the next issue of Way to Go North West read about the day in life of an aerospace apprentice.

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A 22 year-old graduate from the University of Manchester has been named as the winner of the 2007 Sir Frank Whittle Award, organised by the North West Aerospace Alliance.

David Wright received the Sir Frank Whittle trophy and £1,000 from Richard Harcourt, of main award sponsor Rolls-Royce plc at a special presentation evening.

David’s study of heat treatments for aluminium aerospace alloys was judged the best among entries from students at the North West’s eight universities.

David, from Golcar, Huddersfield, graduated with a masters degree in engineering earlier this year and has remained at the University of Manchester studying for his doctorate in nuclear materials.

The Sir Frank Whittle Award, named in honour of the British jet engine pioneer, has been awarded annually to an outstanding North West graduate since its inauguration in 1999.

A further award, for the region’s best “aerospace university” was received by Dr Thurai Rahulan on behalf of the University of Salford.

More than 130 guests from the aerospace industry, educational institutions and sponsoring organisations attended the presentation, which was held at the De Vere Heron’s Reach Hotel, Blackpool.

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Like many students, Dan Carey has a part-time job to make ends meet while at university.

Unlike many students, his part-time job is commanding a platoon of 30 officer cadets.

Dan, 23, from Toxteth, Liverpool, holds the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Officer Training Corps (OTC), based at Crawford Hall, Mather Avenue, Allerton. When he’s not swotting up for his degree at Liverpool John Moores University, he’s hard at work with the OTC. After completing an intensive three-week course at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) he achieved a coveted commission which has seen him fly with the Army Air Corps in Germany and go white-water kayaking with the Royal Artillery in Austria.

This year, he is leading an Army mountaineering expedition instructing 20 officer cadets on tough climbs near the Spanish coast.

Members of the OTC are NOT soldiers - they are students with an interest in the Army. If students don’t like it, they can leave at any time – and university studies always come first.

Although several OTC members do go on to join the Army after university, many do not.

The training enhances students’ academic studies by using a mix of military training, adventure training, sport and social activities. Practical leadership ability is developed over the three-year student cycle. And to cap it all - the students are paid for each day they attend!

Now entering the third year of a degree course in outdoor and environmental education, Dan said: “Life in the OTC is so varied. I think that is what has attracted me to it so much - one day you can be camouflaged and operating tactically on a military training area, the next day playing sports against other Army units and then be enjoying the splendour of a regimental dinner.

“In the OTC you not only get to play sports, learn military skills, have fun with friends, go on outdoor pursuits and achieve qualifications, you also get paid to do so - which can help a lot while being in university.”

For further information on how to become a member of the OTC visit www.army.mod.uk/uotc/liverpool or for more general information on an Army career visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk.

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Many British students are beginning to look overseas for their university education. One of the most popular destinations for British students is Australia.

There are 38 universities in Australia and a wide range of further education colleges, known locally as TAFEs. The universities are amongst the best in the world and most of them teach along the same lines as British universities.

Why go to Australia to study?

1.Quality of Life: You don’t need us to tell you that Australia has better weather than the UK. Over 1.6 million Brits have already moved there for this and other reasons.

2.Quality of Opportunity: If you are thinking about moving to Australia it can be easier to gain the right to live and work there if you study there. Australia has skills shortages in certain professions. These can be academic subjects such as medicine, accountancy and teaching but they often include other professions, such as hairdressers and plumbers. If you study any of these subjects in Australia you greatly improve your chances of living and working there after you graduate.

3.Quality of Education: In some areas Australian universities are acknowledged world leaders. One such subject is sports science and coaching but there are many others, too.

is studying in England. Going to an English university costs on average around £3,070 in tuition fees and about £600 a month living costs; around £8,500 a year. In Australia you pay around £6,400 in tuition fees but the cost of living is about £400 a month; around £10,000 a year. You have to add in the cost of your flight but the experience of life in Australia may well be within your reach.

Can you work while you study?

Yes. With a student visa you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. This means that you can pay your way while you are there.

About the University of Newcastle Newcastle is situated on the Australian central coast about 100 miles from Sydney. Founded in 1951, the University of Newcastle is one of the best in the world in fields such as engineering technology, computer sciences and biomedicine. In 2006, Newsweek listed the University in the top 100 universities in the world. For further information please visit our website.

How much does it cost?

A Star Future will be giving presentations at schools in the North West in March 2008. If you would like us to come to your school please contact us on (0191) 490 9400.

