your career your choice your future
welcome to the wilberforce careers service
At Wilberforce, we offer a series of specially developed programmes to help our students achieve their long-term career goals. There are lots of different programmes, covering a wide variety of career paths, including Medicine, Teaching and Law. Having these programmes in place means that our students get the extra support and specialist experience they need to get university places on relevant courses so that they need to take the next step towards their dream jobs. This booklet gives an outline of some of the career programmes we offer at Wilberforce, and may give you some ideas about what you would like to do in the future. It will also help you decide what courses to study after your GCSEs. In addition to these specific programmes, we also offer general careers support for all students; whether you are considering university, an apprenticeship or employment. All students have access to individual careers guidance and support throughout the college term. Students can access support whenever they need it, at any time throughout their course.
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your career, your choice, your future
We provide a huge amount of support for students in terms of applying to university and to ensure that they apply for courses that are right for them. This includes: •
Group tutorial work
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Course questionnaires to help you assess your career options
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Visits to local universities
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University Preparation Day
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Presentations from a variety of universities
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Support with UCAS applications
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Help with personal statements
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Information sessions on university finance
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Support applying for university finance
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Careers and Higher Education Fairs
Wilberforce College has developed strong links with a large number of universities and we are an Associate College of the University of Hull, the University of Lincoln and Leeds Trinity University.
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ASPIRE For students who want to go to Oxford or Cambridge universities
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RAISE THE BAR For students who wish to enter the legal profession as solicitors, barristers or advocates
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MEDILINK For students who want to be careers in Medicine; Veterinary; Dentistry; Physiotherapy; Radiography; Opthalmics or Pharmacy
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CATALYST FOR CHANGE
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DYNAMICS
For students who want to have a career in scientific research
For students who want to become mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical or systems engineers
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BUILD THE FUTURE For students who want to become architects, designers or planners
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NETWORK For students wanting to work in IT
contents
FILM WORKS
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For students who want to work in the film or television industry
PRESS GANG
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For students who want to work as a journalist for magazines, websites, newspapers or television
GLOBETROTTERS
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For students looking for a career in the travel industry
APPRENTICE DRAGONS
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For students who want to work in the business and finance industries
ON TRACK
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For students who want a career in sport, coaching, nutrition, rehabilitation or sport psychology
SERVE & PROTECT
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For students wanting a career in the Army, Navy or Royal Air Force, looking to join the Police, Fire Service or become a paramedic
IMPROVING LIVES
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For students who want to become nurses, social workers or work with children
TARGET TEACHING
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For students who want to teach
words of wisdom
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the careers centre
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Aspire
For students who want to go to Oxford or Cambridge universities Entry requirements
A and A* GCSE grades in relevant subjects.
Essential qualifications
At least three ‘facilitating’ A-levels (Maths; Further Maths; English; Physics; Biology; Chemistry; History; Geography). A-level in your course subject of choice (for example, Politics, Art, or Music).
Recommended qualifications
Maximum of four AS and three A-level subjects. High grades are more important than the number achieved.
Programme provision • • • • • •
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Mentors Opportunities to go to The National Oxbridge Conference Residential visit to Oxford and Cambridge Mock interviews Support with entrance tests Global Agendas programme
ASPIRE
I had one to one mentoring to help with interviews and university applications
i did it!
James Tennison
Studied at Wilberforce 2009 to 2011 Subjects
A-levels in English Literature (A*), Law (A*), History (A*), Extended Project (A*) and AS-Level Biology (B).
Current status
Studying Law at Trinity College, University of Cambridge. James applied to study Law at a number of top universities (Durham, Warwick, Newcastle and Nottingham), but had his heart set on attending one of the world’s best universities, Cambridge. He worked very hard whilst at Wilberforce to achieve the demanding A* grades he required to secure his place, and received support with his application and interview from college staff.
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RAISE the bar
For students who wish to enter the legal profession as Solicitors, Barristers or Advocates Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including English.
