Long Road Careers e-mag, Issue 2

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It seems that our e-mag has hit the right note for many of you! Positive comments have been received from students, parents and teachers alike, so the Progression Team will try to keep the momentum going by listening to feedback and passing you information and guidance to the best of our ability. We will continue to include content that reaches across the range of progression options, and hopefully help as many people as possible in our publication.

Andy Goodwin- Head of Progression and Careers Leader

Eloise Wells- Careers Assistant Emma Greenhill- Careers Assistant

We hope your progression blossoms as much as our tree has done at college!

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IS UNIVERSITY A GOOD CHOICE FOR ME?

An interesting theme that seems to be emerging presently is that some Year 2 students are now reassessing their plans for the year ahead, with some considering university as a potential destination (previously, they had thought about alternatives).

Whilst this means a late application will need to be submitted, it is a very real possibility and one worth discussing with Progress Coaches. However, before engaging in that conversation, please consider the following points, so that you can get the most out of that discussion: - When you previously decided against university, was it because you left things too late? If so, then be encouraged that you can still apply.

- Had you previously thought that university was not the right option for you because you thought that your grades would be insufficient to gain a place on a degree? If so, consider looking at any of the following courses. They all involve studying at university, often ask for lower grades to gain a place, and can all lead to higher qualifications in the future:

Foundation Degree (2 years full-time)

Successful completion can lead to an offer to join the Full Degree in its second or occasionally, the final year. A good opportunity for those who want a new start, whilst recognising that they may have to increase personal commitment levels to their studies

HND (2 years full-time) Progression is similar to the Foundation Degree above

HNC (2 years part-time) Studied part-time, whilst working alongside in a job (content of the course is usually relevant to the job in question). Great if you can find a job and an employer who is okay with you studying. Increasingly being surpassed by Apprenticeships.

Foundation Course Different from the Foundation Degree above, this programme lasts for one year and is studied to develop skills and knowledge in a new area, e.g. Art (when Art A level/level 3 wasn’t studied). On successful completion of the course, it can lead to an offer of a place on a full-time degree. A real option for people thinking about changing direction with career plans.

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Whilst university is a good option for many students, do bear in mind that it is not necessarily the right path for others. It is really important for you to think this through properly, otherwise you may end up on a course that is not right for you, and a hefty student debt to boot! Have you considered the following?

Have my ideas changed since I originally decided against university?

If so, am I being realistic and fair to myself by ignoring those factors that originally put me off? In hindsight, were those factors realistic, did I research them properly, and do I now have a more informed view?

Have I done extensive research into the courses available, and have I looked at their content, student views, progression outcomes for graduates, to make an informed decision about whether this is the right path for me? In short, don’t rush. Spend time researching and thinking about this properly, before applying.

(Tip: Look at the item in this issue about using Higher Ideas).

Whilst there has been a drop in the number of Apprenticeships and job vacancies at present, might they increase again towards the end of the lockdown process?

Could I spend my time more productively, preparing for opportunities that come up so that I can apply with a strong submission?

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Can you ask yourself this simple question, and feel happy about the answer:

Where will this course of action take me?

The more confident you are about how it will help you in the long run, and the more that feels like the right thing to do, the greater are your chances of choosing the right thing.

If you have no ideas where a course of action is likely to take you, either you haven’t thought it through properly, researched in enough depth, or you maybe grasping at straws in an effort to delay serious thought about the future. If so, tread carefully.

When all is said and done, decisions about progression after Long Road usually contain an element of uncertainty about them. Predicting the future, afterall, is fraught with difficulties and we only have to look at the current spread of Coronavirus and its impacts to realise this.

What is certain is that the more time you spend reflecting honestly about what you would like to achieve, what you think you have to offer, and then what options to choose to get there, you will increase your chances of success in the future. Most students do this in Year 2 every year, and you now have the chance to reflect and feel good about your choices or do something about it.

For some, university is absolutely the right choice. For others, it may be an Apprenticeship, or a job with no training qualifications at all! Perhaps for some, it is advisable to pursue both options at once; a place at university, whilst seeking an Apprenticeship between now and September?

This approach is not only possible but having a back-up plan keeps the most doors open and will allow the most time before committing to the next step. We wish you well in your pursuits and will continue to try and support you as best as we can.

Andy Goodwin Head of Progression & Careers Leader

You now have the chance to reflect and feel good about your choices or do something about it."

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BIG OPPORTUNITIES JUST IN!

Human Resources - Higher Apprenticeship

Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

Working within an Enabling Function, such as HR, you

The agency is actively seeking a passionate Digital

may not feel you're at the frontline of research, but

Marketing Apprentice to join our growing team and

your role in changing patients' lives is critical. Our

develop their career within the digital marketing

mission is ambitious and it takes the skills of a

industry and help support our growth strategy within

collaborative team to really deliver on what science

this side of the Integrated Agency services.

can do and to always put patients first.

Reporting directly to the Marketing Manager but We have an opportunity within our Human Resources

working under middle management, you will be working

(HR) Team for an Apprentice. Our apprenticeship

in tandem with an allocated Digital Marketing

programme is designed to give you a broad

Executive and be responsible for the implementation

understanding of our HR function alongside being

aspects of several client accounts and their campaigns

involved in a variety of critical activities and projects

which will consist of SEO, PPC and Social. As part of

we are delivering to the business. During this 3-year

the day-to-day responsibilities, you will assist with

programme, you will have the opportunity to complete

reporting, research and implementation of the client’s

several rotations in different areas in line with you

digital marketing campaigns. The role requires that you

interests, skills, knowledge and experience – to help us

have the ability to communicate effectively with the

identify where your strengths lie and help you decide

rest of the team and as assisting with meetings by

on the career pathway you would like to embark on.

accompanying senior Executives or Managers who will manage the account as the primary point-of-contact.

