Way2Go - North West 7

S I O G 2 Y A W BACK AND . . .

D E H S E REFR ARE YOU? ISSUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2008

LIVE/LEARN/ ASPIRE/ACHIEVE thewaytogoonline.co.uk

MAERSK

CADET INTERVIEW

ADJUSTING TO STUDENT LIFE

JOB HUNTING

playtime REVIEWS

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS...

w w w. w h a t a b o u t m o n e y. i n f o

WWW.THEWAYTOGOONLINE.CO.UK

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO ISSUE 7: WELCOME to the latest issue of Way 2 Go North West, an inspirational magazine aimed at giving teenagers help and advice when it comes to careers and education.

Well it’s the start of the new academic year, those summer holidays are now a distant memory and its time to roll up the sleeves, nose to the grind stone and take your brain out of neutral and put it into gear. So it will be more revision, more exams and more homework, but trust us, it will be worth it in the end when you open those exams results next year.

In this issue we look at adjusting to student life, job hunting and to help you chill out we have Playtime, in which we cast our eye over some of the latest games, DVD’S, music and film reviews to hit the streets this month.

We have interviews and career profiles from around the region, and in this issue, our careers platform takes a look at careers in the chemical industry, tips on how to become a chartered surveyor and many more......enjoy!!

PAGE 12 CADET INTERVIEW

PAGE 24 ADJUSTING TO STUDENT LIFE

PAGE 36 Distinctive Publishing LTD, 7th floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU

T: 0191 4788300 Lorraine Hawthorne

Sales MANAGER

lorraine.hawthorne@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Ewan Waterhouse

Business Development Manager ewan.waterhouse@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

JOB HUNTING

LIVE/LEARN/ASPIRE/ACHIEVE

CONTENTS COME AND GET ME TIGER!

W2G NW|/ISSUE 7

MAMA MIA!

PLAYTIME 4 0 E G A P THE ROLF’S BACK WITH MORE OF HIS SLICK, STRAIGHT TALKING MOVIE, DVD, MUSIC AND GAME REVIEWS...

4. playtime - movie review 5. playtime - dvd review 6. playtime - music review 7. playtime - game review 8. EXPERIENCE IN THE WORK PLACE - NWDA 10. GO4SET LAUNCHES IN THE NORTH WEST - NWDA 12. CADET INTERVIEW - MAERSK 14. have you ever thought about a career in...?

- NWEO 19. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF KIM NGUYEN - RAF 20. start believing you can - AIM HIGHER 22. WAY 2 GO ENGINEERS - JAGUAR/LANDROVER 24. ADJUSTING TO STUDENT LIFE 26. portrait of a nation - HERITAGE LOTTERY 28. THE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY GREATER MANCHESTER POLIE 30. STUDYING SCIENCE? - OPEN UNIVERSITY 32. CHARTERED SURVEYORS - RICS 34. A CAREER IN THE CHEMICALS INDUSTRY CHEMICALS NW 36. JOB HUNTING 38. YOUNG PEOPLE CAN EARN AND LEARN WITH EMA - LSC 40. BUSINESS LANGUAGE CHAMPION VISITS CHESHIRE BASED SCHOOL - RLN 43. OUR VISION IS SIMPLE - UNITED UTILITIES 44. FARNBOROUGH AIRSHOW 2008 - NW AEROSPACE 48. SASHA SHINES AS TV APPRENTICE NW VISION & MEDIA

playtime

by michael rolf

MOVIES...

THE DARK KNIGHT

After seeing Iron Man earlier this year, I thought I’d never see another super-hero movie of the same calibre, consequently I think I may of been wrong. After waiting for one very long year for the release of Christopher Nolan’s latest Batman feature, The Dark Knight, it definitely did not disappoint and was well worth waiting for. I can honestly say that I sat silently, in ore with a huge silly grin on my face for almost three hours of the best film in years, and with out doubt the best Batman film ever made.

There are so many things that made The Dark Knight a fantastic heartracing movie, such as Christian Bale (Batman Begins), but one of the things I feel I have to mention is the incredible Joker performance

by Heath Ledger (A Knight’s Tale, Brokeback Mountain), which not only stole the show but defiantly triumphed over Jack Nicholson’s iconic 1989 role.

Not only am I going to recommend The Dark Knight to everybody, but I also feel it’s a necessity for any movie buff or Batman fan. You simply must see this movie.

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5

RATING hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU SEE: n Batman Begins n X-Men ( 1, 2 &3) n Iron Man n 1989 Batman

“THE BEST FILM IN YEARS”...

PLAytime

“But believe me when i tell you, Dennis Quade and Forest Whitaker are brilliant!”

DVD’S...

VANTAGE POINT

8 STRANGERS. 8 POINTS OF VIEW. This is the tag line for the movie which made me anxious but also slightly skeptical about seeing a movie with quite an unusual cast.

But believe me when I tell you, Dennis Quade and Forest Whitaker are brilliant! I loved this film and respected new movie director Pete Travis’ decision to stick with such an unusual plot. The nonlinear technique used in Vantage Point has also been very successful for the director of the BAFTA nominated Run Lola Run, Tom Tykwer.

I really enjoyed Vantage Point, the unbelievable suspense had me on the edge of my seat all the way through.

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I’d recommend this film to any great suspense lover (especially Hitchcock fans) and with an acceptable amount of bonus features on the DVD, it’s definitely a good investment for your next movie night.

RATING hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU SEE: n Run Lola Run n Street Kings n Deja Vu

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PLAytime

mUSIC...

MAMA MIA: THE MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

“you can’t help but love the whole album from start to finish”

5

RATING hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND LISTEN TOO: n Any ABBA Album. n Beyond The Sea. The OST.

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Over the years, there has been many tributes to the phenomenon that is ABBA, some great and some, well, just annoying. But after watching the multi award winning, feel good movie of the century! I simply had to get my newly converted ABBA loving hands on a copy of the motion picture soundtrack, which I love!

With the exception of Amanda Seyfried, the cast aren’t that great at singing, however, because of the absolutely brilliant song writing that never seems to get old, you can’t help but love the whole album from start to finish. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be an ABBA fan, after watching the movie I guarantee you’ll love listening to this album.

PLAytime

GAMES...

“Another solid package in the Tiger Woods series”

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 4

RATING hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU TRY: n Mario Golf n Crazy Golf n PGA Tour Golf

Another year, another swing, another hole in one? Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, AKA the “Madden of golf games,” is back for another update that spans nearly every console available. Some players wait all year for the latest iteration, and it’s those players who the series caters to most skillfully. But while you won’t find a new level of perfection in the 09 edition, there are some additional gameplay elements that will make any golf fan want to take a second look.

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Experience in the workplace – what is it all about?

What is your ideal job? What will you be doing in 10 years? – do you know the answer to these questions?

Do you wonder what your career will be and what that career will actually be like in real life?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, keep reading, if the answer is no, definitely keep reading!

Mark Wood from the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) in the Northwest explains how experience in the workplace can be exciting and rewarding and is the first step to your future career.

Decisions you make now can and will have an affect on your future, so why not make an informed choice about how you want to spend the rest of your working life. You can do this through sampling what real work is actually like and the EDT is an education charity who can help you do just that.

workplace can teach you skills that can’t always be learnt in the classroom.

With more and more people going to university, practical skills and experience in the workplace help build the skills that employers are looking for and means you will stand out from the crowd when it comes to college and university applications and of course, that first job.

Would you like to develop new energy for the next generation or work on the next revelation in the automotive industry? Get some experience now and you never know what the future may hold.

You may be thinking - what does this real experience in a work environment entail and how will it really benefit me in the future?

Employers are looking for experience as well as academic achievement; time spent in the

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For more information about any of the EDT schemes, ask your teacher or visit www.etrust.org.uk or the scheme websites.

get you can how So ? experience this The EDT runs schemes to allow you to get hands-on work related learning experience and helps you make those all important choices about your future career.

