careers world south east autumn 2013

SOUTH EAST edition AUTUMN 2013

m

We all need to have a vision of what we might want to do as a career

JESSICA ENNIS-HILL

Our Editor gives you the lowdown...RPA? TRAINEESHIPS?Our ultimate guide for applying to UniUCAS: THE GUIDE

AFFILIATE MEMBER

Whichever direction you see your future career going, Central Sussex College has the study route for you.

Call: 01293 442201/205/206 Email: [email protected]: www.centralsussex.ac.uk

Find out more at our next Open Evening:

Better SkillsBetter LifeBetter Job

Over 25 subject areas to choose from At least 30 new local apprenticeship vacancies available every month

University Level and Professional Courses

Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn!

Full-time Courses for School Leavers

Sixth Form Haywards Heath Wed 6th and Thurs 7th November 2013, 5.30pm - 8.30pm

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Apprenticeship Advice SessionWed 5th March 2014 4.30pm - 6.30pm

Wide range of full and part-time higher education courses Working in partnership with the Universities of Brighton and Chichester

Extensive range of A-Level and vocational courses at campuses throughout central Sussex Excellent facilities for all subjects 30 million brand new Sixth Form campus in Haywards Heath Opportunity to take your studies higher at our University Centre

ATCENTRALSUSSEXCOLLEGE

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All material is copyrighted both written and illustrated. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. All images and information is collated from extensive research and along with advertisements is published in good faith. Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Careers World is published by Open Doors Media Ltd 2013.

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

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

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ISSN: 2050-6597

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45 4939

31 3527

19 2315

07 1104Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill tells us her inspirations for success in the rst of our new features.

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 editions.

Some commonly asked questions about this time of year.

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 offer you!

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

And now for something completely different...

RetailBusiness & Customer Service

Transport & LogisticsConstructionTravel & Hospitality

Applying to University: All You Need to Know! A handy guide to the many aspects of applying for university!

Were Careers World Magazine, your one stop place for careers guidance!

This term brings some important choices for a lot of people, so were here to help you make the choices that suit you best.

In this issue, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to help you make those important decisions, as well as an in depth look at the biggest career sectors in your region. Youll also nd some

funky new features, including some frequently asked questions, some advice from careers advisors and an interview with the lovely Jessica Ennis-Hill.

So, what are you still looking at the contents page for? Turn this page over (actually, maybe look at the contents rst) and start your journey towards your dream career!

Tom Haymes, Editor

04

6 www.careersworld.co.uk

So, has the euphoria of the Olympics worn off, or do you still get goose-bumps when you hold your medal?I still get a real buzz when I see the footage from London, or show my medal to people. I worked so hard over twelve years to win that medal so its such a satisfying feeling to simply hold it and remind myself I did it.

Your af nity for athletics began at a young age; at what point did you decide you wanted to be a full time athlete?I rst tried running, jumping and throwing at the age of ten and when one of the coaches suggested I join a club, I started to focus on speci c disciplines. So I was roughly 13 years old when I decided sport was the career for me.

Its obviously a lot of peoples dream to be a sports personality, what does it feel like to be living that dream? Do you still pinch yourself before you compete at big events?I dont think you ever dream of being a sports personality; you dream of being the best athlete and for athletics the highest achievement is to win Olympic Gold. The rest of it is a by product of striving for that goal. I do really enjoy all of the fun events, glamorous parties and amazing shoots, but rst and foremost I am an athlete.

Before making the choice to become a full time athlete, did you ever want to do anything else?At one time I did think Id like to be a journalist, but really I took up athletics pretty young and was ambitious as a sportswoman from the outset.

You studied Psychology at university, which is a bit different to athletics, what was your thinking there?I really enjoyed psychology and wanted to study something outside sport; I loved the course and I think if I was not an athlete I would have pursued a career in psychology.

As part of our shiny new look, weve decided on some new features. This section will feature interviews with famous people about their life and careers; dont forget, they were all in your position once! First up is Olympic Heptathlon Gold Medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill. Jess grew up in She eld, Yorkshire and was competing in track and eld from an early age. She talks to our editor about her experiences and provides some insight into what its like to be a professional athlete!

Studies have recently shown that a student that has completed an Apprenticeship is just as desirable to an employer as a university graduate because of the work experience gained. What are your thoughts on this?I think its really important to have some kind of quali cation to fall back on and as an apprentice you usually come away with supporting quali cations. I think we all need to have a vision of what we might want to do as a career as this sets you up with a foundation for working.

People often cite their parents as an in uence on their careers, how much input did your family have on your career choice?My parents werent really an in uence on me; they offered me support and advice when I wanted it, but it was me who made the decisions in the end.

Away from the track, what do you do to unwind between events? I hear you are a Shef eld United fanI do support Shef eld United, but Im not a huge football fan; I dont have the time to really follow a lot of sport as I train 6 days a week. In my downtime I like nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a good TV box-set to watch. I need my rest!

Obviously Shef eld has a huge manufacturing background; how much did your environment affect your choices growing up?Shef eld has played a key role in shaping me; I was born there, discovered athletics there, I went to school and university there and I choose to still live and train there. People from Yorkshire are known to be pretty down to Earth and being surrounded by honest and kind people has been a real advantage. I also have a very close family network and I think the combination has meant I had no desire to go to university in the US or anywhere else. So yes, I can say it has affected my choices.

Determination is vital to being a professional athlete; would you say that same attribute could be applied to studying in school?I was always a focused student but I had to work hard to achieve really good grades so yes if you apply yourself you will achieve your best.

Do you have any tips for young people who want to pursue a career in professional sports?Make sure you get the balance right between sport and education; you need a good education to get you through your whole life, whereas a sports career is relatively short.

The heptathlon is your speciality, why did you choose this over other track and eld events?I tried out all disciplines when I was young and was guided by my current coach into heptathlon as I had the ability to do all 7 disciplines.

How important do you feel careers advice is to young people?If you have no idea what you want to do, it is always good to look at all the options available. Careers advice can help you focus on what it is that you really want to do.

When you decide to hang up your trainers, will you remain in some sort of sporting capacity or will you move into something else?Im not really sure, but I de nitely want to put something back into sport and help others with their careers. How that will look is something I am working on at the moment, but I still have a few years left on the track!

Whats next for you then? Has the preparation for the next Olympics begun?Im taking each championship as it comes, and my long term goal will of course be the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

7As a result of your successes, you must have met some interesting people? Whos your favourite person youve met so far? Its hard to say; there have been a lot of really interesting people, but I might have to say David Beckham who is incredibly nice and a great family man principles I really like.

Do professionals such as yourself have much involvement in training younger athletes who are just starting out?Not whilst you are an athlete yourself as you have to really focus on your own training. But when I can I share experiences through my work with Sky Sports Living for Sport or through my website.

