York College Construction Apprenticeships by yorkcollegeUK

C O N S T RU C T I O N APPRENTICESHIPS

USE THIS GUIDE TO FIND OUT ABOUT: • Courses available • How to find and apply for an apprenticeship • CV and interview help MKT1474/0620

77.7%

Overall success rate for Electrical, 13% above national average

71.9%

Overall success rate for Plumbing, 7.5% above national average

100%

Overall success rate for Stonemasonry, 35.6% above national average

CO N STRU CT IO N A PPRENTIC ESHIPS AVA I L ABLE AT YORK COLLEGE 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Architectural Joinery - Level 2 Architectural Joinery - Level 3 Bricklayer - Level 2 Painter & Decorator - Level 2 Site Carpentry - Level 2 Site Carpentry - Level 3

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Stonemasonry - Level 2 Gas Engineer Operative - Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating - Level 3 Installation Electrician - Level 3 Surveying Technician - Level 3 Construction Site Supervisor - Level 4

Apprenticeships are a great way for aspiring construction professionals to gain essential work-based experience whilst developing their repertoire of employability skills and knowledge of the industry. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to work directly within the construction industry whilst earning a wage and gaining a recognised qualification that can kick-start, or further enhance, a successful career. 2

WHY B ECOME AN APPRENTIC E? 1. Earn while you learn – apprentices are fully contracted employees in the workplace and earn a weekly wage. 2. Strengthen your CV – apprentices develop their skills and industry knowledge throughout their apprenticeship programme adding invaluable experience to their employment history.

HOW ARE APPRENTICESHIPS DELIVERED? Apprentices will typically attend York College on day or block release for the duration of the apprenticeship and work with their employer for the remainder of their contracted hours. During their time in College, apprentices will work towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours, and at work, will consolidate their on-programme learning with the support of their employer. An assessor will visit the workplace every 8-10 weeks to discuss and monitor progress on the apprenticeship in conjunction with the employer.

3. Gain a qualification – upon completion of an apprenticeship, apprentices will gain a nationally, and industry recognised qualification between Level 2 and Level 4. 4. No debt – by studying an apprenticeship whilst working, apprentices will avoid tuition fees. 5. Networking opportunities – by working directly in the construction industry, apprentices have the opportunity to create vital industry contacts that may lead to future promotional opportunities.

HOW DO APPRENTICESHIP QUALIFICATIONS COMPARE TO OTHER COURSES? NAME

LEVEL

EQUIVALENT EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Intermediate

Five GCSE passes at 9/A* to 4/C

Advanced

Two A Level passes

Higher

4,5,6 & 7

Foundation degree and above

Degree

6&7

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

ARC H I T ECT U RAL JOINERY - LEVEL 2 COURSE LENGTH - 24 MONTHS This occupation involves carrying out skilled work, primarily using timber products in a workshop, creating and installing building components. You will be producing timber based building components and other architectural products. This will include doors, windows, units and staircases, which are then transported to construction sites to be installed by site carpenters. On completion of this apprenticeship you will be qualified to work as an architectural/bench joiner. You will be able to: • Work safely and be aware of key health, safety and welfare issues. • Plan and carry out their work to commercial standards of quality and speed. • Understand the technical principles of architectural joinery and how they are applied in routine tasks, such as, setting out and producing cutting lists, marking out from setting out details and producing cutting lists and fitting and assembling.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS As a minimum you should have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 3/D or above. If you do not have grade 4/C or higher you will be required to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills in these subjects. To start the course you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT There are two parts to the End Point Assessment. Firstly, a knowledge assessment to consist of a short-written test, delivered in a controlled invigilated environment. Secondly, a practical assessment that will be a skills test delivered in a controlled environment.