If you are interested in science, technology, maths, engineering or related subjects and want to get experience of the working world, an EDT scheme could help you. mentor, you get to attend a university residential workshop to develop the project further and get a feel for university and you get to display your project at the local Celebration and Assessment Day, where local representatives from industry and education assess your project - www.thescheme.org.uk n If you are in Year 8/9 – Go4SET provides a 10 week environmentally themed project for a team of 6 students, you work with a company mentor on the project, come up with solutions and display your project at a Celebration and Assessment Day and compete with other teams for prizes - www.go4set.org.uk.

“work placements that are challenging, rewarding and deliver real business experience to help you stand out from the crowd”... on edt’s year in industry scheme

n If you are in Year11/12 – you could think about doing the Engineering Education Scheme (England) which provides the opportunity to work on a real and live 6 month project set by a local company. A team of 4 Year 12 students work on the project with a company

n And last but not least, if you think a work placement in your gap year, before university or during university could be for you, then The Year in Industry can organise this for you. As the UK’s leading student placement experts we work with internationally renowned companies, offering work placements that are challenging, rewarding and deliver real business experience to help you stand out from the crowd - www.yini.org.uk.

n Headstart is also an opportunity for students in Year 12, students get the opportunity to experience life as an undergraduate by living and working at university for up to a week, taking part in practical activities, lectures, seminars, visiting local companies and meeting graduates and academics - www.headstartcourses.org.uk

For more information about any of the EDT schemes, ask your teacher or visit www.etrust.org.uk or the scheme websites.

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Go4SET launches in the North West The North West was chosen as one region in the UK to launch Go4SET last year with the challenge of investigating ‘Water and the School’. By pro viding hands on, experience with international companies such as United Utilities, Shell Global Solutions and Ford, the scheme aims to develop students from a young age to enable you to focus your academic studies, gain invaluable experience to build your employability skills and give you a sample of what working in real job is like. involved with creative design, innovation, project management and team work.

Teams were tasked with producing their own project specification, focusing on environmental issues and met up at UCLAN in April to discuss the projects they would work on with their company for the next 10 weeks.

United Utilities sponsored a number of teams and kicked off the scheme with a presentation on water and its usage.

Local teams developed exciting and innovative project solutions relating to water conservation, local pollution and investigating the use of alternative sources of water for every day consumption by the school. The teams worked on real life scenarios, getting

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One team worked on a project involving water harvesting, collecting rainwater from roofs and gutters, storing this water and using it for non-consumption uses such as flushing toilets and watering plants. Part of this challenge was converting the storage tanks for this collected water back to the mains system for the dry summer months and various results and systems were suggested, with models and displays of how this could work in reality.

Working together, the team researched rainfall statistics, planned and designed a storage unit, wrote a comprehensive summary report and displayed their findings.

This experience gave the students in-depth project management experience, something sought after by employers. Such skills also demonstrate excellent team working and innovative thinking skills, which are essential in more or less every job.

For more information on Go4SET and the other EDT Schemes, please visit www.etrust.org.uk or contact us on north@etrust.org.uk or 0161 278 2497.

to “GO4SET presented an opportunity and industry the of awareness raise can the choices a career in engineering still provide with students who are considering their options” Students presented their work at a Celebration and Assessment Day, hosted by UCLAN on 9th July, where they demonstrated their work and results to a panel of judges and guests from the public and industry.

Jackie O’Reilly, Education Project Co-ordinator for United Utilities and a judge on the day was extremely impressed with the event and the quality of the projects and the students: “I was really interested to see if and how they had used the information from the two industry sessions we hosted at our education centre. I was really impressed with the standard of the projects, and particularly the increased awareness of water and the need for water conservation from an environmental and economic perspective. GO4SET presented an opportunity to raise awareness of the industry and the choices a career in engineering can provide with students who are still considering their options.”

Four cash prizes of £250 were awarded at the Celebration and Assessment Day, n n n n

‘Best Project’ ‘Best Team Work’ ‘Most Innovative Project’ ‘Pupils’ Choice’

The launch of the scheme was a great success which will be built upon this coming year with more teams and more projects. “This is truly and excellent opportunity for young people to start thinking about their future,” says Chris Harris, Director for EDT North. “The UK, and the North West needs scientists and engineers and Go4SET really develops skills and experience that employers are looking for. With this kind of experience behind them, Go4SET students dare to be different, and that is what will make them stand out when it comes to getting into College, University and a job.”

For more information on Go4SET and the other EDT Schemes, please visit www.etrust.org.uk or contact us on north@etrust.org.uk or 0161 278 2497.

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Name: Matthew Day Age: 21 Nationality: British Entity : MMS 1. Why did you apply to become a cadet?

I decided that this career would give me the opportunity to have the lifestyle I want with enough time off to do what I enjoy.

2. What made you apply to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group?

I heard good things about the Maersk group and how they treat cadets.

3. How did you know where to apply?

(Information from advertisement/ Internet/family…)

Cadet w e i v r e t In 12

My dad is in the merchant navy so the information was always there.

4. Are you studying to become a Deck-, Engine- or Maritime Officer?

Deck Officer

5. How long is your education?

2½ years if everything goes well.

6. Which academy do you attend?

Glasgow Collage Nautical Studies

7. What types of vessels have you been sailing on until now?

I’m at the end of my first trip on a container vessel.

WWW.SEACAREERS.CO.UK

17. Is it acceptable for cadets to question officers’ decisions?

I think that because cadets have come straight from collage and other training some procedures are fresh in their memory. So within reason suggesting an alternative way of doing a job to the officer a good thing, as long as you’re not offensive.

18. Do you use the gym onboard in your leisure time?

The most I’ve been in the gym was to build a new cross trainer we got. The weather is good enough for the pool so I go for a swim some mornings.

19. What is your favourite food?

The steak and ice cream on a Saturday evening, not together.

8. Have you ever experienced rough sea? How was it?

My first passage was across the pacific from Yokohama to LA, we had some big seas and were rolling about 20° but nothing extreme.

Good job I don’t get sea sick though.

long time and he was very good at showing me how everything works, particularly the PA system for clocks announcements.

20. When on shore leave, what is your main interest?

13. Have you worked with cadets of other nationalities?

I like to see my girlfriend and go out with friends partying but my main interest is sailing, I’m a sailing coach in Scotland.

An engine cadet from Wigan if that counts.

9. Have you ever been seasick?

14. What have you learned from working in a multi-cultural environment?

No

10. What do you like the most about life as a cadet?

The best thing is being able to see a bit of everyone’s jobs from the Master’s to the A/B’s, also it’s the only time you can get ashore without having to be back for a watch.

11. Of your tasks onboard, which have been the most interesting and challenging?

I have learnt that everyone gets on and works well together. The fact that the ship is multicultural makes no difference.

15. In your opinion, is it true that the UK produces better seafarers than other countries?

I’m most interested in being on watch with the OOW and learning about all the navigational methods.

I think that because the international seafaring language is English it is easier for them to communicate across the world which gives the English speaking country’s a head start but their not necessarily better at the job.

12. Of your colleagues onboard, who has been of the biggest help and support to you?

16. Do you feel that all matters related to safety are handled in an acceptable manner onboard?

I’ve been lucky on my first trip, everyone onboard has been helpful and supporting. I was on watch with the 2/O John Tyndall for a

Yes the ship feels like a very safe place because of all the measures taken, although the paper work is a bit laborious.

21. Being a seafarer, how do you cope with family life?

I was brought up with this lifestyle and I’ve been living away from home for 4 years now so the family life is ok. Relationships are the difficult part.

22. Which book are you reading right now?

I’m not such a big reader.

23. What are your future career plans?

I hope to finish my cadetship with experience on different types of ship and hopefully go into the area I enjoy the most and progress through the ranks.

24. What is your best piece of advice for a new cadet?

Work hard and enjoy you’re time at sea. It’s the best time to understudy officers and learn what the job is really about.

“I have learnt that everyone gets on and works well together. The fact that the ship is multicultural makes no difference.”

WWW.SEACAREERS.CO.UK

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Have you ever thought about a career in...?

Are you fed up of that question because you’re not sure;what you want to do, what these strange sounding jobs would really involve, whether there are real job opportunities there?