You have travelled all over the world competing; which country have you enjoyed the most?I think its probably the commonwealth games in Melbourne, Australia; I loved the city and the people. Rome in Italy is a close second.

Do the Olympians form a sort of social circle? Do you speak to any other athletes a lot outside of competitions?Not really, I tend to have close friends during competitions and training camps but when I am done at the track its key for me to switch off and be with my family and friends from school, they keep me real.

Do you have any tips for people about to make those vital career choices?Take time to work out what you enjoy the most; work is full time and its much easier if you enjoy what you do and get satisfaction from doing it. If you dont know, then dont rush into something, you might regret it later in life.

think social care

Knowing that

I can make people

happier is the

most satisfying

part of my job

There are a huge range of jobsavailable in adult social care, such as...

front line care workers, therapists, activity organisers, managers, administration

One of the best ways to get into the sector is through an Apprenticeship.Earn while you learn.Gain qualifications.Become a confidentand skilled worker.

How do I get intoadult social care?

For more information about adult social care Apprenticeships:

www.skillsforcare.org.uk/apprenticeshipsor email: [email protected]

For more information about adult social care Apprenticeships:

You could be in a

home, out in your local

community, or working

in someones house.

Theres more to social carethan you might think every day is different. You might be helping people to socialise with friends, go shoppingor even go on holiday.

SfC A4 Magazine Advert June 2013 v7.indd 1 27/06/2013 12:32

Or RPA to you and me! It might sound like something youd hear in a credit card advert, but RPA is very, very important to you.

9www.careersworld.co.uk

Each issue, we ask our editor to give you a roundup of the topics that are going to a ect you, as well as the choices you need to make about your future. As you could imagine, there are plenty of things going on that tend to stay behind the scenes. Usually, youd have to go through pages of information to learn all this, but dont worry; weve done all that for you! Without further ado, well introduce our editor!

WHAT IS RPA?It essentially dictates the age that somebody is free to leave compulsory education, so it really has a bearing on the choices youll be making in the near future. Compulsory education was, until this year, completed at the end of Year 11 (at the age of 16) and then you were free to go out and do what you liked. With the participation age now moved to 17, it means those leaving school in Year 11 must continue in education (or other options well get to that). It doesnt, as many worried young people thought, mean that theyre sticking another year into secondary school. You still do GCSEs in Year 11; the only difference is you now have to choose your next step in education.

WHY CHANGE IT?Many young people are a bit baf ed as to why the government has told them they have to spend another year in education or training. I can see why; at 16 you gain more independence and some of you will be keen to see what you can make of yourselves in the wider world. This is admirable, but the problem was that people were leaving school and then not doing anything at all. This not only puts a strain on our bene ts and welfare system, but it also means that many young people werent able to get jobs further down the line.

MEET THE EDITORMy name is Tom and Im

the editor for Careers World magazine. As

surprising as it may sound, it wasnt too long ago that

I had to make choices about what I wanted to

do. I remember sitting in a stuffy classroom, being

confronted with weird words like Apprenticeship, Vocational and Wikipedia (Im not actually joking, life

was tough back then...). I looked blankly at my

careers advisor as they listed off what seemed like pages and pages

of options, courses and colleges. I was in way over my head. Which path was the right one for me? What

were these government programmes that Id heard

about?I know that the position I was in wasnt unique to me; there were, are and

always will be thousands of young people who arent

really sure what theyre going to do after leaving school, or whats really going on in the world of

education. This article is here to

discuss some of the hot topics in the world of

education, so that you are aware of how they impact

you and what you can do to make sure you fully

bene t from them. So then, lets get started.

RAISING THE PARTICIPATION AGE


After a great deal of thought, the government decided that rather than risk young peoples talents going to waste, theyd implement a system which gave the younger generations a chance to be prepared for the working world. It shouldnt be thought of as making you stay in school because this isnt the case at all; its simply a way of ensuring that young people have a better chance of employment in a very tough job market.

CHOICES, CHOICES...As I said, you dont have to stay in school if you dont want to. Full time education doesnt mean full time school. There are basically 3 options you can choose from, which are as follows:

Full -time study in a Sixth Form, college or with a training provider

Full-time work or volunteering combined with part-time education or training

An Apprenticeship

Many of you will already have made your decision and wont really have noticed all of this going on. If youve already applied for a Sixth Form or College, then youve voluntarily applied for full time study without even thinking about it. If you havent made a choice yet, then dont panic! If you dont fancy the idea of continuing studying, then you can opt to get a job instead.

Now that job, as part of the new RPA rules, must include training. The best way to do this is through an Apprenticeship. Why, you ask? Well, an Apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you train in a fully functioning, work environment. Theyre available in pretty much every line of work you can think of; head to www.apprenticeships.org.uk, register and apply (you can apply for up to ten at a time and registration is totally free!).

You can also volunteer or do intern work; you wont get paid, but the experience will look great

on your C.V.! Again, this has to be accompanied by training or education, but the education can be done part time while you work.

WHO IT AFFECTSIf youre reading this and youre in Year 11 or below, then youll be the rst crop of young people to experience the RPA. If this is the case, then chances are youve already made your decision on what it is you want to do next. The options will be explained to you in more detail by your careers advisors and teachers; remember, dont worry if you dont know what to do, there are plenty of people around you willing to help. As the year progresses, youll perhaps learn more about what it is you want to do.

THE FUTUREIf you are just starting Year 11, then youll have plenty of time to choose your next step. With GCSEs coming up in the summer, its probably an idea

to start thinking about it now. What you choose in the future will have a much larger bearing, because as of next summer, the participation age goes up again, to 18. The same rules apply; youll still do GCSEs in the Summer Term and nish Year 11, but you must then remain in education or training for two years, until you turn 18. If youve applied to study A-Levels, then you wont notice as they take 2 years to complete anyway. If youve applied for an Apprenticeship, then once its completed, youll have to continue in something else; this could either be the next level up on the Apprenticeship, or it could be work based training in a job role youve found.

TRAINEESHIPSTheres a really annoying loop you can get into when looking for work. Youll apply for a job, but youll be told that to get the position you need to have experience. But without working, how do you get that experience do you need? You need a job, which you cant get because you dont have experience. See how irritating that is?

Its a cycle that nearly everybody encounters when they start looking for work. In particular, this has become a common theme among young people applying for Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships have always been seen as the best way for people to gain experience and training while earning money. The problem now is that young people arent getting Apprenticeships because employers have deemed them unsuitable. The solution; the traineeship!

A traineeship is part of the same family that the Apprenticeship scheme is in. Think of a traineeship as a practice Apprenticeship; theres no quali cation at the end of it (unless you undertook an English or maths course during your traineeship), but that aside, youll often undertake everything youll encounter in a full Apprenticeship programme.