CAREER PROGRESSION The achievement of this apprenticeship will meet the requirements of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Skilled Worker’ Standard, which is widely accepted in the sector as a ‘license to operate’ in a skilled construction trade. Candidates may also progress on to higher-level qualifications. 4

A RC H I T ECT U RAL JOINERY - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 15 MONTHS The occupation involves carrying out advanced skilled work, primarily using timber products in a workshop, creating and installing building components. The advanced carpenter and joiner is able to undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams. An Advanced Architectural Joiner will normally be employed in a workshop, producing complex building components by setting out, marking out and manufacturing bespoke architectural products (e.g. doors, windows, staircases with turns and panelling/cladding).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will have achieved Level 2 in Architectural Joinery and have passed GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above or have achieved Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2. To start the apprenticeship you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment consists of a short-written test delivered in a controlled invigilated room and a practical assessment will take place in a controlled environment over a minimum period of six hours.

CAREER PROGRESSION The achievement of this apprenticeship will meet the requirement of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Advanced Skilled Worker’ standard, which is widely recognised as a ‘license to operate’ in a skilled construction trade. Candidates may also progress on to higher-level qualifications such as Higher National Certificate (HNC) and work in roles such as supervisors in the workplace and then progress on to management level jobs. Self-employment or starting a business may also be an option.

BRI C K LAYER - LEVEL 2 COURSE LENGTH - UP TO 30 MONTHS ENTRY REQUIRMENTS You should have GCSE grade 3/D or higher in Mathematics and English and must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Any candidate without Maths and English at Grade 4/C will be required to pass Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications before they can be put forward for the End Point Assessment of this apprenticeship. You will also aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment will comprise of a knowledge test which is computer based and will comprise of 40 multiple-choice questions, a skills test which will be an assessment of practical skills based on a task and an oral questioning which will involve questions that will focus on coverage of prior learning or activity.

CAREER PROGRESSION On completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level. Apprentices will progress to a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may be an option. Candidates may also progress on to higher-level qualifications.

The construction sector is the driving force behind the UK economy, employing three million people. Bricklaying is a core function within the construction industry, particularly the house building sector. The Government has a target to build significantly more new homes over the coming years and therefore the demand for bricklayers has never been higher. Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures e.g. chimney stacks. They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. The range of sites and projects that bricklayers will work on include large commercial developments, new builds in housing, alterations, extensions and restorations. A bricklayer may work one-on-one or on larger jobs where their bricklaying group (gang) may work on a particular section of a building alongside other bricklaying gangs and other trades.

PA I N TE R AND DECORATOR - LEVEL 2 COURSE LENGTH - 36 MONTHS The construction sector is the driving force behind the UK economy, employing three million people. Painters and Decorators operate in domestic and commercial properties and undertake the decoration and protection of buildings. Properties include houses, schools, offices, hospitals, factories and construction sites. Painters and Decorators work on both internal or external locations. They work individually and/or as part of a team applying water-borne and/or solvent-borne paint coatings and wallcoverings. They have good knowledge of paint coatings and wallcoverings and understand and comply with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. They are responsible for their own work achieving a high-quality finish at the appropriate pace. They are good problem solvers and communicators and can interact effectively with colleagues, clients and associated trades.

ENTRY REQUIRMENTS You should have GCSE grade 3/D or higher in Mathematics and English and must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Any candidate without Mathematics and English at grade 4/C will be required to pass Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications before they can be put forward for the End Point Assessment of this apprenticeship. You will also aspire to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment will comprise of the following; a knowledge test which is computer based and will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, a skills test that will be an assessment of practical skills based on a task and a professional discussion.

CAREER PROGRESSION On completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card at the appropriate level. Apprentices will progress onto a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may be an option. Candidates may also progress on to higher-level qualifications. 7

SI T E C A RPENT RY - LEVEL 2 COURSE LENGTH - 24 MONTHS Site carpentry involves carrying out skilled work, primarily using timber products on a construction site, creating and installing building components. A Site Carpenter will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and fixing building components, from the initial erection of a new building, through to the installation of all necessary fixtures and fittings, as well as a range of repair and maintenance activities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You should have GCSE grade 3/D or higher in Mathematics and English. Any candidate without Grade 4/C will be required to pass Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Functional Skills Level 2. To start the course you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment will consist of a short written test lasting 45 minutes, delivered in a controlled, invigilated environment and a practical assessment that will take place in a controlled environment.