Studying in Australia is not a cheap option, but then neither

www.astarfuture.co.uk

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Your choice of career impacts on your life hugely. It determines where you live, how you spend your days, who you meet and who you socialise with. Choose wisely; choose a career in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism!!

Why? Because at Springboard we like to think that there is a career for everyone within the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industries. With such variety on offer, whatever your dream job may be, there is position waiting for you.

There are lots of different hours to suit you, whether you are a night owl or are an early bird. You can even work Monday to Friday 9 – 5 if you like routine. Many jobs offer accommodation as part of the deal – a real bonus these days! Never before have there been so many opportunities to join the diverse, fast moving world that is Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism. Variety is the spice of life – no two days the same, a fresh outlook to every day. What other industry can say the same?

Just think what’s on offer … n n n n n n n

Join a fast growing industry Meet interesting people Get early promotion Work full time, part time, work flexibly Enjoy a variety of opportunity Work abroad – even travel the world!

Have fun!

Springboard CareerScope a virtual careers advice and guidance centre; dedicated to showcasing the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industries and providing honest, accurate, guidance to all.

We are here to… n n n n n n n

Provide impartial careers advice and guidance Help you meet potential employers Put you in touch with the right people Help you get work experience Help you find the right course Help you with your CV and interview preparation Provide careers and courses literature and information

Work in cool places… n n n n n n n

Top restaurants Happening bars The hottest clubs Major tourist attractions Chic hotels Luxury spas and health clubs At major sporting events

www.springboarduk.org.uk.

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Contact us on

0845 293 2515 or email info.careers@springboarduk.org.uk or log onto our website www.springboarduk.org.uk.

The Way2Go…

The key is to get some good initial training by either going straight into work as an apprentice or going to college or university and getting qualifications and some good work experience. Many universities and some colleges offer degree courses in Hospitality and Tourism and related subjects.

Many include work experience in industry, an excellent route to develop your understanding of what the commercial world is all about.

Work Experience

‘I worked in a kitchen / restaurant at weekends when I was at school to earn some extra money and I loved it! That was me hooked for life!’

No matter what role, it makes great sense to get some work experience under your belt. Enjoy the challenge of a hectic Saturday night back or front of house and you’ll know if you have what it takes for a career in hospitality. Bags of work experience means lots of Brownie points with future employers.

Why not sign up for our national Summer School Programme, happening at a college near you?

Are you 16 – 19 years old?

Do you want Quality work experience?

Are you interested in Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism?

Would you like the chance to open doors to future part time or full time employment?

If you answer YES to all these questions, then contact: Carla Dillon at carlad@springboarduk.org.uk to find out how to get involved in Springboard’s Summer School 2008

There are many universities and colleges that can train you for a career in the hospitality industry. But if you are looking to work in five star hotels around the world, then you might want to consider a five star school of hospitality. Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches School of Hospitality Management are two such institutions and their students are in such high demand that upon graduation they are offered, on average, 3 jobs and are expected to be in the top 20% of industry positions in 5 to 10 years. So, if you have the ambition and determination to make it to the very top in hospitality, Glion and Les Roches could be the ideal starting place for you.

The hospitality industry is one of the most international on the planet so the benefit of spending time abroad is very clear.

Studying at Glion and Les Roches gives you the opportunity to learn languages as you study (all your lessons are in English though).

Studying at Glion and Les Roches is not just about what you learn in the classroom. In the hospitality industry it is also vitally important to gain work experience. For this reason, during the four years of an undergraduate degree, every student is given three work placements which last for 6 months each. These are paid, work experience opportunities which mean that by the time you graduate, not only will you have the theoretical knowledge, you will also have the benefit of having worked in three different hotels in three countries.

The hospitality industry has many different career paths to offer and it is not necessary to know exactly where you are going to end up in the future at this stage. By studying at Glion and Les Roches, you will learn about all sides of the business, giving you the chance to work out where you want to be in the future.

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Jaume Tapiès (1989) President Relais & Châteaux ‘Glion offers the perfect combination of theory and hands on learning which takes place in an exciting multicultural environment. In today’s world strong managerial skills and a clear understanding of customer needs are key to succeed in the world of hospitality.’

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Throughout the decades women have faced challenges for participating in chemistry whether from social attitudes, employment or education barriers. Due to the courage and determination of famous past and present day female chemists new opportunities for today’s woman have been successfully created in chemistry and industry. I was inspired to join the chemical industry by the greats; from Marie Curie in the past, who won the Nobel Prize twice in her lifetime for her pioneering work with radioactivity and radium to the industry’s present day Stephanie Burns, who is Chief Executive Officer for Dow Corning, a company specialising in silicone chemistry, which is now used extensively in beautification and cosmetic surgery applications.