WHO THEYRE FORAnybody between the ages of 16-24 (from August 2013) can undertake a traineeship; the program is available to young people with learning disabilities up to the age of 25. Traineeships are aimed at young people who arent in a job and have little work experience, but have a strong desire to nd employment. It suits those who are between the ages of 16 and 19 and are quali ed below Level 3, or those between 19 and 24 who have not achieved a Level 2 quali cation.

If youre already in work then theres no need to worry about it at the moment, but if for whatever reason you nd yourself out of a job, a traineeship could help you get back out there!

WHAT YOULL GET OUT OF ITTraineeships are designed, rst and foremost, to prepare young people for work. Therefore, the focus is on building up the traits employers look for in people. This could be something as simple as practising for interviews or learning what to wear, right up to having solid maths and English skills. Skills training is an important part of a traineeship, as employers value good numerical and literary skills. If you already have a GCSE A*-C in those subjects, then its not something youll have to worry about. If you dont, then the traineeship can help build up your quali cations to a level that you require. This level can be entry, Level 1 or Level 2; whatever suits your needs.

The core of the traineeship will be a high quality work placement. This will be at a workplace of your choice, therefore helping


FINAL THOUGHTS...The aim of this is to ensure that the next generation of young people have the skills necessary to compete in todays job market. By undertaking compulsory education, skills can be built up to a point where a young person feels con dent when looking for work. Its all about bene tting you. You might not realise these bene ts straight away, but when it comes to applying for work, youll have an advantage if youve already had a job! Dont think of it as having to spend 1 or 2 extra years in school, thats a myth thats completely wrong. The options you choose open up many gateways to your career, something which you and you alone will choose.

with the lack of experience factor of job applications. Your work placement will be created to suit your needs and will last from anywhere between six weeks and ve months. Employers will design a programme that gives you the best possible preparation for working in the job role full time. Theres even a chance that the company you do your placement at will offer you an Apprenticeship scheme!

GETTING ONTO A TRAINEESHIP SCHEME

You can apply for a traineeship by getting in contact with your local learning provider. Its a very popular scheme, so be prepared to wait a little while to get a place. You can also call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600; youll be put through to a friendly person wholl take your details and help get you onto the scheme.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?Ready for this? Nothing. It will cost you absolutely nothing. This scheme is aimed at those who might have trouble paying for other quali cations they might need to get into work, so itd be a bit pointless charging people for it!

FINISHING THE COURSEYour traineeship will be over when one of three things happens:

You move into employment, an apprenticeship or further education/training

Youve completed all the aspects of the course, including the work placement

Youve been in the programme for more than six months

If its because of the rst one, then congratulations! If its one of the others, then dont worry. While youre working, your local learning provider will be working with employers to organise an Apprenticeship for you to start. Youll also be provided with support if there are any quali cations you need to complete to nd work.

At the end of the traineeship, youll receive certi cates for any quali cations you took while on the course, such as maths and English awards. Youll also receive a reference from your employer, highlighting your strengths and experiences. You can use this reference as part of your C.V. when applying for jobs and coupled with your experience, will give your application hopes a real boost!

FINAL THOUGHTS...Traineeships have been brought in to shore up a gap that has long needed lling. The age old experience problem will become a thing of the past. The traineeship scheme has just started in the last few months and has already received a huge number of applications. Dont worry though; they can be undertaken at any time of year, so if you ring up and get put on a waiting list then be patient. You wont be waiting long and itll really be worth it in the end, especially if the end result is a job or Apprenticeship.

Where are you heading?We can help youThe National Careers Service offers millions of young people and adults the chance to develop their potential. We also support the experts who are there to help you.

If you live in England and are aged 13 or older, then you can use our service. Whats more, its free. We can offer you plenty of information, advice and support to help you decide whats best for your future development and help you make the most of your skills.

Whether youre interested in an Apprenticeship, taking a university degree or simply volunteering, were here to help you take that next step.

To find out more, search online for National Careers Service or call 0800 100 900

107648 Dfe March Ad 297_210 14_03_14.indd 1 14/03/2013 13:40


Section Heading

We help our clients create the value they want, from public and private companies, to governments and charities. We help to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them. Web: www.pwc.com/uk/employability

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.

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE AND BENEFITS CAN YOU OFFER POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?

Join PwC and youll have the opportunity to be part of the worlds leading professional services network and enjoy the bene ts that come with that. Youll get to work with big name clients where youll get to grips with the value theyre looking for by getting into the detail. Well provide an environment where youll be able to explore new opportunities, to help you grow and nd your niche. And well also give you access to the best learning and development around. Everyone enjoys a structured career programme, including study towards a professional quali cation.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

Your intellect, willingness to learn, ability to build relationships, put yourself in others shoes, while always making a positive impact with our clients and each other. For most of our programmes we take any degree subject

WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

No matter which area of the business you choose to join, all routes offer the same deal. The opportunity to grow as an individual, to meet new people, and build lasting relationships that will stay with you for life. Your hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary and a personally tailored bene ts package.

IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

You might not know it, but theres a good chance youre already developing the skills were looking for. To support you, weve developed an employability guide, to help you identify situations where you might be building them. Visit www.pwc.com/uk/employability for tips on how you can draw on these areas. Whats important is that you re ect on your experiences and use well thought-out examples, both in your online application and when we meet you.

The Employer


The University of Southampton is a member of the world-leading Russell Group of institutions and ranked amongst the top one percent of universities in the world. Southampton offers a distinctive education in a modern learning environment underpinned by three core elements: research that directly in uences the education we offer, choice and exibility in study options and preparation for employment and life after university. Web: www.southampton.ac.uk


When you come to the University of Southampton, you have an amazing opportunity to explore the subjects youre really interested in with people who are just as excited and interested as you. And its not just through your lectures and coursework that youll learn and grow but also through the things you do outside of the classroom with clubs, societies, volunteering and community activities that will help to shape the types of things you learn whilst you earn a world class degree.

Baltic Training Services provide real employment opportunities for young people who are looking to gain real life work experience, recognised quali cations and earn while they learn! We offer apprenticeships in; I.T. Professional Level 3 & 4, Software Development and Social Media and Digital Marketing across the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber and the Midlands. Web: www.baltictraining.com


The ability to gain on the job training, receiving a guaranteed minimum salary of approximately 100 per week whilst gaining a nationally recognised quali cation, with the addition of free vendor quali cations including CISCO essentials, Microsoft Professional and CompTia depending on the apprenticeship completed.

MidKent College is one of the largest providers of further and higher education in the South East, offering an extensive range of learning and training services. Sue McLeod is the Colleges rst ever female principal and started her new role in September 2013.Web: www.midkent.ac.uk


Whether you want to train for work, gain an academic quali cation or learn new skills, MidKent College will help you do it. We offer hundreds of part-time, full-time and higher education courses in a wide range of subjects, ensuring you are bound to nd the quali cation thats right for you. Our staff have years of experience working in the industries relevant to the subjects they teach, and can therefore provide you with a level of knowledge not available in schools. The College is also home to lots of clubs and


The University

Our world-leading academics will push the boundaries of your knowledge and experience and there are some fantastic and unique facilities in Southampton where learning becomes doing.