CAREER PROGRESSION The achievement of this standard will meet the requirement of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Skilled Worker’ standard, which is widely recognised as a ‘license to operate’ in a skilled construction trade. On completion of this standard, apprentices will progress to a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may be an option. Candidates may also progress onto higher-level qualifications such as Level 3 Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry. 8

SI T E C A RPENT RY - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 15 MONTHS This apprenticeship involves carrying out advanced skilled work, primarily using timber products on a construction site creating and installing building components. The Advanced Site Carpenter can undertake complex job tasks, requiring high levels of practical skills and knowledge, in addition to managing their own work and leading small teams. An Advanced Site Carpenter will normally work on a building site, or in domestic and commercial premises, preparing and installing complex and often bespoke building components e.g. high quality doors, shaped linings, staircases with turns, complex wall and floor units, erecting bespoke structural carpentry (inclined roofs and joists) and erecting complex roof structures (e.g. inclined roofs with hips, valleys and dormers).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will ideally have an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations / Site Carpentry and have passed GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or higher or have achieved Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2. To start the course you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment consists of a short-written knowledge test and a practical assessment that takes place in a controlled environment over a minimum period of 6 hours.

CAREER PROGRESSION The achievement of this apprenticeship will meet the requirement of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Advanced Skilled Worker’ standard, which is widely recognised as a ‘license to operate’ in a skilled construction trade. On successful completion of this apprenticeship there is a wide range of employment opportunities, such as becoming a supervisor in the workplace and then progression on to management level jobs. Self-employment or starting a business may also be an option. Candidates may progress on to higher-level qualifications such as Higher National Certificate in Construction.

STO N E M ASO NRY - LEVEL 2 COURSE LENGTH - 24 MONTHS

The UK construction industry makes a vital contribution to the economy. However, there is a skills shortage in the industry and this work-based course ensures that staff needs meet national standards. Stonemasonry is a specialist craft and as a Stonemason, you would use your skills to carve architectural features, cut and shape blocks, or lay and fit stonework into place on construction projects. As a Banker Mason you would follow design instructions to carve and shape stone, and give it a textured or polished finish (known as dressing), using hand and power tools.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To start the course you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week. In addition, for an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) you will have a minimum of three GCSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Grade 3/D or above, to include English and Mathematics. Any candidate without Grade 4/C will be required to pass Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Functional Skills Level 2. You must have completed the Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) prior to starting the Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).

END POINT ASSESSMENT During the apprenticeship you will build up a portfolio, which is a collection of examples or evidence of your work that demonstrates your skills and ability, including a work diary, photos, statements from your employer and colleagues and examples of completed tasks. Assessment consists of practical tasks, observations, oral questioning, written questions, assignments, projects and written tests.

CAREER PROGRESSION These courses will prepare the apprentice for full employment within stonemasonry. Many learners progress from Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) to Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3). There is then the opportunity to progress to higher-level qualifications such as the National Certificate or National Diploma in Construction.

GA S E N G INEER OPERATIVE - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 18 MONTHS Installing and maintaining gas appliances in a domestic or non-domestic setting, advising customers on how appliances work and how to use energy more efficiently. This involves the safe installation, commission, decommission and the ongoing service and repair of gas appliances in either a domestic or non-domestic setting. Appliances can include, but are not limited to, a range of work categories such as central heating boilers, unvented hot water storage, ducted air heaters, cookers, space heaters, meters, alternative fuel, boosters, testing and purging for industrial pipework.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or higher or have achieved Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2 and will also have already achieved a Level 2 qualification in Plumbing and Heating. To start this apprenticeship, you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment will consist of two parts. A portfolio assessment with the apprentice submitting a portfolio of work including a Gas SafeÂŽ registration certificate, competency test and a work log review. Secondly, a knowledge assessment for the apprentice to demonstrate knowledge across the gas engineering apprenticeship.

