careers world east of england spring 2014

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EAST OF ENGLAND edion SPRING 2014 m “We are pioneering a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on ‘learning by doing’” PETER JONES CBE What do they mean for you? GCSE MATHS & ENGLISH REFORMS Get yours right first time! CV BUILDER AFFILIATE MEMBER ALSO IN THIS ISSUE PLUS: OUR EXPERT PANEL ANSWER MORE OF YOUR KEY QUESTIONS & WE PREVIEW NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2014

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Featuring: Peter Jones interview, CV Builder, GCSE Maths & English Reforms, Expert Panel & loads more 14-19 careers and training info

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  • EAST OF ENGLAND editi on SPRING 2014

    m

    We are pioneering a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on learning by doing

    PETER JONES CBE

    What do they mean for you?

    GCSE MATHS &ENGLISH REFORMS

    Get yours right rst time!

    CV BUILDER

    AFFILIATE MEMBER

    ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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

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

    Published by Open Doors Media Ltd01765 694 120 | [email protected] Editor | Elliot [email protected]

    Design | James [email protected] Production Manager | Sarah [email protected]

    Advertising | [email protected] | [email protected]

    ISSN: 2050-6570

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    Welcome to Careers World Magazine, the premier resource for careers information and guidance.

    During the spring term many of you will have time between winter and summer exams to think about what happens next after school or college. Thats where we come in!

    In every issue we help you discover more about the most popular career sectors, as well as asking experts and successful young people for their tips and advice for the future. In this edition we pitch our questions to the Dragon himself, Peter Jones, and well see how hes investing in the future of potential entrepreneurs.

    Nows the time to get to grips with your future and focus on nding the career thats right for you. The best of the best in your region

    tell us about themselves!

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

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

    Some contact details we think youll nd useful, including web links, email addresses and phone numbers.

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

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

    We ask our specially selected panel to tell us what they can o er you!

    And now for something completely di erent...

    Elliot Gardner, EditorFinance & Law

    Creative, Media & The Arts

    Armed Forces & Emergency Services

    IT, Digital & Telecoms

    Agriculture & Animal Care

    04Entrepreneur and Dragons Den star Peter Jones shares the secrets of his success.

  • 4 www.careersworld.co.uk

    School grades, so how did you do then?Academic success wasnt a focus for me because I was more interested in enterprise and making money. I wasnt the biggest fan of my primary school in Windsor and so bunked o at every opportunity to sit in the big chair in my fathers o ce and dream about running a big company one day, even though it often got me into trouble.

    I liked my secondary school, Windsor Boys, but was still fascinated by those around me who showed enterprising qualities. An English teacher was the only teacher at school to have a top-of-the-range Porsche and I loved nding out how he did it.

    Your website mentions running a tennis schools as the start of your entrepreneurial journey. What else inspired you? My parents hugely inspired me when I was growing up. My father was an expert in air conditioning and worked particularly hard. He motivated me to strive harder and reach the top.

    However, I have also been inspired in ways that havent brought me success. Impressed by the movie Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, I opened a cocktail bar in Windsor which didnt do very well and just cost me money. This episode demonstrated the importance of judgement when pursuing any idea.

    Do you think you need a speci c mind-set to become an entrepreneur?There are de nitely particular traits which are more common in entrepreneurs, such as grit, perseverance and determination.

    However, I fundamentally believe that entrepreneurialism can be taught and that entrepreneurs are not born, they are made. In 2005 I established my own charity in order to help young people have brighter futures, and in 2008 I set up the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, which is working to put enterprise at the heart of education in the UK.

    The key to the Academy network is instilling a can attitude in our future leaders and giving our young people the con dence they need to ful l their dreams. Putting students in front of people who have been there and done it allows them to see how attainable entrepreneurship can be.

    We keep hearing the phrase business acumen, but what does this mean to you?Business acumen is all about being able to make good judgements and quick decisions, which ultimately results in e ective business decisions.

    This skill is de nitely not limited by age. My 11 year old daughter, Natalia, always has an opinion about those businesses that I have been given

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

    Do you think there are more pros than cons to being your own boss?Absolutely. Otherwise I would have backed out of this game a long time ago. Being an entrepreneur requires huge commitment and a lot of hard work, but the rewards are completely worth it.

    It is a challenge but you learn to follow your instincts and begin to really value advice from those who have been there before you.

    Describe your ideal business partnerFinding your ideal business partner often happens organically, where you have complimentary skills and talents, but mine is extremely hard working and determined. Plus, they must be visionary and be able to lead by example.

    Trust is also incredibly important. They must have faith in my choices and abilities, my team and the potential of a business venture.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a TV personality?One of the great bene ts of being famous is being able to get exclusive access to other like-minded entrepreneurs and senior executives, many of whom have some fantastic and interesting ideas. I dont see any disadvantages to that.

    Peter Jones is a world-famous entrepreneur and star of the hit TV programme, Dragons Den. Peter is from Berkshire and has a long history of achievement when it comes to business. The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy has been running since 2009, taking on the challenge of making business more accessible to students across the country. Peter talks to our editor about his success, the Academy and just what it is that makes him tick.

  • 5www.careersworld.co.uk

    If you werent in business, what would be your dream career?I loved tennis and wanted to be a professional but Id still hand in the towel to be a successful entrepreneur. Being in business is the most exciting and challenging career anyone can have and Im pleased its become my chosen path. I wouldnt change it for the world.

    Your lifelong love of tennis, what sparked that o ?At age 12, I was helping a teacher at my school to teach tennis and he inspired me later, when I was 16, to set up my rst business, a tennis academy. As a child I used to play tennis at county level, and I still play regularly with ex-professionals. That was a real watershed moment in my life I think. At the time, I had the chance to improve my game with a view to becoming a professional, but there was something in me that wanted to take that talent and develop a successful business from it rather than, say, win Wimbledon.

    As a big family man, what advice do you give to your children about careers?I encourage my children to follow their hearts and to choose a path which they are really passionate about only then will they give themselves the best chance of being successful and nding true happiness. It is very important to me that my children work hard and stand on their own two feet. I have set up an arrangement to incentivise my kids to work hard through a funding platform that doubles their income every day for the rest of their lives.

    Youve had more than one IT based company, what brought that on? Are you a bit of a tech head?Yes, I love technology and have always been interested in gadgets. My second business was based around building and selling computers. Whenever gadgets are pitched in the Den, its always me who gets instantly excited.

    I always say that entrepreneurship is about being innovative and improving something that already exists. This attitude describes technology to the core, which ts perfectly with my overall business mantra. Being innovative isnt about doing something new its about doing something better than your competition.

    What is the next big thing for Peter Jones? Anything up your sleeve?I have got many projects on the go at the moment. Since taking over Jessops last year, that has been a huge focus for me and will continue to be for a while. Im hoping there will be lots of opportunities like Jessops for my investment group in 2014.

    In 2012 I founded Tycoon in Schools, a nationwide competition that spearheads my mission of putting enterprise at the heart of all education.

    Now in its second year, the competition has been even bigger and better, with over 700 students taking part this year from all over the country. I cant wait to see the achievements of this years high yers, and the inspiring young people who apply next year. We had over 3,000 apply this year, which was fantastic.

    This competition continues the work that I started with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, where we aim to equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to start their own business, or act entrepreneurially within one. I am thrilled with the journey the Academy has taken so far, where we have about thirty Academies operating across the country, and cant wait to see it grow even more next year.

    Is there anything on Dragons Den you regret not investing in?I dont actually. No regrets. Even when I see some products that I chose not to invest in being successfully launched, I dont have regrets. With Wonderland, YUU World, Woodblocx, Alf Turner, Tiny Box, The Present Club, Bare Naked Foods, Reminiscence Pods and the one and only Levi Roots, who can possibly regret anything? The record speaks for itself!