How about a job in an area where your local council will be keen to recruit young people?

Local councils are regularly looking to recruit in the following areas: n n n n n n n n n n

Building Control Environmental Health Legal Work Library and Information Work Occupational Therapy Planning Social Care Social Work Trading Standards Traffic and Transportation

Whether you are thinking of going on to college or are keen to start working now, there is a job for everyone in local government, whatever your interests.

Below are some examples of the types of jobs local councils are currently recruiting to and what they really do.

Do you fancy any of them?

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PENDLE BOROUGH COUNCIL

BURY MBC

(in East Lancashire just above Manchester)

(part of Greater Manchester)

Environmental Health?

Trainee Legal Executive?

Every year we have a “sandwich” placement for a student in Environmental Health. You would apply for this before you start your qualification and you are supported by the authority during the years that you study at University. Once you have done two years of your degree at either Manchester or Leeds University, the middle of your learning “sandwich” is when you spend year three with us. You then go back for a final year of studying at university. Our aim is to employ you after that, if we have a vacancy.

This is a progressive opportunity within our Legal and Democratic Services Division. The trainee will receive on the job training and be flexible and committed to undertaking the Institute of Legal Executives qualification. You might get involved in buying land or property or prosecuting rogue traders.

Students get involved in making sure we live in a healthy place! They help to make sure that people don’t get food poisoning at restaurants or from supermarkets, they can get rid of rats and wasps, or collect evidence about noisy neighbours.

Modern Apprentice Librarian?

This offers the opportunity to learn new skills within our Libraries. This includes being able to undertake NVQ level 2 in Customer Care. The trainee will need to enjoy working with people and be willing to offer excellent customer service and advice.

Modern Apprentice Care Assistant/ Worker?

Planning Officers make sure that new buildings or changes to buildings are done properly and please as many people as possible! Whether it is plans for a new supermarket or an extension to your neighbour’s house, people will have opinions on whether it is a good idea or not. If you want to be a Planning Officer you could get a degree first or you could start work with us and go to college part-time, there are several ways to get qualified.

This is for caring and compassionate people who have a genuine interest in supporting - older people who have physical and/or mental disabilities - or people with a learning disability The work involves maintaining a safe and stimulating environment where service users have opportunities and choice and are able to live as independently as possible. Providing an opportunity to gain experience within a Social Care environment working along side a dedicated team, and undertaking a NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care.

Legal?

Modern Apprentice Street Mason?

In our legal department we have several members of staff who are studying. Some have started as administrators and have asked to start studying; others have joined us after their degree to get the ‘work experience’ part of their qualifications.

This is an opportunity to learn a skilled trade with the Highways team whilst undertaking NVQ level 2 by attendance at a local college on day release. Early starts, dedication to providing excellent service and the enthusiasm to learn are key components of the role. You’ll get involved in conserving old stonework or putting down new paving for pavements and open spaces.

Planning?

Would you like to be an Apprentice?

At any one time we have about 15 to 20 apprentices working with us. These trainees usually come straight from school or college.

They work here four days a week (either in an office or gardening) and they go to college for the fifth day. They study towards NVQ Level 2 and 3 in either Business Administration or Horticulture.

Contact: Tamzin Doggart Pendle Borough Council tamzindoggart@liberata.com 01282 87 8805.

Modern Apprentice Teaching Assistant?

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic person who is committed, caring and well organised to assist teaching staff and who have the ability to communicate effectively with children. You will be based within a school and willing to undertake a NVQ level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. You must be willing to work as part of a team and to support your colleagues to encourage the development of pupils.

For further information about anything mentioned in this article please contact Ruth Ashworth rutha@nweo.org.uk

Environmental Health Officer? (18-25 year olds) This role involves undertaking a four year BA (Hons) Environmental Health/Science degree. The placement rotates around the Trading Standards, Commercial and Licensing, Environmental Health, and Urban Renewal sections to gain a vast amount of hands on experience.

Modern Apprenticeship Training Scheme We aim to give young people the start they need to progress into a specialist professional career. The placements are offered to 16 to 24 year olds in September each year. The programme consists of training within the Authority with a view to obtaining employment in one of the organisations varied service areas.

The scheme involves working towards a qualification, in-house training and assistance with job search activities, whilst being paid.

Placements are advertised on the Bury Council website www.bury.gov.uk April/May each year.

Contact: Amy Svensson Assistant HR Advisor Corporate HR Bury MBC 0161 253 5141 A.Svensson@bury.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council (covers a wide area from the coast at Morecambe to the towns of Burnley and Preston) Lancashire County Council have been appointing Apprentices to posts across the Authority. The majority of apprenticeships

are in Business Administration but other apprenticeships are available in specific areas.

We have a demand for high calibre, well trained and qualified young people.

The bursary is ÂŁ6,000, and is paid in instalments. The fourth instalment of ÂŁ3,500 is paid in your first salary as a qualified social worker with the authority.

We are currently advertising trainee posts within our Property Group department of Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Quality Surveyor, Estates Surveyor, Structural Engineer and Building Surveyor. The training period will be 5 years after which hopefully you will be offered a permanent post. We will be rolling this out over the next 5 years if it proves to be successful.

Care Ambassadors

For vacancies and apprenticeships in Lancashire County Council please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies

Careers in Social Care Warrington (between Manchester and Liverpool) This year we are taking on four Health and Social Care Apprentices between the ages of 16-18 employed on a fixed term contract for a period of 18 months. In this time you will achieve their NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care and the Progression awards.

Contact: Miriam Ryan NVQ Centre Co-ordinator Lead Verifier Warrington Borough Council Tel:01925 458141 email: mzryan@warrington.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council We work with local universities to offer a bursary to final year BA social work students in return for a commitment to work with Lancashire County Council upon graduation.

The overall aim of the scheme is to encourage people to consider careers in social care. In order to achieve this people already working in social care at all levels will act as ambassadors, working with Job Centre Plus, Connexions, in schools & colleges and local community groups to promote all aspects of social care as a career including the work they do and opportunities available including qualification routes.

Contact:If you would like more information about the Care Ambassador Scheme or Careers in Social Care, please contact: Angela Davies Care Ambassador Project Coordinator Care Ambassador Scheme Cheshire (CASC) angelamdavies@btconnect.com Tel: 01270 753487 There is also a Health and Social Care Cadet scheme. This recruits young people annually from students who enrol on a BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care. Those completing 3 years of the scheme benefit from guaranteed interviews for either relevant courses at the University of Central Lancashire or employment as health care or social care assistants.

Contact: Pat Damms Principal Human Resources Manager Pat.damms@lancashire.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council is encouraging young people to apply for employment and have been appointing Apprentices to posts across the Authority. The majority of apprenticeships are in Business Administration but other apprenticeships are available in specific areas. Positive steps are being made to recruit young people, therefore a demand for high calibre, well trained and qualified young people are needed.

We are currently advertising trainee posts within our Property Group department of Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Quality Surveyor, Estates Surveyor, Structural Engineer and Building Surveyor. The training period will be 5 years of which hopefully they will be offered a permanent post at the end of the training. We will be rolling this out over the next 5 years if it proves to be successful.

For vacancies and apprenticeships in Lancashire County Council please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies

For further information about anything mentioned in this article please contact Ruth Ashworth rutha@nweo.org.uk

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A DAY IN THE

LIFE OF... Kim

Nguyen

“The RAF has presented me with an opportunity to develop myself educationally, mentally and physically. The emphasis is placed on being part of a team whilst fulfilling a career that will ultimately take you to all areas of the world” My Role ‘My trade is Information Communication Technology (ICT). We are the specialists who provide, manage and maintain the RAF’s wide ranging ICT and electronics equipment. I am currently based at RAF Kirton in Lindsey in North Lincolnshire, working on a deployable command and control radar. I work in Number 1 Air Control Centre, (1ACC) which employs 182 personnel from various trades within the RAF. 1ACC has a long range radar which monitors the skies and feeds the picture of the air space into a Tactical Air Control Centre (TACC). The TACC contains some specialist equipment that allows the radar picture to be analysed. My primary responsibilities are the maintenance and deployment of the TACC. Also, being in the RAF and especially when we deploy to a theatre of operations, we have to maintain a high standard of military skills, weapons handling, first aid, etc. My particular job also requires me to be trained in fibre optics as well as driving a variety of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)’.

involve ensuring that all consumables used by Section personnel are replenished prior to any deployment and I also closely monitor corrosion control of the equipment shelters that we use. I’ve had the opportunity to complete many civilian-recognised courses and a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering. All of these qualifications further my ability to work, both in Civvy Street and in the RAF’.