CAREER PROGRESSION Registration with Gas SafeÂŽ Register for four appliances. The successful apprentice will be eligible to apply for membership with the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). Apprentices could progress to a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may also be an option.

PLU MB ING AND DOMESTIC HEATING - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 48 MONTHS Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems. They can find themselves working inside or outside a property. Customer service skills and being tidy and respectful are important qualities as they can often find themselves working in customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes as well as on building sites. As a competent Plumbing and Heating Technician, the installation of plumbing and heating systems includes accurate measuring, marking, cutting, bending and jointing metallic and non-metallic pipework. Appliances and equipment can include gas, oil and solid fuel boilers as well as pumps, heat emitters, bathroom furniture or controls as part of a cold water, hot water, and central heating or above ground drainage and rainwater systems. It is important for a Plumbing and Heating Technician to be able to work independently or as a team and use their knowledge and skills to ensure that both the system and appliances are appropriately selected and correctly installed, often without any supervision, and done so in a safe, efficient and economical manner to minimise waste.

ENTRY REQUIRMENTS You will have Grade 4/C or higher in Mathematics and English and must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

CAREER PROGRESSION By the end of this apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for registration as EngTech by the Engineering Council through The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and or The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). On completion of the health and safety assessment, as determined, by the assessment plan the candidate will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card through the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) at the appropriate grade. Apprentices could progress to a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may also be an option.

END POINT ASSESMENT The End Point Assessment will comprise of 5 parts; multiple-choice test, design project, practical installation test, practical application test and professional discussion. 12

I NSTA L LAT IO N ELECTRICIAN - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 48 MONTHS Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments and might work in both indoor and outdoor settings. Electrical equipment and systems may include switchboards, motors, cables, uses, thermal relays, fault current protection switches, heating, lighting, and metering equipment as well as crime and fire alarm systems and renewable energy technologies. They may also contribute to the design of electrical systems. They can set out jobs from drawings and specifications and requisition the necessary installation materials. There are two aspects to this type of work installation and maintenance. It is usual for the work of a qualified electrician to be competent in both.

ENTRY REQUIRMENTS You will be required to be employed within the industry working 30 hours or more and have a minimum of four grade 4/C or above GCSEs with English and Mathematics being mandatory requirements.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The synoptic End Point Assessment includes both practical and theory. Apprentices will have to perform a set of common tasks and procedures that a full scope electrical operative might face when working in commercial or industrial premises as well as dwellings. It will assess installation, inspection and testing and fault-finding.

CAREER PROGRESSION By the end of the apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for registration as EngTech by the Engineering Council. On completion of this apprenticeship candidates can potentially progress onto a higher apprenticeships or employment, working for small electrical contractors to large Multi-national companies. Selfemployment or starting a business may also be an option.

SU RV E Y ING T ECHNICIAN - LEVEL 3 COURSE LENGTH - 24 MONTHS The main duties and tasks of a Surveying Technician are to collect information from inspections or visits to buildings, land and construction sites; to take appropriate measurements of buildings, land or plans; to meet with other professionals, clients, customers and others to obtain and provide information relating to land, property or construction; to collect and record data relating to land, buildings or construction for technical use; to manage work tasks relating to the area of practice; to undertake costings and/or measurements and/or valuations using data collected from research and to ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or higher or have achieved Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2. To start the course, you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT The End Point Assessment is the RICS Associate assessment. This is a substantial piece of work, typically taking around 3 months to complete and will include: summary of experience, case study, a record of a minimum of 48 hours of continuing professional development and ethics test.

