Careers and Progression e-Mag Issue 36

CAREERS

University advice and open days

Apprenticeship advice

Work Experience

AND PROGRESSION LRSFC ISSUE 36 MARCH 2022

Welcome to the next edition of the Careers and Progression Magazine. I hope the last edition helped you find out more about apprenticeships at different levels and what opportunities might be available to suit you.

If you have applied to University hopefully your offers will have started to come in. Don't worry if you have not heard from your chosen universities they will be considering applications carefully and reply shortly.

Visit the university section of this magazine to find out what happens next.

In case you missed the National Apprenticeship Week that took place recently there are a number of ways to catch up on what you missed.

Visit the National Apprenticeships YouTube page. (https://www.youtube.com/user/Apprentice shipsNAS).

A number of the larger organisations are recruiting now for September 2022 so if you are still considering your options or have not applied to university now is the time to be looking!

7th March is the start of the National Careers Week. Find details of events and activities you can attend in the News and Events section of this magazine.

We really do value student feedback and want to know what you think so please email careersdept@longroad.ac.uk so we can continue to make this magazine relevant to you.

The Careers Team

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Use Unifrog to help you decide your future.

Every student in college should have access to a Unifrog account, using their college email address. You can use the platform to research University courses, find apprenticeship vacancies or just search for career insights.

Use the 'now-how library to find guides to help you with university tests, preparing for open days or subject-specific guides by a range of universities.

Find out what a Sustainable degree is.

There are even guides to explain the differences between university and apprenticeship that could help you choose the best option for you.

Have you considered studying abroad?

Watch the video on Tilburg University, based in The Netherlands to find out what one student really thinks.

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Log in to your Unifrog account by visiting https://www.unifrog.org/ Once your logged in click on the Know-how library

Click HERE to

Events taking place this term Every Wednesday 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Ask me anything session with Max Join Pathway CTM for weekly sessions with Max! Max is the Outreach and Student Support expert, and has years of experience in guiding people through applications, interviews, CV and cover letter help, and so much more. Join any of the weekly “drop-in” sessions to get your questions answered.

Sign up: https://pathwayctm.com/event/ask-meanything-session-with-max3/

Thursday 3rd March 6pm – 7pm

Wednesday 9th March 6pm - 7pm

Roles and Opportunities with UBS UBS offers apprenticeship roles in asset management, wealth management, global markets, finance, and more. Join this event to hear directly from senior staff and current apprentices about their journeys into UBS, and get questions answered about their company and programmes. If you think a career in finance may be for you, this is not an event to miss!

Sign Up: https://pathwayctm.com/event/roles-andopportunities-with-ubs/ Women in Finance Q&A Panel with ICAEW Come along to this virtual 1hr session to hear from an inspiring panel of women in finance, from a range of brands across the UK! This session will be led by ICAEW and current finance apprentices to answer any questions about careers in finance, the different routes into finance, the application process, and more.

Sign Up: https://pathwayctm.com/event/women-infinance-qa-panel-with-icaew/

Visit https://pathwayctm.com/events/ to find more events

National Careers Week 7 - 11 March

The NCW runs from 7th to 11th March and various organisations will be involved in delivering online activities.

Click on the National Careers Week website (https://ncw2022.co.uk/) from 7th March for more details.

Firstly UCAS, they have something planned for every day; Monday - UCAS / Discovery online.

Sign up in advance to speak to employers and universities. (see more details on the next page).

Tuesday - Employment Experts REED will be delivering a workshop on 'What are employers looking for?' Find out how to stand out ad build the skills required.

Wednesday - UCAS Career Discovery Workshop with careers expert Katie Bateman, discussing finding the right career choices and creating a careers plan.

Thursday - Careers Q&A with careers advisor Joanne Elliot, answering student questions on everything careers related.

Friday - Careers of the future with Worldskills discussing the future employability options and skills that may be in demand.

Talk directly to employers from a range of organisations including; NHS Natwest Bank BBC Civil Service Careers at sea

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Be inspired. Get advice. Find your path.