Were looking for the most talented students, regardless of where they come from or their background. Whilst you need to ensure that you achieve the academic quali cations we require to get in, you also need to be passionate about the subject you want to study.


All of our degrees and foundation programmes represent the rst stage to a rewarding career. A Southampton degree opens many doors for career opportunities and says to employers that youve developed the skills that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.


Two tips, actually.

To get the place you want when you are lling out your UCAS form, make the most of your personal statement. This is your best opportunity to share the person behind the quali cations.

And once you get that place - take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. Dont let anything pass you by!

The Training Provider


As our quali cations are a Level 3 standard, a good level of English and Maths is required, as well as a genuine interest in the role. However if a candidate shows a natural aptitude and ability we will consider any application.


80% of our candidates are employed by the employer on completion of their quali cation, if not they are in receipt of a high skill set, knowledge and work experience to transfer to future employment.


Be yourself, research the position and know your employer!

The College

societies so we are con dent you will make lots of new friends and enjoy a fantastic learning experience.


MidKent College welcomes students from all walks of life regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or academic ability and will work with them to achieve their goals no matter what. We do, however, expect all applicants to have a genuine interest in the subjects they wish to study, as that will aid their learning and give them the best possible chance of meeting their goals at the end of their time here. If they are willing to be the best that

they can be, were more than willing to help them.


Most of our courses are work-related, giving our students the vital job skills employers are looking for to give them that all-important rst step up the career ladder. However, not everyone who studies here is aiming to enter full-time employment straight away. For example, many will be planning to move onto university while others such as our Foundation Learning students are simply looking to learn the skills that will help them in their day-to-day lives.


Have con dence in yourself. Whether its the con dence to ll out an application form or to meet and interact with new people, youll enjoy a more ful lling and rewarding college experience if you believe in your own abilities. You dont have to be top of the class, but youll have a better chance of getting there if you have the con dence to give it a try.

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17www.careersworld.co.uk 17www.careersworld.co.uk

Bhavika Nayee, Advanced Apprentice in Electrical/Electronic EngineeringHaving completed her A-Levels, Bhavika was considering her options when she decided that theory-based study did not suit her, and that an apprenticeship might be the best way forward.

I was offered a place at Leicester, before I realised university study wasnt for me. At the time I didnt think there would be any option but to find a full-time job, but I wrote a letter to Elekta, where I had previously done work experience, and was offered an apprenticeship which would enable me to put theory into practice every day. I have never looked back!

I am the only female apprentice that my company has taken on in several years, so this makes me want to work even harder to prove my ability both in College and in the workplace. During my work experience with Elekta, I worked with a female employee, who was an apprentice at the time, and she has now progressed within the company to a senior management role. I find this incredibly inspiring and it is another motivation for me to do my best and impress my employer.

Web: www.centralsussex.ac.uk/apprenticeshipsTel: 01293 44 22 05

Web: www.sussexcoast.ac.ukTel: 01424 716 419Email: [email protected]

Students raise the roof at Sussex Coast CollegeConstruction students at Sussex Coast College are leading the way with an innovative building project that will see a full size house incorporating the most eco-friendly building techniques built indoors.

Students at the Ore Valley campus are getting hands-on experience as they construct a fully functional house from the ground up. The structure is rapidly taking shape with the timber frame almost completed and work on the inside starting soon.

The project provides a great learning environment for students studying a range of different trades. Like any new build the bricklayers were first on site and will be followed by electricians, carpenters, plumbers, plasterers and painters and decorators.

Jim Murray, Carpentry Lecturer at Sussex Coast College Hastings, said: On a typical day students will have theory lessons in the morning before making their way to the house to test what theyve learnt. The finished house will measure 100 sq metres and will have been built by dozens of students.

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is part of a cross channel initiative to provide training and promote sustainability. Strong links with a school in northern France means students are involved in regular exchange visits where they swap skills and knowledge.

Jim added: The eco-house is a unique learning tool and brings lessons to life. We have welcomed the participation from a number of local groups including contractors and traditional craftsmen who come together to demonstrate their skills and share best practice.

You wont find anything else quite like it in the region, so our students have a distinct advantage. The future of the construction industry lies in sustainable projects and our pupils are very lucky to learn these specialist skills.


Web: www.chichester.ac.ukTel: 01243 786 321

Web: www.aylesbury.ac.ukTel: 01296 588 588

Level 3 Diploma in Dental NursingKatrina Lambert and Nosheen Mahmood are two dental nurse apprentices currently earning their L3 Diploma in Dental Nursing through Aylesbury College. Katrina, a nurse at the Water Eaton Health Centre in Bletchley says she enjoys caring for patients behind the scenes before the Dentist sees them. Nosheen with the Park Street Dental Clinic finds dental nursing a rewarding career and feels that she helps patients to be less apprehensive about their dental treatment.

Katrina chose Aylesbury College for her Diploma as the Colleges requirements fit around her work schedule. Diane Broadbent, one of the Colleges Assessors for the Dental Nurse qualification commented that observations are conducted in the workplace, always at the convenience of the practice dentists and managers.

The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is practice-based. Nosheen says she feels that her training has benefited the patients she works with as she is able to directly apply what she is learning.

Eleanor Wade, the lead assessor for Dental Nursing at the College, stated that gaining a certified qualification is now a mandatory requirement for becoming a registered Dental Care Professional with the General Dental council and the L3 Diploma is suitable for registration.

Earning a Level 3 Diploma is the equivalent to 2 A Level passes and opens doors to other areas in the dental profession. Progression routes include attending university, becoming a senior dental nurse, hygienist, therapist or practice manager.

Chichester College Furniture Making Student Crowned Best in the World at WorldSkills 2013George Callow, a Chichester College student, took the top spot for the UK, winning a gold medal at the coveted WorldSkills 2013 competition held this summer in Leipzig, Germany.

George studied Furniture Making on the specialist course for Apprentices and full time students run at Chichester College. He wanted to do a practical but creative course, which would enable him to develop his skills whilst also earning at work. Always having loved wood, he decided that a Furniture Making course would offer him everything he wanted - and he says he was right!

He was selected to represent Team UK after several outstanding competition results in the two years leading up to World Skills selection. He fought off strong competition from other talented international craftsman, to secure his place as the best in the world.

Scoring the highest among Team UK to claim the Best in Nation award, George was delighted with his win.

George began his apprenticeship with Rolls Royce and has since completed it and moved to bespoke Furniture company, Cimitree.

Furniture Making at Chichester College has a strong pedigree with students gaining good employment, high quality apprenticeships or going on to start their own businesses. Prestigious commissions have been earned and the College has provided the UK World Skills competitors for the last three World Skills competitions.