Essential qualifications
A-levels which require literacy skills, such as essay writing, constructing an argument and research.
Recommended qualifications
A-level English Literature; English Language; History; Government & Politics; and/or Law.
Programme provision •
• • • • •
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Visits to Law Courts including magistrates, Lincoln and Hull Crown Courts and the Law Galleries in Nottingham Prison visit Debating society Support with tests Link with Rapid Solicitors Mentors
RAISE THE BAR
i did it!
ruth Patterson
Studied at Wilberforce 1999 to 2001 Subjects
A-Levels in Law (A), English Language (A), Psychology (A), Business Studies (A) and General Studies (A)
Current status
Trainee lawyer with Herbert Smith LLP, a global commercial law firm. What did you do after college? As soon as I left Wilberforce I started my law degree at Manchester University, graduating with an LLB in July 2008. After university, I completed a Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Professional Legal Practice. I was very pleased to secure a training contract to be become a lawyer with Herbert Smith LLP, one of the leading firms in the UK legal market. Whilst at Herbert Smith I have spent six months in Banking Litigation and Regulatory, six months in Corporate, six months in Finance and six months in-house. I am due to qualify in March 2012, when I will be re-joining Herbert Smith LLP as a fully qualified associate lawyer in their Corporate Finance practice. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? The legal profession is very dynamic and fast moving, so it is hard to say, but I hope to gain more experience, rising through the ranks to become a senior lawyer.
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medilink For students who want careers in: • • • • • • •
Medicine Veterinary Dentistry Physiotherapy Radiography Opthalmics Pharmacy
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including English, Maths and Science.
Essential qualifications
A-level Maths and Science (Chemistry being the most important).
Recommended qualifications
A-level Physics; Biology; Further Maths.
Programme provision • • •
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• •
Medical and veterinary placements Support through entrance tests Practice interviews with real panel interviewers for the Hull/York Medical School Health Trust placements Mentors
medilink
We did it! stephanie harrison Studied at Wilberforce 2007 to 2009 Subjects
A-levels in Physics (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Maths (A) and General Studies (A).
Current status
Third year Medicine student at Hull York Medical School. Stephanie intends to specialise in anaesthetics when she qualifies as a Doctor.
Jennifer Atkinson Studied at Wilberforce 2007 to 2010 Subjects
A-Levels in Chemistry (A), Geography (A), History (A), A-Level Maths (A), Sociology (A) and General Studies (A), AS-Levels in Further Maths (A) and Biology (A).
Current status
Studying to be a Pharmacist at the University of Huddersfield. Jennifer decided after completing her A-levels that she wanted to become a Pharmacist, so returned to college for one extra year to study for the Chemistry A-level she needed to get on the course. Jennifer sat both the AS and A-level parts of the course in one year, along with AS Biology, which explains why she has such an amazing number of qualifications!
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CATALYST FOR change For students who want to have a career in scientific research Entry requirements
Five good GCSEs (C or above) including Maths and Science.
Essential qualifications
A-level Biology; Chemistry; Physics.
Recommended qualifications A-level Maths.
Programme provision • • • • • •
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Participation in Renewable Energy Project Renewable Energy Symposium Lectures from visiting speakers from University of Hull Links with University of Hull, including visits and use of their facilities Participation in a variety of competitions, for example, RSC Analysts Summer schools
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
i did it!
mike buttery
Studied at Wilberforce 2002 to 2004 Subjects
A-levels in Physics, Maths, ICT, General Studies and Music.
Current status
Project Scientist for the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL). What did you do after college? I went to the University of Liverpool to study for a degree in Astrophysics, then got a job as Project Scientist for the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL) in Cumbria. I specialise in tribological research, which means I try to ensure the moving parts of spacecraft and satellites can withstand the severe environment in space. Through this specialist research I have been invited to conferences across Europe to present my findings. I have also been invited to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to give a presentation on my research at the 40th Aerospace Mechanism Symposium. I feel privileged, and very lucky to be invited to NASA. Over 95% of the work we do is for European customers, so to see interest in my research from the States is a big deal.