    What is your favourite product from Dragons Den? And what was the worst?All of them are my favourite! Not fair to choose one.

    And my worst, Layline Beds. Its basically a sheet with a stitched line down the middle to tell husband and wife that this is my space and this is your space. It is ridiculous. That, or the American Inventor guy who said that spinning bicycle hub cabs will be the next craze. Only in America!

    If you were to go into the den as a new entrepreneur, what would your pitch be? And how would you stand out?If I said I could turn 50,000 into 1million would you invest? I would then make sure my idea was good enough to capture the Dragons imagination and get them interested. I would end with Are you in?

    I would stand out by wearing a smart, sharp suit and wear the most outrageous stripy socks I could nd!

    If I were 15/16 and wanted to be an entrepreneur, what would you say to me?I would encourage you to have a vision and then make that vision bigger, because the bigger your vision the more successful you are likely to be. Dont be swayed from your vision by anyone, and make your own decisions.

    Then make sure you do su cient research, nding out not only what your competitors are doing, but also how you can make your product or service that little bit better.

    Finally, it is important to have fun, because business is about more than making money. People will be more likely to buy your product or service if you are having fun and enjoying the business.

    However, ultimately, I would encourage you to log onto www.pjea.org.uk, to nd out everything about the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and join our nationwide network!

    If you could do exactly what you wanted with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, what would you do?I would ensure that every college in the country has an Academy within it and that all young people were given the chance to apply.

    I want to continue to ensure that our Academy network continues to put enterprise at the very heart of the UK education system and that the learning by doing method is widely implemented and respected, helping young people to make their dreams a reality.

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

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

    How do you think careers advice should be given to students?We deliberately designed the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to be completely di erent from the traditional academic environment.

    We are pioneering a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on learning by doing. That means combining business theory with business practice to replicate the environment of the real business world. And ultimately, we believe thats the best way to unlock the potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

    The best way to learn how to succeed is to work with those who have been there and done it, and to get stuck in and give it a go yourself.

    Students receive master classes in entrepreneurship from the best in the business, where they have heard from the likes of Paul Lindley of Ellas Kitchen and David, Vanessa and Jacqueline Gold.

    What are the Academys best success stories?There are so many of these it is tricky to keep track! Each year we recognise the most outstanding student across The Academy network, where the National Entrepreneur of the Year is announced.

    Our 2012 winner, Rob Nunn is developing his business that aims to encourage people into the aviation industry.

    There is no stopping the 2013 winner, Harry Day, who is running a tailoring business and currently working on the development of it in Bangkok!

    Who is better at business, you or Alan Sugar?Alan is a great friend of mine and I think very highly of him.

    He is a big supporter of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and has such a wealth of experience. I think hes better because hes older and wiser!

    People love your socks. Do you have a favourite pair?My stripy ones, of course. I launched my own range of socks a few years back, where all the proceeds go to charity. Theyve been very popular.

    Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis: Snog, Marry, Avoid?Wow, what a question! I wouldnt snog any of them. Nor would I want to be married to them. Lastly, Im not saying who Id avoid!

    Which actor would you like to play you in a lm of your life? Im guessing not Tom CruisePierce Brosnan.

  • first for training & skills

    careersherestartcareersstartcareersherestartheregreatcareersgreatcareersCambridge Regional College

    Tel 01223 418200Visit camre.ac.uk

  • 7www.careersworld.co.uk

    Each issue, we ask our editor to give you a roundup of the topics that might a ect you, as well as the choices you need to make about your future. As you can imagine, there are plenty of things going on that tend to stay behind the scenes. Usually, youd have to trawl through pages of information to learn all this, but dont worry; weve done all that for you!

    GCSE MATHS & ENGLISH REFORM

    Ive been thinking about whether there is some golden piece of advice

    that I can o er you in your search for a career, and the number one thought that keeps cropping up in my head is simply do

    your research. Its all well and good thinking I want to go to university, but

    what course? What job do you want at the end of it

    all? There is a career path for all of us but the most di cult step is nding it.

    The majority of us dont have a job handed to us on a platter so we need to get out there and look for ourselves! If you dont know what you want to do dont hesitate, start

    looking! Get careers advice from your school or college, have a look at all the di erent kinds of

    Apprenticeships, rummage around UCAS to nd a uni course that suits you and most importantly, dont dismiss anything based

    on what someone else has told you.

    Its your career, go nd what suits you!

    Maths and English not your strong point? Just going to breeze through your GCSEs without giving it a real go? Looks like youll need to think again.

    KEY FACTS GCSEs have changed a lot this year If you dont manage a C grade in

    Maths and English, you will have to carry them on until the age of 18

    Its because employers want a good understanding of Maths and English. Almost every career has some dealing with these subjects

    You dont have to go to college to continue studying, there are many ways to re-do your GCSEs

    You wont just be retaking your exams over and over, the focus is on developing your skills

    WHATS CHANGED?You might have heard murmurs about changes to the way GCSEs are going to be carried out this year. The big di erence is that students who fail to get a minimum of grade C in GCSE Maths and English will have to carry on these subjects up until the age of 18. What this means is that thousands of pupils will have to take additional courses to get their literacy and numeracy skills up to scratch after they have left school. This might be with a college, training provider or other educational body, but whatever the route, you can be sure its going to have a big impact. In the past you could stick with the grades you received from exams no matter what they were, but the Government has said this isnt good enough anymore.

    MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

  • 8 www.careersworld.co.uk

    BUT WHY DID THEY CHANGE IT?

    Its because generally employers like a good understanding of Maths and English more than anything else learned at school. That doesnt mean you should just jack in geography; all subjects are good for something, but these are skills everyone needs in the workplace. The Government have decided the education sector needed shaking up with big changes being made to both schools and exams. Every other

    country in the developed world carries on with numeracy and literacy after the age of 16 and our Government is keen to not let the UK fall behind.

    In terms of careers, most employers ask for a minimum of grade C in English and Maths no matter the position. What do nurses, engineers, receptionists and shop workers all have in common? (No smart answers please) They all have some dealing with Maths or English; it could be working out discounts on the y or lling out contracts.

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

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

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

    The focus is on continuous development rather than just grades. This means that you might be able to do an equivalent quali cation thats more suited to your style of learning.

    You also dont have to go to college for further education if this wasnt going to be your route after school. There will be other methods of study that you can take part in, so dont think you wont be able to start an Apprenticeship or Traineeship just because your grades werent ideal.

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

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

    Theres also going to be a big focus on Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. For subjects that you have to write a lot, i.e.

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

    If youre in Year 10 and thinking about taking A-Levels then you have to watch out. A similar system is coming into e ect from 2015 for further education as well. No more AS and A2 exams, just one big exam period.

  • 9www.careersworld.co.uk

    Make sure you get involved over twitter, follow @Apprenticeships and check in on #NAW2014. If you are considering an Apprenticeship but cant nd one to suit you then chances are you are about to have your eyes opened. Dozens of employers post vacancies during the run up and throughout the week. Really its the best possible time to consider an Apprenticeship.

    Yes, this might sound like one big advert but if youre even considering an Apprenticeship in the slightest then the week can be a really important time of year for you, so stick it in your calendar and try to get involved with as much as possible.

    The variety in events is huge. You could attend a careers event at your local college, or an employer might be o ering work experience for the week. Its not just schools that get involved. Big businesses like British Gas see how useful it is to inspire young people to consider becoming an Apprentice. Get over to apprenticeships.org.uk to have a look whats going on in your area.

    Dont forget, its National Careers Week at the same time as Apprentice Week, but over at Careers World we believe that any week of the year can be a careers week. I mean except Christmas. Who wants to be thinking about jobs at Christmas? Thats presents time...