My Experiences ‘1ACC is currently deployed to Afghanistan and I was part of the initial team that deployed the equipment there in October 2006. Recently, we have also deployed the TACC to Portreath in Cornwall and South Wales for training exercises. I regularly take the opportunity to participate in adventurous training and most recently I have been skiing, diving and sailing. I also play football and go rock-climbing with friends from my Unit. I enjoy boxing and have recently qualified as an Official for the Amateur Boxing Association. Most of this is funded by the RAF’.

One Day in My Life

My Life

‘I prepare the Section’s equipment so that the operations staff can carry out their own specific roles: operational; exercising or training. I carry out fault diagnosis and maintain the high equipment standards associated with the Unit’s high tech equipment. Other duties

‘The RAF has given me access to many great life changing experiences.

I plan to continue furthering my education, whilst pursuing my interests in boxing and adventurous training. My aspiration is to become a commissioned officer in the RAF’.

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Stop thinking you can’t… …Start believing you can information in ‘Don’t stop doing what you love’ the Aimhigher guide for young people in Year 9 n by freephone on 0800 587 8500 n by textphone on 0800 280024 What is Higher Education all about?

Unlike school, you’re at university or college because you want to be, learning more about a subject or job you’re really into. You’ll have more control over how and when you study - though it’s up to you to make the most of it.

You’ll find higher education challenging - getting used to new ways of learning and thinking may take time - but you’ll have a lot of fun along the way. You’ll also have lots of opportunities to experience new things and meet new people.

What is Aimhigher Lancashire?

What can you study @ Uni?

Aimhigher Lancashire is part of the national Aimhigher programme, which encourages young people with potential who might not normally consider Higher Education (HE) to ‘aim higher’. It aims to raise aspirations, widen horizons and create a greater skills base in the workplace.

Aimhigher Lancashire is one of 5 area partnerships in the North West, and is represented by relevant stakeholders and agencies in Lancashire who are committed to the development and promotion of a coherent programme of activities.

For more information on Aimhigher log onto: www.aimhigher.ac.uk www.aimhigher.ac.uk/Lancashire

Thinking about going into Higher Education? Get the Aimhigher guide If you’re thinking about going to university or college when you’re 18, there’s lots of

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You can study lots of interesting subjects at university or a college offering higher education courses. Most people study one or two subjects, but in a lot of detail. There are higher education courses in subjects you studied at school, like maths or English.

Or there are more unusual options, such as criminology (the study of crime) or software engineering (learning to write computer software - games or other programs). Other courses lead to a specific job: for example, journalism or medicine. It’s possible to study ‘combined’ courses. For example, someone wishing to follow a career in politics but with an interest in art might study both subjects together.

Getting more information on your options!

There’s a huge variety of higher education courses on offer, with lots of different study options. Aimhigher can help you explore what’s available and find the one that’s just right for you, whatever your age or circumstances

at www.aimhigher.ac.uk. As well as advice on choosing a course, in the ‘University and higher education’ section you’ll find information on: n

n

n

n

what higher education can do for you - and what student life is like flexible ways to study - including part-time courses that let you work while you’re learning the different ways of getting into higher education - whether you’re expecting to get A levels or other qualifications like NVQs or a BTEC - and information on Access to Higher Education courses for people without formal qualifications details of the financial support available

Further information can be found on your local HEI’s websitesn University of Central Lancashire- www. uclan.ac.uk n University of Cumbria- www.cumbria.ac.uk n Edge Hill University- www.edgehill.ac.uk n Lancaster University- www.lancs.ac.uk Choosing which subjects to study at School There are some subjects so important that everyone has to take them, but you’ll still have lots of options in Year 9.

Remember that Years 10 and 11 aren’t just about GCSEs. Courses are taught in different ways, and it may be that one type suits you more than others.

Depending on what’s available at your school, you may also be able to do work-related courses like Young Apprenticeships, or courses in Key Skills like English and maths.

From September 2008, selected schools will also be offering new Diploma qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds.

Have a look at opportunities for 14-19 yr olds in lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool at www.steps4me.co.uk.

www.aimhigher.ac.uk

n the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) can arrange support if you have a disability or learning difficulty which affects your studies n a volunteer or learning mentor can help with any problems getting in the way of your learning – ask if there’s one at your school n Connexions Connexions offer information and advice for young people on a range of issues, including careers: n

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your school’s Connexions Resource Centre provides printed guides, DVDs, computer programs and internet access to help you research courses, careers, training and qualifications Connexions personal advisers give confidential advice on a range of issues – you should have been introduced to yours in school during Year 8 or 9, or you can talk to one at your local Connexions Partnership Connexions Direct advisers - contact them by phone, email, web chat or text message for free, confidential advice Connexions Direct helpline: 080 800 13 2 19

Aimhigher Lancashire @ Rock FM

What sort of person are you?

To help you decide what to study in Years 10 and 11, start by asking yourself what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at.

Think about: n what you’re interested in: it could be other cultures and languages, writing projects, helping people, being outdoors or designing things n what types of activity you enjoy most working things out and thinking them through, practical activities or artistic options like painting, drawing or performing music n what you’re like at home, as well as in school - what skills have you developed Where can you get help and advice?

The choices are yours, but most people look

for advice on important decisions. There’s plenty available, but you should do as much as you can yourself to research all the options.

Parents, carers, family and friends probably know you best, so talking to them can help you work out what might suit you. But remember that they won’t always know a lot about careers or courses you’re interested in.

If you’re planning to work towards a particular career or college course, don’t be put off just because it means taking a different direction from friends or family members. n People at school Lots of people at school can help: n subject teachers know exactly what studying a subject in Year 10 and 11 involves, and can advise whether it’s right for you n careers co-ordinators can tell you which subjects and qualifications are useful for particular careers

Aimhigher Lancashire is working with Rock Fm to support their ‘Your Future’ project. In addition to the interactive ‘Your Future’ website at www.rockfm.co.uk, Aimigher and Rock FM have developed a programme which enables students involved in the Aimhigher Lancashire project to a have a day at Rock FM. Sessions offer on-air and on-line podcast production where they will produce and record a live show, record a podcast, experience audio editing using industry standard software and equipment, experience a DJ Masterclass and so much more. Professionals who work everyday in the media will support all of this and pass on their own experiences direct to the students.

For more information on Aimhigher log onto: www.aimhigher.ac.uk www.aimhigher.ac.uk/Lancashire

www.aimhigher.ac.uk/Lancashire

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o g 2 y a W ! s r e e n engi When you are making your career choice, the skills you have gained at school may influence your career route. What subjects did you do well in? Which hobbies do you enjoy? If you like sciences, maths and design and like to tinker with all things mechanical in your spare time then a career in engineering maybe for you.

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“Being responsible for people is not always easy, but I really enjoyed it and would like, in time, to be the manager of a much larger section – or even a whole plant.”

Engineering is a skilled profession. We expect the things that engineers do to work, cars to be safe, planes to fly, however unlike being a doctor or a vet, engineering has many different career paths into it. Some entrants follow a hands on route, choosing an apprenticeship and gaining valuable skills through on the job training. People following this path will also undertake additional study at college or university on day release or even a block release basis. If you’re not keen on a totally academic route, this could be the way for you.

However, you may want to go to university and study engineering. This is the route which two engineers from the Jaguar Land Rover plant at Halewood Operations, in Liverpool have followed and we’ll now find out more about their career paths and current jobs.