Join live 10:00 – 18:00 7th March 2022.

Welcome to UCAS/Discovery. Your future starts here…

Explore universities, colleges, and employers Get inspiration and explore different career opportunities Understand if an apprenticeship is right for you Take part in live sessions and get your questions answered by the experts Get practical help on personal statements, accommodation, student loans, and more Hear from real students Our UCAS/Discovery virtual days are the perfect place to get inspired, get help with choosing your perfect path - course, uni, apprenticeship… even accommodation.

If you’re still looking at your options or you’re ready to take the next step and make a start on your application – this is the perfect event for you. Sign up today to take part in what’s set to be an unmissable day on 7th March 2022, 10:00 - 18:00 (UK time).

Find out more and book your place HERE

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London UCAS Exhibition 2022 ExCel, London Mon 14th March 2022 - 09:30 to 15:00 Tue 15th March 2022 - 09:30 to 15:00 There will be hundreds of universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers ready to help students discover their future.

Live application clinics and personal statement workshops Course and careers taster sessions Student talks and Q&As Expert advice on how to research and choose what’s right for you The chance to explore and meet unis, colleges and employers face-to-face ….plus lots more.

Get your ticket now and you’ll be the first to know about what’s on, who’s there, and unmissable sessions.

Find out more and book your place HERE

Further, more local events will take place later in the year. Visit https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/type/exhibition

Employers expected to attend include: WSP (Professional Services) - https://www.wsp.com/en-GB Caroline Child – Online Eco Gift Shop -https://www.thegeographer.uk/ Johnson Mathey PLC - https://matthey.com/en Colorifix - https://colorifix.com/ Oxwash - https://www.oxwash.com/ Mole Architects - https://www.molearchitects.co.uk/

Register for this event at: https://hopin.com/events/insights-yourguide-to-green-jobs

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UCAS what happens next.

If you are a Year 2 student and are applying to university you will likely of submitted your application and have started to receive offers.

It's not too late. If you have not yet applied but would still like to you can still make an application, however, UCAS advise you to contact the universities you are considering first to make sure they still have places available.

If you have completed your application you may have already had offers come throughout now need to decide what to do next.

Unconditional offer - you have a place no matter what the results. This is great but keep that focus! Just because the offer is unconditional the university has to right to revoke or adjust it if they think it's appropriate.

Conditional offer - this is the same as when you applied for Long Road the University are provisionally accepting you onto the course providing your final grades match their entry requirements. If you have received more than one conditional offer congratulations!

The choice is now yours. Now to decide!

Firm Choice - You will need to accept the offer for the university you most want to attend, once you accept you may have a chance to change your mind later but you are reserving your place with this university.

Insurance Choice - This can be your backup plan, in case your firm choice falls through after results day. Make sure you consider all options carefully before you accept. and insurance choice. Don't forget there is always clearing if for any reason your first choice doesn't work out.

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What happens if you do not receive any offers at all?

Try not to be too disappointed you do still have options. If all your choices have been rejected you can still apply again. UCAS Extra could be an option. Think carefully as to why your original choices may have rejected you, was you aiming too far above your predicted grades? Do you need to consider an alternative course or a foundation year? If you are still confident university is the option for you there are two choices.

UCAS Extra - Extra is an option if all your initial choices fail or you change your mind and have not accepted any of the offers you received. You have until 4th July to use Extra but again contact the universities you are considering to check before updating your application.

UCAS Clearing - This starts on 5th July.

If you are not holding any offers, or never completed an application you can use clearing to find courses that still have spaces. These do fill up fast so it's worth looking at as soon as clearing opens.

Depending on the university and the popularity of the courses available there are usually some good options available still.

Be prepared, if you don't have a UCAS application and you think there is even the slightest chance you will apply for clearing, start the application now so if the time comes and you do want to submit it you are ready. Don't forget if you are still unsure of your future plans you can make a UCAS application and apply for Apprenticeships at the same time.

