Careers World South West SPRING 2014 by Open Doors Media Ltd

SOUTH WEST edition

SPRING 2014

PETER JONES CBE “We are pioneering a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on ‘learning by doing’”

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

CV BUILDER

Get yours right ﬁrst time!

GCSE MATHS & ENGLISH REFORMS What do they mean for you?

PLUS: OUR EXPERT PANEL ANSWER MORE OF YOUR KEY QUESTIONS & WE PREVIEW NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2014

m AFFILIATE MEMBER

Real jobs. Real career. Real salary. www.theswac.org.uk DI

! RE

OVER MO C S

Find the latest

Apprenticeship vacancies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; register online too!

Call us on

0800 334 5767

twitter.com/swacapprentices facebook.com/the-south-west-apprenticeship-company

Welcome to Careers World Magazine, the premier resource for careers information and guidance. During the spring term many of you will have time between winter and summer exams to think about what happens next after school or college. That’s where we come in! In every issue we help you discover more about the most popular career sectors, as well as asking experts and successful young people for their tips and advice for the future. In this edition we pitch our questions to the Dragon himself, Peter Jones, and we’ll see how he’s investing in the future of potential entrepreneurs. Now’s the time to get to grips with your future and focus on ﬁnding the career that’s right for you.

Elliot Gardner, Editor

Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones shares the secrets of his success.

Some tools, tips and tricks to help you make those important choices, from our very own editor!

11 We ask our specially selected panel to tell us what they can oﬀer you!

Sport & Fitness

27 31

Business & Customer Service

Retail

35 39

We give you the lowdown on all the other sectors out there, which we’ll feature in future issues.

Some handy materials for careers advisors, plus some facts and ﬁgures about the world of careers.

15 The best of the best in your region tell us about themselves!

Energy & Renewables

Construction

There’s never been a better time to be an apprentice. Find out why with our Apprenticeships feature.

Some contact details we think you’ll ﬁnd useful, including web links, email addresses and phone numbers.

And now for something completely diﬀerent...

Published by Open Doors Media Ltd 01765 694 120 | info@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

Design | James Sharman design@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

Advertising | Sales sales@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

Editor | Elliot Gardner editor@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

Production Manager | Sarah Peel artwork@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

Distribution | Subscriptions distribution@opendoorsmedia.co.uk

All material is copyrighted both written and illustrated. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. All images and information is collated from extensive research and along with advertisements is published in good faith. Although the author and publisher have made every eﬀort to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Careers World is published by Open Doors Media Ltd ©2014. ISSN: 2050-6619

Peter Jones is a world-famous entrepreneur and star of the hit TV programme, Dragons’ Den. Peter is from Berkshire and has a long history of achievement when it comes to business. The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy has been running since 2009, taking on the challenge of making business more accessible to students across the country. Peter talks to our editor about his success, the Academy and just what it is that makes him tick. School grades, so how did you do then? Academic success wasn’t a focus for me because I was more interested in enterprise and making money. I wasn’t the biggest fan of my primary school in Windsor and so bunked off at every opportunity to sit in the big chair in my father’s office and dream about running a big company one day, even though it often got me into trouble. I liked my secondary school, Windsor Boys, but was still fascinated by those around me who showed enterprising qualities. An English teacher was the only teacher at school to have a top-ofthe-range Porsche and I loved finding out how he did it.

Your website mentions running a tennis schools as the start of your entrepreneurial journey. What else inspired you? My parents hugely inspired me when I was growing up. My father was an expert in air conditioning and worked particularly hard. He motivated me to strive harder and reach the top. However, I have also been inspired in ways that haven’t brought me success. Impressed by the movie Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, I opened a cocktail bar in Windsor which didn’t do very well and just cost me money. This episode demonstrated the importance of judgement when pursuing any idea.

Do you think you need a specific mind-set to become an entrepreneur? There are definitely particular traits which are more common in entrepreneurs, such as grit, perseverance and determination. However, I fundamentally believe that entrepreneurialism can be taught and that entrepreneurs are not born, they are made. In 2005 I established my own charity in order to help young people have brighter futures, and in 2008 I set up the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, which is working to put enterprise at the heart of education in the UK. The key to the Academy network is instilling a ‘can’ attitude in our future leaders and giving our young people the confidence they need to fulfil their dreams. Putting students in front of people who have been there and done it allows them to see how attainable entrepreneurship can be.

We keep hearing the phrase “business acumen”, but what does this mean to you? “Business acumen” is all about being able to make good judgements and quick decisions, which ultimately results in eﬀective business decisions. This skill is deﬁnitely not limited by age. My 11 year old daughter, Natalia, always has an opinion about those businesses that I have been given www.careersworld.co.uk

the opportunity to invest in. And nine times out of ten, she is completely right!

Do you think there are more pros than cons to being your own boss? Absolutely. Otherwise I would have backed out of this game a long time ago. Being an entrepreneur requires huge commitment and a lot of hard work, but the rewards are completely worth it. It is a challenge but you learn to follow your instincts and begin to really value advice from those who have been there before you.

Describe your ideal business partner Finding your ideal business partner often happens organically, where you have complimentary skills and talents, but mine is extremely hard working and determined. Plus, they must be visionary and be able to lead by example. Trust is also incredibly important. They must have faith in my choices and abilities, my team and the potential of a business venture.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a TV personality? One of the great beneﬁts of being famous is being able to get exclusive access to other like-minded entrepreneurs and senior executives, many of whom have some fantastic and interesting ideas. I don’t see any disadvantages to that.

If you weren’t in business, what would be your dream career? I loved tennis and wanted to be a professional but I’d still hand in the towel to be a successful entrepreneur. Being in business is the most exciting and challenging career anyone can have and I’m pleased it’s become my chosen path. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Your lifelong love of tennis, what sparked that off? At age 12, I was helping a teacher at my school to teach tennis and he inspired me later, when I was 16, to set up my first business, a tennis academy. As a child I used to play tennis at county level, and I still play regularly with ex-professionals. That was a real watershed moment in my life I think. At the time, I had the chance to improve my game with a view to becoming a professional, but there was something in me that wanted to take that talent and develop a successful business from it rather than, say, win Wimbledon. As a big family man, what advice do you give to your children about careers? I encourage my children to follow their hearts and to choose a path which they are really passionate about – only then will they give themselves the best chance of being successful and finding true happiness. It is very important to me that my children work hard and stand on their own two feet. I have set up an arrangement to incentivise my kids to work hard through a funding platform that doubles their income every day for the rest of their lives.

You’ve had more than one IT based company, what brought that on? Are you a bit of a tech head? Yes, I love technology and have always been interested in gadgets. My second business was based around building and selling computers. Whenever gadgets are pitched in the Den, it’s always me who gets instantly excited. I always say that entrepreneurship is about being innovative and improving something that already exists. This attitude describes technology to the core, which ﬁts perfectly with my overall business mantra. “Being innovative isn’t about doing something new it’s about doing something better than your competition.”

What is the next big thing for Peter Jones? Anything up your sleeve? I have got many projects on the go at the moment. Since taking over Jessops last year, that has been a huge focus for me and will continue to be for a while. I’m hoping there will be lots of opportunities like Jessops for my investment group in 2014. In 2012 I founded Tycoon in Schools, a nationwide competition that spearheads my mission of putting enterprise at the heart of all education. Now in its second year, the competition has been even bigger and better, with over 700 students taking part this year from all over the country. I can’t wait to see the achievements of this year’s highﬂyers, and the inspiring young people who apply next year. We had over 3,000 apply this year, which was fantastic. This competition continues the work that I started with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, where we aim to equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to start their own business, or act entrepreneurially within one. I am thrilled with the journey the Academy has taken so far, where we have about thirty Academies operating across the country, and can’t wait to see it grow even more next year.

Is there anything on Dragons’ Den you regret not investing in? I don’t actually. No regrets. Even when I see some products that I chose not to invest in being successfully launched, I don’t have regrets. With Wonderland, YUU World, Woodblocx, Alf Turner, Tiny Box, The Present Club, Bare Naked Foods, Reminiscence Pods and the one and only Levi Roots, who can possibly regret anything? The record speaks for itself! What is your favourite product from Dragons’ Den? And what was the worst? All of them are my favourite! Not fair to choose one. And my worst, Layline Beds. It’s basically a sheet with a stitched line down the middle to tell husband and wife that ‘this is my space and this is your space’. It is ridiculous. That, or the American Inventor guy who said that spinning bicycle hub cabs will be the next craze. Only in America!

If you were to go into the den as a new entrepreneur, what would your pitch be? And how would you stand out? If I said ‘I could turn £50,000 into £1million’ would you invest? I would then make sure my idea was good enough to capture the Dragons’ imagination and get them interested. I would end with “Are you in?” I would stand out by wearing a smart, sharp suit and wear the most outrageous stripy socks I could ﬁnd!

If I were 15/16 and wanted to be an entrepreneur, what would you say to me? I would encourage you to have a vision and then make that vision bigger, because the bigger your vision the more successful you are likely to be. Don’t be swayed from your vision by anyone, and make your own decisions. Then make sure you do sufficient research, finding out not only what your competitors are doing, but also how you can make your product or service that little bit better. Finally, it is important to have fun, because business is about more than making money. People will be more likely to buy your product or service if you are having fun and enjoying the business. However, ultimately, I would encourage you to log onto www.pjea.org.uk, to find out everything about the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and join our nationwide network!

If you could do exactly what you wanted with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, what would you do? I would ensure that every college in the country has an Academy within it and that all young people were given the chance to apply. I want to continue to ensure that our Academy network continues to put enterprise at the very heart of the UK education system and that the “learning by doing” method is widely implemented and respected, helping young people to make their dreams a reality.

All of our pioneering courses have been developed in conjunction with Pearson (Edexcel), as well as education and industry experts, and I had a personal hand in the writing of these qualiﬁcations. I’m very proud of what we have achieved in such a short amount of time.

How do you think careers advice should be given to students? We deliberately designed the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to be completely diﬀerent from the traditional academic environment. We are pioneering a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on ‘learning by doing’. That means combining business theory with business practice to replicate the environment of the real business world. And ultimately, we believe that’s the best way to unlock the potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs. The best way to learn how to succeed is to work with those who have been there and done it, and to get stuck in and give it a go yourself. Students receive master classes in entrepreneurship from the best in the business, where they have heard from the likes of Paul Lindley of Ella’s Kitchen and David, Vanessa and Jacqueline Gold.

What are the Academy’s best success stories? There are so many of these it is tricky to keep track! Each year we recognise the most outstanding student across The Academy network, where the National Entrepreneur of the Year is announced. Our 2012 winner, Rob Nunn is developing his business that aims to encourage people into the aviation industry. There is no stopping the 2013 winner, Harry Day, who is running a tailoring business and currently working on the development of it in Bangkok!

Who is better at business, you or Alan Sugar? Alan is a great friend of mine and I think very highly of him. He is a big supporter of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and has such a wealth of experience. I think he’s better because he’s older and wiser!

People love your socks. Do you have a favourite pair? My stripy ones, of course. I launched my own range of socks a few years back, where all the proceeds go to charity. They’ve been very popular. Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis: Snog, Marry, Avoid? Wow, what a question! I wouldn’t snog any of them. Nor would I want to be married to them. Lastly, I’m not saying who I’d avoid! Which actor would you like to play you in a ﬁlm of your life? I’m guessing not Tom Cruise… Pierce Brosnan.

How much input did you have in setting up The Academy? A great deal. I founded The Academy back in 2008 and our ﬁrst intake of students was in 2009. My vision was to create and encourage a more entrepreneurial activity in the UK, based on a philosophy of ‘learning by doing’.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Open Day Kings Road, PL1 5QG Saturday 8 February 10.00am - 3.00pm www.cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305300

OPEN DAY Saturday 1 February Saturday 17 May 10am-1pm Main Campus Radstock BA3 3RW

nortcoll.ac.uk 01761 433161

Each issue, we ask our editor to give you a roundup of the topics that might aﬀect you, as well as the choices you need to make about your future. As you can imagine, there are plenty of things going on that tend to stay behind the scenes. Usually, you’d have to trawl through pages of information to learn all this, but don’t worry; we’ve done all that for you!

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR I’ve been thinking about whether there is some golden piece of advice that I can offer you in your search for a career, and the number one thought that keeps cropping up in my head is simply ‘do your research’. It’s all well and good thinking ‘I want to go to university’, but what course? What job do you want at the end of it all? There is a career path for all of us but the most difficult step is finding it. The majority of us don’t have a job handed to us on a platter so we need to get out there and look for ourselves! If you don’t know what you want to do don’t hesitate, start looking! Get careers advice from your school or college, have a look at all the different kinds of Apprenticeships, rummage around UCAS to find a uni course that suits you and most importantly, don’t dismiss anything based on what someone else has told you. It’s your career, go find what suits you!

GCSE MATHS & ENGLISH REFORM Maths and English not your strong point? Just going to breeze through your GCSEs without giving it a real go? Looks like you’ll need to think again.

• • •

• •

KEY FACTS

GCSEs have changed a lot this year If you don’t manage a C grade in Maths and English, you will have to carry them on until the age of 18 It’s because employers want a good understanding of Maths and English. Almost every career has some dealing with these subjects You don’t have to go to college to continue studying, there are many ways to re-do your GCSEs You won’t just be retaking your exams over and over, the focus is on developing your skills

www.careersworld.co.uk

WHAT’S CHANGED?

You might have heard murmurs about changes to the way GCSEs are going to be carried out this year. The big diﬀerence is that students who fail to get a minimum of grade C in GCSE Maths and English will have to carry on these subjects up until the age of 18. What this means is that thousands of pupils will have to take additional courses to get their literacy and numeracy skills up to scratch after they have left school. This might be with a college, training provider or other educational body, but whatever the route, you can be sure it’s going to have a big impact. In the past you could stick with the grades you received from exams no matter what they were, but the Government has said this isn’t good enough anymore.