Halewood Operations manufactures the Land Rover Freelander 2 and the Jaguar X-Type, which are based on completely different architecture and share no common parts, along the same production line. The factory employs some 2,200 people and builds cars for around 170 markets across the world. Ensuring that customers receive class leading build quality is the responsibility of all employees who are encouraged to problem solve and eliminate waste to protect customer quality and give the plant a competitive advantage.

Fiona Black is a quality engineer responsible for final quality of the bare car body before it is shipped off for painting, and has been working

at Halewood for the past four years. Her route into engineering followed the traditional path.

After completing her A levels she studied for four years at Newcastle University graduating with a Master’s Degree in Engineering, and then joined the Halewood team.

Fiona chose engineering on the basis of her school studies. “I liked physics, maths and problem solving and engineering used all of these skills” she said. “After graduation and joining the company, my first position was in the Press Shop where I learnt about pressing sheet steel into panels for car bodies.

The role also gave me an opportunity to supervise people, something that I found very challenging. Being responsible for people is not always easy, but I really enjoyed it and would like, in time, to be the manager of a much larger section – or even a whole plant.”

When asked about the best part of her current job, Fiona replied. “I’m responsible for the quality of the car body, something that’s really important for the customer and for the reputation of the plant and brand, which makes me proud every time I see one of our cars on the motorway.”

Mark Parody is a senior production engineer in the factory. Mark works in the Trim and Final area, where components such as windows, the engine and seats are fitted to the painted car bodies to complete the vehicles. Mark and his team must respond to any problems or production hold ups quickly to prevent line stoppages. He has followed a traditional path into engineering, but unlike Fiona, wanted to be an engineer from childhood. Mark explained, “From being little I would help my dad to restore his old cars, and I quickly learnt how to use a spanner and then how to take things apart and see how they worked.”

He also admits that Lego Technics was a great teacher, helping him to develop his own ideas and learn to problem solve, and he also enjoyed building and racing his own radio controlled cars.

Convinced that an engineering career was for him, and with a fascination for cars, Mark was determined to have a career in the auto industry and studied maths, physics and design to ensure that he got a place at university studying production engineering. He joined Jaguar after completing his studies, as a graduate entrant in 2003, which gave him the opportunity to learn all about the company and the different job roles available.

Although he had secured the job of his dreams, Mark has continued to study. After joining the company he enrolled on a course that would lead him to achieving Chartered Engineer status. After four years of additional study, Mark received his charter in 2007 and is enthusiastic about its benefits. “It’s been a great help to me, developing me professionally, helping me to get promoted and keeping me aware of other developments.”

Mark is keen to stress the benefits of the course in other ways too. Although Jaguar Land Rover shares best practice across all sites, the course helped Mark become aware of new developments and practices in other industries, and he hopes some of them can be applied to his work at Halewood.

Whatever your route, successful careers are created by developing the skills and hobbies you are interested in and finding a job which will allow you to make the most of your knowledge and enthusiasm whilst also learning and developing new skills.

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adjusting to student life Problems at Uni/College

If it all goes horribly wrong, Don’t panic. Many students find uni or college life a daunting and difficult adjustment. Classes and workload may get too much, you find yourself facing problems with teachers, tutors or advisors or in any number of other academic pickles. Here’s a rough guide to help you through all the ifs...

If you need to extend your deadline…

Unbeknownst to many students, “the voices told me to hand the essay in late” is not a good excuse. It’s fair to say that tutors have probably heard every lame plea for deadline extensions in the book. So be honest. If you have had some serious personal, family or illness issues that have interfered with studying, discuss it and see what compromise may be available. And don’t forget to get a doctor’s note if you have missed more than a couple of classes due to illness.

If you’re failing your course…

Naughty, naughty. Bet you saw this coming, though. Don’t waste another minute and hightail it over to your tutor, pronto. Discuss the issue with them and see how you might salvage your academic career. They might suggest a re-write on a crucial test, if you’re lucky, some extra work or give some insight into finding extracurricular help. If this proves unfruitful, you may try Student Services for general advice.

If you want to change or leave your course…

Signed up for mechanical engineering only to find out that you may be better suited to a class of basket-weaving? There are many things to consider when changing your course, the least of which is the complicated financial arrangements and deadlines if you change schools or programs. Still, if you’re terribly unhappy with a module or programme, contact your tutor or advisor sharpish. Think long and hard about your reasons, and have a back up plan ready. Your tutor will be able to direct you to the next step or help you resolve some of your problems with the course. Failing this, contact Student Services for more advice.

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If you have a problem with staff, the school, or if you’ve been accused of plagiarising or other misconduct…

All universities and colleges have a code of practice that outlines the university’s rules as well as your basic and academic rights.

When you join that university, you are basically agreeing to abide by those rules and can get nailed with nasty penalties if you step out of line.

You will be sent or given this document (usually in a booklet) before you start classes, and it’s actually in your best interest to read it and not lose it. If you have, drop by your Student Union or Student Services offices to get a new one.

As all universities have different approaches to disciplinary procedures, what constitutes misconduct and how to report alleged misconduct, consult your manual or talk to Student Services or Student Union to see how proceed. Make sure you’ve done research and read the fine print carefully!

You may be required to take the issue further up the uni chain, so ensure that your complaint (or your defence against a complaint levelled at you) is properly prepared. For example, that your teacher “sucks” or wears bad ties usually isn’t enough to raise a stink.

However, if you are genuinely having problems with a member of staff or have suffered any racial, sexual or discriminatory abuse, make sure you speak up. The situation won’t be remedied if you keep quiet. Otherwise, welcome to uni! Hope you enjoy/survive your stay…

“if you are genuinely having problems with a member of staff or have suffered any racial, sexual or discriminatory abuse, make sure you speak up�...

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‘Portrait of a Nation’ Portrait of a Nation is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the UK’s youth to express what is special to them about they come from, their local culture, community and identity.

This unique project is being run by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Liverpool Culture Company and 16 other member cities of the Urban Cultural Network.

A series of exciting events by young people from the 17 cities will showcase young peoples’ arts and heritage projects, revealing what being British means to them and what they want it to mean in the future.

Dance, Music, theatre, painting and photography are among the many ways in which this exploration of identity will be expressed.

Mancunian pride. Local teenaged bands rocked the outside stage; local fashion designers worked with young people to create original garments, there was a high-level teenaged Question Time debate and arts, music and crafts throughout the building.

“I am a member of the Manchester Youth Forum, which organised Manchester’s youth event.

I will hopefully be going to Liverpool in December to take part in the big event there. In the forum I helped to apply for the grants to get the money to fund the day.”

Everything will culminate in a spectacular festival in December 2008 in Liverpool, bringing the curtain down on their European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.

What’s been happening in the North West?

Over 300 young people between the ages of 13 and 16 from across Manchester took over Urbis for a day in July at the city’s Portrait of a Nation event - We Make Manchester.

Nathan Jeffreys – aged 13 Wright Robbinson College - Manchester

On the day there were bands, debate, creative activity and sunshine! Everything was informed by the 6 words Urbis Youth Forum felt described Manchester best; Misunderstood, Influential, Iconic, Multicultural, Individual, United-City.

Finance, marketing, technical requirements, security and the overall creative vision had been determined by the young people themselves.

The youth forum had worked for several months leading up to the final day and had taken charge of all aspects of the event.

13th July saw young people from across the city arrive at Urbis and enjoy a free day, without adults and with a firm focus on

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Forty miles away, Liverpool is busy running five exciting Portrait of a Nation projects. This month, we focus on the National Museums Liverpool’s work with young people from Kirkdale, Speke Garston and the city centre on a project called Making Your Mark. Their activities used museum collections and the emerging content of the new Museum of Liverpool to simulate and shape the following:-

www.portraitofanation.net

at the Walker Art Gallery. Working with Debbie Ryan, mosaic artist, the group spent a day taking pictures of Liverpool, capturing how they see the city, focusing on the people, the atmosphere in words and pictures. You can see this piece, measuring 8ft long x 4ft high, at the Walker Art Gallery alongside the Liverpool Cityscape until November 2008.

The Launch - to get the project off with a bang, over 100 young people were treated to an amazing free running performance in and outside the museum. Over pizza, the young people heard first hand about our plans for the project, an opportunity for individuals and groups to sign up to free running and portrait workshops over the following weeks.