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

    It has also been found that individuals who took part in a practical work-based course, like an Apprenticeship, were even more likely to nd a job than those who did classroom based courses like BTECs. This is because the courses are designed in partnership with the employer, meaning they know exactly what skills the students have, and can gear the course more towards relevant areas. And honestly, its much easier to keep on an Apprentice that you have already trained than nding someone new.

    Dont get worried if work-based courses arent for you. The research showed that even work experience is enough to give you an edge over other candidates, so get going and do all you can to gain as much experience as possible.

    NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEKA huge success in past years, National Apprenticeship Week, set up by the National Apprenticeship Service, is returning in 2014 and is fast approaching. Designed to celebrate and increase awareness of Apprenticeships, NAW is a great event that promotes Apprenticeships of all levels to students, employers, schools, colleges, training providers and the media. Loads of good stu goes on all across the country so youre guaranteed to nd something you can get involved with.

    This year NAW takes place on 3rd-7th March and there are over 900 events to attend across the UK (no, that isnt a challenge). Apprenticeships are becoming a big deal. Last year Prime Minister David Cameron said he wanted to make Apprenticeships, alongside university, the new norm for pupils leaving school.

    HOW WILL IT BE DONE?Youll be able to rest a bit easier knowing that the number of students who havent managed to pass before leaving sixth-form or college will be reported in that schools performance tables, meaning that it is in schools and colleges interests to provide the best possible education to encourage you to pass. Some schools in the past have entered pupils into easier quali cations so they dont have to show low grades to the public, but the new rules will put a stop to this; everyone will be educated to the same level. The funding of colleges will also be changed. Basically if they dont have great English and Mathematics departments, they wont get as much cash.

    WHO IT AFFECTSThe new rules have already come into e ect. Meaning if you are gearing up to do your GCSEs next term you might be staying on a bit longer than you thought, but only if you dont get the right grades. Of course this only matters to you if you dont pass your Maths and English exams rst time around. It can be seen as a little push to try your best in your exams, but lets be honest you should be doing that already, and you really dont want additional subjects looming over your head when youre trying to think about where you want your career to go. Post 16 study is hard enough without having to think about left-over GCSEs as well!

    The change goes hand-in-hand with the Raised Participation Age of education (discussed in the previous issue of Careers World) which means school-leavers are required to stay in some form of education until they are 17, which is soon to be extended to 18.

    FINAL THOUGHTSWhile this new system may seem unfair to a lot of you, it really does make sense. If you could see the amount of job listings out there that say must have English and Maths GCSE Grade C or equivalent your collective jaws would drop. Its not just courses and careers where youre required to write or add up; employers like to know that if they hand you any task that crops up, youll be able to handle it.

    The most important thing to take away from it is that even if the work is that bit tougher now, in the long run it will be good for you. Youll be able to apply for tonnes more jobs and the satisfaction youll get from knowing that you passed is worth all the extra e ort.

  • 0124 Careers World Advert 2013 Cadets+Apprentices_AW3_QRcodes.indd 7 04/12/2013 14:53

  • 11www.careersworld.co.uk

    Section Heading

    expert /eksprt/

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

    AdjectiveHaving or involving such knowledge or skill.Synonymsnoun. specialist - connoisseur - adept - judge - masteradjective. skilled - skilful - skillful - pro cient - adept

    Ask the Experts

    Are you frustrated by all the choices you face? Dont you wish there was a way to compare all your options, or to have those key questions answered? Well, weve done it for you. Weve put together a team of experts from your area to give you an insight into what kind of experiences, bene ts and future they can o er you. Weve asked the same questions to each expert, to help you decide on the right choice for you.

    Laing ORourke is a globally diverse engineering enterprise. We fund, design, manufacture, construct and maintain the built environment providing the facilities to accommodate, educate, employ, transport, care for and sustain communities.

    Web: www.laingorourke.com

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

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

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

    WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

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

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

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

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

    The Employer

  • 12 www.careersworld.co.uk

    New College Stamford o ers education and training to over 4,000 students every year providing a huge range of courses Apprenticeships, A Levels, Diplomas, part-time courses and higher education theres something for everyone.

    Web: www.stamford.ac.uk

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

    Theres nothing to be scared of because theres lots of help available! We generally make choices based on our likes and dislikes, our skills and abilities, and our thoughts of what we want to achieve, so this are a good place to start. Once you have some ideas, share them with your family, friends, teacher, etc. to get their input. If you are over 18, The National Careers Service can also help you. Next, consider all your options and do your research; nd out about sixth form, college, employment, work-based training and other opportunities that are available to you. Contact those you are interested in and make the most of any open days, taster

    The College

    The world of employment has changed, and so has the choice courses and careers. It could be a potential mine eld, but it need not be. Essex is here to help.

    Web: www.essex.ac.uk

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

    Choose a course that you love, but also choose an institution where you can develop all the things that make you you. Employers have changed a lot in recent years. Theyre now looking far more at the whole person, not just your education and experience. It means that everything about you is now relevant and important, including your hobbies, interests, and even your social life. A good degree can no longer stand on its own, you need to combine it with work and life experience. Essex provides you with a world-class academic experience as well as all the other opportunities to help develop the real you.

    The University

    WS Training is a Su olk based training provider that has been established for nearly 20 years. If you are looking to work in engineering, manufacturing, care, ICT, hair and beauty, administration, sport, customer service, warehousing or nancial services then we will do our best help you nd the right Apprenticeship or programme for you.Web: www.wstraining.co.ukTel: 01473 604260

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

    They should look at all of the information that is available to them. Seek advice from school careers teams, attend careers fairs and events and talk to as many di erent providers as possible before making a decision. Look beyond the immediate future, think about what your ultimate aim is and ensure that you map out the route to achieving that aim. Resist just doing what your friends are doing, but instead think about what is right for you.

    The Training Provider

  • 13www.careersworld.co.uk

    events or other opportunities to visit, and go armed with any questions you may have. Dont forget to consider transport, nance and any additional support you may need before making your nal choice.

    WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

    A professional and friendly one, with state-of-the-art facilities and industry-led teaching standards. Our aim is to ensure all our students are ready and able to successfully enter the job market and achieve in their chosen careers. Our links with local employers, community groups and other stakeholders creates an employment focused learning environment

    that incorporates industry site visits, guest speakers and work-related projects that will help prepare and support our students future progression.

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

    There is lots of support during the application process and this continues once you are at New College Stamford. As well as our teaching sta , we have student advisors, counsellors, chaplains and careers guidance advisors to ensure every student progresses to the best of their ability and achieves their goals.

    WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?Because we put our students rst. Our reputation for student support and achievement, coupled with superb facilities, resources and industry links, provides an exceptional learning environment with fantastic progression opportunities. We are in the top 5% of all schools and colleges in the UK and DFES Performance Tables have rated us as Lincolnshires Best Performing College.

    For more information about New College Stamford and our range of courses, visit www.stamford.ac.uk or to receive a 2014/15 Prospectus call 01780 484311.

    WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

    Everyone thats part of the university feels incredibly invested in our institution. We o er an environment that is modern and challenging, but above all unique. For 50 years we have been at the forefront of academia and the media. We are in the Top 10 institutions for research excellence in the UK, the most prestigious measure of an institution, so we provide an excellent foundation for your future and career.

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

    Essex has received the prestigious 2013 Times Higher Education (THE) Award for Outstanding Support for Students. The Award highlights our innovative schemes and how we integrate them into e ective support services for our students. Our Frontrunners scheme and Nightline are just two examples of this. Frontrunners allows you to take up temporary positions within departments across the University in order to develop and build on key employability skills. Nightline is operated by students to provide support and advice ranging from study issues to health concerns.

    WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?Because when all things are considered Essex is the best university in the UK, and our students are among the happiest in the country. We are second in the mainstream universities of the UK for student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2013.

    WHAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EXPECT WITH YOU?