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To find out more visit the UCAS website HERE

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FOCUS ON EMPLOYMENT AND WORK EXPERIENCE

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Click HERE to find out more about Project Trust

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP SECURITY SERVICE MI5

STARTING SALARY OF £22,889 (MANCHESTER) OR £24,385 (LONDON) PLUS OTHER BENEFITS.: The Security Services consist of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. MI5 gathers intelligence from within the UK, MI6 gathers intelligence from overseas, and GCHQ brings intelligence and technology together. We help to protect the UK from a range of serious threats – everything from terrorism to organised crime, to cyber-crime and espionage.

The Role Technology sits at the heart of everything we do at MI5, enabling us to disrupt serious threats to UK national security. We're currently looking for people who have the passion to learn and grow their skills while working in a supportive environment. Over the course of the three years, you’ll enjoy exciting, hands-on work to help us build and maintain some of the world’s most sophisticated electronic equipment, all the while working towards a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software development). You’ll be a vital part of a team that ensures the UK Government can operate in cyberspace with confidence and can stay ahead of the pace demanded by the evolving digital world.

Working as a Software Engineering Apprentice you’ll have placements in various multi-disciplinary product teams; working alongside product owners, business analysts and agile delivery colleagues that will offer you a unique insight into the work of the intelligence agencies. You'll collaborate with colleagues and work in teams to build technology that will help catch criminals, expand our technical capability and improve our ability to tackle threats to national security. As our work is constantly evolving, you’ll learn and work with some of the most advanced technology, as well as develop a broad range of competencies including teamwork, communication and leadership skills. We make use of modern approaches and cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure. Our tech stacks vary between products (Java, C#, React.js, Oracle, Mongo, Elastic Search and Hadoop) but don’t rule yourself out if you’re not familiar with these as there is a vast amount of support from our experienced engineers along with certifications, training and the degree to help you along the way.

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To view further details and make an application click HERE

Government Economic Service Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GESDAP) 2022

1. When you apply for a job in the Civil Service, we may want to assess you using a psychometric test. Tests are an effective way of assessing people fairly, consistently and transparently. Details of these can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-service-online-tests Follow social media channels for updates Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil service government economic service Facebook : @GovEconService Instagram: GES_UK Twitter : @GES_UK Linkedin : @governmenteconomicservice Youtube : @UK Government Economic Service Got a question? Contact us!

Email: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk

Shawbrook THRIVE Apprenticeship Are you passionate about finance and technology?

Do you want real-world experience in a leading financial services business?

Do you want to earn a great salary while furthering your learning and qualifications?

The THRIVE programme is aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds looking to kick start their careers, whilst studying towards an advanced (level 3) or higher (level 4) apprenticeship.

The programme consists of a number of rotations that will help you succeed in either technology or finance - you’ll get the skills and experience you need to take your career with Shawbrook to the next level.

Thrive is an exciting opportunity where you'll play an important role in developing and delivering Shawbrook Bank's services. You’ll work alongside passionate and experienced professionals, developing real-world skills alongside your classroom training.

Duration: 2 years Locations: Brentwood (Essex), London and Redhill (Surrey) Salary: £25,000 How to apply: 1. Research Shawbrook's early careers website to find out more information and make sure the THRIVE Apprenticeship is right for you!

2. Apply to the in-person Work Experience day that is closest to you (either Brentwood 16th March or Redhill 23rd March) via your Uptree account. There are limited spaces available, so register early to increase your chances of being selected!

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Attend Work Experience Day 4. Apply to attend the Uptree Application Masterclass taking place on 27th April. Priority places for those that attended the WEX day.

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Submit your application for a place on the programme

To find out more about the programme visit https://uptree.co/companies/shawbrookbank/

VISIT CAREERS.SKY.COM/EARLYCAREERS/APPRENTICESHIPS AND CHOOSE A PROGRAMME

COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION

TAKE PART IN A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

JOIN US AT AN ASSESSMENT CENTRE

CONTACT US AT APPRENTICESHIPS@SKY.UK OR VISIT US AT SKYEARLYCAREERS.COM

Deadline for applications: 14th March

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Virtual Work Expererience Virtual Work Experience Day with Vodafone Tuesday 5th April | 10am - 3pm

Spend the day with Vodafone and learn all about who they are as an organisation, their opportunities for young people and hear what a career at Vodafone looks like. During the day you will network with current Vodafone employees in interactive breakout rooms, hear directly from the current apprentice’s about their routes into the company, and get all your questions answered during the live Q&A session!