BUT WHY DID THEY CHANGE IT?

country in the developed world carries on with numeracy and literacy after the age of 16 and It’s because generally employers our Government is keen to not like a good understanding let the UK fall behind. of Maths and English more than anything else learned at In terms of careers, most school. That doesn’t mean you employers ask for a minimum should just jack in geography; of grade C in English and Maths all subjects are good for no matter the position. What do something, but these are nurses, engineers, receptionists skills everyone needs in the and shop workers all have in workplace. The Government common? (No smart answers have decided the education please) They all have some sector needed shaking up with dealing with Maths or English; it big changes being made to both could be working out discounts schools and exams. Every other on the ﬂy or ﬁlling out contracts.

WHAT ELSE IS CHANGING?

Surprisingly, changes to Maths and English are not the only things new about exams. Starting this year GCSEs are changing from a modular format to becoming linear. What this means is instead of a few smaller tests at the end of each part of your course, there will be one or two big exams in May/June. You also won’t be able to re-sit one particular part of your GCSE if you didn’t get the grade in that module that you wanted. You have to re-take every exam in that subject.

If a pupil is leaving without this level of qualiﬁcation, they are at a massive disadvantage in the job market.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

I know that many of you will be worrying about what all this means, but it might not be as bad as you think. While the ideal situation is to pass your English and Maths GCSEs with a C, if you really struggle then don’t think you are just going to be re-sitting over and over again.

For example, if you did fantastically and got an A* in your calculator test in maths, but slipped up and got an E in your noncalculator one, you have to retake both if you’re not willing to stick with the overall grade. Bear in mind you also won’t have to retake any classroom assessments you’ve had (For Example timed practical tests in Art or IT).

The focus is on continuous development rather than just grades. This means that you might be able to do an equivalent qualiﬁcation that’s more suited to your style of learning. You also don’t have to go to college for further education if this wasn’t going to be your route after school. There will be other methods of study that you can take part in, so don’t think you won’t be able to start an Apprenticeship or Traineeship just because your grades weren’t ideal.

English, Geography, History and R.E, there will be quite a hefty amount of marks geared speciﬁcally towards them. So make sure you’re not telling examiners about the lives of Jebus and Ghundi.

If you’re in Year 10 and thinking about taking A-Levels then you have to watch out. A similar system is coming into eﬀect from 2015 for further education as well. There’s also going to be a big focus on No more AS and A2 exams, just one big Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. For exam period. subjects that you have to write a lot, i.e.

www.careersworld.co.uk

HOW WILL IT BE DONE?

You’ll be able to rest a bit easier knowing that the number of students who haven’t managed to pass before leaving sixth-form or college will be reported in that school’s performance tables, meaning that it is in schools’ and colleges’ interests to provide the best possible education to encourage you to pass. Some schools in the past have entered pupils into easier qualiﬁcations so they don’t have to show low grades to the public, but the new rules will put a stop to this; everyone will be educated to the same level. The funding of colleges will also be changed. Basically if they don’t have great English and Mathematics departments, they won’t get as much cash.

WHO IT AFFECTS

The new rules have already come into eﬀect. Meaning if you are gearing up to do your GCSEs next term you might be staying on a bit longer than you thought, but only if you don’t get the right grades. Of course this only matters to you if you don’t pass your Maths and English exams ﬁrst time around. It can be seen as a little push to try your best in your exams, but let’s be honest you should be doing that already, and you really don’t want additional subjects looming over your head when you’re trying to think about where you want your career to go. Post 16 study is hard enough without having to think about left-over GCSEs as well! The change goes hand-in-hand with the Raised Participation Age of education (discussed in the previous issue of Careers World) which means school-leavers are required to stay in some form of education until they are 17, which is soon to be extended to 18.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While this new system may seem unfair to a lot of you, it really does make sense. If you could see the amount of job listings out there that say ‘must have English and Maths GCSE Grade C or equivalent’ your collective jaws would drop. It’s not just courses and careers where you’re required to write or add up; employers like to know that if they hand you any task that crops up, you’ll be able to handle it. The most important thing to take away from it is that even if the work is that bit tougher now, in the long run it will be good for you. You’ll be able to apply for tonnes more jobs and the satisfaction you’ll get from knowing that you passed is worth all the extra eﬀort.

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK A huge success in past years, National Apprenticeship Week, set up by the National Apprenticeship Service, is returning in 2014 and is fast approaching. Designed to celebrate and increase awareness of Apprenticeships, NAW is a great event that promotes Apprenticeships of all levels to students, employers, schools, colleges, training providers and the media. Loads of good stuff goes on all across the country so you’re guaranteed to find something you can get involved with. This year NAW takes place on 3rd-7th March and there are over 900 events to attend across the UK (no, that isn’t a challenge). Apprenticeships are becoming a big deal. Last year Prime Minister David Cameron said he wanted to make Apprenticeships, alongside university, the new norm for pupils leaving school. Make sure you get involved over twitter, follow @Apprenticeships and check in on #NAW2014. If you are considering an Apprenticeship but can’t find one to suit you then chances are you are about to have your eyes opened. Dozens of employers post vacancies during the run up and throughout the week. Really it’s the best possible time to consider an Apprenticeship.

THEY REALLY ARE A BIG DEAL

Recently there has been a study focusing on education in 30 countries. It has found that vocational education (that’s education that’s focused on a speciﬁc ﬁeld of employment to you and me, e.g. Apprenticeships, BTECs, etc) is much more likely to get you a job than just a general education. Not only this, but the people on vocational courses have a better chance to wind up with a long-term position, not just a short starter job, and a much higher starting wage than young people who have just gone through a standard route of education.

Yes, this might sound like one big advert but if you’re even considering an Apprenticeship in the slightest then the week can be a really important time of year for you, so stick it in your calendar and try to get involved with as much as possible. It has also been found that individuals who took part in a practical work-based The variety in events is huge. You course, like an Apprenticeship, were could attend a careers event at your even more likely to find a job than those local college, or an employer might be who did classroom based courses like offering work experience for the week. BTECs. This is because the courses It’s not just schools that get involved. are designed in partnership with the Big businesses like British Gas see employer, meaning they know exactly how useful it is to inspire young people what skills the students have, and can to consider becoming an Apprentice. gear the course more towards relevant Get over to apprenticeships.org.uk areas. And honestly, it’s much easier to to have a look what’s going on in your keep on an Apprentice that you have area. already trained than finding someone new. Don’t forget, it’s National Careers Week at the same time as Apprentice Week, Don’t get worried if work-based but over at Careers World we believe courses aren’t for you. The research that any week of the year can be a showed that even work experience is careers week. I mean except Christmas. enough to give you an edge over other Who wants to be thinking about jobs at candidates, so get going and do all Christmas? That’s presents time... you can to gain as much experience as possible.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Let’s Get Working

Somerset Skills & Learning

with Apprenticeships

Whether you’re just leaving school or looking to change career, it isn’t easy to find a job these days. Employers expect qualifications and experience, so even the best candidates are struggling to get a break. That’s why more and more people are choosing an Apprenticeship.

To develop the skills that will change your life forever, call Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) on:

01278 426828 and let’s go to work

Section Heading

expert /’ekspərt/

Noun. A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.

Ask the Experts

Adjective Having or involving such knowledge or skill. Synonyms noun. specialist - connoisseur - adept - judge - master adjective. skilled - skilful - skillful - proﬁcient - adept

Are you frustrated by all the choices you face? Don’t you wish there was a way to compare all your options, or to have those key questions answered? Well, we’ve done it for you. We’ve put together a team of experts from your area to give you an insight into what kind of experiences, beneﬁts and future they can oﬀer you. We’ve asked the same questions to each expert, to help you decide on the right choice for you.

The Employer CAREERS AND EDUCATION CHOICES CAN BE SCARY! HOW SHOULD APPLICANTS MAKE THEIR DECISION?

Laing O’Rourke is a globally diverse engineering enterprise. We fund, design, manufacture, construct and maintain the built environment – providing the facilities to accommodate, educate, employ, transport, care for and sustain communities. Web: www.laingorourke.com

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS?

There are a great deal of career choices available to you, therefore it’s important that applicants research as much as possible. Speak to people who are already in the industry that you are considering, read as much as you can and think about what motivates you.

A dedicated programme manager will work closely with the project teams, apprentice mentors and training providers to make sure the apprentices are supported and on track to meet all their initial goals and to assist in their development within the business.

Construction is an exciting and ever changing industry that oﬀers a huge variety of job opportunities, including traditional trade Apprenticeships and sponsored learning programmes.

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. So as a Laing O’Rourke employee you can be sure your career is in good hands. Our Apprenticeship programme is designed to give our apprentices the best possible start to their career in construction, creating a solid foundation that could take them to great heights.

WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?

When you join Laing O’Rourke you will be fully supported through your learning. Successful applicants will receive expert training from both our vastly experienced trades-people on site, and through a huge network of UK colleges. Our Apprenticeship programme also includes a number of personal development modules delivered over four years which are aimed at broadening your learning experience beyond your trade.

www.careersworld.co.uk

The University

The University of Southampton is a member of the world-leading Russell Group of institutions and is ranked among the top one percent of universities in the world. Southampton oﬀers a distinctive education in a modern learning environment.

CAREERS AND EDUCATION CHOICES CAN BE SCARY! HOW SHOULD APPLICANTS MAKE THEIR DECISION?

Start by narrowing your choices based on the strength of the subject(s) you’re interested in and then look closely at those universities in more detail. Consider things like the size of the university, its location, its reputation and how the course you’re interested in will be delivered. If you can, deﬁnitely go to any relevant open days that you can get to – nothing helps more than experiencing a university ﬁrst hand.

Web: www.southampton.ac.uk

The Training Provider CAREERS AND EDUCATION CHOICES CAN BE SCARY! HOW SHOULD APPLICANTS MAKE THEIR DECISION?

The South West Apprenticeship Company Ltd (SWAC) is committed to successfully matching organisations to apprentices, providing support and guidance every step of the way. Web: www.theswac.org.uk

The main thing is to ﬁnd someone to speak to who can give an honest overview of the options out there. Options might be working towards an Apprenticeship, going to university or moving directly into the labour market. Although the South West Apprenticeship Company (SWAC) deal with Apprenticeships, we will refer anyone in the right direction, to people that can help. Applicants could look to volunteer or take up work experience opportunities. Quite often an applicant’s dream job on paper doesn’t always turn out to be anything like what they expected. Research and subsequent knowledge is key, and will also impress potential employers.

The College The Bournemouth & Poole College is one of the larger colleges in the UK. Students are oﬀered a broad choice of options, including Full-Time Courses, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, A Levels and Higher Education. In the last year alone The College has invested £10M in state-of-the-art facilities for its learners. Web: thecollege.co.uk Tel: 01202 205 205

www.careersworld.co.uk

CAREERS AND EDUCATION CHOICES CAN BE SCARY! HOW SHOULD APPLICANTS MAKE THEIR DECISION?

Try to gather as much information as possible about the options and subject choices you are interested in so that you can create your own career plan. Research as much as you can, the best way to do this is by attending college open evenings or taster sessions. We also oﬀer career appointments and online resources such as Kudos and Career Path to help support your decision making.

WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

When you come to the University of Southampton, you have an amazing opportunity to explore the subjects you’re really interested in, with people who are just as excited and interested as you. Our worldleading academics will push the boundaries of your knowledge and experience, and there are some fantastic and unique facilities in Southampton, where learning quickly becomes doing for real.

WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

Apprentices will usually do most of their learning in a work based environment. We strive to work with supportive employers who value and understand the Apprenticeship process. We place our apprentices in a wide range of sectors, based upon their area of interest. We work closely with our employer hosts to ensure the Apprenticeship process is as smooth, hassle free and rewarding as possible. Applicants should expect to work hard, but in return feel they are getting an opportunity to learn, develop, gain great opportunities and earn a salary during their Apprenticeship journey.

WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

We provide an inspiring environment in which to study, which we believe is vital to your success. You’ll have access to the latest vocational facilities and high quality supportive teaching. You’ll be able to develop the skills that will give you the edge in your future career.

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS?

Our student services team makes it their business to do whatever they can to help our students out and to ensure their successful future – from personal counselling for the beneﬁt of your health and well-being, to the use of our Careers Destination centre, which is focused on employability and helping you to reach your career aspirations after university.

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS?

Once they are in place on their Apprenticeship, SWAC will allocate a dedicated Learner Account Manager (LAM), who will work alongside the apprentice for the duration of the framework. This is in addition to the normal support that the apprentice will receive from the training provider and the host company. We will conduct regular reviews throughout the framework which allow the apprentice to identify successes and achievements, plan for further development and later on identify opportunities to move into areas of the business that oﬀer interest and challenge.

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS?

You will receive an inclusive study programme and as much support as you need, whether that’s through tutorials, specialist support or learner coaches. We want to do everything we can to help you succeed and to make you feel conﬁdent that you can achieve your ambitions. We make it our mission to support our students to the best of our ability.

www.careersworld.co.uk

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?

All of our degrees and foundation programmes represent the ﬁrst stage of a rewarding career. A degree from the University of Southampton can open many doors for career opportunities, and says to employers that you’ve developed the skills that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?

99% of SWAC apprentices who complete their framework progress into full time employment or move onto higher level qualiﬁcations. Too often, Apprenticeship applicants can be seen as a commodity and their real interests and needs can be overlooked in order to fulﬁl the targets of training providers. SWAC works in partnership with a wide range of local colleges and training providers, meaning that issues such as travel, length of course, learning style and available frameworks can be overcome. We are also sector experts, happy to give impartial honest advice – and most importantly we are really nice people!

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?

We offer the widest choice of qualifications in the region but we know that coming to college isn’t just about getting a qualification; it’s about what those qualifications and skills lead to. That’s why all our courses focus on the career potential of all our students, and are specifically designed to help you achieve your career goal.

#bpcevents

ournemouth & oole ollege ÂŁ10M invested in NEW state-of-the-art facilities! Exclusive student recruitment service has placed over 1,500 students into work Come and study Full-Time courses, Traineeships, Apprenticeships, A Levels or Higher Education

pen vents

4th March 4-8pm & 22nd May 4-8pm

01202 205205 thecollege.co.uk/kickstart

We like to keep you up to date with the latest goings-on of your local institutions, as well as providing you with case studies and stories from people who have been in your position and seen the light at the end of the tunnel; this is their forum for connecting with you.