If you are interested in Furniture Making as a career, why not come along to one of the Open events in October, November or March or contact Admissions for more details.


Web: www.bcot.ac.ukTel: 01256 354141Email: [email protected]

Jordan Allcock, Higher ApprenticeUniversity wasnt for me - this is so much betterWhats it really like to be a Capgemini apprentice?

Capgemini is one of the worlds biggest IT consultancy companies, helping its clients with technology problems and suggesting innovative solutions. At the moment, Im working as a Software Engineer as part of the Microsoft team based in Sale.

In a typical day, I get asked to fix technical problems for applications weve built and manage for clients. We rarely get the same problem twice - which is great because it means no two days are ever the same.

Higher Apprentices are well supervised at Capgemini we have regular catch-up meetings to discuss progress and to set targets - and theres always someone to ask if I have a problem I cant fix myself.

Teamworking and collaborative skills are a must, to build successful relationships with your clients, suppliers and colleagues. You also need communication, analytical and creative skills. And its good to be flexible about where you work, as you may have to travel to offices and client sites across the UK.

What happens at the end of your apprenticeship?

Thats the best bit, a Capgemini apprenticeship isnt just a training programme - its a full-time, permanent role from day one! At the moment Im giving some thought to what Ill do next. Working for a global company with offices around the world, means when you have completed the programme the opportunities are endless.

If you think an apprenticeship is for you, find out more or apply by visiting our website.

Amy Collins, Public Services BTECLevel 3 Extended DiplomaBefore joining BCoT I knew what I wanted to do - study Public Services and the course at BCoT ticked all the boxes.

At BCoT Ive learnt about various career paths, which has helped me to decide to apply for the RAF-police, which Im really excited about.

I found meeting deadlines a struggle when I first started, but Ive found that the tutors are always there to help and guide you through the course.

If youre thinking of doing the course, Id say go for it. Youll enjoy it so much and youll gather so much more information on public services and the different career paths available.

Web: www.uk.capgemini.com/careers

Ines Guerreiro, Art & DesignPre-degree FoundationAfter completing my A Levels I decided to pursue my creative direction and come to BCoT. Its helped me define what I want to do in the future.

The course is well structured and covers lots of subjects, giving you the opportunity to explore a range of areas. I really love drawing, but my main passion is make-up and prosthetics for film and media.

My time at BCoT has made me so much more prepared for uni - Im off to London College of Fashion, where Im going to incorporate the make-up side of things with my jewellery collections. Ive learnt to enjoy being me and be happy where I am - Im a much happier person and more open-minded. BCoT has literally changed my life. If you decide to do this course, you wont regret it. You learn so many things - not just about art, but about yourself too.


Web: www.eastberks.ac.ukTel: 0845 373 2500

Justyna PruskaBusiness student, Justyna Pruska is well on her way to achieving her career ambitions thanks to the support of her lecturers at East Berkshire College.

Justyna explains: After working full-time for a few years, I realised I needed my level three qualification in order to go to university and progress my career in Human Resources. The College has been able to provide me with all the support I need to do well and even helped me to access funding to cover the costs of my daughters childcare. The lecturers know how to get the best from everyone and really believe in you. Their belief in me has given me greater confidence to follow my ambitions.

Justyna has now successfully completed the first year of her Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Business, with the aim of progressing on to university and ultimately becoming an HR Manager for a major corporation.

With everything from engineering to catering, the College offers over 800 courses in a wide range of subjects and at various levels.

WHATS THE BUSINESS & CUSTOMER SERVICE SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Its a huge sector that covers nearly every other industry out there. Everybody needs to make money to survive, from your local corner shop to the people who run the worlds largest companies. It goes hand in hand with customer service, which businesses rely on to not only attract new customers, but also keep hold of current ones. This sector covers everything from management to entrepreneurial ventures (thats starting your own business to you and me!). With regards to customer service, youll nd roles in telesales, reception and more!

WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

It depends on your role in a business and the type of company you work for. As a money orientated sector, youll be making plenty of cash if you keep hitting targets. The average salary for starters in business is around the 15,000 mark, but dont be surprised to see this gure increase very quickly. Customer Service starts out at about 11,000, but is a career ladder thats easy to climb with the right attitude and can in some cases lead to a career in PR.

WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

A business environment is competitive and fast paced; sales targets have to be met in order to satisfy customers and management alike. If youre ambitious and enjoy a challenge then youll revel in it and go

far. Customer Service is a little more laid back, as you have to act as the face of the company and therefore require a more relaxed demeanour (youll still have to be professional; dont be greeting top customers with Yo dude, hows it hanging?!).

HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

This country sees over 8000 new businesses started every week; some from current companies merging, others starting up with just one staff member in somebodys house. Nearly a quarter of UK private enterprises are situated in the business services sector and recently new schemes have been brought in to help people aged 18-24 start up their own companies.

WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

It probably wont surprise you to hear that the largest concentration of work in the business sector can be found in the South of England, towards the London area. However, many new start up companies are found in the North, around major cities such as Manchester and Shef eld. Leeds is also renowned for its business district, where the headquarters of supermarket giants Asda, hair product company GHD and video games developer Rockstar are located.

Business & Customer ServiceBusiness is all about getting stu done. Whether its launching and selling a product or starting up a company in your kitchen, business boils down to one thing; making money. If you have good business acumen, then you wont be far from success. Every business is hinged on meeting and dealing with customers and for that youll need good customer service. A smile, a friendly demeanour and a professional but helpful attitude will help your customers feel at ease and in good hands.


ADMINISTRATIONAdministration is the part of business that we as customers rarely see. Whenever we sign up for a contract on a phone or buy a house, that contract has to be processed, checked and led away for future reference. These arent skills to be taken lightly and the function of admin should never be underestimated. You can expect to earn between 15,000 and 20,000, with the possibility to earn more with progression.

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

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

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

Careers ChoicesBusiness is vital to our economy; without it, there wouldnt be any money. And without money, thered be no society. So its imperative to make sure that businesses run to their best potential. To make these businesses work, there are many cogs in the machine, such as administration, human resources and management, all of which require a different set of skills.


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

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

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

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

COLLEGE COURSESA College course is another good way to get into the Business and Customer Service sector. To nd out more about these courses, have a look atwww.careersworld.co.uk.

Where to beginFancy a career in business? Well read on to nd out how you can get started...

REGIONAL FOCUSThe South East has the second largest regional economy in the country

(valued at 177 billion!), so its a great place to get into business. The number of applications for Customer Service apprenticeships is also on the rise in our area, with almost 80% of

people needing some form of customer service skills

in their job role.

4.7 MILLION

SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK

BUSINESS SKILLS CAN BE TRANSFERRED

TO ALMOST ANY OTHER SECTOR!

A FULLY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT CAN

EARN OVER50,000 PA

Your career in fashion retail starts here 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...

www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

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.

Applyonlinenow!


WHAT IS RETAIL ALL ABOUT?