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DYNAMICS For students who want to become mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical or systems engineers Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above) including Maths and Science.
Essential qualifications
A-level Maths, Chemistry and Physics is the best combination.
Recommended qualifications A-level Further Maths.
Programme provision •
• • • •
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Links with HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association) – subject specific sessions, progression planning, etc. Grade Improvement workshops Visit to power stations, including Drax Participation in Renewable Energy Project Renewable Energy Symposium Links to engineering companies in industry
DYNAMICS
i did it!
Esther Bruce
Studied at Wilberforce 2005 to 2007 Subjects
A-levels in Physics, Maths and Computer Science.
Current status
Studying MSc Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bradford. What did you do after college? For as long as I can remember I wanted to take things apart to find out how and why they work so I went to Bradford University to study Automotive and Mechanical Engineering. I enjoyed university life, but also worked hard and was awarded the Benjamin Jowett Scholarship. During my course I did an internship for a year with Siemens that included designing and manufacturing a specialist part for a traffic light system to be used on a bridge in London. I am currently doing an MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Bradford and my project is about designing and manufacturing a small wind turbine. When my course finishes in September I am hoping to work as an engineer in the world of renewable energy.
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build the
future For students who want to become architects, designers or planners Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above) or equivalent.
Essential qualifications
A-level Fine Art/A-level Graphics (Product Design) or BTEC Art & Design.
Programme provision • • • • • •
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Link with local Architects office Morgan Lloyd Jones and ICB Design Exhibition design with the curator of Hull Museums Set Design with Ferriby Amateur Dramatic Society Sign production with Signage Solutions Ltd Landscape Management & Architecture with the Consortium of Horticulture Links with Oriel Printing
BUILD THE FUTURE
i did it!
Tony kanagh
Studied at Wilberforce 2009 to 2011 Subjects
A-levels in Graphic Products (A), Maths (C), Law (B), Business Studies (B) and General Studies (C).
Current status
Studying Architecture at Leeds Metropolitan University.
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network For students wanting to work in IT Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including Maths.
Essential qualifications A-level ICT or BTEC ICT.
Programme provision • • • • • • • •
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Grade Improvement workshops Careers workshops Opportunity to showcase designs at Platform Games Showcase and Exhibition Links with Lime Property Estate Agents, ASDA, PC World employers Games workshops with the University of Teesside University Network link (networks in use) Enrichment workshops in games design, multimedia and animation Work placements at Giacom, ABP and local schools
NETWORK
i did it!
CARL GARNER
Studied at Wilberforce 1999 to 2001 Subjects
A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and GCSE Photography.
Current status
Support, Applications and Systems Developer at Ubisys. What did you do after college? Following my lifelong passion - computers - I got a place at the University of Hull on the degree course Internet Computing. I spent four years studying there. After the degree, I spent six months working for Yates before taking my first computing related post; IT Support at York College. From here I went into applications development at FrogTrade, then OSMIS, and now to where I am as Support, Applications and Systems Developer at Ubisys. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years time, the aspiration is to have migrated from software development into systems administration, ideally at a large hosting centre or ISP.
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film works
For students who want to work in the film or television industry Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above) or equivalent.
Essential qualifications
A-level Film Studies; Media Studies; or BTEC Level 3 in Creative Media Production.
Programme provision • • • • • • •
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National and regional opportunities to display talent Staff with experience of film production Staff with a background in media production High Definition Cameras and Editing Suites Links and visits to Lincoln and Hull University with practical participation Help with the production of a show reel Annual “Woscars” Ceremony
film works
i did it!
Joshua Callis-Smith Studied at Wilberforce 2004 to 2007 Subjects
BTEC National Diploma in Media (Double Distinction), A-level Film Studies (B), AVCE Art (A/B) and a course in Video Production.