Phillipp Steadman 2nd Yr BSc (Hons) Agriculture “I came to the Royal Ag. in September 2012 after taking a gap year to enhance my skills. Although I’m not from the land, I knew from an early age that I wanted a career in Agriculture. After doing some research I recognised that the Agriculture BSc course at the RAU was what I wanted to study.

“I don’t think anyone-knows what to expect from uni, but I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in the RAU. The course is less vocational than others, which really suits me as I can develop my practical skills in the 21-week work placement between years 2 and 3. The uni has a very diverse range of academic staﬀ and no matter what your interest, you can ﬁnd a lecturer that will give you more information as well as listening to what you have to say.

“With 15 institutions in the UK offering an Agriculture degree, I knew choosing where I wanted to study would be difficult. However after a visit to the RAU in my final GCSE year, I knew that was where I wanted to go. The small and quiet campus, good amenities, great transport links and such a fantastic heritage really sealed the deal for me.

“One of the best things for me is the vast amount (250 hectares) of land that students have access to around the campus; it makes the ideal place to take some time out and relax. The RAU also has a vast range of sports clubs and societies that cater for everyone, so whether you’re a crack clay pigeon shot or an engineering whiz, you’ll ﬁnd a society you can join. “

Web: www.rau.ac.uk

Matt, Hair Academy South West “My name is Matt and I’m 17. I am currently training with ‘The Hair Academy South West’ where I’m undertaking my NVQ Level 2 as a ﬁrst year Apprentice. I am really enjoying it – I have learnt so much already. “My ﬁrst day was a challenge, being in a new environment and meeting new people was incredibly nerve-wracking, but at the same time I was very excited. I have only been with the Academy for 3 months; but already I have had the opportunity to shampoo, colour, cut and blow dry client’s hair, all under the supervision of my tutors who are friendly and encouraging. “Running alongside my practical

work, I have had assessments, which will be ongoing throughout the year. The theory side of the course did worry me slightly, but there is a lot of support and back up from tutors and the other apprentices. “I have obtained so much knowledge in such a short space of time. I will also have the opportunity to go on and complete my Advance Apprenticeship Level 3 qualiﬁcation - I can’t wait to complete my course and became a fully qualiﬁed hairdresser!” Matt has a salon placement four days a week but really looks forward to his time at The Academy. Jo, his salon manager said “Matt is hardworking and a great asset to the salon team, I am sure he will go a long way.”

Taunton: 120 East Reach, TA1 3HL Tel: 01823 350444 Barnstaple: 75 Boutpout Street, EX31 1SR Tel: 01271 377737 Web: www.hairacademysouthwest.co.uk

www.careersworld.co.uk

South West Apprenticeship Company

City College Plymouth City College Plymouth is a high performing college which is focused on the employability and enterprise skills of its students. As a Gazelle College we ensure that students leave us prepared to make the most of every opportunity available, and are able to make a contribution to their community and workplace from day one. The College has an impartial advice and guidance team to support prospective and current students in making informed choices. With more and more career pathways and options now on oﬀer to young people, it’s important that the City College team can support them, as well as their parents, in understanding these options, ensuring that they make the right choices for them.

support as outstanding highlighting the College’s impartiality as a key strength. The College also has a dedicated team that supports students with developing employability, communication and leadership skills. Students have beneﬁted from talks by guest speakers such as Melody Hossaini, star of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’; and former ‘Dragon’ Doug Richard, who provided information about the realities of business start-up and life as an entrepreneur. The team also promotes competitions and initiatives, which focus on entrepreneurial activity in order to encourage students to try new things and develop the skills employers are looking for. Work experience is sourced through the team with students able to attend relevant placements linked to industry.

Ring the team on 01752 305300 to explore your choices and book a FREE careers interview. The team has Matrix accreditation for advice and guidance and a recent Ofsted observation rated the careers

The South West Apprenticeship Company Ltd (SWAC) is committed to successfully matching organisations to apprentices, providing support and guidance every step of the way. SWAC offers a flexible, low cost, low risk way of delivering Apprenticeships, which benefits everyone involved. We focus on your talents and interests to find the right career path for you. We offer placements in some of the most popular industries, including Hospitality & Catering, Business Administration, Engineering & Manufacturing, Customer Service and Health & Social Care. There are many benefits to becoming a SWAC apprentice. Here are just a few.... • •

•

To ﬁnd out more about City College Plymouth, visit www.cityplym.ac.uk or call 01752 305300.

Real jobs, real salary, real careers. 99% of SWAC apprentices gain full time employment after completing their Apprenticeship. On average, our apprentices earn £4.00 per hour. The apprentice minimum wage is £2.68

•

per hour. We provide you with a tailor-made programme of advice, guidance and support. You will have a dedicated ‘learner account’ manager who will oﬀer you support personalised to your individual needs. If your placement doesn’t work out, we will ﬁnd you an alternative one.

Don’t just take our word for it; here are some of the things our apprentices have said: Tabitha – Business Administration Apprentice “I was unsure of where I wanted to be, however, this Apprenticeship and SWAC have made me more confident and they’ve opened lots of doors for my future” Madeleine – Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities Apprentice “Going through SWAC is an excellent way to find the Apprenticeship that’s right for you.” The South West Apprenticeship Company are always looking for people to fill vacancies for Apprenticeships. Go to www.theswac.org.uk to find out more and view all current openings.

Web: www.theswac.org.uk Tel: 0800 334 5767 Email: info@theswac.org.uk

www.careersworld.co.uk

Traineeships

Don’t Dream It, Do It With An Apprenticeship In today’s tough job market it is really important that you not only gain relevant qualiﬁcations, but you also develop the skills, attitudes and attributes that employers require. An Apprenticeship will allow you to do just that by equipping you with the skills, knowledge and competence you need to progress in your chosen career. Anyone over 16 years old and not in full-time education can apply to be an apprentice. If you are already employed, or wish to train on the job, an Apprenticeship will allow you to get qualiﬁed, get paid and get a career all in one go! You can expect a real future with an Apprenticeship. After

finishing, 85% of apprentices will stay in employment, with 64% staying with the same employer. Not only that, but a third of all former apprentices had received a promotion within 12 months of finishing and of those in work, 75% reported taking on more responsibility in their job (Evaluation of Apprenticeships for Learners, BIS, May 2012). And don’t just take our word for it. Employers believe that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. (ICM Employers Research, 2013) An Apprenticeship really can lead to a great future. Look at the success former apprentices such as Jamie Oliver, Alexander McQueen and John Frieda have enjoyed over the course of their careers.

Want to ﬁnd out more about apprenticeships at Weymouth College? Register your interest at www.weymouth.ac.uk or phone us on 01305 208709.

What is a Traineeship? Traineeships at Swindon College can prepare you for your future career, helping you to get ready for the world of work and improving your chances of going onto an Apprenticeship or other job. Traineeships last anything from six weeks to a maximum of six months, with the content tailored to suit your individual needs. What are the beneﬁts of a Traineeship? • A Traineeship will put you in a better position to compete for an Apprenticeship or work • Traineeships give you the opportunity to build your CV and get vital experience with local and national employers • Improving your English and maths skills will boost your chances of getting a job • Employers are at the centre of Traineeships to ensure they give you the skills you need to secure a job and succeed in employment

•

At the end of the work experience placement you’ll get a job interview with the company if a role becomes available, or a reference and an exit interview

Will I be paid? Work placements are unpaid, but employers are encouraged to support expenses such as transport and meals depending on your circumstances. You could be suitable for a Traineeship if you are: • Unemployed (or work less than 16 hours per week) and have little work experience • Are motivated to work • Are aged 16-18 inclusive and are qualiﬁed below Level 3 OR • 19-23 inclusive and are qualiﬁed below full Level 2

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on (01793) 498404 or email businessﬁrst@swindon-college.ac.uk

www.careersworld.co.uk

Apprenticeships deliver Local vacancies available now in the following industries:

Hospitality and Catering Health and Social Care Engineering (starting 2014) Customer Service Hairdressing Business Administration

Talk to us 01305 208709

Energy & Renewables Saving the world; it’s a term that’s thrown around a lot these days, but this is the sector which is dedicated to doing just that. You don’t have to dress like Superman (you can if you want but let’s face it, you’ll look ridiculous) because this is about working with renewable sources of power, such as wind turbines and solar panels. We’ll be relying more and more on these resources as our fossil fuel supplies diminish, so now is the time to get involved!

You ask us... WHAT’S THE ENERGY & RENEWABLES SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE

Fossil fuels are so yesterday man. They damage the environment COUNTRY? and are now in short supply. Thankfully, new energy sources such More than 50,000 people work in the nuclear sector and that as solar power, wind turbines and hydroelectric energy generators number is growing by the year. 89% of the workforce is full time, mean we can produce electricity without creating holes in our while solar panelling sales are up by 50% this year alone. atmosphere. This sector employs people to not only maintain and design new forms of these systems, but also to ﬁt such technologies WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED? in people’s homes and explain to customers what it’s all about. Well, if you can go ten miles in any direction and not see a wind turbine, then you’re either really short sighted or on the wrong WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN? planet. Renewable energy resources are springing up all over Because this sector is very specialised and requires very technical the country; the major production factories are on the outskirts of training, you’ll be paid a fairly high salary; £22,000 is the average towns and cities, with nuclear plants spread across the country. starting salary and this can rise depending on which sector in the Oﬀshore oil rigs are also found out in the North Sea, around both industry you work in. Some of the earlier roles also have commission England and Scotland. on top of the basic salary, so if you are competitive and work hard, you could earn a lot of money.

WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

This is very much determined by the sector you choose. Hydroelectric operatives will be working on lakes or by the sea, solar panel ﬁtters might be working on houses and you could even ﬁnd yourself working in a nuclear plant with high tech machinery. Just like Homer Simpson (handy if you like donuts…).

www.careersworld.co.uk

Energy & Renewables

Careers Choices The renewable energy sector is growing at pace; with less reliance on fossil fuels, the country needs to ﬁnd alternative ways to generate power. Wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, solar panels and nuclear power are all being used to provide electricity to the national grid. While generally more expensive, renewable energy is better for the environment and is easier to run than your average coal fuelled power station. You’ll surely have noticed the sudden rise in wind turbines; there are over 2300 dotted about our country, with a further 3000 commissioned for building in the near future.

NUCLEAR TECHNICIAN

Nuclear power, while controversial, is a resource that provides the UK with around 17% of its total electricity. As you can imagine, safety is a top priority so you’ll be responsible not just for the people in the plant, but also the surrounding country and even other parts of the world. Nuclear Technicians look after the generators, test new technology, make repairs and upgrade old equipment. The salaries in this sector are pretty high, due to the complex nature of the job. Salaries start at just under £20,000, but can easily exceed £48,000 with full training and experience.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Lab Technicians work with complex chemicals to produce products we use in everyday life, such as petrol and perfume. These products are tested many times in various environments and situations before finally being passed fit for mass production. Salaries start at £13,500, but highly skilled technical staff or those in managerial roles can easily earn in excess of £40,000.

OIL & GAS MAINTENANCE

Offshore oilrigs and ships require constant care and maintenance to ensure safety is kept to a maximum. This is no easy task, but it means that everybody working around you is able to fulfil their role knowing that nothing is going to explode or catch fire. Apprentice salaries are around £15,000, but you will earn more if you are based offshore.

NETWORK OFFICER

You will have seen the pylons dotted across our landscape; these form the national grid, which is responsible for carrying power from the generators all the way to people’s homes. As a Network Oﬃcer, you’ll be in charge (no pun intended) of maintaining the grid and making sure there are no faults anywhere down the line. Starting salaries are usually around £12,500 for Apprentices, but this quickly rises with training and qualiﬁcations.

www.careersworld.co.uk

ELECTRICAL GENERATION WORKER

This involves harnessing the energy created by the diﬀerent sources and turning it into useable electricity. This process requires all sorts of complicated machinery, so it will come as no surprise that it’s a highly skilled trade. Apprentices can expect to earn a starting salary of £12,000, rising to £18,000 when qualiﬁed.

RECYCLING OPERATIVE

Working in recycling not only helps keep our Earth clean it provides reusable resources. Metals, glass, paper and plastic can all be reused to save money and other resources and the UK government have introduced better schemes to make recycling easier for households. Salaries start at around £17,000 a year and rise with experience.

141,000

PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED IN THE UK RECYCLING INDUSTRY

Where to begin If you think this is the sector for you, read on to learn more about how you can kick your career off…

APPRENTICESHIPS

If you are aged 16 and over you could enter an Apprenticeship, which would teach you the skills you need while you work and earn a salary. You’ll spend half your time in the classroom and half out on the job. Listed below are the apprenticeship frameworks for this sector, which when completed will give you a Level 2 qualiﬁcation in the form of a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ: Nuclear Working • The Power Industry • Laboratory and Science Technician • Sustainable Resource Management • The Water Industry

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS

A-LEVELS

A-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. Here are some of the relevant A-Levels for this sector: Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Maths

FOUNDATION DEGREES

THE UK ENERGY AND UTILITY SECTOR EMPLOYS

536,200 PEOPLE

OVER

50,000 PEOPLE WORK IN THE UK NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

Energy & Renewables

REGIONAL FOCUS A recent survey of holidaymakers has discovered that wind and solar farms have been accepted as a part of the landscape of Cornwall. There is a great deal of work available for those wanting a career in Renewables in the South West. There is a huge variety of Internships, Apprenticeships and graduate jobs available in Cornwall and other coastbound cities. The area is also home to EDF’s nuclear energy engineering centre.

These are the equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after completing the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining valuable employment experience. People with Advanced Apprenticeships tend to COLLEGE COURSES progress up the ladder a lot quicker than A college course is another way to get into those without, as the skills they learn are this sector. For more information, check out more suited to management and supervisory www.careersworld.co.uk. roles. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector and all of these will result in a Level 3 qualiﬁcation such as a BTEC, a Diploma or an NVQ. The Power Industry • Energy Assessment and Advice • Building Energy Management Systems • The Water Industry • Laboratory and Science Technician www.careersworld.co.uk

Chard - 01460 261179 Street - 01458 447794 Remember school leavers from September 2014 you need to stay in education or training until you are 18 years old. If you are looking for a career in Construction come along and visit the centre, meet the team and enrol at our

Open Morning For Learners and Employers on Saturday 1st February 2014 10.00 am - 13.00 pm

For further information and how to apply for a course early call the team on 01460 261179 or visit our website www.train4all.co.uk Apprenticeships, Part Time & Full Time Courses in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Maintenance, Tiling, Plumbing & Plastering at Centres in Street and Chard

Proud to be working in partnership with

THE REAL WORLD Train4All Train4All Construction Academy oﬀer a range of full Apprenticeship and full time programmes within the ﬁelds of Bricklaying, Carpentry, Wall & Floor Tiling, Plastering, Plumbing & Maintenance for 16 – 19 year olds and 19+ learners at our Chard and Street training centres.