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


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


There will be people everywhere, so if you have good customer services youll be ne. If you dont, get some, because itll be everything to the shoppers experience. You need to be adaptable as not all shoppers are happy shoppers, so learn to deal with everything thrown at you, both good and bad.


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


Right in the middle of a city or town. The number of retail outlets in the UK now exceeds 210,000, so you wont have to look far for work. You probably walk past them every day, so do research into what the best place to work is for you.

Retail

Web: www.fashionretailacademy.ac.ukTel: 020 7307 2345

Jessica Hide, 2nd year student on the National Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic Design) at the Fashion Retail AcademyFashion has always been a large interest of mine, so when I heard through a friend and student of the FRA about the Academy I was impressed by the variety of courses they offered within a fashion retail context. The vocational emphasis and links to the fashion industry led me to apply for the BTEC in Graphic Design as an alternative to A-Levels; keeping my options open for either work or higher education. Now in my second year, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course and at the Academy with its excellent resources and friendly atmosphere. Teachers offer great work support and help is always given if needed. The wide ranging course structure allowed me to develop as an independent learner and has also helped me to determine what area of design interested me most to pursue further. Having been intrigued by the history of art and fashion during contextual studies, next year I hope to continue my education and study for a BA in the History of Art at university. The Fashion Retail Academy offers free full-time vocational courses for students aged 16-19 to develop the skills and experience required to make them job ready for an exciting career in the world of fashion retail.

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


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

STORE OPERATIONSYoull be right in the action here; youll be serving customers and helping the store run smoothly. Its down to you to make the overall shopping experience better for people so it helps to have good knowledge of what you are selling (you cant just blag it, you will get found out.). Youre looking at a starting salary of 11,000 to 15,000 depending on your employer, but this is a sector where progression is matched by ambition and you will nd yourself quickly climbing up the ladder.

VISUAL MERCHANDISINGIf you have a knack for eye catching fashion displays then this will suit you down to the ground (see what I did there?). You will be responsible for arranging the displays in windows so that passersby will be drawn into the store. But it doesnt stop there; the mannequins and stand layouts inside will also be arranged in your design, so that the customers are getting a good experience and therefore buying stuff. Salaries start out at between 12,000 and 16,000 a year.

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

Careers ChoicesThese are some of the roles you can nd in this sector. Obviously what you do from day to day will vary depending on your employer, but these roles are found across the Retail sector:


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

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSJust like a regular Apprenticeship, you will be learning and working at the same time. The Retail Apprenticeship continues to Level 3, again resulting in a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ. Here are some of the job roles:Sales Professional Visual Merchandising Retail Management

FOUNDATION DEGREESFoundation Degrees are a great way to get an employer respected quali cation while still working in your job. They are university level quali cations and are the equivalent of the rst two years of an honours degree. These take two years to complete and if you want, you can extend your quali cation to a full Honours degree when you nish.

A-LEVELSA levels are a good pathway to university, but they are also quali cations that employers like to see. There arent any A-levels that are directly linked to retail, but some that might help you are listed below.Business Studies Maths IT English

EMPLOYER FUNDED STUDYA lot of the bigger chains such as Sainsburys, B&Q, Tesco and Marks and Spencer have special training schemes for their employees. These more often than not have an option for management so you know theres the opportunity to go far! Entry levels vary, so its best to check the brands website for more information.

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

REGIONAL FOCUSThe retail sector in our

region employs close to 400,000 people which is around 16% of the total retail work force in England. National companies such as

Amazon UK, Furniture Village and Mars (the

chocolate, not the planet) all have headquarters or

major of ces in the region and offer many job roles,

from telesales to high street customer advisors. The Bluewater shopping

centre is the fourth largest in the UK, making it a great place to kick off a career in

retail!

1 IN 10PEOPLE ARE

EMPLOYED IN RETAIL

UK RETAIL HAS AN ANNUAL TURNOVER OF

321 BILLION

JUST 10 RETAILERS EMPLOY AROUND

1/3OF ALL THOSE WHO

WORK IN RETAIL

At Aylesbury College we have courses for everyone

* 6th Form & A Levels* Vocational Courses

* Apprenticeship Programmes* Higher Education Degrees

Upcoming Open Days: 14th November 201312th February 2014 10th May 2014 26th June 2014

Taster Sessions available during

November and December. Follow website link for more information

www.aylesbury.ac.uk/tastersessions

tel: 01296 588595


WHAT KINDS OF CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS SECTOR?

Its all down to what you enjoy doing most; if travel is your thing, then you will nd work on cruise liners, ferries, trains and airline companies all over the world. If you prefer the home comforts, then you can work in the hospitality sector in a bar, restaurant, hotel, caf or even festivals and events. Over 200,000 people from this sector worked at the 2012 Olympics, highlighting the importance of Hospitality in the UK.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR?

You can expect a varied, busy day in this sector; the majority of jobs in Travel and Hospitality involve being face to face with new people every day so customer service is very important. Of course, good hospitality brings tips, which means money in your pocket on top of your salary!

WHAT KIND OF MONEY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

In the Travel sector, salaries vary slightly depending on the company you work for; the major airlines and travel agents obviously offer more but there is more competition for jobs. The average starting salary is around 11,000 for travel agents and 14,000 for cabin crew. In the hospitality sector, a low basic salary is boosted by the tips factor; the starting salary is usually between 10,000 and 11,000 depending on your area of work.


Again this varies on which sector you choose. Travel kind of speaks for itself; its for those who enjoy living out a suitcase and travelling the world. Travel agents tend to spend their time in an of ce helping customers, but do sometimes get out and about. Hospitality is divided into front and back of house; the front of house are your receptionists, bar and waiting staff, porters and supervisors, while back of house staff work in the kitchens and look after the hotel via cleaning, gardening and maintenance.

IS THIS A POPULAR SECTOR TO WORK IN?

Almost certainly. 9% of the UK workforce makes up this sector and it tends to be a bit more laid back because of the customer service aspect. Hospitality also one for the young people; more than half the workers in this sector are between the ages of 16-28 and more than half of them work part time, combining work with their education and other interests. Travel is also popular, as everybody wants to go on holiday for a living! This whole sector is the fth biggest contributor to the UK workforce.

WHERE IS WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

This particular sector is found all over the country wherever you see a hotel, pub, restaurant, caf, travel agents or airport you are looking at the Travel and Hospitality industry. You will obviously nd more work in the bigger city centres, where as airlines are based all over the world dont be afraid to branch out and discover new places!

Travel & Hospitality

Web: www.hospitalityguild.co.uk

Floyds Story18 year old Floyd left school at 16 and started his apprenticeship at the University of West London, which is accredited by the Hospitality Guild as an Asian and Oriental Centre of Excellence.

I applied online to do the Asian and Oriental course and initially completed a six-week pre-employment course.

I hadnt thought about pursuing Indian cuisine to develop my cooking skills but Id always liked Asian food, especially the spices used.