    Apprentices will be employed in local businesses and supported by one of our tutors/assessors who will guide them through the quali cation, mainly in the workplace. Any training required o -the-job will be held at one of WS Trainings conveniently located and well-equipped centres. We also have a dedicated Hairdressing Academy where you can learn about the hair & beauty industry.

    If learners are on a Traineeship they will attend our dedicated centre in central Ipswich and be given a quality work

    experience placement to suit their career expectations.

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

    During an Apprenticeship, support will be given through regular visits by their tutor/assessor to their workplace, and in between contact can be maintained via email or in some cases an online portfolio. You will have a dedicated tutor/assessor who you will be able to contact whenever you need help with your quali cation.

    Individuals undertaking a Traineeship are expected to attend up to 2 days a week

    for employability and life skills training under the guidance of our experienced tutors and then be closely monitored in their work experience placement.

    WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?WS Training works with a wide range of companies including o ces, factories, hair & beauty salons, football clubs, IT companies, care homes, warehouses, insurance companies and building societies and can o er you a route in to a variety of di erent careers. WS Training has a great reputation and we recently achieved a Grade 2 at our latest Ofsted Inspection which shows that we are of good standard.

  • On-the-job, youll work as an employee, alongside

    experienced staff members. Off-the-job, youll learn

    through a combination of learning methods that may

    include: classroom attendance, online assessments and

    assessments in your workplace.

    An Apprenticeship is available to anyone aged 16 years

    and over, plus each one involves a structured programme

    of training, leading to a recognised qualification. They are

    available at different levels, letting you choose the speed

    you wish to learn at.

    We have invested heavily in real-working environments to

    give you the best possible training, while you also benefit

    from our well established links with local employers.

    We offer a huge range of Apprenticeships including:

    Health and Social Care*

    Business Administration

    Sales and Telesales

    Customer Service

    Team Leading

    Management

    Children and Young Peoples Workforce (Childcare)*

    Hospitality Services*

    Retail Skills

    Travel and Tourism

    Warehousing and Storage

    Construction*

    Sport and Active Leisure*

    * Only delivered in certain locations

    GET THE CAREER YOU WANT BY CHOOSING AN APPRENTICESHIP. IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE WORLD OF WORK, GET PAID AND YET CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION, AN APPRENTICESHIP COULD BE THE IDEAL ROUTE FOR YOU.

    Call: 0330 123 1300 or visit: www.intraining.co.uk/apprenticeships

    Open Doors Advert Version Two 01.indd 1 9/2/13 1:40 PM

  • 15www.careersworld.co.uk 15www.careersworld.co.uk

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

    Chelmsford Training ServicesChelmsford Training Services delivers work-based learning through a variety of di erent business solutions, including Apprenticeships. We have o ces and training facilities in Chelmsford City Centre, as well as premises for hair and beauty courses Lee Sta ord Academy.

    Our programmes range from Traineeships to Intermediate Apprenticeship programmes, which in turn lead to Advanced Apprenticeships. We o er a variety of courses; Business Administration to Warehousing, IT to Sport; this being just a small selection.

    We also have several new Apprenticeship programmes for this year including Licensed

    Hospitality, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Enterprise, Social & Digital Marketing and Creative Media.

    Our aim is to make organisations more e ective, productive and competitive by addressing skills gaps. We focus on up-skilling to help in the creation of a well-rounded work-force. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Chelmsford College, learners will bene t from a range of professional services such as learning support, careers advice and guidance.

    We have experts to help identify the needs of organisations. Our aim is to o er an unmatched standard of training and support to make a positive di erence to a business.

    Web: www.chelmsfordtraining.comTel: 01245 29 30 31

    Training Services

    Kandice Burden, Competition GroomI was pony-mad growing up, but a bad fall had made me nervous. A few years later I began my Apprenticeship with Tori Twite at T.T. Sports Horses and Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS).

    The training helped me get my con dence back and become an e cient groom, particularly when dealing with hard-to-handle horses and ponies. The coursework was easy to grasp with Toris understanding of all things equine, and the rest of the team at BCTS were always there with assistance when I needed it. Together they helped me through the course with a supportive hand.

    My aim after the training was to become a competition groom

    and I have made it! I am now working alongside national dressage rider and trainer, Anna Bostrand-Daly, at BD Equestrian Ltd. Here I am able to handle stallions, ride and train young horses and take part in general yard and competition duties. I hope I have done the great team at BCTS proud.

    Anna Bostrand-Daly Kandices Employer:

    In my search for a groom/rider to join my team, I was aware that Kandice had been training with BCTS and this was de nitely a deciding factor when choosing her. She is now a vital part of my organisation. It is obvious that she has had hands on training as she is quick to respond to anything asked of her and conducts herself perfectly around the horses.

    Web: www.broadland.gov.uk/bctsTel: 01603 785841

  • 16 www.careersworld.co.uk

    Apprentices have the power to succeed Blackpool based LG Energy is helping three school leavers to surge forward in their careers.

    Hannah Mumby, Jacob Inglis, and Louis Weir, all 18, joined the company which advises commercial clients on managing their energy costs as apprentices, with Hannah having now secured a permanent position.

    The trio were introduced to LG Energy through national training and recruitment provider Intraining and form part of the successful sales team.

    Hannah, from St Annes, joined the company two years ago as a Business Administration apprentice, and is now a Sales Support Executive. Her attitude, work ethic and determination to succeed impressed so much that when it came to recruiting new team members, LG Energy immediately looked to employ more apprentices. Karen La Grand, Commercial Development Manager at LG Energy, said: Hannah really opened my eyes to the bene ts that apprentices can bring. We have given Hannah exposure to each department of our business and she has consistently exceeded expectations. Being able to develop sta in this way also

    really helps with both training and recruitment costs.

    We turned to Intraining to help us recruit more apprentices and after a careful selection process hired Jacob and Louis as Telephone Energy Consultants. Theyve been with us for three months now and are already proving to be a huge success.

    Jacob and Louis are both studying for a level two quali cation in Business Administration.

    For more information about Intrainings free recruitment and training services or its Apprenticeship Programmes, call 0330123

    300 or visit www.intraining.co.uk.

    Ashlee Wells18-year-old Ashlee Wells had always wanted to join the Fire Service, but decided to keep her career options open when she visited Lowestoft College. After considering other career paths, Ashlee decided to stick with her original plan and signed up for the two year Level 3 Uniformed Services course which included a range of trips, as well as visits to the college by guest speakers, who shared their experiences or ran training sessions. As well as taking part in regular exercise sessions, which helped to improve her levels of tness, Ashlee was also involved in a training drill for the local emergency services to help them prepare for major incidents. There were also opportunities to climb Snowdon and visit the Lake District to develop skills such as map reading and working as a team.

    Since leaving college in the summer, Ashlee has secured a place as a retained re- ghter with Su olk Fire and Rescue Service. She is currently waiting to undergo two weeks of intensive training before taking up the role. Ashlee said: I didnt want to sit in an o ce day in day out and wanted to do something di erent. I also wanted a career which would allow me to help people. I believe that if someone like me can achieve this its proof that if you really want something you can do it - you just need determination. I hope that this will help me get a foot in the door with the re service and that it will lead to a full time career in the future.

    Lowestoft College o ers a broad range of courses and apprenticeships. To nd out how we can help you reach your career goal ring 0800 854695, visit www.lowestoft.ac.uk or

    email [email protected]

  • 17www.careersworld.co.uk

    Bedford Training GroupBedford Training Group (BTG) held their end of year event at their main training centre on Thursday 5th December. The evening featured guest speakers, presentation of awards and employer display stands. Silvano Caparco, sales and marketing manager at BTG, commented: Its important for young people to be recognised and rewarded for all their hard work and commitment. Their employers are very proud of their achievements.

