Good2Go - Issue 3

We’ve had a wonderfully relaxed summer of fun, sport, music and fantastic events but as the autumn winds begin to blow we find ourselves facing the reality of another academic year.

In the last issue we gave you the opportunity to write for us and have your views, reviews and opinions published and we were overwhelmed with the response we received. our apologies if we haven’t published yours in this issue but please do keep sending them in. If you would like to write for us, but don’t know what to write about, get in touch anyway as we have plenty of partners willing to match up with budding journalists and feature in the magazine.

Alternatively if you are looking at following a career in counselling or social work we can tell you about an opportunity at the Open Door centre in Liscard (see page 22). peer mentoring programme which offers a great opportunity to get some valuable, real life experience on your CV. Volunteering is a rewarding experience for all concerned and if it provides an additional benefit of work experience it has even greater value.

our panel of young contributors:

Greg Cartwright

is a 2nd year student at University of Chester

Rhiannon Palmer is in Year 11 at West Kirby Grammar School

Emily Wood is in Year 11 at Upton Hall School

Editor: Barry Bragg Publisher: Melissa Bragg Design & Production: Neil Rees for SunriseDP.co.uk Creative Assistant: Alex Ramsey Sales: Claire Jackson-Twist Published by Let’s Go! Publishing Limited.With kind thanks to our contributors. To advertise in future issues call (0151) 200 7422 or email advertising@letsgopublishing.co.uk. To contribute email editorial@ letsgopublishing.co.uk. © Copyright Let’s Go! Publishing Limited 2012.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, either in part or as a whole, without prior written consent. All details are correct at time of publication.

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NUS JOINS WHICH? TO LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING STUDENT CHOICE WEBSITE

Foundation to host fundraising event to play host to a charity evening on behalf of Foundation – launched in memory of a young Wirral woman whose brave fight against leukaemia inspired thousands to join the bone marrow register.

Foundation was launched in April 2011 by the family and friends of 23-year-old Candice Colley, to support those suffering from the disease or going through bone marrow transplants.

Candice lost her four year battle with leukaemia in December 2010, despite a successful Bone Marrow transplant.

– will be held on Saturday October 13 starting at 6.45pm with a champagne reception, followed by a three course dinner with wine and coffee in the hotel’s Torintone Suite.

Radio Merseyside DJ Willie Miller will compere the evening, which raise funds for the foundation there will be an auction with lots of fabulous prizes generously donated by shops and business on the Wirral. All guests will receive a goody bag on arrival.

Candice’s mum Angela Marincowitz said: “It was Candice’s wish for a foundation to be set up to make life a little easier for people who were going through similar illness and treatment, as well as tolls or TV cards. funds needed for the foundation to be able to support people and families who are going through the same as what we did. In advance I would like to thank people for helping to support the Candice Colley foundation and joining us for these important events.”

“Any extra support local business or organisations can offer with donating a raffle prize, or items for the goodie bags and auction at the ball would be gratefully received.”

Geoff Dale general manager said: “We are delighted to be hosting to draw in a large crowd to support such an inspirational charity.”

Tickets for the event are £55 each – which includes a champagne reception and three course dinner with wine and coffee.

For further information please or to book tickets call Angela on 07582 926 926 or visit www.candicecolley.co.uk.

has joined forces which Which? To launch a new university website to help prospective students make more informed choices.

Which University? provides free independent information and high quality advice to help prospective students choose the right course and insight on everything from applying to university to sorting out finances. It offers trustworthy advice for students, by students, and a personalised search to narrow down options.

Which? University can be used to find information about employment, sports, arts, political scene and nightlife, from the student point of view. NUS has provided unique content for the website that will be generated by students’ unions.

NUS President Liam Burns said: “What sets this new portal apart from crude league tables is its use of contextual information tailored to individuals’ needs.”

“As universities are increasingly competing with each other in a market, they cannot provide the impartial resources prospective applicants need, and as the government will not do so, we are very pleased to be supporting Which? University to provide comprehensive and high quality advice for all.”

“It would be a scandal if only those with access to the social capital derived from parents who went to university were able to navigate a higher education playing field that the government has made increasingly uneven.”

university.which.co.uk

Standfirst • • •

Young people are being asked to take part in a major consultation by Wirral Council. spend its money over the next three years You can join in online or fill in a paper copy from libraries and youth centres

Wirral Council is seeking the views of young people to find out where to spend its money over the next three years. you agree with what they believe should be its main priorities as a Council, and to find out what options you think they should explore as they make savings, improvements and decisions. Your views are important, because they will help decide the priority the Council puts on services that affect consultation, can be found online, at www.wirral.gov.uk/ whatreallymatters. Hard copies are also available from any Council One Stop Shop, Library, Leisure Centre or Childrens Centre. You can also ring 0151 606 2030. help you take part.