Register for you place now.

Virtual Work Experience Day with KPMG Thursday 7th April | 10am - 3pm Spend the day with KPMG! Come along to this virtual Work Experience day to learn about what a career at KPMG looks like, network with current KPMG employees in interactive breakout rooms, hear directly from the current apprentice’s about their routes into the company and gain inside knowledge into their application process and how to make your applications stand out! If you are interested in hearing more about careers at KPMG, this is not an event to miss!

Virtual Work Experience Inclusive Futures: Women in Finance featuring Deloitte and Investec Tues 8th and Wed 9th March This programme will provide students with an introduction to the financial sector as a whole, take a closer look at some prominent employers and hear about the variety of roles on offer within finance.

Students will also have the chance to meet the financial experts in a series of live webinars and use their know-how to complete activities throughout this event.

Closing Date: 8th March This event is available through Springpod.

Register for a free account HERE

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Creating Brighter Futures Insight Day with The Adecco Group Thur 24th March all-day Students will hear from experts in the recruitment business and be able to ask questions about how to make themselves more employable. Students will also take part in group activities. You will work in teams to undertake a role in recruitment and have the opportunity to promote a campaign for recruitment.

Closing Date to apply: 4th March This event is available through Speakers for Schools register for your free account HERE.

TV & Film Work Experience- Love the camera, but does the camera love you?

3 Live webinars available from 4th April to 15th April When you think of TV and film, what comes to mind - red carpets and awards?

These webinars aim to pull back the curtain and discover what a career in TV and film looks like, from popular film theory to what happens in postproduction, This programme has it all, get the chance to direct a short film, take part in quizzes that put knowledge to the test and hear from industry professionals, like film critics and heads of production.

Closing Date: 30th March although places are limited so register early to guarantee a place.

This event is available through Springpod. Register for a free account HERE

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Students must register for a free Speakers for Schools or Springpod account to apply for any of these experiences. Visit the websites for more details.

ALUMNI SUCESSES

How did you decide what you wanted to do after Sixth Form?

During my first year of A levels, I decided to not go to university. I decided to complete some work experience at a construction firm in London that work on projects with contract values of hundreds of million pounds. Although I wasn’t looking forward to it at the time I quickly realised there was so much more to this industry than the “it’s just laying bricks” mentality I had before and it helped me decide I wanted to pursue a career in construction.

What happened next?

I had to spend time researching various companies that offer trainee schemes. I did this by looking on apprentice websites, thinking about what construction companies I had already heard of and attending careers events, in the end, I applied for about 5 different contractors.

My progress coach was the biggest help to me during the application process, he helped me write my CV, cover letters and did interview preparation with me.

Rebecca Sansum Planning Management Trainee

and I ended up being successful with all of my applications. I completed rounds of interviews and got invited to an assessment day at the head office for a company called Wates Group and 2 days later they offered me the job!

Who is Wates and what is your role?

Wates is a family-owned contractor that has many aspects to it such as engineering, building services and construction. My job role as a trainee project planner involves creating and working with programmes to help deliver projects on time, contributing to method statements and logistic plans in collaboration with the site team and subcontractors, monitoring and reporting on progress and understanding the implications of changes to the sequence of the build and making changes where necessary and working on pre-qualifications and tenders to help win contracts.

What projects do you get to work on?

Since joining the company in January 2021 I have been exposed to numerous projects across the unit seeing a variety of work from schools, to prisons, to private commercial builds. The main project I work on now is located next to Cambridge business park and is a 7 storey office block with 3 retail units on the ground floor with a contract value of approximately £30million (see photos below).

What training can you access after completing the Level 4 Apprenticeship?