Im now working as an apprentice at Imli and love all the different flavours in the food. My favourite dish to cook at the moment is the Tandoori lamb chops they are great.

My main advice to anyone wanting to work in this sector is that if you want to be a chef you have to actually enjoy cooking in order to enjoy the job. Its quite challenging but the benefits and fun factor is there, but be prepared to work hard. Im glad Ive taken this route and can see a bright future in the industry.

Imagine waking up in London, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Sydney all in the same week. No, its not a TV show, its a career in Travel. If you like to keep your feet on the ground and enjoy working face to face with new people every day, then perhaps Hospitality is for you. Lets have a closer look


TRAVEL AGENTAll holidays have to start somewhere and it would be up to you help customers choose their perfect holiday. You will have to have a good knowledge of the world and the ever changing travel industry so that you can plan and book exactly what the customer wants. The starting salary varies between 11,000 and 14,000.

CABIN CREWWith a uniform and a smile, you will be responsible for looking after the passengers travelling with you. This involves serving food and drinks, answering questions from the customers and giving advice and aid in tough situation. The perks speak for themselves, but as well as spending time in another country you can expect a starting salary of 14,000 - 16,000.

CATERINGIf you have a air for preparing delicious dishes and fantastic food, then this might be the career for you. The type of work you will be doing depends on where you are based; you could be in a pub, a hotel, a restaurant anywhere you can see a menu. Jamie Oliver started out in an apprenticeship and hes done alright for himself! You can expect to earn up to 13,000 as an apprentice, but once you qualify it can vary depending on your location.

BAR & WAITING STAFFBehind every good pub, restaurant, bistro and hotel lounge youll nd staff working hard to produce high quality service and products. This job is ideal for those who enjoy mingling and meeting new people and if you do well enough, expect good tips. This industry is ideal for young people as the average age for starters is between 15 and 18. The starting salary is quite low and does depend on your age, but the average for starters is around 10,000.

HOTELS & RESORTSDo you ever wonder who puts the little mint on your pillow in a hotel? Or who decides which meals you eat for dinner? This line of work has a variety of roles, from Receptionists and Porters to Booking Assistants and Maintenance. Customer service is a priority here, so always make sure you have a smile on your face! Salaries vary depending on the role, but starters salaries range from 10,000 to 13,000.

Careers ChoicesEverybody needs a holiday at some point. Whether its a far away tropical island, or a caravan in the Lake District, its always nice to forget about everything and put your feet up. Whilst you are on holiday, youll probably eat out at nice restaurants and your parents will enjoy a drink at the bar. Perhaps you ew to your destination and were served food and drink on the plane by a smiling cabin crew member. All these things that you enjoy are available as careers in the Travel and Hospitality industry.

Its by no means easy; youll be challenged every day and will have to keep up to date with an ever changing industry. Not everybody takes to travelling or going out with a positive frame of mind (as Im sure anybody whose sat near a baby on a plane will tell you) and complaints, questions and problems can present themselves at any time, so you will have to be prepared to adapt and troubleshoot to make sure your customers are happy. If you are a determined, focused, sociable person with great personnel skills and an eye for the creative then you wont have trouble nding a career in this sector; have a look below at some of the roles:


APPRENTICESHIPSThis is probably the most popular route into this sector - Its where it all began for Jamie Oliver. The government are keen to help both starters and the currently employed to up-skill to match the requirements of their job Last year, over 24,000 Level 2 starters began their apprenticeships, which at this level will result in either a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks you can expect to see:Hospitality Services Food and Beverage Service Housekeeping Front of House Travel Services

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSThis is the equivalent of an A level, but without sitting in a classroom studying. Like a regular Apprenticeship, its suited to more practical elds of work and you earn as you complete your study. On completion you will receive a Level 3 award in the form of a BTEC, Diploma or NVQ.Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Hospitality Retail Outlet Supervision Travel Services (Head Of ce, Field and Leisure & Business)

A-LEVELSA-Levels are useful if you want to go on to university or study a foundation degree. Some A-levels you could take to get into this industry are listed below.English Language Maths Travel and Tourism Business Studies IT

FOUNDATION DEGREESA Foundation Degree gives you both an academic and hands on experience and they are a great as either a gateway to university or into the working world. Usually, Foundation Degrees take two years to complete (although they can take up to four if you do them part time) and you will nd yourself learning at both the university campus and in the workplace. You can do a Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

COLLEGE COURSESThese are another opportunity to get into this sector and you can nd out which colleges provide the relevant courses at www.careersworld.co.uk.

Where to beginIf you like the idea of working in this sector, read on to nd out how to get started

REGIONAL FOCUSThe South East is blessed

with some fantastic tourist attractions, such as Legoland Windsor, Canterbury Cathedral

and various castles and historic points of interest.

These attractions generate over 10 billion in the region a year, making Travel and Tourism big business round these

parts. Of course, we also have a major sea port

at Southampton, where cruise ships depart for a

whole host of destinations such as Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and the

Caribbean!

90%OF THE INDUSTRY WORK FULL-TIME

332,700PEOPLE WORK IN THE PUBS, BARS & NIGHTCLUBS

INDUSTRY

MORE THAN

218 MILLIONPEOPLE USE AIRLINES

EVERY YEAR

VOCATIONAL FULL-TIME COURSES 2013/2014

53

At school I didnt really give much thought to the future, but being at college and out at work too has really made me grow up and know what I want I to do....

Charlie Warner, Level 3 Carpentry Apprentice

92% would recommend their course to a friend

100% success rate 2011 in L2 Diploma in Site Carpentry - 15% above national average

64% progressed to a higher level course

41

VOCATIONAL FULL-TIMECOURSES 2013/2014

100% of students agreed that feedback is helpful and informs me of ways I can improve (Student Survey 2012)

91% level 3 pass rate - national benchmark 72% 2011

36% progressed to university and a further 31% to an HND or other training

AtschoolIthoughtthatITwasjustaboutPowerpointandSpreadsheet,butcomingintocollegeitgoesmuchmoreindepth;learningaboutprogramming,routers,fixingequipment...

YasmeenHanifITApprenticeship

CareersWorldFULLPAGEsept2013v2.indd 1 03/09/2013 09:20:41


WHATS THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Construction is a broad term for all things building related. It doesnt just cover bricks, tiles and pipes; youll nd a whole host of job roles that use skills such as problem solving, design and leadership. You could be planning a development project for a rundown area, installing plumbing systems or even supervising a team working on a skyscraper!


The starting salaries in construction are pretty high; most practical job roles start out at around 16,000. Jobs in things like civil engineering and surveying tend to start out with a salary of around 15,000, but fully quali ed professionals can earn in excess of 40,000. Its also worth noting that almost a third of this industry is self employed; this means you set your own schedule and prices. It could also mean getting up on a Monday morning would just be for a slice of toast and a cup of tea.