    Established in 1970, Bedford Training Group has been delivering Apprenticeships and training courses for well over 40 years. BTG always invest in the latest equipment to help apprentices with all their needs throughout the training period,

    from diagnostic equipment to new computers!

    Based in Bedford, they serve a large geographical area and have established strong working relationships with companies large and small. Students who are still at school can still take part. BTGs vocational training packages provide an excellent opportunity to try out training programmes in a variety of areas, from construction to ICT.

    Web: www.btg.org.ukTel: 01234 843804

    Great careers start at Cambridge Regional College A fantastic 96 per cent of students would recommend Cambridge Regional College to their friends it has some of the best facilities in the country and is home to around 4,000 full-time students, all studying a great range of subjects.

    Courses are taught by tutors who are experts in their eld, so students learn the specialist skills employers want - giving them outstanding career prospects. The hands-on vocational training is the perfect start for jobs in a wide range of sectors, from health care and engineering to catering and IT.

    Employability skills are an important part of all courses at CRC a big advantage when it comes to job-hunting and students have plenty of opportunities to show o their skills. The college encourages all its pupils to enter competitions, with very successful results, and celebrates the successes of its star students.

    If youre thinking of going on to university, check out the colleges higher education programmes fees are much lower than at the average university, and are taught in small friendly groups, bene ting from the high value teaching as well as low cost.

    The college has a very successful Apprenticeship programme, with more than 3,500 apprentices currently in training, so if you want to earn while you learn then an Apprenticeship could be perfect for you.

    The next college open day is on Saturday 1st March 2014 9.30am-12.30pm.

    For more information about courses at Cambridge Regional College, call 01223 226315 or see www.camre.ac.uk

  • A world leAder of the AccountAncy And finAnce profession

    THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT.NO ONES BETTER QUALIFIED.london, shanghai, new york, singapore? icAew chartered Accountants have the work experience, financial intelligence and skills the business world demands.

    Become chartered and start your journey, visit icaew.com/betterqualified

    HOw FAR DO yOU wANT TO gO IN BUSINESS?

    143_Careersworld_297x210_AW.indd 1 29/01/2013 10:20

  • 19www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE FINANCE AND LAW SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

    Finance is all about cash. How its made, whos making it, who isnt making enough and why. If a company isnt making a pro t, how can you improve their situation? On a smaller scale, its about paying people their wages, working out expenses and giving out nancial advice to people. Law is pretty much as it says; it covers our legal system, from legal secretaries and lawyers right the way up to the judges that deliver verdicts.

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

    With regards to law, the starting salaries are quite high; usually between 14,000 and 17,000, Finance will be a bit lower to start with, between 10,500 and 13,000, but progression can be fairly quick and people in the nance sector usually earn high bonuses on top of their basic pay, which is over 30,000 when you become fully quali ed in your eld.

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    In the Finance sector, youll probably be based in an o ce environment when you rst start out. As you progress, youll nd the building around you gets bigger and

    posher. If you give nancial advice, you might even nd yourself working from home! In the Legal sector, you might be in an o ce sorting case notes, or in the court room where the action is!

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

    This sector employs 1 million+ people in the UK and takes on more than 70,000 new starters a year. Its also one of the highest paying; a fully quali ed accountant could earn in excess of 50,000 a year! In the Law sector, 250,000 people make up the work force, of which almost half is made up of solicitors and barristers!

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

    You will generally nd both sectors are based in the big cities. You might see a few private law rms in smaller villages and towns, but the bigger companies prefer to be based in the main UK cities, such as London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. As Finance also covers banking, its worth pointing out that banks usually have branches in smaller places to accommodate the town population.

    Making money; youve got to love it. But do you know how that money is made? Why some companies make more than others? Perhaps you want to defend somebody in court or play the other side and send somebody down? This sector will show you how you can get a career started doing just that.

    Finance & Law

    You ask us...

    To nd out more about how to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant visit icaew.com/careers or nd us on Facebook at

    facebook.com/icaewstartingpoint

    THE REAL WORLDHayleyRickard Keen LLP, EssexAfter completing A-levels in Psychology, Human Biology, Chemistry and Maths, I chose to study with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) instead of going to university. Once I had successfully completed the AAT quali cation I decided to pursue a career as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and progressed to the ACA quali cation.

    I dont regret not going to university, as once Id decided on chartered accountancy, I started looking for jobs with training programmes and found a place on the Rickard Keen AAT-ACA Fast Track programme. Sometimes I think I would have liked to have lived the university lifestyle, but when I hear my friends comparing their student debt, Im glad I didnt go!

    My current role is Audit and Accounts Senior, which involves working on some of the rms largest client audits alongside the Director of Audit. Not only is it great experience, but its fun too!

    One piece of advice I would give to students looking into chartered accountancy as a career is to consider training with rms of di erent sizes. Although the salaries o ered in bigger London rms seem very appealing, the environment in a smaller rm may o er a wider range of experiences whilst training.

  • 20 www.careersworld.co.uk

    ACCOUNTANCYAccountancy is all about crunching numbers and keeping track of both companies and individual peoples nances. Every company has an accountant, no matter what trade its in and you might be tasked with anything from pro t forecasts (how much money the company is expected to make) to calculating how much tax is owed to the government (how much money the company is expected to pay in tax. Obviously.)

    FINANCIAL ADVICEEverybody needs nancial advice at some point; whether its getting a mortgage for a new house, making a big purchase (a new car or big holiday) or planning for a baby, people need to know how to manage the funds they have to get the most out of their money. Youll be giving out advice to a whole host of clients, from individuals and families to multi-national corporations.

    BANKINGBanking is a broad term for everything to do with personal and corporate nances. Its a huge sector that comprises 3 di erent sectors; Commercial Banking (local banks such as HSBC, Lloyds and Natwest), Corporate Banking (for businesses) and wholesale banking (for the government and other international banks). Youll be tasked with managing money, approving loans, exchanging foreign money and paying in/cashing cheques.

    LEGAL ADMINISTRATIONA court of law isnt just a judge, council and jury; there are lots of people working behind the scenes to make sure the legal process is as smooth as possible. You could be arranging evidence for a case, making sure reports and studies are all in order and even taking notes in the court room on a hearing.

    WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?Salaries in the Finance sector vary depending on how quali ed you are. Starting salaries are usually between 10,500 and 13,000, but in some sectors, such as banking, you receive yearly bonuses which increase as your salary goes up. Legal salaries tend to start a bit higher, somewhere around the 14,500 mark and then tend to go up based on your role and quali cation. The average fully quali ed legal administrator earns around 27,000.

    Careers ChoicesFinance and Law is a very important sector; it runs the numbers and makes the rules that we live by. From working out tax deductions for a company to passing sentence on a criminal, Finance and Law is a truly diverse area to be in. It covers a lot of different job roles, so we couldnt possibly list them all! Here are all the main ones for your enjoyment

    Finance & Law

  • 21www.careersworld.co.uk

    REGIONAL FOCUSFinance is a great industry

    to get into in the East of England. The region is the

    third biggest economic centre outside of London, and is home to some of the countrys nancial

    powerhouses. Aviva and Virgin Money are both

    based in Norwich, and all of Englands banknotes are printed by De La Rue Plc in

    Essex.

    The legal market in the region is heavily in uenced by the

    University of Cambridge, the number one university for law

    in the country.

    APPRENTICESHIPSThere are a few Apprenticeships you can undertake to get you into this sector. Apprenticeships count as a Level 2 quali cation and you it will take the form of an NVQ, Diploma or BTEC.Accounting Payroll Marketing and Communications Providing Financial Services

    ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSThese are the equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after completing the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining valuable employment experience. People with Advanced Apprenticeships tend to progress up the ladder a lot quicker than those without, as the skills they learn are more suited to management and supervisory roles. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector and all of these will result in a Level 3 quali cation such as a BTEC, a Diploma or an NVQ.Accounting Advising on Financial Products Payroll Providing Financial Services Legal Services

    A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. Here are some of the relevant A-Levels for this sector:Maths Economics Business Studies Law Accounting Statistics

    FOUNDATION DEGREESA Foundation Degree combines university lifestyle with practical, hands on work. Its sort of like a cross between an Apprenticeship and an Honours Degree. They are often used as gateway quali cations to a full time Degree as they count towards the rst two years of an Honours Degree. They usually take two years to complete and youll be both in the work place and on the university campus.