Construction Ever wondered how they built some of the most iconic buildings of our time? Perhaps you think Big Ben isn’t big enough, or that The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just a bit rubbish; if you think you can make a diﬀerence to the buildings we see, then the Construction industry is for you.

You ask us... WHAT’S THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

crane at 150ft! Most of these job roles require working with heavy machinery so you’ll need some specialist training, just in Construction is a broad term for all things case you end up driving a cement mixer building related. It doesn’t just cover bricks, onto the motorway. Or accidentally building tiles and pipes; you’ll find a whole host of an office block on top of a graveyard. job roles that use skills such as problem solving, design and leadership. You could HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO be planning a development project for a rundown area, installing plumbing systems OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY? or even supervising a team working on a Construction is one of the country’s largest skyscraper! sectors; it employs over 2.35 million people, which equates to around 8% of the WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT UK workforce. Due to the self employed nature of this industry, a whopping 92% of TO EARN? organisations employ less than 10 people, The starting salaries in construction are meaning employment in private companies pretty high; most practical job roles start out is becoming harder to find. at around £16,000. Jobs in areas such as civil engineering and surveying tend to start WHERE IS THE WORK MOST out with a salary of around £15,000, but fully qualified professionals can earn in excess of CONCENTRATED? £40,000. It’s also worth noting that almost Unlike other industries, construction isn’t a third of this industry is self employed; this usually fixed to one place; you’ll have to go means you set your own schedule and where the work is. The company you work prices. It could also mean getting up on a for will have a catchment area which you Monday morning would just be for a slice of will work in; obviously larger companies will toast and a cup of tea. be able to cover larger geographical areas. Domestic construction, which includes WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD improvements, repairs and the building of housing, usually takes place wherever the I BE WORKING IN? client lives. New housing projects usually A construction environment isn’t always spring up on the outskirts of towns and just a building site; you could be in a design villages, whereas larger buildings such as studio planning out the structure of the office blocks and commercial retail areas building, or working underground checking are usually built on out of town business and on the maintenance of the gas and water retail parks. pipes. Heck, you could be operating a www.careersworld.co.uk

We work in partnership with local colleges and training providers to fully support you throughout your journey with us. With the training provided at the centres and the valuable work experience you will gain, whether in the centre or with an employer you will be well placed to tackle the growth that is imminent within the building industry. For available Apprenticeship vacancies with local employers, you can log onto our website www.train4all.co.uk/vacancies and apply for any suitable positions. Our full time 6th Form construction programmes are for those wishing to gain trade knowledge and skills before entering into a full apprenticeship or employment. The course lasts for 1 year and assists you in gaining suitable apprenticeship employment. Places for our full time courses are limited, so ensure that you apply by 14th February to secure your interview. Our centres will be having an open day on Saturday 1st February 2014 from 10am-1pm and this is an ideal time to come along and view the workshops, meet the trainers and apply for your course.

Web: www.train4all.co.uk

Construction

Careers Choices Were you a dab hand with Lego as a kid? Every structure you see, from your local corner shop to towering skyscrapers in the big cities, is a result of the Construction industry. This sector generates billions of pounds a year for the economy and has a diverse range of careers and roles to choose from. Whether you prefer working with tools outdoors on a site, in an ofﬁce designing buildings or installing facilities in people’s homes, there’s a career for everyone in this industry. There is an emphasis on teamwork, so if you enjoy working with others then this could be the career for you. And if not, you can work in your own ofﬁce giving plans and directions to others! Here are some of the more popular trades you can choose; we couldn’t possibly print them all, there are far too many!

PAINTING & DECORATING

It’s not as diﬃcult as your parents make it look! Painters and decorators can work in a variety of places on a wide range of projects, from wallpapering a bedroom to painting a hospital exterior. Salaries vary depending on experience, but senior supervisors can well over £30,000.

BRICKLAYING

A popular choice for people who like to work with their hands, Bricklaying involves building, repairing and demolishing walls using a variety of techniques, it isn’t just staring at a brick wall. Salaries usually start at around £17,000, but rise with experience.

PLUMBING

Remember Super Mario? This is how he got started. You might not end up having a day like him, but your work will be just as varied; you could be repairing a broken pipeline, or installing a completely new system to your own design. Don’t be afraid to get a little wet in this line of work! Salaries usually range from £17,000 for newly qualiﬁed plumbers to £35,000 with progression.

SCAFFOLDING

Creating a safe working environment is a priority in any career and scaffolders provide this on a range of projects, from simple building sites to towering office blocks. You will be building platforms for the construction crew to work on and can expect to earn CIVIL ENGINEERING Civil Engineers design a whole range of between £17,000 and £26,000. structures, such as bridges, pipelines and railways as well as drawing up plans for new CARPENTRY & JOINERY buildings. You will work both in an office Wood. It’s all over the place. It’s the job of and on site so be prepared for a varied day! Carpenters and Joiners to take it and turn Salaries can be upwards of £36,000 with it into a useful product for widespread use. progression. You could be carving an ornate staircase in a hotel, or building a roof support for a mansion. With experience you can expect to earn more than £30,000.

www.careersworld.co.uk

PLASTERING

Plastering is now considered a specialist skill within this trade; from simple walls to extravagant statues, you will be creating something important wherever you work. You can expect to earn between £17,000 and £28,000 in this line of work.

SURVEYING

Surveyors are like teachers; they point out flaws in work and then tell you how to improve it. Or, they tell you to destroy it completely. There are so many roles in the field of Surveying, such as Cartography (that’s map making to you and me), improving run down areas of cities, developing land for future building work and so much more. Like the roles, the salary varies depending on what you specialise in, but a trainee surveyor can expect to start on £15,000 and earn up to £60,000+ in some fields.

92%

OF ORGANISATIONS IN THIS SECTOR EMPLOY LESS THAN 10 PEOPLE

55%

ARE EMPLOYED IN MANUAL OCCUPATIONS

37% ARE SELFEMPLOYED

Where to begin If this is the ﬁeld for you, then read on to ﬁnd out how you can get started.

APPRENTICESHIPS

This where most people in the industry start out. An apprenticeship allows you to learn you trade while also being paid a salary. There are many employers out there who provide apprenticeship schemes; to get an idea of who’s out there, head to websites on our ‘Useful Links’ page. Below you will ﬁnd the Apprenticeships frameworks relevant to this industry, which will give you an idea of what you’ll be able to choose from. All these frameworks result in a Level 2 qualiﬁcation, such as NVQ’s BTEC’s or Diplomas, are the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes and takes two years to complete. Construction Building • Construction Technical, Supervision and Management • Construction Civil Engineering • Construction Specialist

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS

This is the equivalent of two A levels, but without sitting in a classroom studying. Like a regular Apprenticeship, it’s suited to more practical ﬁelds of work. Advanced Apprenticeships in construction only take a year and on completion you will receive a Level 3 Qualiﬁcation, again either a BTEC, an NVQ or a Diploma. Construction Building • Construction Technical, Supervision and Management • Construction Civil Engineering • Construction Specialist

COLLEGE COURSES

A college course is another way into this sector. To see if there are any colleges near you with relevant courses check out www.careersworld.co.uk

A-LEVELS

A-Levels might not sound relevant to this ﬁeld of work, but employers and universities both like candidates with scientiﬁc and practical subjects. Examples of A-Levels you can study are listed below: Physics • Chemistry • Graphic Design • Technology • Electronics • Maths • Geography

FOUNDATION DEGREES

Construction

REGIONAL FOCUS More and more people are holidaying in England and the hotspots are on the south coasts. This means there is an increasing demand for developments in the region. More and more people are moving to the south west of England due to its (slightly) warmer weather and its proximity to London and all these people need somewhere to live! The vast amount of historic buildings in the also area need maintaining and its part of the construction trade to keep them in good nick.

If you feel like you want to experience the university lifestyle and perhaps break away from those troublesome parents, then a Foundation Degree is a way of getting there. They usually last two years (this does tend to vary depending on your choice of course) and mix study with practical learning. These courses are available across the country and might give you the opportunity to live away from home and give you more independence – you’ll get to choose your own bed time and everything.

www.careersworld.co.uk

THE REAL WORLD Study Sport at Cornwall College For those that have a love of sport, why not turn a passion into a career? Whether you want to help other people to stay fit and healthy, lead outdoor activities, run a sports centre or improve your own performance to professional level, career options in the industry are varied and exciting. Studying at Cornwall College will give you the chance to develop your knowledge and gain additional useful qualifications, such as first aid and coaching awards. Get involved in a whole host of sports and adventurous activities.

Sport & Fitness Keeping ﬁt is very important nowadays; the time of extra Yorkshire puddings and chips are gone! People are more keen to get and stay in shape and this sector is all about helping people do just that.

You ask us... WHAT’S THE SPORT AND FITNESS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

It’s more than just working out at the gym; this sector also includes coaching people in various sports, running outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and gliding and of course there are the roles that support sports centres, gyms and activity areas.

WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

Sport and Fitness is a popular sector to work in and it employs 663,000 people across the country, which accounts for 2% of the total UK workforce. Over 4 million people are subscribed to some sort of ﬁtness or gym program, so there will never be a shortage of people to help. The one downside to this is the cost and some people see it as a luxury they cannot aﬀord. Perhaps this is something you can change for the better!

We oﬀer a range of sports courses. Whether you are about to leave school or wish to study at degree level, you will be supported at our campuses in Camborne, St Austell, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. The equipment we use is state-of-the-art and is designed to get you ready for the workplace. Our sports excellence centres are used by professional athletes and sport associations in the region, such as world champions, Falmouth Gig Rowing Club. While studying with us we will make sure you gain all the theoretical and technical knowledge you need to build a career in coaching, nutrition, physiotherapy, sports psychology or teaching. Mahala Smith, FdSc Sport, Health & Fitness (below) said: “I chose Cornwall College because it has such great facilities and covers a wide range of sport, health, wellbeing and ﬁtness courses.”

The starting salaries vary according to the role you will play, but they tend to range from WHERE IS THE WORK MOST £12,000 to £15,000 and can be upwards CONCENTRATED? of £25,000 with experience. For example, a fully qualified Fitness Instructor can earn You’ll find gyms all over the place although some of the private ones can be found over £32,000 a year. attached to spas and hotels and can be in middle of nowhere. The bigger chains WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD the can be found in towns and city centres I BE WORKING IN? along with council run sports centres. For more information on all of our sport Again, this depends on your role. If you are Outdoor activity centres are usually found in working in fitness, then you are likely to be the countryside, but also look out for places courses please visit www.cornwall.ac.uk in a gym or sports centre. Outdoor activities by the sea and in forested areas. or call our enquiry can take you to rivers, cliff faces, mountains, team on oceans and ski slopes, so be prepared to 0845 22 32 567 fill your wardrobe with clothing to suit the occasion! www.careersworld.co.uk

Sport & Fitness

Careers Choices You don’t have to be a ﬁtness fanatic to work in this sector (but it probably helps to be a little ﬁt) and there are many more roles than people think. This industry also covers outdoor activities, play work (with young children and toddlers), coaching in the community and the operation of gyms and sport centres. Here are some of the areas within this industry you could go into:

PERSONAL TRAINING

People hire Personal Trainers (or PT’s as they are commonly known) so they can have one on one training sessions tailored to suit their needs. You’ll need a wide knowledge of physiology and the body so that you can cover all possible areas that a person might ask for. As well as just training them, you will be giving them nutritional advice and therapies such as warm downs, stretches and massages to help the client relax after a workout.

COACHING

Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Martin Johnson and the like all started out as coaches before they became successful managers. Coaching is all about using your skills and knowledge to guide others as they start out their sports careers and this could be coaching at grassroots level with an U9’s basketball team, right up to working for the big sports clubs in England.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

There are a whole host of outdoor pursuits that you can work with. Sports such as White Water Rafting, Paintballing, GoKarting, Zip-Lining, Abseiling and Caving all require instructors and supervisors to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable time. Instructors can also coach people who are interested in making a career out of their sport.

SPECTATOR SUPPORT

Every professional sports match requires stewards to maintain health and safety, help people with queries and act in case of an emergency. NVQs are available in spectator safety, where you’ll learn skills such as conﬂict management, ﬁrst aid and dealing with emergencies.

www.careersworld.co.uk

OPERATIONS

The operations section of Sport and Fitness is important; it’s all about the day to day running of a centre, gym or facility. Whether that’s maintaining the equipment, keeping everything clean and hygienic, taking bookings and sorting memberships or managing the whole place, this sector wouldn’t run without responsible, organised people behind the scenes.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

Salaries start out between £12,000 and can rise to £25,000 as you gain experience. Gym Managers can earn upwards of £35,000.