The ‘Commy’ (Speke Community Centre) produced a film about young people living in an area outside the city, focusing on their hopes and aspirations, their look and style, their clothes and where they live and how this has impacted on the likelihood of receiving Section 30 and Section 60 stop forms.

Barnardo’s young carers produced a mosaic response to the Liverpool Cityscape, created

by Ben Johnson and currently on exhibition

Meanwhile, Kirkdale Theatre Group performed ‘Past, Present and Future’, 110 minutes of wonderful dance, music and drama telling the history of Liverpool through time. 4 performances took place during May in the Treasure House Theatre, World Museum. The audience took through a journey through time.

Set in 20008 in the Museum of Liverpool, the magical history tour visited King John and the signing of the charter, the city and its part in slavery, Victorian Liverpool, setting sail for America, the Swinging Sixties, the riots of the 80s right up to the first of many Capital of Culture years 2008.

The Portrait – throughout all these activities, Joann Kushner, photographer, has captured images, words, graffiti, tattoos, piercing, clothes, hair styles, fashion, action and much more creating a 4 minute film which we hope celebrates young people and the city of Liverpool. Their hope is to project this creation for all to see during main Portrait of a Nation event in December 2008.

Watch this space as we chart the progress of the North West in 2008!

So how can you get involved?

The debate is happening live online at www.portraitofanation.net , with blogs, pictures and films. Get involved by adding favourite cultural ‘hot spots’ to your home town.

www.portraitofanation.net

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l a i c e p S e h T y r a l u b a st Con Are you Special?

The Special Constabulary is a body of volunteers that consists of men and women from all walks of life who, in their spare time, provide assistance to the regular police force.

Special Constables perform a vital role in modern policing by supporting the regular force, dealing with a variety of incidents and offences and interacting with our diverse communities.

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Positive Action Team t: 0161 856 1141 E: positiveactionteam@gmp.police.uk

Special Constables learn many new skills and take on additional responsibilities to those they may have in their full-time jobs. At the same time, the role of Special Constable could enable you to develop characteristics not previously recognised whilst making a worthwhile contribution to the community.

Special Constable Duties Special Constables have a demanding and diverse role to play. Your duties could include: n n

n n

n

n n

n n n

Detecting and investigating crimes Taking statements from offenders and witnesses Making arrests Interviewing witnesses, offenders and suspects of crime Taking fingerprints and photographs of offenders Charging or cautioning prisoners Writing case summaries and local intelligence reports Submitting paperwork for summons Attending court and giving evidence Assisting with community liason and crime prevention initiatives

As a Special Constable you will have the same powers as a regular officer and wear a similar uniform. You are trained to assist regular officers and act under supervision to increase the effectiveness of local police initiatives.

Building up good relationships between the police and the public, you can develop new skills and take on additional responsibilities, as well as making a worthwhile contribution to the local community.

What Qualifications do you need to join the Special Constabulary?

No formal qualifications are required to be a Special Constable, but a good educational standard is recommended to be successful in the recruitment process.

Applicants for appointment are required to be: n

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A British citizen or a member of the EC/ EEA. Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals who are resident in the UK free of restrictions can also apply.

Resident in the UK for the last three years

“AS a Special Constable you will have the same powers as a regular officer and wear a similar uniform�

(prior to submitting an application form). n Aged at least 18 on appointment. n In good health.

How much time is a Special Constable expected to commit?

Special Constables are required to perform at least one four-hour tour of duty each week (cumulative total of 200 hours per year), giving a regular commitment.

What allowances are available to a Special Constable?

Your uniform is provided and you will receive a boot allowance for appropriate footwear.

Even though the role of Special Constable is performed on a voluntary basis all out-ofpocket expenses are reimbursed including travel to and from your place of work.

Loss of wages through attendance at court or due to a requirement of duty will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Constable.

Positive Action Team t: 0161 856 1141 E: positiveactionteam@gmp.police.uk

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? cience S Studying Why Not Go the Extra Mile?

Add Depth and Get Interested in Your Chosen Subject Find out what University Level study is like before you go

You can do any one of the following Open University Short Courses alongside your AS/A2 studies. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Introducing astronomy Life in the oceans: exploring our blue planet Fossils and the history of life Planets: an introduction How the Universe works Molecules, medicine and drugs, Human genetics and health issues Archaeology: the science of investigation Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis Understanding the weather Elements of forensic science Diabetes care Understanding cardiovascular diseases Introducing health science: a case study approach Challenging obesity

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Andy Coombes The Understanding the Universe was an opportunity to continue with physics because I had to give it up for A level. There was some stuff that I had never done before and it got progressively harder but maintained your interest. The Ekpryotic Universe particularly grabbed me – I used it for my biology talk.

The OU provide excellent teaching materials designed for independent learning. Each course is the equivalent of a 10 credit first year University course or just under 10% of the first year coursework. Not much towards a full degree but of great value for convincing University admissions tutor that you can cope with the academic standard and are capable of self motivated study. Most of the OU courses overlap with some of the AS/A2 curriculum but they take the subject further, putting the scientific discoveries in context and discussing applications and their implications for the future. This will give you something to talk about at interview and on your personal statement, something to get your teeth into and confirm your reasons for wanting to learn more.

ve What other students ha

said...

James Jackson n Studying Mammals. I want to be a vet. The course gave a different view and broader detail – things that we haven’t covered in and the lessons. The DVDs are great and the materials good especially for giving examples that support the theories and an awareness of all the animals are out there – not just the small ones.

Rob Burns n Life in the Oceans. I started by watching the DVDs and postponed the reading til the holiday - I found reading it all in one go easier. You get the whole Blue Planet series – I had watched it before but it was good to watch again.

I am interested in doing marine biology or forensics and this helped with biology and other subjects.

Stuart Brindle n I took the course about the Universe because it was a combination of particle physics and cosmology and I have always been interested in sub – particle physics. It didn’t take as much time as it said. The last bit was about other dimensional objects called Branes Theory – I didn’t quite get it and I am glad it wasn’t tested. I spoke about it at the interview.

YOU TOO CAN ENROL WITH THE OU IN YOUR COLLEGE OR SCHOOL. There are short courses in many other subjects such as writing fiction, digital photography and robotics as well as the science courses listed above.

Go to the website to find out more www.openuniversity.co.uk/way08.

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

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welcome to the world of

chartered surveyors 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…

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

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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,

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with average starting salaries as much as £24,000 rising to 35,000 in five years.

Chartered status is the gateway to numerous job and career opportunities.

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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.

What do I need to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor?

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.

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 t hat 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 web-site 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 website at www.rics.org/careers

dy Tis U S E S A g C in n n la p e h t in r o y e rv u s Holly Hilliard, a senior , s a n o J rs e v ri D t a t n e m rt a and development dep n o d n o L f o d n E t s e W e h t based in What got you interested in surveying?

My interest in land and property began at quite a young age. My father worked for a development company and used to take me with him to look at potential development opportunities and I found the whole idea of physically transforming a piece of land into something different very appealing; hence my desire to focus my career on development.

After completing a Land Management degree at Reading University in 2002, I began working for Drivers Jonas.

What do you enjoy most about your career in surveying?

The variety of work that I do and the range of people that I get to meet is a highlight for me. One day I may be advising a limited company on the potential development value of a brownfield site and the next I could be scouring the countryside for a suitable location for a national sports club. I particularly enjoy the transactional element to my job and not just for the celebration after a good deal is done!

What interesting projects have you been involved in while as surveyor?

Gallions Park is one of the most interesting projects I’ve been involved with to date. It is set to be the first large-scale zero-carbon residential scheme in London and aims to provide the benchmark for sustainable development in the future. I’ve learnt a huge amount in terms of building design, construction and energy agreements as well as the importance of ongoing education to ensure

the development retains its zero-carbon status after completion. Reducing carbon emissions is a hot topic at the moment and an issue which both global leaders and the man on the street have an opinion about. It’s therefore very exciting to be so actively involved in such a pioneering development.