Drop off your completed questionnaire at any of these buildings or post it to: What Really Matters, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wirral CH44 8ED. Please make sure we have your views before 19th October 2012.

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3 months work experience for school leavers Young people leaving education with no job to go to will be made to do three months’ full-time unpaid work experience with charities and social enterprises or have their benefits cut, the Government announced last month.

Under new plans 18 to 24 year-olds who have spent less than six months in employment since leaving school or college will have to work at least 30 hours a week to get their £56-a-week jobseeker’s allowance. their CVs and searching for a job. Some 968,000 aged 16 to 24 are now Neets — not in employment, education or training — up from 949,000 in the first quarter of the year. However 16 and 17-year-olds will not be covered by the the scheme will initially be launched in London but is expected to be rolled out around the country.

Announcing the move, alongside the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, the Employment Minister Chris Grayling said the scheme would help young Londoners improve their career prospects.

“It’s time to look at a different way in Britain,” he said “A something-for-nothing culture does no one any favours.

“It makes those who are doing the right thing cynical. And for those who head straight into the welfare state, it sets them out in life on precisely the wrong footing. If you haven’t yet had the chance to make a financial contribution, then it’s not at all unreasonable to ask you to give something to the community before it gives something to you.” areas affected by last years riots.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I would much rather people had the fun and the experience of work placements and the confidence that comes with it than being on benefits and doing nothing and seeing their self-esteem fall away.”

Full steam ahead for Megan new engineering apprentices to the business who have joined a four year course in either mechanical or electrical classroom and on the job training which will result in an NVQ 3 by their third year, and an HNC qualification by their fourth.

All recruits to the programme were required to pass tough aptitude tests and interviews in order to secure their apprenticeships.

Megan Pickering, a nineteen year old from Runcorn, is amongst the intake and she has made history by becoming the first ever female engineering apprentice at the Port of Liverpool. she is overwhelmed by the scale of

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Chris Salmon Poetry Extravaganza A local literary competition is returning this year bigger and better.

Following the enormous success of last year’s event, the Christopher Salmon Foundation, in conjunction with Wirral Libraries is pleased to announce the launch of the Chris Salmon Poetry Extravaganza 2013. commemorates the memory of poetry-loving Chris, a student at Calday Grange Grammar who tragically died from a competition is typically open to all Primary, Secondary and 6th Form Students in Wirral; this year the field has been widened to allow adult entrants also. be awarded to winners and runners-up in each category with the overall winner aged 18 or under will become Wirral’s Young Poet Laureate for the following 12 months at an awards ceremony to be held in April 2013.

Entry forms are available from Wirral libraries and at www. chrissalmon.org.uk. Completed entry forms can be emailed to Diane Mitchell at dianemitchell@wirral.gov.uk or handed in to Birkenhead Central Library by 25th January 2013.

Christopher’s memory. Besides the competition the Foundation donates to various educational projects and the trustees are hoping to raise enough funds to establish specialist research into the condition that affected Christopher. www.chrissalmon.org.uk

size of the port is just breathtaking. It’s not until you get on site and see the scale of activity that you realise just how much machinery is involved in the day to day operation of the port. It’s a very exciting prospect for a trainee engineer.”

All apprentices will develop skills in fabrication, welding, calibration and diagnostics, as well as report writing and is tailor-made to deliver port-specific skills and is delivered by Mersey Maritime and Engineering College. Each apprentice is assigned their own Liverpool Port employee mentor.

Gary Hodgson, Managing Director of Peel Ports Mersey says the investment in the apprenticeship programme underlines the Port of Liverpool’s commitment to the region. He said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome 12 apprentices into the business at what is a particularly exciting time for the port in terms of our ability to be a creator of local wealth and prosperity”.

All apprentices are employees of the

port from the day they start their training; their salary increases incrementally over the four year apprenticeship.

“To be able to get this kind of education, and get paid for it, is amazing”, Megan I just couldn’t get anywhere else. Some people go to university and all they come out with is debt. I’m getting all of this – and a livelihood – for free. I’m really proud to be here.”

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the h sixth form

To get where I want to go…

... I need a sixth form that supports me.