    EMPLOYER FUNDED STUDYIf you dont fancy going to uni but still want to be an accountant, you can train through organisations such as ICAEW and PwC. KMPG are ideal for school leavers and o er a 6 year course which will result in an internationally recognised award instead of an honours degree.

    PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONSYou can also undertake short courses to boost your credentials and specialise in a certain area of the Finance and Law sector. For example, to work in investment banking you could gain a CISI Introduction to Investment award.

    THE LEGAL SECTOR DEALS WITH OVER

    500,000CASES PER YEAR

    47%OF UK FIRMS EMPLOY 250

    PEOPLE OR LESS

    MANAGERIAL ROLES ACCOUNT FOR

    37%OF THE WORKFORCE

    Finance & Law

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

  • If youre interested in...

    Fashion Retail Business Buying Merchandising Visual Display & Retail Branding Store Management Garment Construction Garment Technology Graphic Design

    Weve got courses for YOU...

    Why study at the FRA?Full-time, Short Courses and Apprenticeships are available at the FRAs modern facilities in the centre of the West End.

    Learn in this inspirational environment and draw on the FRAs extensive fashion industry contacts and business networks.

    You will gain all the skills and experience to make you job ready for an exciting career in the retail industry.

    www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

    Open Days 5th Feb &14th May 2014

    Your career in fashion retail starts here

  • 23www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE CREATIVE, MEDIA AND ARTS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

    Its everywhere. On your TV, on your computer, on your games consoles, in every newspaper, painting, t-shirt, magazine, book, website or newsletter, its a massive sector that covers the things we enjoy most at home.

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

    Youll start o on somewhere in the region of 10,000 to 18,000 depending on what you do. Some of the newer roles, such as interactive and digital media tend to pay more because they are more specialised, but nearly all the career paths available will have room for advancement and as the market continues to expand new roles will become available.

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    Most media companies work out of o ces and studios; this isnt anywhere near as boring as it sounds as most creative o ces are bustling with ideas and tend to be more laid back than the bigger corporations. Of course TV and Film would have you working in various settings both indoor and outdoor and the fashion industry could take you from a cat walk to a high street shop.

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

    The Creative sector will soon become one of the most important in the country. As technology advances, people need to keep up to date and thats where you come in. At present, the industry is worth 36 billion a year; in the time it takes you to read to the bottom of this section, the Creative sector will have generated over 70,000. Around 1 in every 10 of our exports are in this sector, which means that other countries favour our approach to Media, Creativity and The Arts.

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

    It obviously depends on what you specialise in, but generally there is more work the further towards London you go. However, the BBC has recently relocated a lot of its programming to Salford (near Manchester) and there are of course independent publishing companies, newspapers and digital media companies all over the country. It really is a case of moving to where the work is, but once you become established, moving wont be an issue.

    Creative, Media& The ArtsFacebook, Emmerdale, The Mona Lisa, Call of Duty. All these things have one thing in common they all fall into Creative, Media and Arts sector and they could be the basis of your future career!

    You ask us...

    Web: www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

    THE REAL WORLDEmma Woodrow, Level 4 Buying and MerchandisingBuyers Admin Assistant at TopshopI was interested in studying at the FRA after seeing the strong connections it has within the fashion retail industry. I then visited an open day and knew it was the perfect place for me to gain the experience and skills I needed to start my career in buying.

    The FRA helped me to become career-ready by allowing me to experience the role in full. The in-depth training I received, the hands on workshops I took part in and the valuable work placements I had in the buying o ces of Marks and Spencer and ASOS really gave me a great view of what the job involved.

    All of the in uential people I met throughout the year concreted that the FRA is one of a kind and I loved being in the heart of London, surrounded by fashion and inspiration every day. It would not have been possible to get to where I am now without the unique training and preparation I received through the FRA.

    The FRA delivers a unique, contemporary educational experience, with a range of vocational and work-orientated courses to successfully prepare learners aged 16+ for employment in the fashion retail sector.

  • 24 www.careersworld.co.uk

    PUBLISHINGThis magazine you are reading wouldnt exist without publishing and it covers everything to do with written word. Most publishers are small and deal with specialist publications, such as career speci c magazines or travel guides. Starting salaries are quite high, ranging from 15,000 to 20,000.

    FILM & TELEVISIONFancy yourself as the next Phillip Seymour Ho man? What do you mean who?! Well, its not all about the actors; all those names that scroll at the end of the credits (that you probably leave the cinema half way through) are roles that make lm and television work. Cameramen, sound and lighting operators, makeup artists, special e ects specialists and directors are just some of the roles available. Salaries usually start out fairly low (about 12,000) but will grow as your experience does.

    PERFORMANCE ARTSAll the worlds a stage. Not only does this cover the performers, but also the supporting crew; you could be in wardrobe, stage management or directing the whole show! Starting salaries are usually between 12,000 and 16,000 depending on your role.

    INTERACTIVE MEDIAAlso known as New Media, everything from Facebook and Youtube to apps and websites is covered here. Youll have to move with the times, as in this industry something could go from popular to forgotten in just a few seconds. Remember Bebo? No, me neither. Starting salaries are pretty high because its a specialist subject; expect to earn between 16,000 and 20,000 with more to come as you become more experienced.

    FASHIONIf you know whats hot and whats not, whats in and whats out, then this could be right up your alley. Fashion covers designing new clothes, patterns and styles as well as buying stock for high street shops to sell. You can expect to start on between 12,000 and 15,000.

    PUBLIC RELATIONSPR is all about networking you might be representing a small company looking to expand or a high pro le celebrity in search of that next big blockbuster. Starting salaries in PR are usually higher than others in this sector; youre looking at 19,000 to start out with, but experienced PR people at the top of the ladder can earn upwards of 100,000! Thats a lot of chicken dinners

    ANIMATIONFinding Nemo, Toy Story and Shrek; all are huge animated lms that started life on a drawing board. Animators work on bringing still images to life. Animation isnt just limited to lm; it appears in TV, on websites, adverts and video games. Starting salaries are between 16,000 and 20,000 and can increase with experience.

    CURATORS/CONSERVATORSMuseums, heritage sites and art galleries all require experts to look after the exhibits that guests come to see. Whether its bringing new exhibits in or restoring old ones to display quality, its a varied job that will give you a lot of grati cation. There is a minimum salary (by law) of 20,895, which you can expect to rise as you gain experience.

    Careers ChoicesIf you have the imagination to match your ambition and desire to succeed, then you will go far in this sector. From television to fashion, theres a whole host of different career paths to be taken, but be aware that this is a very popular sector to get into, so its best to get some work experience behind you to make you more attractive to employers. Here are some of the biggest areas within this sector:

    Creative, Media & The Arts

  • 25www.careersworld.co.uk

    REGIONAL FOCUSThe region is big on creativity.

    Publishing employs 60 % of the creative sector in the East of England, but what

    excites most people is that the area is home to both

    Elstree Studios and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden,

    where dozens of blockbuster pictures have been lmed.

    Examples are the Harry Potter lms, Indiana Jones

    and Star Wars! Freelancing is quite common in this industry so it is quite common to be an expert in one area and

    work on several projects at once.