CAREER PROGRESSION This apprenticeship will provide the necessary knowledge skills and behaviours for successful apprentices to become Associate members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Successful apprentices will then be able to progress on to higherlevel qualifications or progress or continue to full employment.

CO N STRU CT IO N SITE SUPERVISOR - LEVEL 4 COURSE LENGTH - 36 MONTHS The main duties and tasks of a Construction Site Supervisor are: supervision of specialist contractors, the control of health and safety standards on construction projects, recording, control and reporting of progress on a construction project, the minimisation of the environmental impact of construction projects, control of quality of works on a construction project and assisting commercial staff with the monitoring of costs on a construction project.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above or have achieved Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2. To start the course, you must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

END POINT ASSESSMENT To go forward for the End Point Assessment (EPA) you must have achieved the Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment. You will also have produced a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates how you have met each of the knowledge, skills and behaviour statements in the standard. The EPA will be over a period of 6 months and will comprise of the following elements: online test, project and professional discussion.

CAREER PROGRESSION This Apprenticeship will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours typically required to achieve Technician status or the equivalent with the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognised professional bodies. Successful completion of this Apprenticeship will enable progression on to higher-level qualifications or progress within industry.

MEE T OU R APPRENTIC ES EMMA WAITZMAN IS A STONEMASONRY APPRENTICE AT YORK MINSTER Emma moved from Prestwick to York to pursue her passion for stonemasonry. Choosing to study stonemasonry at Levels 1 and 2 at York College gave her a deeper understanding of the trade and secured her a much sought-after apprenticeship at York Minster. My apprenticeship has helped me to gain experience that simply isn’t possible in the classroom. Working closely with master craftspeople and observing how things are done in practice is experience that you can’t get in any other way and has helped to develop my skills. Emma has many friends at York Minster and says her workplace is a real community that helps her to progress and thrive. Emma says: “Working and studying is my favourite part of being an apprentice. I put theory into practice, and it is so rewarding. This style of learning helps to enforce all the lessons I am learning. A real highight for me is knowing I have two pieces of work in York Minster.” Emma will look at further professional qualifications whilst continuing to work in the trade and in the future hopes to pursue work abroad, perhaps in Germany.

ANDREW BENJAMIN IS AN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION APPRENTICE AT DUNNINGTON ELECTRICAL. I was looking for more on-site experience and the apprentice route enabled me to learn on the job. This experience is invaluable, I am practically applying what I’m learning in real situations and that is what sets apprentices apart. The practical application of my skills has enabled me to learn more skills and has improved my job prospects. Dunnington Electrical made Andrew feel part of the team and involved him in all aspects of the job from the very start. Each day Andrew faces fresh challenges and his colleagues help him to see what is needed, he says: “It’s all about learning in a realworld environment and gaining experience whilst earning a wage.”Site Manager Paul Hawley adds: “It’s useful to have another skill-set and a fresh pair of eyes, and it’s good to have someone keen and willing to learn on the job. Andrew’s skills are particularly useful when I am working on bigger jobs, enabling me to focus on the more technical aspects and trusting Andrew to take care of the other bits. Apprentices are needed for the future of the trade, it’s only through on-site experience and working with tradespeople that skills are developed.” 16

YO UR NEX T ST EPS Taking your next steps to apply to your chosen apprenticeship can feel like a daunting experience. Here are some steps you could take to help reach your goal.

STEP 1 Email your CV to businessdevelopment@yorkcollege.ac.uk stating what apprenticeships you are interested in. We will then send you available vacancies.

STEP 2 Come and meet us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; attend an Open Event to find out more about how our apprenticeships run and see the facilities.Visit our website to find out the next Open Event dates and times.

STEP 3 Apprenticeships are a job with training, be prepared to complete an application and undertake an interview with the employer and College.

STEP 4 If you are successful at interview you will then be given a start date for your apprenticeship.