51,500

PEOPLE WORK IN THE HEALTH & FITNESS INDUSTRY THERE ARE OVER 3,100 PRIVATE FITNESS FACILITIES IN THE UK WITH 4.4 MILLION MEMBERS THERE ARE JUST UNDER

2,600

PUBLIC HEALTH & FITNESS FACILITIES

Where to begin If you think this is the sector for you, read on to learn more about how you can kick your career off…

APPRENTICESHIPS

With over 48,000 diﬀerent companies in this sector, an Apprenticeship might be the easier route to take to get into a very tough sector. Competition for places in this industry is super high, so having one foot in the door and earning as you learn could be a great way to go. Here are the frameworks you can expect to see in this industry and all Apprenticeships result in a Level 2 BTEC, Diploma or NVQ. Leisure Operations • Coaching • Instructing Exercise and Fitness • Activity Leadership

A-LEVELS

A-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. Here are some of the relevant A-Levels for this sector: P.E. • Sports Studies • Biology

FOUNDATION DEGREES

A Foundation Degree combines university lifestyle with practical, hands on work. It’s sort of like a cross between an Apprenticeship and an Honours Degree. They are often used as gateway qualifications to a full time Degree as they count towards the first two years of an Honours Degree. They usually take two years to complete and you’ll be ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS These are the equivalent to A-Levels and both in the work place and on the university Example degrees include can usually be joined after completing the campus. associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. Physiology, Nutrition and Sports Studies. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining COLLEGE COURSES valuable employment experience. Here are College courses are also a great way to some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks get into this sector and many colleges do for this sector and all of these will result in Creative courses. To check which colleges a Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC, a do these courses, head to Diploma or an NVQ. www.careersworld.co.uk. Sporting Excellence • Sports Development • Leisure Management www.careersworld.co.uk

Sport & Fitness

REGIONAL FOCUS The South West has two of the best universities for Sport Science in the UK. In 2013 Exeter University was ranked 3rd and Bath University 6th. Cornwall and much of the south coast is famous for its water-sports scene, with surﬁng and sailing being favourites. These sports have gained a much bigger following since the 2012 Olympics and now there’s a greater need for coaches and other trained staﬀ at facilities throughout the region.

e l p i t l . . . u e r s mrtunitie futu

eers r a •C s e urs o C s• p i h ces i t n re App

o e p m op welco

r u o to y

this t u dy, b nal in o b very ofessio .. e r rk fo illed pr ame.. o w sn’t ighly sk of the g e o d sity me a h ahead k... r ss e thin v t i sine o h u u n g c B i o , U y e b ty d ou m s Public strateg t u n ’ y p a n n ’ t , a ca ay ge reat l g th ing! ...i portive l g e i n m l i t l t a s n , h ou les sup nc rs o Co an you ticeship Cru olving, t Acc nt ro r e o e r t doo g e b s e f d n n r f i i e n m o ld Go not m Appre sm t Nu blem many d nities a wor ere’ ll abou on, pro u e t h e r h T r s t n o of ea ati pp ot a doe field. A nov re. Ther of o corners n t’s n I i e , g r all iring ch mo ge ran re a s in a u insp you e u ing s h m s s , p liver i so ne ity r i e s s h r d u d u s e n . , s in tice start yo lled a eal of divou, as all bhese skills pert d adults , n x e e r t d i s g y n urse adin s, 16+ a n to ple with App way to ghly sk o e e l c p o o er the i t ring n, to d pe e of or learn g, offe n o ptio grea r as a h nee f n s o i i g n e i g in nin e tra the ctiv . train sive trai ncy effe here in s a t t u n s care ssional! l e r n o n u a Ap UT w e al c l ehe n Acco dies B c r e , u f o p t l u n s tio com lising i s and a ssional pro e yo l lifica i a a i e p f i h u c h o e q r sp ing rp ices hip rn w raining a train rent nue you ur flags E d p e t p s • i d a eive ification ills then contest. AAT is ornment fun c , e k s W ve al •R rvice h o t c e u : g u S n fi r i q s So er ve eci ain deli ticeship p stom s u G w C o . n , b n • n jo rse ding ppre atio a r n t A r e s l cou i a t i a n i r v m o e a m a sh ur CV, •L s Ad t and Te o ines o do et ey Bus gemen ld lik enhanc take. a u n o to ill Ma uw s yo which w choose p a u erh ter, th yo Or, p the wa a p st eer to te ver car te wha and vice today! d a us ion, mat ch with r o f in ou ore t in t For m nce, ge 610.co.uk 6 5 a 2 d gui 52 lustraining .uk 7 1 o 0 p Callil future@atraining.c ton ema .aplus Taun

• outh Plym

ter • Exe

THE REAL WORLD

Business & Customer Service Business is all about getting stuﬀ done. Whether it’s launching and selling a product or starting up a company in your kitchen, business boils down to one thing; making money. If you have good business acumen, then you won’t be far from success. Every business is hinged on meeting and dealing with customers and for that you’ll need a good customer service ethos. A smile, a friendly demeanour and a professional but helpful attitude will help your customers feel at ease and in good hands.

You ask us... WHAT’S THE BUSINESS & CUSTOMER SERVICE SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Customer Service is a little different, as you have to act as the face of the company and therefore require a more relaxed demeanour It’s a huge sector that covers nearly every (you’ll still have to be professional; don’t other industry out there. Everybody needs be greeting top customers with ‘Yo dude, to make money to survive, from your how’s it hanging?”!). local corner shop to the world’s largest companies. It goes hand in hand with HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO customer service, which businesses rely on to not only attract new customers, but OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY? also keep hold of current ones. This sector This country sees over 8000 new businesses covers everything from management to started every week; some from current being an entrepreneur and starting your companies merging, others starting up with own business. With regards to customer just one staff member in their living room. service, you’ll find roles in telesales, Nearly a quarter of UK private enterprises reception and more! are situated in the business services sector and recently new schemes have been WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT brought in to help people aged 18-24 start up their own companies.

White Horse Training White Horse Training is a specialist accountancy teaching organisation based in central Bath. For more than 30 years they’ve been offering high quality, cost effective training for accounting professionals. Courses range from basic training, for those just starting their careers, through to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for more qualified staff. A significant part of White Horse’s focus involves delivering the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications and Apprenticeships in Accountancy, which have been going successfully for many years. Their most recent OFSTED report considers their success rates and support for AAT students to be “outstanding”. Many who study with White Horse also go on to achieve professional accounting qualifications. AAT Level 3 and 4 courses start in January/ February 2014 and there are still places available. Those specialising in Tax can take the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) qualification. This modular course, starting in February 2014, covers Personal Tax; Business Tax & Accounting; Corporation Tax; Law & Ethics, and prepares students for ATT exams to be taken in November 2014. All White Horse’s teachers are qualified and experienced, and courses run on a block release basis. Their offices, including two large classrooms and an IT suite, are based in central Bath and are convenient for public transport and car parks.

TO EARN?

It depends on your role in a business and the type of company you work for. As a money orientated sector, you’ll be making plenty of cash if you keep hitting targets. The average salary for starters in business is around the £15,000 mark, but don’t be surprised to see this ﬁgure increase very quickly. Customer Service starts out at about £11,000, but is a career ladder that’s easy to climb with the right attitude and can in some cases lead to a career in PR.

WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that the largest concentration of work in the business sector can be found in the South of England, towards the London area. However, many new start up companies are found in the North, around major cities such as Manchester and Sheﬃeld. Leeds is also renowned for its business district, where the headquarters of supermarket giants Asda, hair product company GHD and video games developer Rockstar are located.

For more information please visit: www. whitehorsetraining.co.uk or contact: 1 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AA, email: elizabeth.spicer@whitehorseltd.co.uk or phone: 01225 460167

A business environment is competitive and fast paced; sales targets have to be met in order to satisfy customers and management alike. If you’re ambitious and enjoy a challenge then you’ll revel in it and go far. www.careersworld.co.uk

Business & Customer Service

Careers Choices Business is vital to our economy; without it, there wouldn’t be any money. And without money, there’d be no society. So it’s imperative to make sure that businesses run to their best potential. To make these businesses work, there are many cogs in the machine, such as administration, human resources and management, all of which require a different set of skills.

ADMINISTRATION

Administration is the part of business that we as customers rarely see. Whenever we sign up for a contract on a phone or buy a house, that contract has to be processed, checked and ﬁled away for future reference. These aren’t skills to be taken lightly and the function of admin should never be underestimated. You can expect to earn between £15,000 and £20,000, with the possibility to earn more with progression.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer Service is all about making customers feel like they’re in safe hands when doing business with your company. Whether it’s a friendly telephone demeanor or a simple smile and a handshake, a company’s treatment of their clients goes a long way to doing future business. It also helps garner reputation to attract new customers that previously slipped through the net. Starting salaries are around £12,000, but progression can come quickly and with it comes a higher wage.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Somebody has to look after the employees in a company and this job falls to the human resources department. This is no easy task, especially when it’s a large company with hundreds of people in various job roles. Responsibilities for the HR department include hiring and recruiting, keeping employee records, dealing with complaints and providing staﬀ training for development. Salaries start out at around £15,000, while managers can earn close to £50,000 a year.

ENTREPRENEURIAL

Ever wonder why there isn’t a product in the world that probably should exist but doesn’t? Then why not go for it and start up your own business? Perhaps you have a talent which you can showcase as a service to other people or know how to turn a struggling business into a successful one. The government is currently running a scheme for 18-24 year olds who want to start their own business, providing funding, training and help to make sure young people starting from scratch are on the right path.

www.careersworld.co.uk

4.7 MILLION

SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK

Where to begin Fancy a career in business? Well read on to ﬁnd out how you can get started...

APPRENTICESHIPS

If you are 16 or over then you can enter an Apprenticeship, which would teach you the skills that you need while you work, you’ll also earn a salary. On your Apprenticeship, half of your time will be spent doing the job and the other half will be spent learning in the classroom. Listed below are the Apprenticeship frameworks for this sector, which when completed will give you a Level 2 qualiﬁcation in the form of a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ: Business and Administration • Contact Centre Operations • Customer Service • Management • Sales and Telesales

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS

These are equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after you complete the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. Advanced Apprenticeships are perfect for those who want a practical role as they learn while gaining relevant employment experience. People with Advanced Apprenticeships often progress up the career ladder faster than those without, because the skills that they learn are more suited to management or supervisory roles. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector, completing any of these will result in a Level 3 qualiﬁcation such as a BTEC, NVQ or Diploma. Business and Administration • Contact Centre Operations • Customer Service • Enterprise • Management • Sales and Telesales

A-LEVELS

A-Levels are the most popular route into University and are sought after by most employers. The following A-levels provide a great path into this sector: English Language • Maths • Business Studies • IT

FOUNDATION DEGREES

A foundation degree combines the University lifestyle with practical, hands on work. It’s basically a cross between an Apprenticeship and an Honours Degree. They are both used as gateway qualifications to a full time Degree because they count towards the first two years of your Honours Degree. Foundation Degrees normally take about two years to complete and you will be in both the work place and on the university site. Nearly all universities provide Foundation and full Honours degrees in Business related fields.

A FULLY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT CAN EARN OVER

£50,000 PA

BUSINESS SKILLS CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO ALMOST ANY OTHER SECTOR!

Business & Customer Service

REGIONAL FOCUS Because of the strong links to London, Many areas of the South West, especially the more easterly towns and cities, have a thriving commercial environment. Bristol accounts for a quarter of the region’s economy and is the second wealthiest city in England after London so is a great place to get started in Business. The proportion of service industries in the region is slightly lower than elsewhere in the country, however because of the strong tourism links in Bristol, Bath and Cornwall, good customer service is a very valuable commodity!

COLLEGE COURSES

A College course is another good way to get into the Business and Customer Service sector. To ﬁnd out more about these courses, have a look at www.careersworld.co.uk.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Apply to be an Apprentice today! Leaving school and unsure of your next step after your exams? If you are looking for a way to train in the workplace, an Apprenticeship could be for you.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real job with training which means you can earn while you learn. To apply for an Apprenticeship with GHQ, just follow these simple steps; 1. Are you 16 -23 and not in full time education? 2. Visit www.ghqtraining.co.uk & click on Apprenticeship Vacancies 3. Choose an Apprenticeship that best suits you. 4. Fill in an enquiry form or call 01752 218086 5. Our Recruitment Team will be in touch to advise you of the next steps.

VACANCIES AVAILABLE IN: BEAUTY & NAILS HAIRDRESSING BARBERING CHILDCARE SUPPORT TEACHING AND LEARNING BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION CUSTOMER SERVICE RETAIL MANAGEMENT AND TEAM LEADING TWITTER: @GHQTraining FACEBOOK: GHQ Training www.ghqtraining.co.uk

THE REAL WORLD GHQ Training Deciding on a career that best suits your needs is not an easy decision. For James Graham, choosing an Apprenticeship with ‘Celebration Balloons’ in Plymouth was the best route for him to start his career in Retail. We spoke to James to see what advice he could give to aspiring apprentices. GHQ: What made you want to become an Apprentice? James: Better opportunities to show I can be reliable and dependable, and gain employment. GHQ: What have you found a challenge? James: I think many aspects have been a challenge but with the help of Celebration Balloons and GHQ I have been able to get through my NVQ and complete my Apprenticeship.

Retail Shopping is awesome. We as a country always have an excuse to go and spend our money and this sector provides a varied range of career choices if you fancy turning your shopping experience into your career.

You ask us... WHAT IS RETAIL ALL ABOUT?

Retail is all about selling stuﬀ to people – the better it looks, the more cash people will spend on it. It’s competitive and challenging and you can expect to be tested on a fair few levels, so make sure you have the ambition to succeed.

WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

You’ll start off on somewhere between £11,000 to £16,000, which might not sound a lot but you have to factor in staff discounts in-store and flexible working hours. You can also advance pretty quickly and managers of large stores earn over £40,000, plus bonuses such as company cars, holidays, travelling and all the other awesome stuff.

HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

Over 16% of the UK companies have an active apprenticeship program and most of these employers are shops and brands you will almost certainly have heard of. There are more than 1.8 million people employed in the retail industry so employability is very high compared to other sectors.

GHQ: What advice would you give to others wanting to work in the Retail sector? James: It can be fun, hard work and different, but if you enjoy dealing with people and customers it’s a great job to be in, with great career opportunities. Having completed his Apprenticeship, James has continued to work at ‘Celebration Balloons’. David, his employer, commented: “A Retail career can be very rewarding and an NVQ in Retail will open doors to further training & possible management progression in the Retail sector.” GHQ Training are dedicated to finding Apprenticeships with some of Devon and Cornwall’s most established and professional businesses, ensuring that they offer the best experience for both the learner and the employer. They offer training in a variety of courses, including business & administration, childcare, retail, hairdressing, customer service, management, beauty, and teaching & learning.

WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

Right in the middle of a city or town. The number of retail outlets in the UK now exceeds 210,000, so you won’t have to look far for work. You probably walk past them every day, so do research into what the best place to work is for you.

WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

There will be people everywhere, so if you have good customer service skills you’ll be ﬁne. If you don’t, get some, because it’s essential to the shopper’s experience. You need to be adaptable as not everyone is a happy shopper, so learn to deal with everything thrown at you, both good and bad.