Have you worked on any international projects or obtained any overseas travel experience?

Not in a work sense although I do love to travel and I spent three months in Australasia and the Far East prior to joining Drivers Jonas.

What are your future career ambitions?

I want to help in progressing the sustainable development agenda throughout the property industry and ultimately help deliver high profile developments that I can be proud of.

What does RICS mean to you?

The RICS is a very important organisation that provides support to its members at all levels. I was very proud to obtain my MRICS qualification and believe it is an important foundation on which to build your career.

“I was very proud to obtain my MRICS qualification and believe it is an important foundation on which to build your career”

www.rics.org/careers

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A Career in the Chemicals Industry ? velop de and ver disco you What will

seeking enquiring minds and people with a technical flair to discover new approaches.

Opportunities and options

When it comes to the chemicals industry, what people sometimes forget is that every thing is made up of chemicals! And importantly chemicals are safe and highly effective if controlled in the right way. Our quality of life would be impossible without chemicals and the products that are made from them. The chemicals produced by the industry are used to make plastics, paints, additives, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and many other products in our lives today.

The chemicals industry is a big and economically important sector with around 146,000 employees around the UK. It’s got an exciting future and there are a range of roles for those interested in getting on the career ladder.

On average, full-time employees’ hourly earnings are 19% higher than in manufacturing generally. This reflects high skill, productivity and training levels. Graduate starting salaries range from around £20,000 to £25,000 a year and senior people with professional status can earn well beyond £50,000 a year. Jobs include process operators and laboratory technicians through to safety managers and site directors.

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The companies that make the products work around the clock to ensure highly safe, clean and efficient processes and the people who handle them are trained to the highest standards of safety and environmental management. This is an industry that traditionally provides well-paid, long term careers and opportunities to progress in the UK and in some cases around the world Discovery and innovation are central to the chemicals industry– new drugs to cure disease, the development of new greener production processes and materials that can be recycled and re-used are top priorities in the sector. New product development is a constant challenge, and the employers are

A dedicated website www.cogent-careers.com shows all the roles in the chemicals industry - including where a particular job fits into the organisation, the work area, the key responsibilities, and the typical day-to-day duties which the post-holder will be expected to carry out. The website also demonstrates the education and qualification requirements and the salary you can expect if you join the industry.

Interested in science?

A big concern of the employers in the sector is the shortage of young people choosing to study science at both school and University.

Each year the number of people studying science remains similar: yet these science industries will need thousands of new recruits – including technicians, operators, scientists, engineers and managers – over the next decade.

If you are interested in science you might want to check out Cogent’s partner, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Cheshire. It has an exciting, state-of-the-art Catalytic Discovery Lab which hosts a range of workshops and hands-on activities for students. http://www.catalyst.org.uk/

www.cogent-careers.com

Making the right choice Choosing the right career isn’t always straightforward, but you can do it if you ask yourself the right questions and take time to think about what really motivates you.

Izabela Malyszko travelled from her homeland of Poland to take up a job at Veolia on the Wirral job opportunities and chose the North West of England, being the largest regional centre for chemical manufacturing in the UK. After just 2 weeks of job seeking I had three job interviews! One of them was at Veolia Environmental Services High Temperature Incinerator Plant in Ellesmere Port where I accepted a lab analyst position.

Veolia engineers and chemists who devised a number of practical experiments which allowed primary school children to have hands on experience in a laboratory environment and understand simple chemical reactions and physical laws. This is a really remarkable project for the promotion of science amongst children in the UK. What about my future prospects as a chemist? My life goal is to meet the challenges of a changing world and I bet with the chemistry background I can make it; I just have to keep an open mind.

Chemistry has got multiple areas of specialization. For the first three years at university I chose organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry courses. Afterwards I did more microbiological/biotechnological specialization - 2 years of genetic engineering.

That’s the subject I found fascinating, besides I believe the more comprehensive your education is, the greater the employment options.

I started my experience at Veolia in 2006 and my main responsibility was to analyse waste samples in accordance with standard laboratory procedures. Waste disposal may not sound like the best job but the advanced technology used makes it very interesting.

I was measuring analytical parameters on waters and industrial waste samples and Veolia supported me in Gas Chromatography training, where I attended training and a number of seminars. The following year I became responsible for the Environmental Lab, using what I had learnt and also started to carry out health and safety monitoring of employees. I’m pleased I can apply my chemical skills to measure people’s exposure to hazardous substances at work.

As a newly qualified chemist I decided to be adventurous and explore the world. I researched places in Europe offering attractive

Recently my manager encouraged me to take part in the “Children Challenging Industry” project. I was part of a team of

Why did I choose chemistry? I thought about my strengths at school: maths and science.

I’ve always enjoyed solving problems, carrying out experiments, thinking independently and following logical paths of reasoning. On top of that there are endless career opportunities in chemistry. Choosing the right university was the next step and after some research I decided to study at the Gdansk University of Technology, one of the 10 top-ranking universities in Poland.

“My life goal is to meet the challenges of a changing world and I bet with the chemistry background I can make it”

www.cogent-careers.com

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JOB HUNTING

Newsflash! Money doesn’t grow on trees!

Unless you were born with a silver spoon up your nose, chances are, you’re going to have work for your wedge. Get used to it.

But first you need a job. Something that, preferably, doesn’t involve you saying “do you want fries with that?”

First, think about your skills and interests.

It sounds naff, we know, but there’s no point slinging burgers if you’re a vegetarian or working at The Gap when you’re a goth.

And nevermind that, what about once you’ve graduated? What are you going to do with that expensive degree and all the handy education you picked up?

Once you’ve identified your interests or a career path—no matter how gravelly or long that path may be—start by looking at which companies are leaders in their field. Ring up and identify whom within the company you need to speak with or mail your CV to.

Then, think carefully about why you want to join them, how you’d fit in, what skills you can offer them, and then research the organization.

But first, here’s a quick plan of attack: n Be brief in your cover letters. Nuff said. n

Think carefully about the job ad—read between the lines and consider what other skills may be required. Then address these in your research and preparation.

n Most large companies have a human

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resources department that has a handle on all positions available. Call them first or find out who specifically within the company you need to talk to. But be on guard: people may sneakily interview over the phone so don’t get caught out.

“There are lots of possibilities out there, you just need to decide which to go after.” n Use the right words for the job…make sure you’re familiar with the necessary lingo and technology terms. n Be professional. Try to curb your use of slang, ummm’s and uh’s and yeahs. In other words, fake it. n

Keep a list of all the companies you have contacted, with the dates you’ve mailed out CVs or the names of the people (and their titles) who you spoke with and then…

n Follow up! Don’t trust anyone to get back to you. Hassle them after 1-2 weeks. But hassle them politely or risk

appearing desperate. Treat it like a date and play it cool but persistent.

n

If you apply via the Web, ensure that all your contact details are correct, that you have a working email addy that you can check regularly and that you have attached all CVs properly and in a simple file type, such as Word or embed it in the actual email. Just make sure it looks okay. Some formatting comes out all screwy at the other end, so to be sure, try emailing it to a friend to double check.

Oh, and avoid special characters like quotation marks. They tend to go all wonky.

And if that’s not enough to consider, you’ll also have to think about what type of work you want to do. Casual or part-time, temping, volunteer, teaching English in a foreign country, overseas placements or work experience here in the UK are all options.

Think about how much time you can spare, what you want to gain from the job, whether it’s for short or long term, if you want to do it here or overseas and if it fits in with your chosen career. Then go check out all the options. There are lots of possibilities out there, you just need to decide which to go after.

, Then go get ‘em tiger.

“do you want fries with that?”

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YOUNG PEOPLE CAN EARN AND LEARN WITH EMA If you’re planning to go to college, school sixth form or begin vocational training and are aged between 16 and 18, you could be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (or EMA for short) of up to £30 per week so that you can earn while you learn.

Whatever you learn after 16, it could be your springboard to getting good training, better qualifications, a decent job and higher pay later on too. Experts have predicted that by 2010, fewer jobs will be open to people without at least five good GCSEs or the equivalent (such as an NVQ Level 2). So the more qualifications you get, the more choice and earning potential you’ll have.