Open Evenings Wednesday 7th November / 6.00 – 8.00pm Wednesday 5th December / 6.00 – 8.00pm

Visit

bsfc.ac.uk

for further information

Telephone: 0151 652 5575 Email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk Web: www.bsfc.ac.uk /birkenheadsixthformcollege

/BSFC

If you want to stay on in full-time education after 16 there are lots of courses to choose from. First you’ll need to decide which subjects you want to focus on and then find a place to study.

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fter Year 11 you could continue to study at your own school sixth form, the sixth form of another school or at a sixth form college or college of further education. If you’re unsure whether to stay on at school or go to a sixth form college, some schools offer link courses at further education colleges where you can attend one or two days a week to see what college life is like.

Most schools have sixth forms that you can join even if you didn’t go to school there. Some sixth forms specialise in subjects which may appeal to your particular interest or skills which may make it an attractive proposition for you to move

you will be in a familiar environment with the students, teachers and tutors that you already know and an established travel routine which will mean there will be less to adjust to and distract you from your studies. Equally though, some students will be attracted by the thought of ‘leaving school behind and moving on to the challenge of a fresh environment, new friends and greater independence.

School sixth form - are generally quite small although they vary in size and there will also be some difference in the range of courses they can offer to students as study options. Sixth forms are typically more informal than school, allowing students to wear non-uniform and be responsible for themselves. However, as they are still part of the school and may have a more formal and structured timetable than if you went to sixth form college. In general, school sixth forms will offer traditional qualifications such as BTECs and A-Levels in mainstream subjects although some will specialise in one study area like performing arts, sports or sciences, and you may wish to study in the sixth form of a school which specialises in your chosen field.

Sixth form College - After taking your GCSEs you might want to continue your education but have a change from staying on at school. A popular option for many students new to study might seem a bit radical but leaving school and starting afresh can have many advantages. A sixth form college is a more informal environment than a school sixth form and, because they are bigger, they offer a much wider range of course options. You will also get the opportunity to meet lots of new people and make new friends as colleges take students from several different schools. A college will also expect you to manage your own time and deadlines which will provide you with the opportunity to learn new skills which will stand you in good stead should you progress on to university.

Further education colleges - Further education colleges can in size, and in the subjects and facilities they offer although your fellow students may include adults of all ages as well as other young people.

Applying to colleges and sixth forms You can apply to more than one sixth form or college, and most have the facility to let you apply online through their website, or you can contact them direct for an application form. You should start applying for popular or specialist courses in the autumn term of Year 11. For other courses, you might generally apply in the spring. You do not normally need to apply if you want to stay on at your school’s own sixth form.

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he BBC are on a mission to bring you everything you need to know for your homework, coursework and exam prep. BBC’s GCSE Bitsize has got detailed revision notes covering 20 subjects, plus interactive activities, videos, tests and a whole community of students posting regularly on busy message boards.

Bitesize is the BBC’s study support service for students, covering GCSE, KS3, KS1 and 2, Scottish Highers, Scottish Standard Grade, Scottish 1st and 2nd Level, and Welsh TGAU. Subjects covered include: Art & Design, Business Studies, Design & Technology, DiDA, Drama, English, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, ICT, Irish, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Science, Spanish, Welsh Second Language.

-> www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize

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Travelling by train is the most affordable way to see Europe and is perfect for young adults looking for that all important first experience of travelling independently.

Whilst the prospect of leaving home to travel on the continent might seem a little daunting, travelling Europe by train is a surprisingly simple way to get out there and see the world. So here are some hints, tips and useful links to quash any fears, and ensure you make the most of your travels.

InterRail Passes number of different passes are available to suit your travel plans. All Global Passes cover 30 European countries, from Portugal to Poland

and everywhere in between; so whether you fancy exploring the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia or end up looking for love in Paris, you’ll never be short of places to head next.

Global Passes start at £150 and vary up to around £350, depending on the type of pass you go for. For more info on tickets visit www.interrailnet.com

Accommodation If you like to have things organised then you may want to pre-book accommodation, although often this is not necessary. Hostels and campsites are usually the traveller’s accommodation of choice, especially for young travellers on a budget. A piece of advice would be not to go for ‘Hostelling International’ hostels, as these can be don’t be afraid to look around and get the best deal. Some will provide extras like breakfast and internet access, just find out if these things are included in the price or if they cost extra before paying.

Camping is also a viable option for young travellers and it’s safe to take a tent anyway, as it can provide shelter in emergency situations. Split the tent up between your bags to save one person carrying the whole thing.

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If you are visiting cities during festive periods or big events it may

•

you want is to arrive and have nowhere to sleep!