Current status
Senior Editor at a top Leeds production company, Left Eye Blind. What did you do after college? I moved to Leeds to study Film and Moving Image Production at the Northern Film School. I spent a lot of time getting involved with other filmmakers and getting as much work experience as I could. The film industry is very tough to crack and experience is crucial (so get it where you can), but once you’ve established a name for yourself - things can snowball. I worked hard editing corporate films and spent my spare time learning my craft until the opportunity arose to get into features. I’m now working on music videos and feature films and am directing my first feature length documentary. I still feel like I’m in the early stages of my career, there’s so much more I want to experience. It’s an industry that moves forward faster than you can blink, but it’s all very rewarding and a job I can’t wait to start each day.
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press gang
For students who want to work as a journalist, for magazines, websites, newspapers or television Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including English.
Essential qualifications A-level English (Literature/Language/Combined).
Recommended qualifications A-level Film Studies and/or Media Studies.
Programme provision • • • • •
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Vox college magazine Link with the Press Association (Howden) Links with the University of Sheffield and the University of Lincoln Journalism courses (including lectures and visits) Teaching staff with long standing career experience in journalism Access to a wide range of journals, magazines and blogs to write for; links to national and regional competitions to demonstrate skills Support and development of written articles
press gang
i did it!
richard gordon Studied at Wilberforce 1999 to 2001 Subjects
A-levels in English Literature, Business Studies and Geography.
Current status
Senior Producer for BBC World News. What did you do after college? Becoming a journalist was almost an accident. I was quite involved in student politics at university and took a year out of my degree course to serve as President of the Guild of Students at The University of Liverpool. After that I was elected to the National Executive Committee of NUS which I did part-time whilst I completed my degree studies. I joined the BBC in 1999 right at the bottom as a broadcast assistant. I didn’t have a burning desire to become a journalist, it just kind of happened. I’ve worked on Nicky Campbell’s show at Radio 5 Live, for the BBC News Channel, Breakfast TV, and am now a Senior Producer for BBC World News based in Television Centre in west London. The BBC is a great employer. I’ve been here twelve years and wouldn’t consider working anywhere else. In the journalistic field it gives you the opportunity to work with so many different people. Richard is a prolific tweeter so get get following! @RichardWGordon
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globe
trotters
For students looking for a career in the travel industry Entry requirements
Five good GCSEs (C or above) including English.
Essential qualifications BTEC Travel & Tourism.
Recommended qualifications
A-level French or Spanish.
Programme provision •
• • •
•
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Work experience placements at local industry employers, including P&O Ferries and First Choice Holidays Training programmes with the J.A.R.E Airline Training Partnership in Birmingham Tour of Manchester Airport Visits to many tourist attractions including The Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris and Anne Frank’s House Residential visits to Amsterdam, Blackpool, Dublin, Paris and Barcelona
globetrotters
i did it!
ADAM GRAY Studied at Wilberforce 2007 to 2010 Subjects BTEC National in Travel & Tourism.
Current status
Cabin Crew for Ryanair based at London Stansted. What did you do after college? Whilst studying Travel & Tourism, Adam realised his dream job would be as cabin crew. He wanted to get straight into the job after college and used the skills and qualities he developed on the course to get through a very competitive application process for a post as cabin crew with Ryanair. Adam is based at Stansted Airport , travelling to destinations across Europe such as Ibiza, Marrakesh and Rome.
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apprentice
dragons For students looking for a career in the business or finance industries such as: • • • •
Accountanting Audit Marketing & communications Enterprise
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including Maths and English.
Recommended qualifications
A-level Economics, Business Studies or BTEC Business.
Programme provision • • • • •
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BASE competition (Chartered Accountants Institute) Links with KAPLAN training, Force 7 Marketing and Youth Communications Specialists, Baker Tilly Chartered Acountants and Selles Medical Visiting guest speakers on setting up in business Access to Hull University Business School and attendance at Business Week events Visits from Hull Youth Enterprise and The Princes’ Trust supporting students with setting up their own businesses
apprentice dragons
i did it!
kate barkworth Studied at Wilberforce 2001 to 2003 Subjects
A-Levels in Business Studies, German, French and General Studies. AS-Level Psychology.