EMA is available for a range of vocational and academic courses, including Level 2 diplomas in a wide variety of subjects including Fashion Retail, Engineering, Aerobic Instruction and Business, GCSE retakes and A levels.

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Funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), EMA payments are intended to help relieve the pressure on you whist you continue in learning. They provide that extra bit of income that can cover the day-to-day costs you have to meet when you stay on at school or college. The money’s paid directly into your bank account, so once it’s there you can use it to pay for whatever you like - such as travel costs and equipment for your course.

The amount you receive is calculated by looking at how much

money is coming into your household. To qualify, your household income must be no higher than £30,810 (tax year 07/08). This amount does not include any money you earn from part time work and EMA does not affect any other household benefits your parents may receive.

John Korzeniewski, Regional Director for the LSC in the North West concluded, “It’s important to recognise the difference that EMA can make whilst deciding whether to continue in learning – we’re always urging young people to take advantage of EMA. It is really easy to apply for EMA and what takes just a few minutes could make a huge difference to you, not only over the next few years, but for the rest of your life.”

William Hiscock has been receiving EMA whilst studying for his diploma Motor Vehicle Technology, he comments “Without EMA, I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere.

EMA is a huge help when buying tools and driving lessons. When I first started my course it was great motivation to attend lessons – but now I mainly spend it on things for college anyway as that is where it is most needed.”

To find out if you are eligible to receive an EMA visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema or call the EMA helpline on 0800 121 8989.

N O I P M A H C E G A U G N A L S BUSINES L O O H C S D E S A -B E R I VISITS CHESH

Regional Language Network North West (RL N NW) have announced local businesswoman Anne Benfedda as the newest member of their Business Language Champions (BLC).

The BLC initiative includes setting up visits between schools and regional businesses to promote the importance of language skills and cultural understanding in business, all key messages of RLN NW.

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www.rln-northwest.com

“It’s hugely important to help students understand the benefits of being able to speak another language” Visiting Hartford High, Anne took the school’s assembly, where she explained to students how she uses languages daily in her role as marketing manager for Geo-Science, a specialist scientific company based in Wales. She also explained in today’s fast-moving business world, how language skills are becoming increasingly important across all kinds of industries Anne said: “It’s hugely important to help students understand the benefits of being able to speak another language. As a BLC I have been given the opportunity to visit Hartford High which gives me an excellent chance to get that message across”.

Whilst hosting the assembly Anne also met with pupils, Stephen Berry and Robert Brown, and offered congratulations on their winning the language competition. ‘Destino Valencia’ was run by VLC Turismo Valencia and Generalitad Valenciana to promote the use of languages in education, with entrants having to submit a Spanish written Powerpoint presentation promoting Valencia as a holiday destination.

The lucky pupils received a one week football training course with Valencia football school, including a day’s training with Valencia Football Club team, excursion trips and of course, a football kit.

Inma Peña, Hartford High’s Spanish teacher said: “The school is extremely proud of Robert and Stephen’s achievement. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are looking forward to hearing all about their Spanish experiences”.

Dr Cristina Sousa, managing director of Regional Language Network North West says: “Our Business Language Champion initiative offers pupils an opportunity to observe and understand the benefits of gaining language skills and how they can be adapted in the workplace. We are delighted with the success of the programme to date and look forward to future exchanges”.

www.rln-northwest.com

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Our vision is simple…

To be a world class operator of utility infrastructure.

Every minute…

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

Every hour…

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

We treat 1.3 million litres of wastewater for our UK customers

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 month…

Every week…

We invest over £57,000 in community projects

www.UNITEDUTILITIES.com

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Farnborough Airshow E erospace A an ecome B The jet engines of the future may have been designed at Farnborough Air Show on 18th-20th July 2008 by the young people who visited the North West Aerospace Alliance’s stand. The University of Manchester ‘s ‘So you think you can design a Jet Engine?!’ exhibition team was selected by the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) to exhibit on NWAA Farnborough’s stand on the International Youth Day and Public Days.

The exhibition team, led by Professor Philip Withers Director of the University of Manchester Aerospace Research Institute (UMARI), collaborated with the Schools of Materials and MACE and the University of Manchester Aerospace Research Institute (UMARI) as well as the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) to showcase the cutting edge technologies being developed by engineers and scientists to lower the environmental impact of air travel. The exhibition shows how jet engines work by allowing young people and their families to take a virtual 3D journey through its critical components. This enabled them to see for themselves how innovative research combines modern materials with novel manufacturing techniques and rigorous testing procedures; allowing engine designers to create jet engines for an environmentally friendly future. They then put this knowledge to the test and designed their own jet engine and looked on nervously as a simulation showed if and how far their plane would fly.

In addition to this, the Museum of Science

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and Industry (MOSI) showcased their science show “Up, Up and Away” ,to the delight of the many guests, which is described as follows: “All aboard this flight of fancy. Join us for this action‐packed family show on the science of how planes fly. Find out about the forces of thrust, drag, lift and gravity. Volunteer and take part in experiments to demonstrate how planes take off and stay in the sky.”

Over 2000 young people visited the NWAA at Farnborough and got the opportunity to speak to young engineers regarding their career in the Careers and Information area. Many were amazed by how many careers are available in Aerospace.

This activity has certainly enhanced the perception of Engineering (and in particular advanced manufacturing) as a valid career choice offering exciting roles, good career prospects and excellent salaries. Perhaps the next Sir Frank Whittle or A. V. Roe has been discovered!

www.aerospace.co.uk

2008 – Engineer!!

“All aboard this flight of fancy. Join us for this action packed family show on the science of how planes fly” www.aerospace.co.uk

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“Saskia is a great example of how the scheme works and how it’s managed to channel her talents and passion for the industry.” things that really fascinated me,” comments Saskia.

SASKIA SHINES AS TV APPRENTICE

Media apprentice, Saskia Diecidue is ‘out shining’ the competition at independent production company Shine North, by being named as Apprentice of the Month by the regional screen agency, Northwest Vision and Media.

Working on behalf of the TV, film, radio, digital and games industries to develop a world-class media economy in England’s Northwest, Northwest Vision and Media has developed a unique apprenticeship scheme, allowing people who would not normally get the opportunity, to gain experience in the TV industry.

Nineteen-year-old Saskia, from Prestwich, Manchester, started her current placement just under a month ago and she is already confident that this is the career she wants to pursue, “After leaving St Monica’s school in

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Prestwich I wanted to go to college, but didn’t know what to study,” says Saskia, ”I ended up enrolling on, but not completing, five different courses and just couldn’t figure out what it was I wanted to do.”

Saskia then became pregnant and after having her baby was worried that she would miss out on college all together, when she was told about Northwest Vision and Media’s Media Apprenticeship Scheme. “It was ideal for me as I was interested in media and drama and had tried these courses at college, but it was the production side of

“When we launched the scheme last summer, it was the first time a production apprenticeship programme had been created specifically for the media industry, so we were unsure how it would be received,” explains David Longworth, Apprentice Training Manager for Northwest Vision and Media. “Saskia is a great example of how the scheme works and how it’s managed to channel her talents and passion for the industry.”

Since starting with Shine North, Saskia has been working on productions of Battle of the Brains, an exciting new game show, and Banged Up, the new controversial documentary that ‘jails’ 10 juveniles in an old prison in an attempt to steer them back onto the right path.

The placement with Shine North has enabled Saskia to experience different aspects of TV production, from dealing with music rights to assisting in the wardrobe department. As the company deals with all aspects of their productions in-house she has also been able to follow the process of making a programme from the very beginning right through to post production.

“I’ve become interested in parts of the production I never thought would interest me, such as the wardrobe department. The amount of work that goes into the clothing is fascinating. I love the hands-on experience I’m getting and feel that it’s more worth while than anything I could have done at college,” comments Saskia. “Every day is exciting and I learn something new. I’m now 100 per cent certain this is the industry I want to work in.”

www.thewaytogoonline.co.uk

n EDUCATION n CAREERS n LIFESTYLE