I always had a rebellious streak at school and when advised not to do something it always seemed more of a challenge to go for it. Studying chemistry wasn’t something that came naturally to me, but it was a subject that always appealed as I loved to experiment and solve problems. Inspired by tales of working in the chemical industry from my school teacher, I decided to study a BSc in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Wales, Bangor. I liked the fact that it enabled me to be out there in the field, sampling and monitoring; essentially applying my chemistry skills to protect the environment.

I started working at Eastman Chemical Company after achieving my degree as an analytical chemist. Starting in a laboratory role at Eastman I was immediately inspired and motivated by the dynamic and fast changing business environment within the industry. I was surprised that industry laboratories were so clean, modern and the amount of high tech equipment.

Within two years working at Eastman I was fast tracked and promoted to Health Safety and Environmental Specialist where I worked at protecting the environment from the inside of the industry out. I believe passionately chemistry is and can be the solution to many global environmental problems, from designing renewable energy sources to providing techniques to deliver and purify drinking water systems for developing countries.

As an HSE Specialist I get involved in everything on the manufacturing site from training, inspections, environmental monitoring and community events to being an active member of the fire fighting team! I love the variety of jobs and opportunities the industry has to offer. In the last year I have travelled to America, Netherlands, Hungary and France with work, for meetings and conferences, which has really opened my eyes to the wealth of global opportunities out there. My training and education hasn’t stopped either; my company paid for me to get external qualifications in Health and Safety and Environmental Management and in supporting my application for Chartered Chemist status as part of my continual professional development.

My current role has also given me plenty of flexibility and challenges, as well as the ability to liaise and work with senior industrial executives across corporate organisations, thereby witnessing business changes first hand. These experiences are crucial in enhancing my communication skills and improving

my confidence to speak out and inform others about the factors and issues affecting our industry.

In July 2007 I won the Chemical Industries Association’s prestigious Young Ambassador Award. As the Young Ambassador, part of my role is to chair a group of people, called the Future Forum who are at the start of their career working in the chemical industry. When I first started working, I wasn’t aware these types of groups existed, but I have found they are a fantastic way to network with other like minded young people. As the Future Forum chair I organise activities, events and even provide opportunities for members to contribute to government lobbying and have their say, which is loads of fun!

Additionally I have attended glamourous industry events, promoted the chemical industry through career talks and conferences, been interviewed for magazines and even been filmed for a U-tube video! My year as Young Ambassador is only half way through so I still have loads more to experience.

I was really lucky as my company Eastman fully supported me to commit to the role, allowing me to spend some of my work time on my Young Ambassador commitments.

It’s always difficult to decide what to do with your life after school. As a female, working in the chemical industry may not be your immediate choice, but you should definitely consider it! Today chemistry plays a major role in helping to solve global problems such as climate change and life threatening diseases. Chemists and the chemical industry provide society with its ever growing needs and demands to improve our everyday lives, whether it be longer lasting lip gloss, smaller mobile phones, high performance cars or life-enhancing medicines. You don’t need to be crazy or have white hair to be a chemist; so many opportunities are available in the chemical industry, so seek them out and take advantage of them! Just because you study chemistry or work in the chemical industry doesn’t mean you are restricted to work in a laboratory your entire career. Chemists are everywhere in industry from finance and marketing to process operations and engineering.

Set your goals, and map out a plan to accomplish those goals. Identify people who can assist you along the way in making your choice and get experience. Don’t get lost in ‘what if’ or ‘if I had’, get out there and work for what you want in a career.

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Our vision is simple…

To be a world class operator of utility infrastructure.

Focusing on our core skills within water, wastewater, electricity and gas, we will sometimes own but always operate utility assets.

Who we are, what we do n Operating water, wastewater, electricity and gas networks n Investing £3.5 billion between 2005-2010 to improve our utility infrastructure and the environment

Every minute…

We treat 1.3 million litres of wastewater for our UK customers

Every hour…

We invest £85,000 improving our capital infrastructure

Every day…

We are working to improve our 20,000 hectares of land through our Sustainable Catchment Management Programme

Every second…

n Providing utility services to over 20 million people in the UK and worldwide

We serve 20 million customers in the UK and overseas

n Working in the UK, Eastern Europe, the Philippines and Australia

We receive over 150,000 visits to our website: www.unitedutilities.com

n A FTSE-100 company with annual turnover of over £2 billion, employing 9,000 people

Every week…

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Every month…

We invest over £57,000 in community projects