After the HNC I plan to go on to complete a degree in Construction management and gain my industry Charterships, all of which is funded by the company.

How does the training part of your job work?

I also complete a level 4 national higher certification on construction, this requires block release at college to complete. These weeks away have been some of the best times I’ve had since starting the job because everyone from the various business disciplines gets together in London and it’s a great opportunity to socialise with other trainees and be slightly involved in that “uni experience” you can feel like you’re missing out on by going through the apprenticeship route. After the HNC I plan to go on to complete a degree in Construction management and gain my industry Charterships, all of which is funded by the company.

What would you say the benefits are of choosing an Apprenticeship?

Some of the major benefits of doing an apprenticeship are the money, the qualifications you gain without accumulating any debt and the career you get out of it. Don’t get me wrong, it takes a lot of self-discipline to do the job as well as a study but the long term gain is so worth the time that has to go into whilst you’re studying. I would encourage anyone to look into apprenticeships. The experience I’m gaining has put me so far ahead of others that will be coming into the industry in the next few years and taught me a lot about being part of a team and how to conduct myself in a professional environment.

What final advice would you give our current students?

The best advice I can give anybody who is unsure about what to do post A level is to do your research and see what's out there!

You can be really surprised with what alternative routes there are other than university and for me, it’s the best decision I have ever made.

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To find out more about careers at Wates click HERE

Apprenticeship V University?

Nik Banks Tell us about your career since leaving Long Road?

I finished Long Road in 2015 with Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and did not what to pursue another grind through the education system. Took an opportunity at a local accountancy firm as an accounts trainee. Initially, the employment was not an apprenticeship and the employer was going to pay for the training, but the enticement of government funding resulted in the employment contract turning into an apprenticeship contract – a painless process and you have more rights. The aim was to progress to and complete Level 7 Professional Apprenticeship and become a chartered accountant.

You decided partway through your Apprenticeship to change direction, what happened?

Personally, I found the role lacked in a challenge and repetitive, it can be fully automated at times. This resulted in the realisation of what I needed more so I withdrew from the apprenticeship (at no cost) and decided to study physics at the University of Manchester.

Have you changed your opinion of Apprenticeships?

Work and study can be challenging at first, but so is anything completely new. School, and university to some degree, does not develop soft and hard skills required for work.

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of training someone for a specific role. The employer and training provider is understanding of the fact that one has no previous experience and will provide the training as required - they are investing in you. Beginning job training straight after college is an excellent way of starting a career and will help you to progress in the chosen field and company. Work requires you to take responsibility early on and become independent, which can be seen as determination to get out and do something productive instead of spending a few more years passing exams.

What final advice would you give current students?

My advice, do the best you can at school and take whatever opportunity you have; spend time and see what is available, it is always best to have options. There are many apprenticeships, that are competitive and aimed at young adults. In comparison, one can go to university later in life with the help of access or foundation year - an excellent option even if going straight to university. If you want to learn and be hands-on while building up a career, then an apprenticeship is the way to go. If you want a dip into academia and learn some skills then a good degree program is the way. You will have a whole life to fill up with work and things, it is easier to change paths earlier on.

PARENT HUB

Multi-Brand Insight Evening for Parents & Teachers of Future Engineers Wednesday 16th March 6pm – 7pm Pathway CTM is an award-winning Social Enterprise, founded over 6 years ago, Transforming employability training, support and opportunities for schools and students across the UK. They provide their FREE Programme to 60,000+ students, and over 300 schools and colleges throughout the UK, helping young people make informed decisions about their next steps post GCSE and ALevel.

On Wednesday 16th March 6pm – 7pm Parents and Teachers can join Pathway CTM for an event all about engineering!

The aim of the event is to help parents and teachers understand more about the next steps for your children and students who are interested in a career in engineering.

Companies joining the event include The Dyson Institute, Jaguar, Landrover. They will discuss their roles and opportunities available, advise when students should be applying, and how they can prepare themselves to stand out in applications!

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To find out more and sign up for this event click HERE

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