Current status
Working for the Mayor of London’s promotional agency. What did you do after college? I studied International Business with Spanish and German at Sheffield Hallam University. As part of that I spent six months studying in Spain and one year working for Blaupunkt overseas in Madrid, Spain and Hildesheim, Germany. After university I spent two summers working at a summer camp in Pennsylvania, USA organising a recreation programme for up to 400 campers a week. I moved to London three years ago, where I started working for a welfare-to-work programme, building relationships with stakeholders in the North London area. I have spent the last two years working for the Mayor of London’s promotional agency, helping foreign owned companies invest or expand in London. I manage a portfolio of accounts from the European and North American regions and help to drive inward investment. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would love to work for an organisation such as the EU, and I would even look at living abroad again.
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on track
For students who want to have a career in: • • • • •
Sport Coaching Nutrition Rehabilitation Sport psychology
Entry requirements
Five good GCSEs (C or above) including maths and English.
Essential qualifications BTEC Sport or A-level PE.
Recommended qualifications A-level Biology or Psychology.
Programme provision • • • • •
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Coaching qualifications Opportunity to try out for regional and national teams League play-offs Represent college in British College’s Sport Links with DW Fitness and David Lloyd (including membership deals) Coaching with Hull KR and Hull FC
ON TRACK
i did it!
ANDY MCKEE
Studied at Wilberforce 2001-2003 Subjects
A-levels in PE (C), IT (C) and Business Studies (D).
Current status
I went to York St. John University to study Sports Studies with Management, left university and took on a job with a small sports project in Hull after volunteering with them. After 18 months, I moved to Newcastle to take up a role as Football Outreach Worker with NACRO, setting up activities for young people to keep them occupied and out of trouble. I returned to Hull a year later to take up a job with the Positive Futures project at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, working with ‘at risk’ young people who were involved with the police/drink/drugs and getting them involved in sport. In my current role as Sports Development Officer with Hull City Council, I work with the British Heart Foundations ‘Hearty Lives Hull’ initiative which encourages adults to become more active and lead a healthier lifestyle. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully working for a National Governing Body in sport such as the Rugby Football League (RFL) or working at a professional rugby league or football club in their community team. I would at some point like to go back to working with young people who are involved with the police, underage drinking, etc. as I did on the Positive Futures project.
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serve & protect
For students wanting a career in the Army, Navy or Royal Air Force, looking to join the Police, Fire Service or become a paramedic Entry requirements
Four GCSEs (C or above), including English or Maths.
Essential qualifications BTEC Public Services (Level 3).
Programme provision • • • • • • • • • •
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Duke of Edinburgh programme Army assault course training Teaching staff with serving experience in police and forces Strong links with MOD, Army, Navy, RAF, Police, Ambulance, Fire and Prison Services Outdoor activities training including: rock climbing, expeditions skiing and skating Water based activities including canoeing and kayaking Careers and curriculum lectures from armed and emergency services personnel Fitness training Operation Argus Science missions (RAF)
serve & protect
i did it!
chris ostler
Studied at Wilberforce 2007 to 2009 Subjects BTEC National in Public Services.
Current status
Investigative Officer for Humberside Police. What did you do after college? Chris had applied to be a Disclosure Assistant in hope of securing an internal position as an officer. He soon secured a post as an Investigative Officer in 2010. In this role, Chris takes statements from witnesses, gathers evidence, and presents this evidence to a court of law.
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improving
lives
For students who want to become nurses, social workers or work with children Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including English.
Recommended qualifications
BTEC in Health & Social Care or CACHE Diploma in Child Care & Education.