To ﬁnd out more about our courses and to speak to a recruitment advisor, call GHQ Training on 01752 218086 today.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Retail

Careers Choices These are some of the roles you can ﬁnd in this sector. Obviously day-to-day tasks will vary depending on your employer, but these roles are found across the sector:

RETAIL BUYING

If you can’t get enough of shopping, this might be the job for you because is essentially buying products for a living. You will be responsible for selecting what merchandise your store will sell, so you will need to keep up to date on current fashions and trends. These are the people who decide what’s hot and what’s not from season to season. Salaries start out between £16,000 and £20,000 depending on your employer and you can expect to earn more as you gain more experience.

STORE OPERATIONS

You’ll be right in the action here; you’ll be serving customers and helping the store run smoothly. It’s down to you to make the overall shopping experience better for people so it helps to have good knowledge of what you are selling (you can’t just blag it, you will get found out.). You’re looking at a starting salary of £11,000 to £15,000 depending on your employer, but this is a sector where progression is matched by ambition and you will ﬁnd yourself quickly climbing up the ladder.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

If you have a knack for eye catching fashion displays then this will ‘suit’ you down to the ground (see what I did there?). You will be responsible for arranging the displays in windows so that passersby will be drawn into the store. But it doesn’t stop there; the mannequins and stand layouts inside will also be arranged according to your design, so that the customers are getting a good experience and therefore buying stuﬀ. Salaries start out at between £12,000 and £16,000 a year.

MANAGEMENT

If you have a talent for leadership and motivation then you would make for a great manager. It will be down to you to organise your staﬀ so that everything runs smoothly, from the shop ﬂoor to the warehouse and deliveries. Store managers usually start out on £16,000 to £20,000, while area managers or managers of huge stores can earn in excess of £40,000 a year – this is usually accompanied with perks such as longer holidays and company cars.

www.careersworld.co.uk

1 IN 10 PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED IN RETAIL

Where to begin If you like the idea of working in this sector, read on to ﬁnd out how you can get started.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Over 30,000 people started in Level 2 and 3 Retail Apprenticeships in 2012 and that number is expected to increase this year. In this sector in particular employers like to teach you while you work and you’ll ﬁnd yourself taking in a lot very quickly. The Level 2 award will take the form of a diploma, a BTEC or an NVQ. Some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks and associated roles you might see are: Retail (General) • Retail Specialist

A-LEVELS

A –levels are a good pathway to university, but they are also qualiﬁcations that employers like to see. There aren’t any A-levels that are directly linked to retail, but some that might help you are listed below. Business Studies • Maths • IT • English

EMPLOYER FUNDED STUDY

A lot of the bigger chains such as Sainsbury’s, B&Q, Tesco and Marks and Spencer have special training schemes for their employees. These more often than not have an option for management so you ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS Just like a regular Apprenticeship, you will know there’s an opportunity to go far! Entry be learning and working at the same time. levels vary, so it’s best to check the brands The Retail Apprenticeship continues to website for more information. Level 3, again resulting in a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ. Here are some of the job roles: Sales Professional • Visual Merchandising • Retail Management

JUST 10 RETAILERS EMPLOY AROUND

1/3

OF ALL THOSE WHO WORK IN RETAIL

UK RETAIL HAS AN ANNUAL TURNOVER OF

£321 BILLION

Retail

REGIONAL FOCUS Because of the amount of tourism in the area, retail is a big deal in South West. Cities like Bath and Bristol receive a very high level of footfall and what do tourists do on holiday? They shop! Some of the biggest shopping centres in the South West are Cribbs Causeway and Cabot Circus in Bristol so this is a fantastic place to get set up for a career in retail.

FOUNDATION DEGREES

Foundation Degrees are a great way to get an employer respected qualification while still working in your job. They are university level qualifications and are the equivalent of the first two years of an honours degree. These take two years to complete and if you want, you can extend your qualification to a full Honours degree when you finish. www.careersworld.co.uk

SOUTHWEST

ST I L Y T S A E T K I N L E L D E U T E F AS T S U J T NO

School Leavers:Full time NVQ & VRQ Courses in Hair, Beauty and Barbering Evening, apprenticeship & day courses available. Call us on 01823 350444 or visit us at The Hair Academy South West, 120 East Reach TA1 3HL (opposite Tesco Express) W W W. H A I R A C A D E M Y S O U T H W E S T . C O . U K

Your Career,

Your Choice. We couldn’t possibly print an article for every sector; we’d have to change the name to ‘Careers World Textbook’! But, we also understand that the five sectors covered on the previous pages might not be to your tastes. Not to worry! Below are the other sectors we cover, which we will detail more in upcoming issues. You’ll also find some example job roles, expected starting salaries and the qualifications you can study to get into the sector to give you an idea of what to expect from each sector.

AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL CARE

We depend on this sector a lot more than most beautiful locations, or as a vet looking after most people think; most of our food comes household pets. from agriculture and with a growing number of people taking pets on, there is a demand for Example Job Roles: Ranger • Veterinary skilled veterinary staff to take care of them. Assistant • Farm Worker • Landscape Agriculture is a very broad term for working Technician outdoors. It’s commonly mistaken for farming, Salaries: Starting salaries are usually which while a large part of this sector, is not the around the £13,000 mark. be all and end all. Forests, rivers, mountains Qualifications: Apprenticeships (Level and national parks all need looking after; not 2 and 3) • College Courses • Foundation to mention the animals that reside within them! Degrees (university is the best way into You might find yourself working as a park ranger, veterinary linked job roles) helping conserve the plants and animals in our

ARMED FORCES & EMERGENCY SERVICES

We rely on our emergency services when things go wrong and they are a vital part of our day to day lives. From the police who patrol our streets to the paramedics who save lives, this sector is all about helping people in the community. Of course, serving in the armed forces means protecting the country and providing international aid to other nations. Whether you are based abroad or in the UK, you’ll be working as part of a team in a variety of situations, some of which will take place in hostile environments so a cool head is a good trait to have!

Example Job Roles: Paramedic • Police Officer • Fire Fighter • Coastguard • Soldier • Fighter Pilot • Navy Cadet • Royal Marine Salaries: Military salaries usually start at around £13,000, while emergency services salaries are usually around £19,000. Qualifications: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3 – HM Forces run their own apprenticeship schemes) • College Courses (such as police studies) • A-Levels (useful for officer training)

AUTOMOTIVE

If you know your spark plugs from your spare and problem solving mentality, but this sector is tyres, then you’ll probably have a future in the generally favoured by those who enjoy working automotive industry. This sector covers the with their hands. maintenance of any vehicle with an engine, from cars and motorcycles to more complex Example Job Roles: Mechanic • Vehicle systems such as combine harvesters and Service Technician • Panel/Paint Technician luxury coaches. You could find yourself working Salaries: Salaries in this sector tend to start in a garage fixing up customer’s vehicles, or at around £13,000 a year. in a workshop specialising in things like body Qualifications: Apprenticeships (Level 2 work, paint and windscreen repair. You could and 3 – this is the most popular route into also work in one of the main car dealerships, this sector) • College Courses • Foundation diagnosing and repairing cars and offering Degrees • HNDs advice to customers. You’ll need an analytical www.careersworld.co.uk

CREATIVE, MEDIA & THE ARTS

What do television, theatre, radio, the music business, cinema, cartoons, the internet and art galleries have in common? They all have related job roles within this sector! The underlying theme of this sector is obviously entertainment; from witty comedy panel shows to historic paintings, there are job roles to suit every type of creative out there! You could be doing makeup, scouting for locations, designing sets and graphics or even presenting your own show! If you have a bubbly, conﬁdent personality, then this sector could be for you!

Example Job Roles: Radio Broadcast Assistant • Wardrobe Assistant • Location Scout • Camera Crew • Lighting/Rigging • Animator • Curator • Art Restorer Salaries: Starting salaries in the creative sector tend to start out around the £13,000 mark. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels (English, Art, Photography and Graphic Design are all good to have) • College Courses • Foundation Degree

EDUCATION & EARLY YEARS

As a person between the ages of 14-19, you’ve probably spent the better part of your life so far in school. So, why consider being a teacher? Well, it’s a very rewarding career to have, as you’re helping the next generation of people through some important (and tricky) times. This sector also covers play work and early years, namely, working with toddlers and very young children. This could be through a nursery, preschool or a day care/activity centre. Whichever age group you choose to work with, you’ll need a caring, helpful and patient personality.

Example Job Roles: Teaching Assistant • Nursery Nurse • Playworker • Play Centre Assistant Salaries: Salaries usually start at around £12,000 a year. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels (English is great for all job roles in this sector, but if you want to go into full time teaching, you’ll need to study the subject you want to teach!) • College Courses • Foundation Degrees (You’ll need a teaching qualiﬁcation to teach full time)

ENGINEERING

Engineering is a vast sector which can be choose to work in, you can be sure that your broken down into seven main categories; work will be challenging and varied. chemicals, mechanical, metals, electrical, aerospace, marine and defence. Chemical Example Job Roles: Systems Engineer • engineers manufacture everyday products from Aerospace Engineer • Electrical Technician • raw materials such as crude oil. Mechanical Lab Technician engineers work with high-tech machinery, Salaries: Salaries start at around £14,000. while the metal engineering industry covers Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Levels 2 the creation of steel and other alloys. Electrical and 3) • A-Levels (Technology and Maths are engineers work with, you guessed it, electrical helpful here) • College Courses • Foundation systems and aerospace is all about creating and Degrees improving things that ﬂy. Defence is all about, er, defending the country. Whichever area you

FINANCE & LAW

Both of these are vital to how our country runs; finance is all about working with money, while law covers everything from the justice system to working in a courtroom. With finance, you might find yourself working in a bank serving customers, or working personally with people providing financial advice on areas such as mortgages, loans and savings. The legal sector also has plenty of job roles that require you to work with the public, such as court clerks, paralegals and admin staff.

Example Job Roles: Paralegal Assistant • Finance Assistant • Payroll Clerk • Finance Advisor • Legal Administration Assistant Salaries: Expect your salary to start at around £14,000 for the legal sector, while you’ll be starting on around £11,000 in a ﬁnancial role. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels • College Courses • Foundation Degrees

HAIR & BEAUTY

In an age where getting your hair and nails done is no longer considered girly (come on guys, don’t kid yourselves), making people look and feel good has become big business. And it doesn’t stop at feeling great on the outside; this sector also covers spa therapy, which is a growing industry in the UK. You could be working in a salon styling hair, recommending a nail design or in a country retreat providing seaweed wraps; whatever you choose to do, you can be satisﬁed that you’ve helped give somebody a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Example Job Roles: Spa Therapist • Hairdresser • Barber • Nail Technician • Beauty Therapist Salaries: Salaries in this sector tend to start at around £13,000. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • College Courses

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Our healthcare system is renowned for being one of the best in the world, so what better sector to get into? Nearly 1.5m people work for the NHS, which is the main employer for healthcare in this country. But this sector also covers private companies and professions, such as therapists, dentists, social workers and support staﬀ. You could be working in a hospital helping to heal sick people, or going out visiting patients and clients in their own homes. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll ﬁnd this sector provides you with a rewarding and satisfying career.

Example Job Roles: Healthcare Assistant • Dental Nurse • Maternity Support Worker • Optical Care Assistant • Social Worker • Clincial Support Staﬀ Salaries: Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £18,000. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels • College Courses • Foundation Degrees

IT, DIGITAL & TELECOMS

Pretty much every other industry relies on IT in some way or another, so the need for people working in IT has never been greater. Computers are constantly changing and being upgraded, so this sector requires a lot of adaptability as well as a logical, problem solving way of thinking. You could be managing a network for a large company, or providing IT support at a school. You might even ﬁnd yourself working within another sector; industries such as Logistics and Creative Media rely heavily on IT to deliver their products and services.

Example Job Roles: IT Technician • Software Developer • IT Support Staﬀ • Telecoms Technician Salaries: Salaries start out between £14,000 and £20,000. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels • College Courses • Foundation Degrees

MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING

This is a sector that is, to all intents and purposes, all about making things. What that is could be anything from a microwaveable chicken curry to a car windscreen. It’s literally that diverse. Food and drink, metals, ceramics, textiles, building materials, electronics are just some of the areas you could be working in. Manufacturing is split into so many diﬀerent areas and job roles that we could probably dedicate a whole magazine to it! Your work could take you from an oﬀshore oil rig in the North Sea to a production line in a factory on home soil!

Example Job Roles: Production Line Supervisor • Extraction Operative • Pipe Fitter • Welder • Refrigeration Technician • Jewellery Technician Salaries: You can expect to start out on around £12,000, but supervisory roles tend to pay more. Qualiﬁcations: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • A-Levels (Any technology or science subjects would be useful in this sector) • College Courses • Foundation Degrees

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Ever wondered how that present you ordered hundreds of people. A clean driver’s licence will online makes its way to your front door? Nearly be required for any full time driving jobs. every business makes use of Logistics at some point, whether it’s ordering new parts for a Example Job Roles: Railway Operative project, sending out a new product to stores • Airport Ground Staff • Mail Service or something as simple as sending a birthday Technician • Warehouse Operative • Bus/ card. You could find yourself working at a Coach Driver port or airport, or even working oversees on a Salaries: Starting salaries in this sector are freighter. It isn’t just deliveries; this sector also around £12,000 a year. covers the public transportation industry. The Qualifications: Apprenticeships (Level 2 vast network of railways and bus routes requires and 3) • A-Levels (Geography is useful for constant upkeep and maintenance and keeping transport related job roles) • College Courses everything running on time is a job that requires • Foundation Degree

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY

Everybody needs to let their hair down from time to time and this sector allows you to work in an area dedicated to helping people have a good time. That could be here in the UK working in bars, restaurants and hotels or abroad acting as a holiday representative or a travel agent. That’s right; you could actually go on holiday for a living! This sector is ideal for those with good people skills, as you’d be working with plenty of diﬀerent people from all sorts of backgrounds. Travel is also a great way to get out and see the world while also earning a salary!

www.careersworld.co.uk

Example Job Roles: Bar Staff • Front/Back of House Staff • Chef de Partie • Overseas Rep • Travel Representative • Cabin Crew Salaries: Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £16,000. Qualifications: Apprenticeships (Level 2 and 3) • College Courses • Foundation Degrees • Industry Specific Qualifications

State-of-the-art campus There aren’t many colleges that can rival Welbeck’s campus. With an indoor swimming pool, state of the art sporting facilities and ensuite residential quarters, it’s a simply superb place to learn, develop and gain new skills. Rounded education As well as a technically-focused education, Welbeck offers a total approach to learning. The programme of personal, physical and intellectual development stretches the abilities, builds physical fitness and increases confidence. After two years at Welbeck, students are ready for anything. The fact that Welbeck is a boarding college also means students get all the benefits of mixing with likeminded individuals in an environment that’s geared to shaping their future career. Future prospects Welbeck leads to a degree at some of the UK’s leading universities (supported by £4,000 a year bursary through DTUS - the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme), then onto an engineering career in the Armed Forces or Civil Service. So Welbeck students couldn’t be better prepared - or supported - as they embark on their adult lives and careers.