A construction environment isnt always just a building site; you could be in a design studio planning out the structure of the building, or working underground checking on the maintenance of the gas and water pipes. Heck, you could be operating a crane at 150ft!

Most of these job roles require working with heavy machinery so youll need some specialist training, just in case you end up driving a cement mixer onto the motorway. Or accidentally building an of ce block on top of a graveyard.


Construction is one of the countrys largest sectors; it employs over 2.35 million people, which equates to around 8% of the UK workforce. Due to the self employed nature of this industry, a whopping 92% of organisations employ less than 10 people, meaning employment in private companies is becoming harder to nd.


Unlike other industries, construction isnt usually xed to one place; youll have to go where the work is. The company you work for will have a catchment area which you will work in; obviously larger companies will be able to cover larger geographical areas. Domestic construction, which is improvements, repairs and the building of housing, usually takes place wherever the client lives. New housing projects usually spring up on the outskirts of towns and villages, whereas larger buildings such as of ce blocks and commercial retail areas are usually built on out of town business and retail parks.

Construction

Web: www.nescot.ac.ukTel: 0208 394 3038

Ryan Crook, Apprenticeship Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Fibrous PlasteringI started a Level 1 CSkills Diploma in Plastering and progressed to Level 2, and now Im doing an apprenticeship with George Jackson Ltd. I spend one day a week at college and the rest working.

I work on jobs and bigger projects, which means I get to learn a lot of different things and really sharpen my skills. Ive made enriched cornices, niches, piece moulds and fluted pilasters, and although I still have a lot to learn Im proud of what I can do now. I work hard and I really love the job.

The tutors in our department are really good. Theyve all worked in the trade themselves, and some of them still do, so they know what theyre doing. They know the students really well, and they always have time to help you.

I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship. When youre working in the trade there can be lots of right ways to do a task. Your lecturer at college will teach you their way, but at work you could learn another which suits you better. You get the qualifications you need to work in the trade, and having all the work experience gives you a better edge.

Ever wondered how they built some of the most iconic buildings of our time? Perhaps you think Big Ben isnt big enough, or that The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just a bit rubbish; if you think you can make a di erence to the buildings we see, then the Construction industry is for you.


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

BRICKLAYINGA popular choice for people who like to work with their hands, Bricklaying involves building, repairing and demolishing walls using a variety of techniques. You can be as adventurous as you want; it isnt just staring at a brick wall. Salaries usually start at around 17,000, but rise with experience.

CIVIL ENGINEERINGCivil Engineers design a whole range of structures, such as bridges, pipelines and railways as well as drawing up plans for new buildings. You will work both in an of ce and on site so be prepared for a varied day! Salaries can be upwards of 36,000 with progression.

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

SCAFFOLDINGCreating a safe working environment is a priority in any career and scaffolders provide this on a range of projects, from simple building sites to towering of ce blocks. You will be building platforms for the construction crew to work on and can expect to earn between 17,000 and 26,000.

CARPENTRY & JOINERYWood. Its all over the place. Its the job of Carpenters and Joiners to take it and turn it into a useful product for widespread use. You could be carving an ornate staircase in a hotel, or building a roof support for a mansion. With experience you can expect to earn more than 30,000.

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

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

Careers ChoicesWere you a dab hand with Lego as a kid? Every structure you see, from your local corner shop to towering skyscrapers in the big cities, is a result of the Construction industry. This sector generates billions of pounds a year for the economy and has a diverse range of careers and roles to choose from.

Whether you prefer working with tools outdoors on a site, in an of ce designing buildings or installing facilities in peoples homes, theres a career for everyone in this industry. There is an emphasis on teamwork, so if you enjoy working with others then this could be the career for you. And if not, you can work in your own of ce giving plans and directions to others!

Here are some of the more popular trades you can choose; we couldnt possibly print them all, there are far too many!


Where to beginIf this is the eld for you, then read on to nd out how you can get started.

92%OF ORGANISATIONS IN THIS SECTOR EMPLOY LESS THAN 10 PEOPLE

37%ARE SELF-EMPLOYED

55%ARE EMPLOYED

IN MANUAL OCCUPATIONS

REGIONAL FOCUSThe construction industry

in our region is big business; it accounts for 15% of the total national income for the sector (we make around 12 billion a year). The largest demand

in the industry for our region is for Painters and Decorators, labourers and

civil engineers. There are currently around

11,000 people working in construction in the South East and with the demand for skilled young people growing, you could be

joining them!

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

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

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

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

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

Still Time!There is still time to enrol on many BCoT courses at levels suitable for everyone.

BCoT1122

Why not nd out more by contacting us on 01256 306484

[email protected] www.bcot.ac.uk

Whether you have recently left school or are looking to train for a new career, there are a number of full and part time courses to suit your needs.

still_time A4.indd 1 30/08/2013 10:25


WHATS THE TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

With more transactions taking place online, retailers are relying more on logistics companies to deliver the products to the customers, instead of the customer having to come and collect it (in fact, we can buy just about everything we need without leaving our homes! However, the process of delivering that product involves packaging, storing, sorting, loading, transport, unloading, ling, recording and a whole host of jobs that you wouldnt even think of!


Theres a large range of salaries in this sector; you can progress quickly if you can move into a management or supervisory role. A starting salary is usually between 10,000 and 17,500, but youll nd progression just as easy in smaller companies as you would in larger, better known ones, such as Network Rail or Royal Mail.


Because this industry involves transporting goods and people, you could be in a variety of different locations. The rst thing to consider is how the transportation is going to take place; it could be by road, rail, sea or air. Storage, packaging and sorting takes place in a warehouse, which could be at a business park if the delivery is by road, a port if its by the sea or an airport/airstrip if its by air. If youre working as part of a

passenger transport company, you could nd yourself working on a train, plane or even a ferry to different countries!


The logistics sector currently employs over 2.3 million people across the UK, contributing 96 billion to our economy. This makes it the 5th largest sector in the UK. Because logistics is relied so heavily upon by other sectors, theres an ever increasing demand for skilled workers by 2020 900,000 new starters will be needed.


Again, this depends on which part of the industry you work in. Transport by air will probably see you based at a major airport, many of which are found in the London area. Marine based logistics will see you based at a port, such as Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Dover. Land based logistics companies are scattered across the country, but youll tend to nd them closer to major motorways such as the M1 and the M25 because its quicker to get the goods out across the country. Many logistics companies are international, so theres a range of opportunities and travel to work abroad.

Transport & Logistics

Delivering your future: The de nitive guide to careers in logistics.www.deliveringyourfuture.co.uk

Logistics Skills Calculator: Find out what YOU could earn.www.skillscalculator.org

Made in China: Test your enterprise and Maths skills!www.madeinchinaresources.co.uk

The Logistics Guild: Work placements for military leavers.www.logisticsguild.net

careers world south east autumn 2013

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