Food & Drink Eating is important but whilst carrying some food in your bag is a sensible idea, carrying too much will weigh you down – so buy food as and when you need it. Small shops and supermarkets are often reasonably priced, perfect for buying snacks or making your own sandwiches; buying bread and some fillings is a cheap way to eat. Many hostels have cooking facilities, so evening meals can be easily made too. Pasta is a good option as it’s cheap and full of carbohydrates, to give you energy!

Sometimes, and depending on your budget, you may want to eat out – exploring different cuisines is part of travelling, after all. A tip here is to lookout for the more affordable restaurants and cafes, often located just outside the centre or tourist district.

Walking long distances with heavy bags, you will need to keep yourself topped up with fluids. Bottled water is a safe choice, as sometimes the tap water abroad can be dirty or can affect your body in different ways to the water at home. Keep an eye out for cheap bars and cafes just outside the centre if it’s cheap drinks you’re looking for.

Safety Although travelling is all about freedom and new experiences, it is important that you stay safe. Excitement can sometimes blur your judgement but follow these tips, keep your head screwed on and you’ll be fine.

• •

•

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Take travel insurance: Insurance for your journey can be purchased online. Make sure you print out two copies; put one with your important documents and one somewhere separate (like the bottom of your bag).

Dorm rooms in hostels often sleep around 8 people but this can vary up to around 24, therefore your bags and personal possessions can be at risk of being stolen: Keep personal possessions – such as wallets/money/phones/ cameras – safe. Keep your passport, tickets and important documents in a travel folder. Take a padlock with you; this can be used to safely lock dorm lockers, or the zips on your bag.

Just don’t forget the code!

Being in a foreign place can be confusing and big cities are easy to get lost in. Maps are readily available from information desks, train stations or even shops. Get hold of one and find your bearings before you go exploring! Don’t stray too far off the beaten track; stay near well lit and populated areas. If you’re arriving into a city by night, just be aware and sensible.

Take a basic first aid kit.

Where to go?

Start your journey from a close location: somewhere cheap to fly to, for instance Paris, where you can start your InterRail ticket.

Pick a realistic route and focus on places you’re interested in but remember you can change your route as you go, although a basic plan is a good idea! Don’t cram in too many destinations, as travelling everyday will tire you out; you want time to explore and enjoy places. See the InterRail site for route ideas, maps and info on cities.

Personal Tips • • •

• • •

Take a camera: nothing too expensive, just a cheap digital one or even a disposables.

Take every opportunity to wash clothes or fill up water.

Get yourself a Post Office Travel Card – this allows you to withdraw cash from anywhere in Europe and saves you carrying around all your money as cash. If lost, the card can be replaced and your money will not be lost.

A free ferry between Greece and Italy is included in the price of your InterRail ticket, see the site for details.

Visit Croatia, as the Adriatic coast is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world.

Keep a diary – it’ll be fun to read through in years to come.

Ready to discover what Europe has to offer? Time to get planning.

Head to the sites listed below for further tips and help with your travel preparations, remember to stay safe, but most of all, have a good trip. Or, as they say in Europe, Bon Voyage! Buen Viaje!

Gutte Rese! Buon Viaggia! Dobro Putovanje! Just don’t forget your passport!

Useful Links InterRail - www.interrailnet.com InterRail Map - www.interrailnet.com/planning/ railway-map Hostels - www.hostelworld.com Post Office Travel Card – www.postoffice.co.uk/travel/ travel-money Rail Travel Planning Website – www.seat61.com

Wirral Council run an Apprenticeship scheme that has enabled many companies to offer apprenticeships to NEET 16-24 year olds, and there are some still available.

What do I need to do?

It’s easy. Just go to apprenticeships.org.uk. You can: • Find out more about Apprenticeships.

• Search for and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies online.

• Manage your own applications online.

Here are some top tips for you to help improve your application...

Registering No lazy mistakes automatically pulled through to each job application form, so any

errors or lazy/shorthand typing will be pulled through too!

Full Name surname.

Username and password You will need to use your username and password every time you log in once you have registered.

Make your username relevant and ensure that your password is something that you can remember. Keep both of these safe but somewhere you can access them.

Activation email Don’t forget that before you can get started using Apprenticeship vacancies, you will need to activate your account. you receive.

Multiple accounts Try not to create multiple accounts as trying to remember a series of usernames and passwords leads to confusion.

Appropriate email address Make sure your email address is appropriate… ‘badgirl@msn.com’ will be seen by a potential employer, and they might not be so impressed! >

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Sell yourself Your profile is an advert for you. Use the spell checker and check grammar and punctuation.

Be formal Always remember your application is part of a formal recruitment process and will be viewed by the employer, make sure your application shines!