    APPRENTICESHIPSWith over 48,000 di erent companies in this sector, an Apprenticeship might be the easier route to take to get into a very tough sector. Competition for places in this industry are super high, so having one foot in the door and earning as you learn could be a great way to go. Here are the frameworks you can expect to see in this industry and all Apprenticeships result in a Level 2 BTEC, Diploma or NVQ.Design Games Testing Performing Arts (Theatre) Fashion and Textiles Music Business Creative

    ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSThese are the equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after completing the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining valuable employment experience. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector and all of these will result in a Level 3 quali cation such as a BTEC, a Diploma or an NVQ.Creative Creative and Digital Media Design Performing Arts Photography Photo Imaging

    A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. Here are some of the relevant A-Levels for this sector:Art and Design Dance Drama Fine Art Graphic Design Media Studies Music Technology Photography

    FOUNDATION DEGREESA Foundation Degree combines university lifestyle with practical, hands on work. Its sort of like a cross between an Apprenticeship and an Honours Degree. They are often used as gateway quali cations to a full time Degree as they count towards the rst two years of an Honours Degree. They usually take two years to complete and youll be both in the work place and on the university campus. Example degrees include Creative Writing, Animation and Photography.

    COLLEGE COURSESCollege courses are also a great way to get into this sector and many colleges do Creative courses. To check which colleges do these courses, head towww.careersworld.co.uk.

    55,900PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED

    WITHIN TV - 11% OF THE CREATIVE

    INDUSTRY

    50%OF THE TV WORKFORCE

    HAS UNDERTAKEN UNPAID WORK

    MORE THAN

    1/3OF PEOPLE WORKING

    IN MEDIA ARE FREELANCE

    Creative, Media & The ArtsWhere to begin

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

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

    Search online for RAF

  • 27www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE ARMED FORCES & EMERGENCY SERVICES SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

    At its most basic, this sector is all about saving lives. Its a huge sector that is often misjudged; its not just about marching, shooting and being yelled at by an o cer. You can join the Forces as a chef or a medic, or if you fancy going into the emergency services, you can work out on the streets or at a desk, helping interview people and sorting evidence.

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

    With regards to the Armed Forces, you will be paid a salary as soon as you begin training and it starts between 13,000 and 14,000 depending on which Force you go into. In the Emergency Services, you will have to undertake training before you begin earning, but your starting salary is very reasonable; Police O cers earn around 23,000, Fire- ghters earn 20,500 and Paramedics can make up to 21,000. This sector is big on advancement, especially the Armed Forces where hard work is rewarded with respect (and more money).

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    Well, in the Armed Forces, it depends on which Force you go into and which role you wish to undertake. In the Army, youll be based at a barracks in England when you are assigned to a regiment and then you could go anywhere from Northern Ireland to Germany, the Middle East or America. In the Air Force, youll be installed at an Air

    Base but again youll have to ship out to one of the many bases around the world. In the Navy, youll be on a ship so make sure you have the stomach for the seas! Youll be a little closer to home in the Emergency Services; Police O cers and Fire- ghters tend to work in the local community, whereas Paramedics will be working out of ambulances and hospitals.

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

    Aside from the Travel and Hospitality sector, there isnt a better chance for you to travel abroad in your work! There are over 140,000 people serving in the Army alone and the UK is the third highest in the world for military expenditure, with over 39bn spent on keeping our country safe. Around 20,000 people were recruited last year and 25% of those were under 18, so its easier to get into this sector from a young age.

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

    In the Armed Forces, its at military bases and ports (obviously the Naval bases are situated near the sea; its no good having them in the Midlands!), whereas Emergency Services are located all over the country. Each region has its own authority and is responsible for recruitment to the respective service, but dont be afraid to move away from your local community if required. The bigger cities obviously have larger areas of in uence, so you are more likely to nd work there, but it is worth checking online to see where current vacancies are located.

    Armed Forces & Emergency ServicesAttention! The UK prides itself on its military and ability to provide rapid response to emergencies. Whichever path you choose to take, you can take heart in the knowledge that your work is helping to protect and serve the people you love most. Its a rewarding, progressive career which will give you a varied working day.

    You ask us...

    With more than 50 careers to choose from, Catering and Hospitality Specialist is just

    one of the paths that you can follow in the RAF. To nd out more please visit

    www.raf.mod.uk/careers.

    THE REAL WORLDSenior Aircraftwoman Victoria HoldenSenior Aircraftwoman Victoria Holden is a member of Cabin Crew working on the Voyager Airbus 330 Aircraft at RAF Brize Norton the UKs main airport for worldwide military operations. Cabin Crew is just one of the roles you can choose as a Catering and Hospitality Specialist in the RAF.

    Part of the job is Air to Air refuelling, which is a fantastic experience that I will never tire of seeing, says Victoria. We trail fast jets such as a Tornados and refuel them during their journey. The aircraft will be so close that its an amazing experience and a sight to behold.

    There are so many opportunities for you to see the world. I have already visited Canada, USA, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Holland, and Germany, to name just a few. I always wanted to join the RAF and looking back it was the best decision I ever made.

    For your rst tour in Catering, you will be posted to an O cers or Sergeants Mess within a RAF base. Here you will gain experience in the dining room, bar and reception areas. As your career progresses, you will have the opportunity to be trained in new skills, including management and leadership.

    At the start I was, as you can imagine very nervous, but once I graduated and my family came to visit, it proved to be the most rewarding experience I have had. You make friends for life during your training.

  • 28 www.careersworld.co.uk

    ROYAL ARMYThe Army is split into two forces; the Royal Army and the Territorial Army (a reserve force). The latter can be done part time and suits people who want to train and work at the same time. Whoever you serve with, you could be based at home or abroad, or working with other countries forces in international emergencies. Starting salaries are between 13,000 and 14,000, plus a tax free lump sum called a bounty for people serving in the TA. Your pay starts as soon as you begin training.

    ROYAL AIR FORCEThe Air Force guards our country from the sky, but as they say You dont have to be a pilot to y in the RAF. You could work as a navigator or a gunner. Or if you prefer to stay on the ground, you could work alongside the Navy on an Aircraft Carrier or at a base maintaining grounded aircraft. Starting salaries are around 13,700 and you are paid while you train.

    ROYAL NAVYProtectors of our oceans, the Navy are experts at marine based combat. Whether its as a shipman working out at sea or as a highly trained, super-elite Royal Marine in ltrating enemy bases, youll be trained in one of the most prestigious military organisations in the world. Salaries start at around 13,500 and like the other armed forces; you are paid while you train.

    POLICE FORCEThe police look after our safety in the local community. There are plenty of areas to specialise in, such as dog handling, riot response, tra c and highway patrol and undercover (CID) and your work will vary massively from day to day. You can expect to start on around 23,000 after you complete your training.

    FIRE BRIGADEFires can occur anywhere, from the home and the o ce to factories and motorways. Each situation requires a di erent solution. Simple house res risk familys lives whereas chemical res can lead to explosions and endanger a wider area. Youll have to be brave, and an understanding of health and safety is part and parcel of this rewarding career. Expect to start o on around 20,500.

    PARAMEDICSParamedics are part of the response units who attend medical emergencies. Most paramedics ride in Ambulances, but there are specialised roles such as air support (riding in a helicopter) and rapid response (who use cars instead of ambulances). Its a great way to work in the medical sector if you dont fancy being con ned to a hospital, but be prepared to learn a lot of medical terminology so that you can diagnose somebody as quickly as possible. Paramedics earn around 21,000 when they rst start out and earn more as they gain more experience.

    Careers ChoicesSo what kind of career can you make out of this sector? The Armed Forces carries an honour like no other; you are responsible for the safety of the country and are our rst line of defence against possible threats. The Emergency Services are there to help us on a local level, helping prevent crime and saving lives. So no matter which role you take in this sector, you can go to bed at night knowing youve made a difference. Here are the roles you can take to start your career off:

    Armed Forces & Emergency Services

  • 29www.careersworld.co.uk

    REGIONAL FOCUSThe Army brigade for the

    region is the 49 (East) Brigade, which covers all of the East Midlands and East Anglia and is based out of

    Nottingham. The RAF has a strong presence in the region,

    with 9 separate air bases.