Programme provision • • • • • • •
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Work placements in care homes and primary schools, nursing and social work Occupational themed summer school with visiting speakers, workshops and university links Links with mental health at Hull University Workshops in raising self esteem Mentoring available Links to Barnados Students places with local employers such as Selles Medical
improving lives
i did it!
Bridie Milner
Studied at Wilberforce 2001 to 2003 Subjects
A-levels in English Language, Sociology, Law and General Studies.
Current status
Manager of Safeguarding Team, Tameside Council. What did you do after college? After completing my A levels, I went onto to get a Degree (2:1 Hons) in Behavioural Science from the University of Huddersfield. Following that I worked for Hull City Council in its Safeguarding Teams, until I later went on to do an MA in Social Work from the University of Manchester. I now work as a Team Manager for a Safeguarding Team in Tameside – managing a team of 20 Social Workers/Support Workers who work in the field of Child Protection. I have been doing this job for nearly four years now. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In the future, I would like to become the Head of a Social Work Service, or possibly to do some consultancy work (as social work is changing so much there are ways via the Task Force for government on the role of Safeguarding /Child Protection).
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target teaching
For students who want to teach: • • • •
Early years Primary education Secondary education Further education
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs (C or above), including Maths, English and Science.
Essential qualifications
At least one A-level in a National Curriculum subject (English, Maths, Science, Music, Art, PE, History or Geography).
Recommended qualifications A-levels in National Curriculum subjects, including the subject you wish to teach (if secondary/further education).
Programme provision • • • • •
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‘Preparation for teaching’ work skills course Work placements CRB checks Mentors Opportunities to be mentors for other students in schools and college
target teaching
i did it!
ruth tremlett
Studied at Wilberforce 1999 to 2001 Subjects
A-levels in English Language, Chemistry, History and General Studies.
Current status
Secondary School History Teacher. What did you do after college? I went from Wilberforce to the University of Hull to study BA (Hons) History. I loved being a student and worked hard to achieve a 2:1. After graduation I went on to do a Secondary PGCE in History and then went on to get a job teaching History at Portland School in Worksop. After completing my NQT year, I was appointed as the Deputy Progress Leader for KS4 which gave me extensive leadership experience. I left Portland at the end of the current academic year (July 2011) as I will be taking up a position at a school in Doha, Qatar. I am looking forward to the experience of working overseas - something I never thought I would get the opportunity to do! Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to still be teaching, and to have worked in a number of different countries. I would like to be an Assistant Head responsible for pastoral care.
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Whether you have a set career path in mind, or can’t decide what you want to focus on yet, sharing the experiences can be really useful. We asked former students to share some tips on college and careers, and here is what they said:
The best bit about college for me was the fact that it wasn’t attached to my high school. It gave me a chance to spread my wings and grow up as I had to be responsible for myself. It was the perfect stepping stone to University
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In the current climate, education may appear too expensive or not an option for young people, and I faced the same dilemma when I lived in Hull and was leaving school. Going to college was one of THE best decisions I have ever made in my life. I could not overstate that point
words of wisom from former students
If you’ve got a dream job in mind then go for it! Sometimes it seems like these kinds of “dream careers” are so unreachable, that there’s no chance of getting them, but that’s not true. Everyone is looking for bright, intelligent, and enthusiastic young people
After college I didn’t have a particular career in mind, I just knew I enjoyed science and so decided to do what I enjoyed
I always knew what I wanted to do from a very young age and I chose my A-Level subjects with this in mind, knowing that those particular subjects would give me knowledge and skills I would find useful prior to embarking on my degree
If you’re not sure what you want to do in life, don’t worry. Not having a clue what you want to do is absolutely fine and very normal
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the careers centre
the careers centre room A102 Wilberforce College Saltshouse Road Hull HU7 9HD In addition to the specific programmes
outlined, we also offer general careers support for all students; whether you are considering university, an apprenticeship or employment. All students have access to individual careers guidance and support throughout the college term. Students can access support whenever they need it, any time throughout their course.
sue barnett careers officer sb@wilberforce.ac.uk
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