Apply for several vacancies You can apply for up to 10 vacancies at any one time. If you are successful with any of your applications, and you accept the Apprenticeship offer please remember to withdraw your remaining applications to save the providers/ employers time in processing these as they are no longer necessary.

Track your applications Ensure you regularly go in your ‘my home’ page to track your applications. Remember that learning providers or employers might receive a number of applications and so be patient in terms of a response based on the advertised closing date and suggested date for interviews. If you need to follow up an application please use the contact details on the vacancy.

Withdrawing an application an application as once you withdraw your application you will not important to ensure you are 100% happy with your application. If you want to update your qualification with your actual grades, it is easier to contact the provider directly.

Use the FAQ Make use of our FAQ on apprenticeships.org.uk.

You can use the Q&A section to find many of the frequently asked questions from candidates and answers from the National Apprenticeship Service.

To see current local Apprenticeship opportunities visit Connexions Greater Merseyside at www.connexionslive.com National Apprenticeship Awards Finalist Greenfields Kennels Contact number Always include a phone number – add your mobile and/or home number if possible so that we can contact you to confirm job interviews or clarify information.

Searching

APPR ENTICESHIPS YOU TO YES PLEASE

YES PLEASE

YES PLEASE

Search Criteria You can search for your ideal job in various ways, by using keywords, occupation type, job role or location parameters.

Your search can be refined further by determining how current the vacancy is, or by indicating the weekly wage you would be looking for.

Applying and Managing Your Applications Be thorough Read the advert carefully before you apply.

Before you apply, be realistic Can you travel to the job if it is not local? Do you have the required skills/experience?

FREE* NUS APPRENTICEextra Card ask for details We’ll help you along the way to your Apprenticeship:

Apprenticeships in

Appropriate voicemail messages Make sure your voicemail message is appropriate on your mobile (again inappropriate voicemail messages may put off a potential employer!)

Make yourself stand out When answering additional questions make sure you explain your answer and give an example if you can – don’t just copy the examples given.

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YES PLEASE

Work, Learn and Earn

Make sure you send the application Check that it is not in your saved area.

Include all qualifications Make sure you list all your qualifications, including your predicted grades.

YES PLEASE

3rd Floor, Gateway House, Wirral International Bus. Park, New Chester Road, Bromborough CH62 3NX

Call 0151 346 2750

Care Retail Childcare Customer Service Business Admin Team Leading Management NUS card free subject to T & C’s

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By Greg Cartwright

The Safety Net of Sky exhibition is now over and you can currently catch the Wild Planet exhibition 'Wild Planet' is a photographic exhibition showcasing stunning images from the natural world that highlight the dazzling beauty and diversity of our planet. The exhibition will feature 80 images chosen by BBC personality and zoologist Chris Packham from previous years of 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year'. It runs until 28 October.

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Doing it for the kids...

Good2Go!’s latest contributors review the hottest new bands

REVIEW BY EMILY WOOD From an early age, I have had a definite career path set out in my head; I wanted to be a writer.

Until recently, I didn’t actually spare much thought for what, when or how I would be writing, but I have always had this idea that I would be happy as long as I had a pen, or a laptop, to hand. In the past year or so, I have been trying to gain as much writing experience as is possible for a sixteen year old amateur writer, and a key part of this experience for me has been reading. It was in this sudden urge to read every book, publication or newspaper that I could lay my hands on that led me to Good2Go! magazine, which immediately caught my attention as a local magazine aimed at people of my age. I was keen to get involved, and after some rather forceful encouragement from my mum, I submitted some of my writing, and was amazed at the positive response it received.

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s a teenager myself, I mostly enjoy reading articles that are relevant to me, on topics that I can relate to. In keeping with this theme, I have chosen to write an account of a concert that I attended earlier this year, held locally at the O2 Academy in Liverpool.

Kids In Glass Houses headlined on the last day of the Liverpool Sound City Festival, and provided an explosive end to the weekend of great quality music. My brother and I attended the concert unexpectedly, having acquired wristbands for the festival at the last minute, and were delighted to see that Kids in Glass Houses were due to perform.