    The East of England Ambulance Service covers the whole region, serving

    more than 5.9 million people! In 2012/13 the service

    received almost a million calls, so its de nitely not a

    quiet job. Each county of the region has its own Fire and

    Rescue and Police services, meaning more specialised

    cover per district.

    TRAININGIn all the Armed Forces, you will be given basic training in areas such as combat mindset, weapons training and military etiquette. Then, your training will diversify depending on what your role is within that force. You dont actually need any academic quali cations to be recruited and quali cations can be gained while or before you serve. However, if you wish to enter into O cer training, recruiters often look for solid academic achievements, though you can apply for O cer training if you have been serving as a regular soldier.

    INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS

    Apprenticeships are a great way to get into the Armed Forces and Emergency Services and allow you to gain the relevant skills you need for your eld. Apprenticeships will result in a Level 2 quali cation for Intermediate Level and Level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship. The award will take the form of a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ. Here are the frameworks for the Apprenticeships available:Emergency Fire Operations Policing Health (Emergency Care Assistant) HM Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force)

    COLLEGE COURSESSome colleges o er courses which act as a medium between education and work such as Police Studies. Paramedics and Fire Services have their own colleges you can attend to begin your career.

    262,124PEOPLE WORK IN THE POLICE

    SERVICE

    THE ARMED FORCES AIM TO RECRUIT

    24,000PEOPLE PER YEAR

    74,228PEOPLE WORK IN FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES

    Armed Forces & Emergency ServicesWhere to begin

    Heres how you can get into a career in the Armed Forces or the Emergency Services

  • 31www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE IT, DIGITAL AND TELECOMS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

    Funnily enough, its all about computers and their various roles in society. From xing hardware problems to designing new ways to combat viruses, its a varied sector that carries great importance; some companies depend entirely on their IT network so its vital to keep up to date with the latest technology and programming to make sure you can perform in an ever changing environment.

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

    The average IT professional earns 38,500 a year, so you can expect to earn good money in this sector. As companies move into a more digital age, there is a greater demand for quali ed IT specialists. Starting salaries are between 16,000 and 20,000 depending on which career path you go down.

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    Itll come as no surprise that you will be working in front of a lot of computer screens! Depending on your job role, you could be working in a school, an o ce or even from

    your own front room! You will have to have good interpersonal skills as computer problems stress people out and youll be encountering a lot of stressed people!

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

    The IT, Digital and Telecoms industry employs over 1.5 million people and out of those there are 674,000 working in IT in other industries. This sector will require 500,000 new entrants in the next ve years, so theres no better time to get into IT!

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

    This is one of the few sectors that actually gets more concentrated as you head north. This might sound strange, but She eld, Leeds and Rotherham actually have the highest proportion of IT and Telecoms employment in the UK! As you can imagine, most work in IT is located in the larger towns and cities, but every company uses IT, so you wont be hard pressed to nd vacancies!

    IT, Digital& TelecomsCan you remember life before the Internet? Boring wasnt it? Almost everybody in the world is linked by the World Wide Web and most jobs require some form of IT competence. From online advertising to providing technical support for businesses, IT is required in almost every sector in some shape or form, so its a good industry to work in!

    You ask us...Web: www.bigambition.co.uk

    THE REAL WORLDBigAmbitionTheres never been more of an exciting time to pursue an IT career. Its a fast-growing industry with a vast range of exciting roles, and you can work in sectors ranging from music to retail, from telecoms to transport. Salaries are competitive - in fact IT has been listed as one of the top 10 earning professions in the country. A career in IT does not necessarily mean a suit and tie for the boys and an A-line skirt and shirt for the girls. Nor does it mean youll be crammed like sardines in a huge concrete o ce and slumped in front of a computer screen all day. In fact, often it couldnt be more di erent. BigAmbition is a site dedicated to interactive career advice regarding IT roles, companies, education and news. To get a avour of the diversity and culture that exists in di erent IT workplaces, visit www.bigambition.co.uk, where you can complete our fun and free-to-access Dream Job quiz. Find out where your skills could lead you and discover the IT role thats suitable for you.

  • 32 www.careersworld.co.uk

    WEB DESIGNEREvery web page you visit on the Internet is the product of the creative process a web designer goes through. Youll need an eye for detail as the page will have to be attractive, user friendly and functional in order to be a success. A lot of web designers work for themselves, but if you are working for a company, you will be heading up a team of programmers and specialists. Starting salaries are between 16,000 and 20,000.

    SOFTWARE DEVELOPERSoftware developers are responsible for designing programmes and applications for people to use. These range from simple programs like word processors and web browsers to more complex stu like computer games and social media sites. Its a technical role that requires a lot of knowledge and detail, but the starting salary re ects this and is between 20,000 and 26,000.

    IT TRAINERIf you wish to pass on the knowledge that you have learned, then you could set up your own teaching system to help people of all ability levels get to grips with IT. You could be teaching people anything from basic word processing and spreadsheet use to more technical stu like networking computer systems and hardware installation. Starting salaries are usually around 18,000.

    HELPDESK ASSISTANTThis is for people who have good inter-personal skills as well as a solid understanding of IT. Youll be handling a range of di erent problems and will require knowledge about both hardware and software to cover all possible problems that might arise. Good customer service is also essential here. You can expect to earn 14,000 to 16,000 as a starting salary.

    TELECOMS TECHNICIANTelecoms cover things like broadband, TV and Satellite, mobile phones and radio. Its a varied occupation in which youll have to specialise. You could be installing satellite television in somebodys home, or setting up internet access for a large international corporation! Starting salaries are usually between 14,000 and 16,000.

    Careers ChoicesWell, there isnt a bigger sector at the minute than IT. We all need it installing, maintaining and upgrading and you could be the one to do it! Most other professions require you to have at least basic IT knowledge, so its a valuable skill to have if you wish to branch out in your career. Here are some of the job roles you might encounter in this sector.

    IT, Digital & Telecoms

  • 33www.careersworld.co.uk

    REGIONAL FOCUSThe number of employees in IT and Telecoms in the East of England is expected to

    grow by almost 3 times in the next few years, meaning its a good time to get training

    in the eld. Most of the experts tend to move down to the London area so you are less likely to work for a big IT rm in this region, however there are several

    cities in the region, such as Peterborough, Essex and

    Norwich, with ties to IT and communication.

    APPRENTICESHIPSIf you are aged 16 and over you could enter an Apprenticeship, which would teach you the skills you need while you work and earn a salary. Youll spend half your time in the classroom and half out on the job. Listed below are the apprenticeship frameworks for this sector, which when completed will give you a Level 2 quali cation in the form of a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ:IT Applications Specialist IT Software, Web and Telecoms Professionals

    ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSThese are the equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after completing the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining valuable employment experience. People with Advanced Apprenticeships tend to progress up the ladder a lot quicker than those without, as the skills they learn are more suited to management and supervisory roles. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector and all of these will result in a Level 3 quali cation such as a BTEC, a Diploma or an NVQ.IT Applications Specialist IT Software, Web and Telecoms Professionals

    A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. Here are some of the relevant A-Levels for this sector:Computing Design and Technology: Systems and Control ICT

    FOUNDATION DEGREESA Foundation Degree combines university lifestyle with practical, hands on work. Its sort of like a cross between an Apprenticeship and an Honours Degree. They are often used as gateway quali cations to a full time Degree as they count towards the rst two years of an Honours Degree. They usually take two years to complete and youll be both in the work place and on the university campus. You can study a foundation degree in Inf