ALTERNATIVELY, STEP 1 Use www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk or visit www. yorkcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships to see the latest apprenticeships available. Apply through this service. 17

HOW TO W RIT E AN APPRENTIC ESHIP APPL I C AT IO N BEFORE YOU START Collect anything that might help you such as: • Your CV • Any qualification certificates or predicted grades • Work or voluntary roles

REMEMBER • Read the job description carefully • Do your research on the company • Have a genuine interest in the position you are applying for • Think about location and how you’ll get to/from work

TOP TIPS • Print off a copy of the job description and highlight all the keywords they have used so you can use them in your application. • Ensure you show you have met entry criteria or are predicted to!

E-Guidance Do you need some help? Our qualified careers advisors are readily available to help you. If you need help with writing your CV or just want someone to look over it, our careers advisors can help, email careers@yorkcollege.ac.uk

HOW TO W R IT E A GOOD C V WHAT DO I NEED TO INCLUDE? A CV which stands for curriculum vitae, is a document used when applying for jobs. It allows you to summarise your education, skills and experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities to potential employers. • Contact details • A profile • Education • Work experience • Skills and achievements • Interests • References

COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN CREATING A CV • Poor formatting • Failing to tailor your application • Spelling errors • Lying • Lack of evidence • Not explaining ‘why’ • Ignoring gaps in your work history

Find out more about CV formats, what to include and how to avoid common mistakes, online at www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice

H OW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW Before securing a job you will have to pass the interview stage. Interviews allow employers to verify that you have the right skills and experience for the job and that you will fit in well in their organisation. Interviews can be a stumbling block for a lot of people and a key to success in the job market for others. The best way to ensure that you are successful is preparation!

TOP TIPS • Practice makes perfect. Practice with your family, friends or even in front of a mirror. • Have a good think about your own skills and experience, and how you will relate them to the job itself. • Preparation is key. Make sure you know where the interview is and how to get there. Try and find out who’s going to interview you and if there are any pre-interview tasks. Be on time! • You need to make sure you know and understand the job description and person specification. That way you will know what exactly the employer is looking for. Research the company you are applying for: questions about the organisation you want to join are likely to be part of the interview. You may have declared your passion for a certain subject or industry, so be prepared to demonstrate it. • Know your personal statement or application letter inside-out. Interviewers might ask you to back up any claims from your statement, so make sure you remember what you wrote. • Rehearse your travel route and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. You might be nervous, but don’t skip your meals and stay hydrated. • How to dress? Be smart and look the part, but wear something that also makes you feel comfortable. 20

OTHE R O PPO RT U NITIES AT YO R K CO LLEG E With courses designed with your future employability in mind and designed to work alongside work or other life commitments, York College University Centre could be a perfect fit for you. We have a wide range of courses that are flexible and personalised to suit your career aspirations. We can provide the support, flexibility, contact time and teaching required to help students of all types succeed.

AD ULT LEARNING At York College we offer a variety of courses for adults, ranging from industry-recognised professional qualifications, courses to help with retraining for a career change, and courses purely for fun and personal development. With supportive tutors and excellent facilities, we have an excellent track record for helping students enjoy new experiences, enabling them to succeed within a supportive learning environment.

For more information on studying a degree, higher-level or adult learning course visit the York College website www.yorkcollege.ac.uk, call the InfoZone - 01904 770770 or email info@yorkcollege.ac.uk 21

N OT E S

NOT E S

YO R K CO LLEG E OPEN EVENTS WE CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WAIT TO MEET YOU. Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you and your friends and family to visit York and the College, to meet with our knowledgeable tutors and explore the College facilities. Here you will have the opportunity to find out about courses, funding, transport and support available, all with the aim to help you discover the best study option for you. For the upcoming Open Event dates and times, visit the website, www.yorkcollege.ac.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS PLEASE CONTACT US: T: 01904 770368 (option 1) E: businessdevelopment@yorkcollege.ac.uk A: Sim Balk Lane, York, YO23 2BB York_Col_BDU BduYork York College Business Development Unit