DJs, bands and solo performers who played across 20 venues around Liverpool’s city centre, including artists such as and Professor Green, and managed to cater for an eclectic range of musical tastes. Due to the nature of the festival, each band only had a one-hour slot in which to perform, but Kids in Glass Houses took full advantage of this; bounding onto the stage and immediately launching into an upbeat

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rendition of the crowd-pleaser, ‘Saturday’. Although it was unlikely that anyone in the audience was not already a fan of the band, the unlimited supply of energy and enthusiasm emulating from the stage was enough to make even the most indifferent members of the crowd jump in time to the music. led by the band’s charismatic front man, Aled Phillips, who rocketed around the cramped space and chanted lyrics as if his life depended on it. Kids in Glass Houses continued to cause utter chaos amongst the crowd as they seamlessly performed their most popular tracks, including the singles ‘Give Me What I Want’, and ‘Matters At All’, and Phillips engaged with the audience throughout, ordering the room to join him in singing the catchy chorus to ‘Young Blood (Let It Out)’. In the crush of jumping fans, it was difficult not to enter into the lively spirit of the concert, and my brother and I sang hoarsely along with the rest; narrowly avoiding suffocation but enjoying the experience nonetheless. seemed to possess the same qualities as every other current Indie Rock band, which meant that none of their songs sounded particularly unique, but for lovers of this music genre, or for people looking for an entertaining live performance, it is a minor detail that can be easily overlooked.

On the whole, the concert was a great experience for the audience and the band members alike, as the short time slot was filled with a drawback to the event, given the vast crowd that was squeezed into the smaller hall at the O2, but the band made the concert seem friendly and intimate, punctuating their songs with jokes, chatting to the crowd about the current football scores, and giving the microphone to members of the audience to sing the choruses. Kids In Glass Houses are a band that could entertain an audience of any size, and for fans , they of bands such as You Me At Six, Young Guns and around the UK until late October, and are performing at venues in High Wycombe, Farnham, Ravensbourne Cardiff and Reading within the next few weeks. www.kidsinglasshouses.com

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orey Rutherford and James Maclean have been friend since, forever. With music in their blood, the guys left Wallasey School without a chosen career path and followed their dreams to become DJ’s and producers, calling themselves Kid Swarve.

James was mixing tracks and DJ - ing from the age of eight and with his dad’s funk/rock influence, Corey was an

passion though, was dance music.

“At that time we just didn’t have the skills to put a decent dance track together”, Corey said, and after discovering software called Fruity-loops they threw themselves into producing rap beats. Before long, the teenagers were making tracks for rap artists in this country as well as abroad. Every spare hour was spent in the studio and every spare penny went to bettering their equipment.

“Although we enjoyed rap, every time we went out it was dance and house that we listened to, we just had to get better” said James. somedays. “A 12 hour studio session would only feel like one hour” Corey said, that showed me just how much these guys loved their craft.

Swedish House Mafia was their greatest influence and when Steve Angello followed them on Twitter, they sent him one of their tracks. He really liked it and sent a direct message back. At last, they seemed to be getting somewhere, their hard work and dedication was paying off and they decided to push harder.

their trade and have nothing but respect for anyone in the Audio Engineers and are happy to share their knowledge with wanting to become involved in production and are happy to talk to anyone on the subject; you can contact them on Twitter @CR_KidSwarve and @J_KidSwarve.

Uni to perfect their craft - they mean business. I asked them where they saw themselves in five years; the answer was that they hoped to make a living out of music. I thought that was a great answer, they are not full of themselves, they are willing to listen and learn, and they deserve a break.

Watch out for... new video for ‘Storm’ by Kid Swarve ft Jade T out in the next few weeks on YouTube and Kid Swarve’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/KidSwarve. #Good2Go! 21

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My If you're leaving school or college this year and aren't sure of the next step – take a look at the full-time courses available at Myerscough College's Liverpool centre at Croxteth Park.

There's a unique range of one year introductory courses and two year advanced, ssion to university.

A Level equivalent, Diplomas – ideal for progre

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MysuccessMyrewardsMyfutureMyambitionMycourseMyerscough Myerscough College, Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Croxteth Hall Lane, Liverpool L12 0HB #Good2Go! 25

It may not be as bad as you think! unfair reputation for long hours and evening and weekend work and also that it only offers relatively low-paid shop floor work. unique and positive benefits of working for a retail company which can make it an appealing and rewarding career choice.

Follow our guide to some of the benefits of working in retail...

Scope and Variety Working in retail offers many opportunities, from working for a global empire to working on a market stall or anything in between.

Also, retail work doesn’t necessarily mean working on the shop floor or behind a till as there are other career opportunities you can pursue within the retail sector – buying, window dressing, marketing, finance and human resources are just some of the different types of career you can pursue. It’s also a sector where you can actually start off at the bottom and work your way up without needing to gain higher education qualifications although they will still be important in certain job roles.