Entry Requirements To apply for sponsorship to the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force you should be medically ﬁt, a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen and aged between 15 years and 17 years six months on 1st September in the year of entry to the College. Commonwealth citizens are required to have 5 years residency in the UK prior to application. Certain other single-service conditions may apply and will be outlined at the time of application. To join as a Ministry of Defence Civil Service candidate you must be a British citizen or hold dual nationality, one of which must be British. For RN, RAF, DESG: An ‘A Grade’ or better at GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and a ‘B Grade’ or better in dual award Science or Physics, as well as a ‘C Grade’ or better in English Language. For Army: One ‘A grade’ or better at GCSE (or equivalent) in higher level Mathematics or dual award Science or Physics and at least a ‘B Grade’ in the other, as well as a ‘C Grade’ or better in English Language.

WELBECK DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

WHERE LEARNING MEETS ADVENTURE.

AND ENGINEERS MEET THEIR FUTURE.

Welbeck is the Defence Sixth Form College - and it’s one of the best A-level colleges in the country. For potential engineers with drive, ambition and ability, Welbeck is where potential turns into bright futures as Oﬃcers in the Armed Forces or Civil Service. The combination of state of the art facilities, excellent teaching and a constant drive for improvement, creates an environment that prepares young people for success in whatever role they take in their professional lives. • • • •

99% of students from Welbeck were oﬀered a place at university in 2012 Tuition funded by the MoD En-suite accommodation Annual technical bursary of £4,000 at University

If you’d like to turn your engineering or technical potential into a promising career, come and visit us at one of our Open Days. For more information visit www.dsfc.ac.uk or follow us on

Ready to make some tough decisions about courses, careers and your future? You don’t need to make your big career decisions alone. The National Careers Service can help you: • assess your skills • find the right course • choose the right uni • understand the job market • find out about careers • develop your CV Text your name and ‘advice’ to 07766 413 219 and a National Careers Service adviser will call you back for free.

You can also search online for National Careers Service, or call us on 0800 100 900.

c:\Careers Hub>_

We appreciate more than anyone the importance of giving appropriate careers advice to students between the ages of 14 and 19. To help we have put together some aides, guides and FAQs to help you to make up your minds and make the changeover from pupil to employee that bit easier. Over the next few pages, we will tackle some of the common problems and concerns students face during the spring term.

The Spring Term So students have come back after the winter break; they might have mock exam results coming through, or have to dig right into coursework, but one thing is for certain, many pupils, especially younger ones, won’t have any idea about what to do when they leave school, college or sixth form. Before exam preparation starts to get into full swing, students need to have a good think about what they want to do with their working life and inevitably you’ll have plenty of students wanting you to present them with every possible option available. We’ve put together FAQs and useful links in order to ease this process and assist in setting students straight in terms of the choices they have to make. In this issue we’ve included a guide to writing a CV, an area many students won’t have much, if any, experience in.

CV’S

There’s no denying that the writing of a good quality CV is an absolutely essential part of the employment process. Unfortunately most students don’t have any experience of writing one and can get a bit bogged down about how to start. CVs can vary in style so much that guidelines on how to write a good one, especially for young people, can be really diﬀerent from one another, making giving advice diﬃcult. Fortunately there are a few nuggets of guidance that will make the process a bit easier. Always keep in mind...

What...have you done worth mentioning? You should try to stay to the point and only list your jobs and achievements in a way that highlights the appropriate skills you’ve learned. There’s no point in telling employers how good you are at serving customers behind a till if you’re applying to be a helicopter pilot.

Where...do you see the job taking you? If it’s not just a job but a career you’re interested in, try to make that come across. You’ll naturally appear genuinely excited about the prospect of the position. This also relates to the skills and interests that you list. Try to show that you will be a Who...is going to be reading it? good candidate for progression. Always remember that the CV is you applying? a highly formal document and Why...are is going to be read by either a Employers don’t want to hear manager or someone else just that you’re applying for the as important. Keep this in mind position because you want a bit when deciding what language to of extra cash for the weekend. use in your CV. Never use slang You need to appear genuinely and try to speak in full sentences, interested in the position, as avoiding abbreviations. It won’t well as capable and mature go down well if you tell them enough to be a good addition to the team. If you’re struggling “how awesome English is lol”.

to sound excited about the job who fits into the vibe of the office. then explain why the sector The only thing you can really do is try to use your strengths to interests you. your advantage! If you’re a real How...does it look? If you think brainiac then emphasize your the document is ugly to look qualifications but if you’re more at, then chances are so will an of a social butterfly, try to inject employer. This doesn’t mean that aspect of yourself into the you should start adding pictures application. of flowers and pink text; it’s about formatting the CV to be If you’re going for a position at more appealing to the eye. You a big business you will likely be could use tables to set out your applying online. The rules are school-grades and headers to really the same as if you are define each section. Ensure writing a CV (and to be honest the spelling, punctuation and most of it you can copy and grammar are perfect and most paste anyway) except it’s just in importantly, never allow your a format they prefer. Quite often CV to be more than two pages. they will ask you a few questions If an employer has a hundred that will catch you off-guard and applications to get through make you think. Your best bet is they’re just going to skip the to not create generic responses but to make your answers ones that read like an essay. unique, they are looking for Always remember that someone who shines, not a just employers are human beings! a random applicant out of a pile. One might value qualifications above anything else, and hire someone with the best possible grades; another might feel that personality is more important and would choose an employee

www.careersworld.co.uk

Careers Hub EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

If you haven’t had a job yet, or have limited experience, create a ‘Skills and Achievements’ section and include any work placements, awards, time spent helping at your dad’s garage, anything you can think of that might give evidence of your ability, and provide you with that little edge over competition. If you have worked before, list your past job titles, most recent ﬁrst; how long you were there; and a short description of the role and what you learned there. Again, you’re best to relate the skills you gained to the job you’re applying to. e.g. Working on a checkout can you give you the conﬁdence and interpersonal skills you need to work in customer service.

CONTACT INFO

This section speaks for itself really. Make sure that you include all relevant methods of contact (email, mobile, home phone). It’s important to keep this section updated, an employer could be trying to contact you but if they’re calling your old mobile number, then the whole application is a waste of time. Lots of people will tell you to put your age in this section, but that’s not a good idea. Employers aren’t technically allowed to discriminate because of how old you are, but that doesn’t necessarily stop them from seeing a CV from a 16 year old and binning it!

CV Builder PERSONAL PROFILE

It is important to make this section fit to the job you are applying to, or at least to the sector. It’s all well and good saying you’re a punctual, well mannered individual, but how can you make this relate to a career in construction? Take the opportunity to show your passion in the field of work. Make it short but punchy, a lot of managers make a decision about a candidate after the first few sentences of a CV.

EDUCATION

If you are not at the stage in education where you have any completed qualifications then don’t worry, simply show any predicted grades and make a note that you’re still studying them. You can also list any academic achievements in this section, such as perfect attendance, being a prefect or on the school council, or exam-based awards. Same as with jobs, you should list your educational history in order of the most recent qualification first. Unlike the previous sections, you don’t have to be specific here; it is better to list all the subjects you have studied to show a depth of knowledge in a number of fields.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

This is a controversial section, some people disagree with including it altogether, but it can be important to show that you have a human side. If written carefully it can show you have a well-rounded character, but the danger is seeming as though you care more about your personal life than your work life (even if you do it’s not a good idea to show it!). Some say it takes up room that you could be using to focus in more detail on skills for employability. If you’ve had tonnes of jobs or done loads of extra-curricular stuﬀ, then it might be an idea to skip this area and write about those in more detail.

REFERENCES

It is expected that at the bottom of your CV you include the sub-heading ‘References Available upon Request’. If they’re expected you will usually be asked to provide them so don’t worry about anyone snooping about behind your back. It is a good idea to have a separate document with the details of 2-3 references. A rule of thumb is to have 1 or 2 past employers and 1 personal reference. If you’re low on employers then simply list your most recent educational body and a personal reference from a suitable adult or work experience placement. Make sure your reference givers are not your friends and aren’t related to you, but have also known you long enough to tell someone about you in a bit of detail. You can always include someone at your school, college or university as a reference and actually that’s not a bad idea, they’ll almost always be willing to help you. You should usually ask a past employer’s permission to list them as a reference, but unless your performance was awful, they’ll probably help you out.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Careers Hub

FAQs Let’s be honest, hundreds of people are in the same position as you and have the same questions they need answering. Many of them will have no idea what it is they want to do, so we’ve collected a few of the most popular questions and answered them as best we can! Don’t forget, you can get in touch with us over at www.facebook.com/careers.world or on www.careersworld.co.uk and ask us your questions there.

I CHANGED MY MIND! I WANT TO GO TO UNI NOW WHAT DO I DO?

Well the bad news is that if you’re applying after the 15th January then you have missed the UCAS deadline for most courses. If you’re thinking about an art or design course, many are still open until the 24th March so there could be time left. If your course did close in January then all might not be lost. Some universities accept late entries if their programmes aren’t full up and these can be sent all the way up until 30th June. Your best bet is to get in touch with the university and see if they accept late entries. Get over to www.ucas.com/ apply and ﬁnd out whether or not your course is listed as still being open or accepting late entries.

SHOULD I STAY AT SIXTH FORM OR GO TO COLLEGE?

There is no right answer here. They are deﬁnitely very diﬀerent environments, sixth form is usually quite small, you are often taught by the same teachers

that you had for your GCSEs, chances are you will know quite a lot of the people there (especially if you have friends in younger year-groups) and you’ll be able to get more personalised teaching. Colleges can be pretty huge (regularly having hundreds or thousands of students), there will inevitably be a much wider range of courses, you will meet loads of people, and there is a real focus on social life. College is almost a mini university where you will be expected to learn at your own rate and be treated as an adult, wearing your own clothes etc. Sixth-forms will also expect maturity but at the end of the day you are still in a school environment.

I THINK AN APPRENTICESHIP IS FOR ME, BUT WHICH ONE SHOULD I DO?

There are hundreds of different Apprenticeships so you are bound to find one that suits you down to the ground, though we can see how you can get a bit lost; there are so many it’s hard to find the right one! Have a good

think about what ﬁeld you want to go into, chances are there’s going to be an Apprenticeship for it (from accountancy, to plumbing, to working for MI5!). There are steps you can take to narrow it down though; check out the What Apprenticeship handbook (which is most likely in the same place you found this magazine), it’s got every Apprenticeship handily sorted into sector and level of study; you can read it online for free at www.whatapprenticeship. co.uk. You can also take a look at the National Apprenticeship Service’s website at www. apprenticeships.org.uk which lists loads of sectors and vacancies across the UK.

now’. If you know you want a job related to a subject then getting a degree can be an excellent way to progress your career, but if you’re just getting one for the hell of it, you might want to hold oﬀ until you have more of an idea of what you want to do. Do some research into the jobs in the area of your favourite subjects, you might ﬁnd an Apprenticeship in it, or that you can apply to a position with BTECs or A Levels.

It’s never too late to decide on your career, some people don’t know what they want to do in their forties! Your best bet is to sit down and do some serious thinking about what it is you want from your education and life. What are your I’VE BEEN TOLD IT’S BEST working favourite subjects? What do you TO HAVE A DEGREE, EVEN enjoy doing as a hobby? Are IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT you really going to be a pro footballer? What are the CAREER YOU WANT. IS chances of playing Xbox for a living? Be sensible but at the THAT TRUE? Absolutely not, there are loads same time aspire and aim high! of alternatives to university. There’s not much point in paying out thousands for a degree that you’ll get and then think ‘oh, I don’t want a job in engineering

www.careersworld.co.uk

Careers Hub

Which Qualification? There are tonnes of different types of qualifications at varying levels; for example, a Level 3 NVQ is the equivalent to an Advanced Diploma. This can be confusing and trying to figure out what is the same level as what can be mind boggling. Below is a handy chart, listing all the levels of study and the qualifications students can take, making it easier to tell your diplomas from your degrees!

LEVEL

5 GCSEs

LEVEL

SKILLS FOR LIFE

LEVEL

BTEC

LEVEL

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

LEVEL

OCR NATIONALS

AWARDS, CERTIFICATES & DIPLOMAS

LEVEL

NVQs

FOUNDATION LEARNING

LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

CERTIFICATES

(GRADES D-G) 1

5 GCSEs

LEVEL

(GRADES A*-C) 2

INTERMEDIATE

BTEC 2 NATIONALS

LEVEL

DIPLOMA OF

LEVEL

NVQs

LEVEL

NVQs

ADVANCED DIPLOMAS

LEVEL

BTEC HIGHER NATIONALS (HND, HNC)

OCR NATIONALS

LEVEL

BTEC FIRSTS

LEVEL

NVQs

LEVEL

FOUNDATION LEVEL 3 DEGREES 4+

LEVEL

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS

FOUNDATIONS 1

A LEVELS

FOUNDATION LEVEL FOUNDATION LEVEL DIPLOMAS 1 DIPLOMAS 2 OCR LEVEL NATIONALS 2

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPs

GCE IN APPLIED

SUBJECTS

LEVEL

3 3 3

HIGHER EDUCATION

LEVEL

4+ LEVEL

SPECIALIST LEVEL 4+ 3 AWARDS

LEVEL

Top Tip Employers are much more aware about modern technology and what kind of things young people are up to than you might think. In other words, they check up on you over Facebook and Twitter! It is absolutely vital to keep your social media clean when you are applying for a job. There are things you can do to help yourself out, like setting all your accounts to private and only accepting friend requests from people you know but there’s always going to be some way to see what you are up to online. Unless you are really conﬁdent that your online presence is spotless, it might be a good idea to go back through your photos and statuses to make sure there aren’t any controversial comments or photos of you hanging around outside bus stops.

www.careersworld.co.uk

Swindon College All courses, all ages...

Open Evening

Wednesday 22nd January â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14

5-7pm Come and visit our OUTSTANDING College for information on all available courses and the chance to win ÂŁ250 wOrTh of vouchers. Or if you miss January, come to our

24th April Open Evening | 5-7pm Visit www.swindon-college.ac.uk to register or for more information Main Switchboard: (01793) 491591 Freephone: 0800 731 2250 Email: studentservices@swindon-college.ac.uk Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1DY

There’s never been a better time to be an apprentice. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn; in a real job, gaining a real qualiﬁcation and a real future. Currently, more than 100,000 employers in England oﬀer Apprenticeships, at 200,000 locations, covering over 1,500 job roles. From advertising to youth work, environmental engineering and nuclear decommissioning, there is bound to be something which sparks your interest. At any one time, there are up to 20,000 Apprenticeship vacancies available on apprenticeships.org.uk, the jobsite for Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship, which is the equivalent of a degree. More of these highly skilled Apprenticeships are being offered each year, allowing you to fully realise your potential. Employers love Apprenticeships. Trained apprentices are viewed as 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. Long-term research shows that the lifetime benefit of undertaking an Intermediate Apprenticeship is extra earnings of between £48,000 and £74,000, and an Advanced Apprenticeship between £77,000 and £117,000. This figure rises to £150,000 plus for a Higher Apprenticeship!

Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular, and in the 2011-12 academic year more than half a million apprentices Apprentices also have the opportunity to started in a real job with real training. achieve recognition through a number Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 of initiatives introduced by the National months, and can take up to four years Apprenticeship Service to celebrate all the to complete, depending on the level of talent developed by Apprenticeships. These Apprenticeship and the industry you choose include awards ceremonies, annual skills to work in. Anyone who is over 16, living competitions and National Apprenticeship in England and not taking part in full-time Week. education can apply for an Apprenticeship. National Apprenticeship Week 2014 takes Apprenticeships also give you great place from 3-7 March 2014, with hundreds opportunities for career progression. You of events expected to take place across can even work your way up to a Higher England.

Every year the Week increases in popularity, with National Apprenticeship Week 2013 being a phenomenal success. More than 900 events and activities took place, ranging from business events designed to encourage more employers to recruit apprentices, to interactive careers events aimed at potential applicants. A national calendar of events will be available on the apprenticeships.org.uk website, so you can ﬁnd out what is happening in your local area. To ﬁnd out more about Apprenticeships, go to apprenticeships.org.uk, or view real examples of apprentices explaining why Apprenticeships are for them at apprentice.tv.

HOW CAN I BECOME AN APPRENTICE?

HOW CAN I MAKE MY APPLICATION STAND OUT?

The jobsite for Apprenticeships – apprenticeships.org.uk – gives potential apprentices the opportunity to search and apply for positions in a variety of industry sectors.

When applying for an Apprenticeship vacancy, here are three tips to make an application FIT for the job:

The National Apprenticeship Service has made this resource even easier to access, with the new AV Search app for iPhone and Android. Prospective apprentices can create an account, log information and set up preferences; such as vacancy location and salary, before searching.

The Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

• • •

Find out more about the employer, the training provider and the job description before applying. Identify yourself, your skills and interests clearly – be professional and allow your personality to come out. Tailor your application to each vacancy – don’t just send the same CV and covering letter to each employer.

Finally, don’t forget to follow up an application with a phone call to ensure the CV is top of the pile. www.careersworld.co.uk

CASE STUDY LYDIA WEBSTER ROYAL CORNWALL HOSPITAL TRUST ACCOUNTING AN APPRENTICESHIP HAS GIVEN LYDIA WEBSTER A STEP ON THE ACCOUNTANCY LADDER MAKING IT HAPPEN

Lydia Webster, 20, from St Ives, Cornwall, is a determined individual in her role as an Income and Costing Financial Assistant, at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust in Treliske, Cornwall. Lydia had always been interested in working within a financial environment, but when she first left school, wasn’t sure how to get there. With 13 GCSEs, Level 1 Certificates in Business Studies; Bookkeeping and Accounts and an Advanced National Diploma in Business Studies already under her belt, Lydia handed her CV to the Director of Finance at Treliske Hospital, asking him to take her on as an apprentice in the finance department. “I chose to follow the Apprenticeship route, as it provides an amazing opportunity to gain experience within the workplace while achieving a qualification and earning at the same time,” Lydia says. “It also offers a gateway to my future career.” In June 2011, Lydia, then aged 18, began an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Accountancy

at Treliske Hospital, which was delivered in partnership with Cornwall College. While she works towards her Level 2 NVQ in AAT, she’s busy preparing monthly accounts, raising invoices in a timely and accurate manner, inputting, retrieving and processing data and providing administrative support.

RAPID PROGRESSION

opportunity to take on extra duties and prove that I can rise to the challenge, beneﬁtting not only myself, but my team and the whole organisation.”

FOCUSED ON HER FUTURE

Lydia ﬁnished her Apprenticeship in June 2013 and began to work towards her AAT Level 3 qualiﬁcation in September.

“My training has enabled me to understand the greater ﬁnancial picture and how important my role is in contributing towards this,” Lydia says. “It has assisted me in adhering to accounting policies and procedures and the importance of best practice when handling conﬁdential information.”

“The Apprenticeship enabled me to realise my potential in finance and gain a permanent position within the income department,” Lydia says. “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to undertake my AAT qualification, which has further confirmed my desire to be an Accountant.”

Lydia was successful in being given a permanent Band 2 position within six months of beginning her Apprenticeship. Lydia then progressed to a Band 4 position after a further two months, and began training a new member of staﬀ.

Lydia was named winner of the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year 2013 award at the National Apprenticeship Service South West regional awards.

“I feel I have exceeded expectations during a diﬃcult time in an ever-changing environment,” Lydia says. “I have had the

www.careersworld.co.uk

To ﬁnd out more about Apprentice opportunities, please contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600 or visit the website apprenticeships.org.uk

UNIVERSITIES

Plymouth University www.plymouth.ac.uk 01752 585858

University of Bath www.bath.ac.uk 01225 383019 Bath Spa University www.bathspa.ac.uk 01225 875875 Arts University Bournemouth www.aucb.ac.uk 01201 533011

City of Bristol College www.cityofbristol.ac.uk 0117 312 5000

UCP Marjon www.marjon.ac.uk 01752 636700

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College www.sgscol.ac.uk 0117 931 2121

Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy www.bteacademy.co.uk 0117 312 5003

University of Bristol www.bristol.ac.uk 0117 928 9000 University of the West of England, Bristol www.uwe.ac.uk 0117 32 83333

BRISTOL

Royal Agricultural College www.rac.ac.uk 01285 652531

UNIVERSITY TECHNICAL COLLEGES

Bournemouth University www.bournemouth.ac.uk 01201 524111

COLLEGES

St. Brendan’s Sixth Form College www.stbrn.ac.uk 0117 977 7766

CORNWALL

UTC Plymouth www.utcplymouth.org

Cornwall College www.cornwall.ac.uk 0845 2232567

Swindon UTC www.utcolleges.org 07815 129 478

Duchy College www.cornwall.ac.uk/duchy 0845 60 50 455

University of Exeter www.exeter.ac.uk 01392 723044

Truro and Penwith College www.truro-penwith.ac.uk 01872 267000

The University of Gloucestershire www.glos.ac.uk 01242 714501

DEVON Bicton College www.bicton.ac.uk 01395 562400

Falmouth University www.falmouth.ac.uk 01326 211077

City College Plymouth www.cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305300

ENTREPRENEURS ARE NOT BORN, THEY’RE M DE! Founded by entrepreneur and star of Dragons’ Den, Peter Jones CBE, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy offers unique courses in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for those aged 16 and above. Our pioneering business courses, which are being delivered in colleges across the country, ensure that our students achieve an accredited qualification and also gain the necessary experience and skills that are vital for employment or running their own business. There’s nothing quite like one of our Enterprise courses, each one embraces the Academy’s ethos of ‘learning by doing’ by combining innovative teaching methods with sessions from industry experts. We currently offer BTEC Levels 2 and 3 and our ‘Ignite’ Apprenticeship programme, which includes the Advanced Apprenticeship in Enterprise and the new Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth.

Careersworld advert - autumn 2013 v1IC.indd 1

www.careersworld.co.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Exeter College www.exe-coll.ac.uk 0845 111 6000

Gloucestershire College www.gloscol.ac.uk 0845 155 2020

Petroc www.petroc.ac.uk 01271 345291

Hartpury College www.hartpury.ac.uk 01452 700283

Plymouth College of Art www.plymouthart.ac.uk 01752 203434

National Star College www.natstar.ac.uk 01242 527631

South Devon College www.southdevon.ac.uk 08000 380123

Ruskin Mill College www.rmet.org.uk 01453 837500

DORSET Bournemouth and Poole College www.thecollege.co.uk 01202 205205 Kingston Maurward College www.kmc.ac.uk 01305 215000 Weymouth College www.weymouth.ac.uk 01305 761100

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College www.sgscol.ac.uk 0117 931 2121

SOMERSET Bridgwater College www.bridgwater.ac.uk 01278 455464 City of Bath College www.citybathcoll.ac.uk 01225 312191 Norton Radstock College www.nortcoll.ac.uk 01761 433161

Strode College www.strode-college.ac.uk 01458 844400 Weston College www.weston.ac.uk 01943 411411 Yeovil College www.yeovil.ac.uk 01935 423921

WILTSHIRE Cirencester College www.cirencester.ac.uk 01285 640994 New College Swindon www.newcollege.ac.uk 01793 611470 Swindon College www.swindon-college.ac.uk 0800 7312250 Wiltshire College www.wiltshire.ac.uk 01225 35 0035

Richard Huish College www.richuish.ac.uk 01823 320800

“

Somerset College www.somerset.ac.uk 01823 366331

Choosing the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy instead of A-Levels was a perfect decision. I am now National Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 and running my own business!

“

Harry Day, Solihull College

To read more about the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy courses and to find an Academy near you, get in touch today! www.pjea.org

0207 471 0520

info@pjea.org

29/08/2013 14:43:50

www.careersworld.co.uk

Find us at www.facebook.com/careers.world and follow us on twitter using the handle @careers_world. We are currently running a competition which rewards all of our Facebook friends; every time we get another 500 likes on the Careers World page, we’ll choose one lucky winner to receive a prize! What’s even better is that the prizes will continually get bigger and more exciting as we get more likes!

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER • • • • • • • • • •

If you have a wrinkly shirt and no time to iron, hang it up in the bathroom while you shower, the creases should start to fall out If you go to the zoo, try to find out what colour the zookeepers wear. If you wear the same colour the animals will come right up to you If you struggle to remember your dreams, drink apple juice before bed. A chemical in the juice helps your dreams become more vivid Put your phone in an empty cereal bowl and it will act as a speaker for your music A spoonful of sugar will help soothe a burnt tongue (can’t make any promises about medicine going down) Your phone will charge quicker on airplane mode Chew chewing gum when cutting onions to stop the tears. Will not help if you are just upset about onion genocide If you want to light a candle and can’t find a match, use a stick of spaghetti! To find all spam emails in your inbox, search the word ‘unsubscribe’ Put a glass with a small amount of water in it in the microwave when reheating pizza, it will keep the crust crunchy

You might feel like a bit of a dumb-dumb if you forget to proof-read your CV or send an application to the wrong university, but you can rest easy knowing that you’re not as thick as these people - hopefully. In North Carolina, a man took a swig of a mystery liquid on a friend’s shelf. Realising it was petrol, the man promptly spit it out. To settle his nerves afterwards he decided to have a cigarette, causing him to go up in ﬂames Brisbane, Australia, A man felt like he should get in on the planking craze. He decided the best place to get a picture of himself lying straight as a board was on the narrow railing of a balcony. Splat In Daejon, South Korea, a frustrated wheelchairbound man gets angry at missing the lift so rams the door with his chair several times. He successfully got them open and fell right in

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! FOR THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR WORK PUBLISHED IN CAREERS WORLD, AND TO WIN A £50 AMAZON VOUCHER, WRITE AN ARTICLE WITH THE TITLE ‘WHAT NOT TO DO AT AN INTERVIEW’. MAKE IT FUNNY, MAKE IT SERIOUS, DO WHATEVER YOU LIKE, BUT MAKE SURE IT’S UNDER 200 WORDS AND SUBMITTED TO EDITOR@ OPENDOORSMEDIA.CO.UK BEFORE 1ST MARCH 2014. 54

An American lawyer was defending a suspect, claiming the victim shot himself. No one believed the deceased could be that stupid so to prove it, the lawyer pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger, not realising the gun was loaded. He won the case at least An Indian man had a dream that gold was buried beneath his house. Every day in secret he dug underneath his stairs but didn’t take into account how close he was to the sea! It turns out that following your dreams isn’t always a great idea www.careersworld.co.uk

Did you know? Outreach at the Royal Agricultural University, offer tailor made events for schools. We believe that everyone has the right to go to university. We offer: ays D k r o F to → Farm nt e m h c i r ect En j b u S → Days iews v r e t n I k → Moc ps m a C r e m → Sum

→ Univ ersity Q uizzes → Farm Tours → Rur al Skills → BES POKE D AYS

Let us know what you need and we’ll put together the right experience for your students. Call the Outreach team now on 01285 889840 or email us at outreach@rau.ac.uk www.rau.ac.uk

Search online for RAF The Royal Air Force values every individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique contribution, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or social background. However, for reasons of combat effectiveness, the RAF Regiment is open to men only. MoD/Crown Copyright from www.defenceimages.mod.uk