In return for your drive, determination, hard work and dedication to AstraZeneca HR, we are delighted to be able to sponsor you through completing an externally recognised HR qualification.

CLICK HERE to apply

We are delighted to be able to sponsor you through completing an externally recognised HR qualification."

CLICK HERE to apply

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BIG OPPORTUNITIES JUST IN!

Administration Apprenticeship

Assurance Business Apprenticeship Programme with Ernst and Young

As part of our continued growth, OpenArch are

Gain real work experience in the business world, take

recruiting for an Administration Apprentice to join the

advantage of new tech and build the skills you need to

business. The successful candidate will work towards

propel your career. You’ll create real change by

their City & Guilds Level 2 Business Administraton

helping businesses publish reliable financial accounts,

diploma qualification.

all while you study for a professional qualification and progress towards becoming a chartered accountant.

In brief, the Administration Apprentice will provide reception and administration support to the company,

You’ll be working closely with your team auditing a

and provide customers with a first class, professional

variety of clients across different sectors. The role will

experience whether on the phone or face to face.

include getting to know our clients, their businesses

Additional responsibilities will include: assisting the EA,

and how they work, testing checks and balances to

MD and FD as required, act with the highest level of

ensure they work how they’re supposed to and

professionalism to meet, greet and sign-in visitors;

analysing the data that goes into a financial statement

offering refreshments as necessary, talk in a

to make sure it’s true and fair.

professional manner with customers and transfer calls to the correct department/individual or deal with the

You’ll also study and undertake exams along the way

enquiry; check answer machine; take messages

so you’ll progress even faster professionally than your

accurately and forward to the relevant person, place

university-going friends. At the end of the programme,

office stationery orders, manage stock and control

you’ll have gained professional qualifications, a host of

expenditure, assist the Student Accommodation

transferable skills, lots of practical experience and a

Officer.

network of mentors to help you keep developing. An apprenticeship in assurance gives you a solid

CLICK HERE to apply

grounding, and sets you up, for a career in finance.

CLICK HERE to apply

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SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES...

Engineering Apprenticeship with Chubb Fire and Security

Advanced Business Administration Apprenticeship at Cambridge University Tax School Leaver Programme with Grant Thonton

Audit Assistant Opportunities with RSM UK Supply Chain Professional Leader Degree Apprenticeship with DHL Digital and Technology Degree at CGI

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT! This week we spoke to alumni student Saffron, who has secured an apprenticeship with Illumina.

Saffron, who studied BTEC Applied Science Extended Diploma, wasn't sure of which path to take after college"I wasn't sure at all what I wanted to do when I was at Long! I was really set on going to University because I thought the only apprenticeships in science were lab-based qualifications. I applied to do Nutrition at University and got a place to study at Nottingham, but I hadn't been sure if I'd get good enough grades to even get my Uni places, so I applied for a couple of Degree Apprenticeships online."

Saffron successfully applied for an apprenticeship on the government apprenticeship website with Biotechnology company Illumina, who specialise in Genome Sequencing Machines as well as carrying out Next Generation Sequencing on DNA. "It looked really cool and I've always been quite intrigued by Genomics, but didn't think I'd get the job because I had no programming experience! At the moment my job role is mostly learning how the group I work for operates, I'm also learning programming languages like Python and R, in order to be able to help with some of the weekly tasks."

Saffron spends 4 days of the week in work and the other studying at Anglia Ruskin University, "It's a bit of a juggle doing both University work and actual work at the same time but it's an amazing opportunity and at the end of it I'll have a Bachelors Degree in Bioinformatics and 4 years experience at one of the top companies in the World for Next Generation Sequencing!"

Illumina are currently hiring for a Bioinformatics Apprentice to start in September 2020 - CLICK HERE to apply!

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WEB HIGHLIGHTS NEED MORE INSPIRATION? THEN READ ON...

Norwich University Of The Arts have a number of great opportunities for you to get involved and inspired with during this time.

They are currently holding a free masterclass online offering advice on portfolios- which are a key application tool for most creative subjects. During this online presentation, they will be exploring important points you need to be considering at this time in order to make a strong application.

CLICK HERE to sign up

Anglia Ruskin University will be holding their very first Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 6th May 2020.

CLICK HERE to book your space!

Career Ready are a trusted and well-established partner who LRSFC have worked with for a number of years. We are excited to announce they will be officially launching their Career Ready Skills Festival, an eight-week-long series of online careers and skills development activities. The Skills Festival will run between Monday 27th April and Friday 19th June and will feature a range of online sessions from masterclasses and industry insights to perfecting a job application!

CLICK HERE to sign up.

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WEB HIGHLIGHTS Whilst students interested in going to university may have used the online UCAS site for their research, many do not know that the college also has a great piece of software called,

Higher Ideas, on Moodle. Some find it more

intuitive and easier to use. Have a look for yourself. Begin by reading through the Simple Guide on the Moodle page, then click on the Higher Ideas icon to take you through to its contents .

CLICK HERE to find out more.

Be inspired by spectacular careers stories! Springbod offer live and interactive careers talks with a number of notable educators, influencers and industry experts, to offer you reallife careers advice and to help plan your future better.

CLICK HERE to book your space now!

STAY CONNECTED