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Before making your decision you should also factor in the following criteria:

Flexible Working

Few sectors offer the same degree of flexibility as retail. For many people, especially those with family commitments it is an ideal environment in which to work because of the benefits of flexible hours and shift patterns. It’s also attractive to young people where it is often their first job opportunity to get cash and experience for their CV.

BenefIts

Working in retail also means that you’re likely to receive employee discounts which can be appealing, especially if you work in a shop connected to your hobbies or interests – selling books, music, fashion items or games for instance.

Growth and security producing a growing number of online traders. You can be sure that the career opportunities and benefits available today will still be there tomorrow and even grow further as the sector continues to expand.

Accessibility

Unlike some industries which are strategically located in particular looking to relocate or if you become unhappy working for a particular company, it’s much easier to find similar work elsewhere than with some other careers choices.

Choosing the right retail environment for you work and if you’ve decided to pursue a career in retail, it’s important to do your research and choose an environment which is going to suit you. Many factors will play a part in your eventual decision and you may need to make some compromises before finding the environment that suits you best. Here are some factors you’re likely to want to consider.

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Rates of pay or annual salary

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Benefits and perks

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Number of hours expected to work per week, at what times and on what days as well as any shift patterns

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Location of store and any relocations you may need to make in the future

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Ethical considerations and whether or not the store matches your own personal values

Personal Interests Retailers are involved in selling all manner of items and if you’ve a particular interest, hobby or passion for something, you may wish to work within a specialist store which is selling the kinds of goods that you are interested in and have a good degree of knowledge about. Typical examples of this can include shops which sell the following goods: • • • • •

Sportswear and sports equipment Music, electronic games and book shops Fashion Electrical and hi-tech stores – gadgets and computers, for example Outdoor adventure

Big Versus Small Working for a larger retail company has its pros and cons just as working for a much smaller retailer does. In larger department stores, for example, you’ll be better placed for career advancement opportunities and to gain experience across a number of retail functions. If you aim to progress beyond sales assistant, a larger business will have more opportunities to allow career development and progression through the ranks or to specialise in one particular function - buying for example. On the downside, there will be more competition from other staff with the same mindset so you’re going to have to work harder to prove your worth.

A smaller company may be more intimate and if you want responsibilities to come at you thick and fast at an early stage of your career, you’re more likely to get your chance. However, this can often mean pitching in and carrying out tasks such as mopping the floor and stocking shelves. You’ll also find that if you intend to make retail your career, you may hit a ‘ceiling’ whereby it may not be possible to advance beyond store manager and in many cases, even assistant manager as the shop owner will be the store manager themselves.

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Business Success Tips for Young Entrepreneurs Some of the world’s most famous and profitable businesses were started by students or other young entrepreneurs. You may not want to be another Bill Gates - maybe you just want to earn some extra cash to subsidise your lifestyle but you’ll still have to navigate some unique challenges as a young business person. Here are 10 tips for success for young entrepreneurs.

Do what you love. Most successful businesses have one factor business idea that compliments your interests or talents no matter what they are.

Know what you want. Are you willing to leave school if your business takes off? Or do you envision your business as a side project? Being able to answer questions like these will help you organize your time and priorities.

Be radical and original. As a young person your thinking is fresh, original and full of energy. Barriers are there to be broken and anything seems possible. Use this to your advantage and don’t be afraid to try something new, create an off-the-wall product or shake up an existing market by changing things (such as a service or delivery model) that established companies take for granted. ... but follow the rules. Being a young entrepreneur doesn’t exempt you from registering your business, keeping records and paying taxes. Following these simple rules now will save you from legal and administrative headaches later.

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Manage your time. Running a business while going to school is stressful and difficult. Understand what is required of you in your separate roles as a student and a business owner, and employ planning and organisational tools - for example, a well-maintained appointment book, Microsoft Outlook or an online time/project management system - to make the most of your time.

Use student resources. Being a student isn’t a handicap in business; it can be an advantage. Your college offers free computer access and Internet connectivity, a host of potential employees and/ or volunteers and the expertise of lecturers in a variety of topics (including business). You’re surrounded by people and resources, so make the most of them to gain a competitive edge.

Find a mentor. Team up with a local entrepreneur or business leader with a record of achievement to be your small business mentor.

Your mentor will help you understand the risks and challenges of business, provide a sounding board for your ideas and help you find investors for your company.

Exploit the internet. for young entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in them; they’ll help to inspire, direct and motivate you.

Look after yourself. Regardless of how organized and enthusiastic you are, running a business can be tough and places physical and mental stresses on you. To avoid it adversely affecting your health, it’s important to take time out to safeguard your wellbeing.

Whether through exercise, socialising or a quiet day of meditation on the beach, take every opportunity to invigorate yourself and optimise your work/life balance.

Have fun! You might have built a fantastic product and sold it to half of your target market. Perhaps it even made you rich and famous but at the end of the day, the question is: did you have fun? It may be the case that your product doesn’t take off, you can’t find any suitable buyers, or the world simply isn’t ready for your product or service. Either way, keep an eye on the big picture and make sure you enjoy what you’re doing.

Olly Murs

13 & 27 March 2013 £32.50

Little Mix

3 February 2013 £19.50 - £29.50

George Michael 10 October

10 December £29.50

10 November £40.00 - £65.00

£51.00 - £91.00

Cheryl

(£15.00 on the day)

Jessie J

11 - 15 December £19.50 - £39.50

11 November £45.00 - £120.00

An Evening with Jeff Stelling and the Sky Sports Presenters 15 November £29.50

5 March 2013 £25.00 - £32.50

Sleeping Beauty 14 December - 6 January 2013 Early Bird: £8.00 - £16.00

The Script 9 March 2013 £29.50

(Early Bird ends 15 October)

WATERFRONT BIG TOP @ ECHO ARENA

Once In A Lifetime 2012

13 October £40.00 - £90.00 (£190.00 VIP)

17 November

Jesus Christ Superstar

£38.50

Michael McIntyre

with Tim Minchin, Chris Moyles, Melanie C ITV1’s Superstar Ben Forster!

16 October

Vampires Rock Christmas

David Cassidy, Leo Sayer Hot Chocolate & Smokie

22 - 24 November £35.00

£45.00 - £65.00

25th Anniversary Tour 20 October

£18.50 - £36.50

30 November £32.50/£42.50

One Direction

THE AUDITORIUM AT BT CONVENTION CENTRE

‘You Write The Rules’ World Tour 28 March 2013 £12.50 - £40.00

BBC Worldwide presents

Donny & Marie Live

Justin & Friends

2 February 2013 £40.00 - £70.00

4 April 2013

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds

BT CONVENTION CENTRE

Starring Jason Donovan, Ricky Wilson, Kerry Ellis, Liam Neeson 3D hologram & Marti Pellow R HE OT

3 November £29.00 £100.00

1 December

£42.50 - £62.50

McCoy’s Premier League Darts

The Australian Pink Floyd Show 8 February 2013

(£89.00 VIP)

£29.50 - £37.50

Mark Knopfler and Band

13 February £25.00

19 May 2013 £41.00 - £45.00 2013

Walking With Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular

Up Close and Personal 8 December

22 - 26 May 2013 £25.00 - £45.00

£35.00 - £45.00

Peter Andre

£28.50

Tiers: £20.00 Floor: £35.00 - £40.00

5 May 2013 £35.00

The Charge of the Mad Brigade 7 December

2 May 2013

6 February 2013 £32.50

Example

Madness

R HE OT

The X Factor Live Tour 2013

Radio City Live 6 December £25.00 - £75.00

Justin Bieber

SOLD OUT

24 February 2013

Micky Flanagan

Back In The Game Tour 12 November 2013

All ticket purchases are subject to a ‘per ticket’ booking fee and a handling fee. Tickets are subject to availability.

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...NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! ...NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINEMENT!

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£13.00 - £29.50

(Family Tickets Available)

BT CONVENTION CENTRE

FREE TICKETS

SOLD OUT

17 & 31 March 2013

(£15.00 on the day/Under 16s free)

£20.00 (£70.00 VIP/£15.00 under 16s)

9 November £32.50 - £42.50

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16 March 2013 £27.50 - £39.50 (Family Tickets Available)

The UK Baby and Toddler Show 2 -3 February 2013 £12.00

Ronnie O’Sullivan V Jimmy White 25 October

The Killers

Classical Spectacular ®

Harlem Globetrotters

Alanis Morissette

27 - 28 October

(Front Row £50.00)

Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour

Elbow

£39.50

MOBO Awards 2012

14 March 2013 £35.00 - £38.00

29 November £29.50

Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour

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The Farewell Tour

£25.00/£28.00

(£15.00 under 15’s/students)

1 February 2013 £33.50

Nicki Minaj 24 October

21 December

The Nolans

29 - 30 January £35.00 - £65.00

Deacon Blue

R HE OT

BT CONVENTION CENTRE

Mrs Brown Rides Again

Andrea Bocelli

11 October £35.00

National Gay Wedding Show 3 March 2013 £12.00

Florence + the Machine

Lionel Richie

Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour