careers world west midlands spring 2014

WEST MIDLANDS editi on SPRING 2014

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

PETER JONES CBE

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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, EditorAutomotive

Retail

Armed Forces & Emergency Services

Sport & Fitness

Hair & Beauty

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.

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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


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.


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 8 04/12/2013 14:54


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


Warwickshire College is one of the largest general further and higher education colleges in the UK, with six centres in Leamington, Warwick, Rugby, Moreton Morrell, Henley-in-Arden and Pershore in Worcestershire.

Web: www.warwickshire.ac.uk


Do lots of research go to open events and taster sessions, try di erent things to nd out what you really want to do, and where. Visit colleges, talk to tutors and current students to nd out what the student experience is really like. Dont just do a course because your friends are; make sure you choose whats right for you. Its your future take control of it.


We are proud to deliver outstanding teaching and learning for our students, in

The College

We have been helping people move forwards with their lives for over 25 years. In that time we have learned one thing for certain, it requires more than just training. We promote an attitude and approach designed to help deal with lifes ups and downs both now and in the future. Web: www.junipertraining.co.uk


Like any decision made in life, it is important to ensure that you make the right choice for you. Its easy to make a decision based on your comfort zone, and often young people make a decision just because their friends are doing it. This is not always the right choice as people have di erent interests and ambitions. Making that rst step after secondary school is a scary experience, but something you always need to remember is that you are not alone; everyone else is taking that step with you.

The Training Provider

De Montfort University (DMU) is committed to giving its students an education that will propel them into successful careers, while equipping them with vital life skills.Web: www.dmu.ac.uk


Once you have decided that university is an option for you, the rst step is to research which courses are available. You are ideally looking for courses that you will enjoy, but also that will allow you to go into a career you are interested in. The UCAS website is a great place to start, before moving on to universities websites and prospectuses as your research progresses. We also recommend going along to open days to see what the campus is like and what facilities the university has to o er.

The University


excellent facilities. But we also know that in the current economic climate, just having a quali cation isnt enough for employers. This is why, as a Gazelle college, we o er our students more than just a quali cation.

Whatever course youre doing, A Levels or animal welfare, horticulture or construction, we give you the chance to develop employability skills such as creative thinking, communication skills, problem-solving, and time management to help you progress into a successful future career.

Our students also get the opportunity to work in commercial environments, attend unique events and take part in enterprise competitions opportunities which add real credibility to your CV or UCAS statement.


Whatever our students ambitions, whether university, employment or starting their own business - were there to support them every step of the way. For those who want to get a job, our unique study programmes will ensure that they can develop their employability skills to make sure theyre work-ready when they leave us, with more than just a quali cation.

If students are interested in starting their own businesses, then the college can support them through our enterprise board. The board o ers support and guidance to budding entrepreneurs, ensuring that the best ideas are worked on quickly and successfully, from the rst pitch through to

testing, piloting and completion. The board has supported student ideas including a plant identi cation system and tree surgery company.

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?We o er our students an outstanding learning experience, in rst class facilities with dedicated tutors and sta . But what makes us di erent is that youll get more than just a quali cation well help you achieve your goals and develop the skills to match what employers and universities are looking for.


Junipers Mint course o ers a relaxed, fun, and friendly environment that focuses on your individual needs. Our groups consist of a maximum of 14 students which allows for more focused learning and support.

Mint is split into 4 focussed sections. First you will undergo a 4 week engagement period. Second is the development period, including an enterprise project which enables students to use a set budget of 100 to produce a product they feel will sell and make a pro t. Third is the vocational option, where you will focus on building your knowledge of the working environment. Finally is work experience in the occupational

area that you are interested in so that you get to see what its like to work in that sector.


Juniper works to support our students both academically and personally. Throughout Mint, students are supported through a variety of emotional and pastoral matters. Each student has an individual plan which helps map their progress. Each week we run a full day dedicated to developing the core subjects of Maths and English, with tailored sessions working on the areas that you need to develop.

Juniper also o ers several additional incentives to help prepare our students for

the world of work, including motivational employer visits, monthly one to one reviews, Apprenticeship talks from experienced professionals, and much more.

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?If you are looking for a course thats tailored to suit your needs and that o ers a full package of support then Junipers Mint course is for you.

We will work with you to develop the skills needed to not only gain employment or an Apprenticeship, but to sustain it. Our courses have helped hundreds of young people to progress into their occupational area of interest, including administration, care, animal care, youth work, hair and beauty, accountancy, sports & recreation and many more.


At De Montfort University (DMU) we have invested around 200 million in providing award-winning facilities which include industry standard equipment, studio spaces, a 24 hour library, specially designed workshops and a wide range of places for you to play sport, relax and enjoy yourself.


DMU o ers a range of support for all students, from academic assistance to help

you achieve everything you want to during your studies, to advice and guidance from our Careers and Employability Team to help you accomplish your occupational goals.

We also have a dedicated Student Support Team whore always there to help you make the most of your time at DMU, and assist with any queries you have during your time with us.

WHY SHOULD CANDIDATES PICK YOU?With a 90 million campus transformation project in progress and the recent launch of #DMUglobal, now really is an exciting time to study at DMU.

We are committed to ensuring our students

graduate ready for the world of work, so our courses are designed with employability in mind. Not only are more than 170 of our courses professionally accredited, but we also provide 1,850 work placements with companies such as Caterpillar, 3M and PepsiCo.

Our new initiative, #DMUglobal aims to give the majority of our students an international experience while studying with us, ultimately enhancing their CV and giving them a competitive edge. The placements will be tailored to your academic needs and provide rewarding life experiences. It could be anything from a week of intensive language training, to a whole year abroad working at a global company.

We are keen to recruit young people who:Have or are predicted to gain five GCSEs at Grade A-C or who have completed AS, A levels or BTEC National in Engineering and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career.

Get in touch today!

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

Jorden Allcock - Higher ApprenticeWhats 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 x technical problems for the 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 x myself.

Team-working 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 exible about where you work, as you may have to travel to o ces 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 o ces around the world, means when you have completed the programme the opportunities are endless.

If you think an apprenticeship is for you, nd out more or apply by visiting www.uk.capgemini.com/careers

Former NEW College student to represent the CountryA former apprentice and student of North East Worcestershire College has been selected to represent the college at the 42nd annual World Skills Competition, taking place in Leipzig, Germany, alongside over 900 competitors from around 50 di erent countries.

Adam Proudman, from Birmingham, undertook a level 3 Apprenticeship with NEW College. During this time he was successful in reaching the SkillAuto National nals competition in 2011, where he nished 3rd overall. It was due to his performance in that competition that Worldskills UK approached him to join the UK Team. After successfully completing further practical

assessments, Adam has now been chosen to represent the country in the skill of Automobile Technology.

Tutor Je Cross, who taught Adam throughout his time at the College, said: Having watched Adam grow over the past three years, I have seen his potential realised. Its a great achievement and we wish him the best of luck, Im sure he will do us proud. Adam has also been successful in securing a place at Derby University where he will be studying Motorsport.

For information on a wide range of courses with exciting career opportunities contact NEW College by phoning 01527 570020

or visiting the website at www.discovernewcollege.com

16 www.careersworld.co.uk16 www.careersworld.co.uk

King Edward VI CollegeKing Edward VI College is the only Sixth Form College in Warwickshire specialising in the teaching & support of 16-19 year olds. We take students from Coventry, Warwickshire, West Midlands and neighbouring counties. The college has over 1100 students, approximately 80% of which will go on to University.

With an excellent reputation and long established track record of success, the college o ers over 50 subjects at AS, A-level and BTEC, all available at one institution.

Our teachers are highly quali ed academics who specialise in their subject area and are dedicated to teaching only Sixth Form students. We provide an excellent environment for students to develop the work and personal skills needed for university or employment. Our sta are skilled in providing excellent advice and guidance when selecting a university or career choice.

We provide an unrivalled range of enrichment opportunities

designed speci cally for 16-19 year olds. You will have the opportunity to participate in up to 17 sports teams and even compete at a national level.

Starting college gives students the chance to reinvent themselves. A fresh start leads to more invigorated and motivated students. College is a chance to make new friends, have greater freedom of expression and be treated like an adult.

Our students gave the following reasons for coming to college rather than staying on at their school:

More freedom and a more relaxed environment

More subjects to choose from

Meeting new people Wanted a change High standard of education All students the same age,

no younger students Better opportunities Good support

Web: www.kecnuneaton.ac.uk

Birmingham Metropolitan CollegeIf youre a Year 11 student in Birmingham or the Black Country and youre thinking about what your next level of study or training is going to be, then theres only one choice to make the bright choice, with Birmingham Metropolitan College.

Reasons to choose Birmingham Metropolitan College:

We have one of the best ranges of courses on o er with 49 A levels and over 25 vocational, practical subjects for you to choose from.

The quali cations body BTEC presented us with the award for the Most Innovative Apprenticeship Provider due to our links with major employers like BMW and Samsung and because our training facilities are some of the best in the country.

We were named college of the year by British Colleges Sport (BCS) and the Association of Colleges (AoC), and presented with an award that celebrated our sporting success at both a regional and national level over the last 12 months.

Working with some of the regions major business and nance employers, including KPMG, Deloitte and Deutsche Bank, we have recently opened the Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy (GBPSA) for young people aspiring to work in nance, law, accounting, banking and other related industries.

If you would like to know more about BMET, visit www.bmetc.ac.uk where you can search more for information about courses

and facilities and nd out the dates of our next Open Events.

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

Midland Group Training ServicesMidland Group Training Services has a number of exciting employment opportunities for school and college leavers, including undertaking an engineering Apprenticeship in Coventry and Warwickshire. An Apprenticeship is an excellent route into a career in engineering. An Apprenticeship with MGTS provides both the opportunity to develop practical skills as well as to study in an academic environment.

Engineering is the use of Maths and Science to design, build and maintain structures, machines, systems and processes that are vital for our everyday lives. So youll need to have, or have been predicted to achieve, good GCSE grades (A*-C) in English, Maths, and Science.

You will be paid by your employer an average of 180 per week. This will increase annually as you develop and gain more skills, becoming more useful to your employer.

As trained professionals, engineers are highly respected and are very well paid. Many get top jobs and even run their own companies. If you enjoy working as part of a team, enjoy solving problems and have a practical air, youll nd engineering has a lot to o er. We have an excellent Technical Centre at Coventry where youll learn how to use the latest machinery and equipment.

Web: www.mgts.co.ukTel: 02476 630333

Apprentices Bene t from Community Bene ts!

Did you know that Sandwell Councils Community Bene ts Coordinator, Karen Richards, makes sure that all the local developments and builds take on local labour and recruit local apprentices?

When the council buys in services or has large developments going on, Karen makes sure a Community Bene t Clause is included in any commissioning documents. That means the contractors are required to take on a certain number of apprentices through Think Local, Future Skills Sandwell and Youth Employment Teams.

The number of apprentices they are required to take on depends on the size of the project. For example the recent Tesco development led to 19 opportunities with the main contractor and subcontractors on site! Karen works closely with employers and the Youth Employment Team to make sure that the highest possible number of positions is made available

to local Sandwell residents for training and employment throughout the lifetime of the development.

If you want to become a construction apprentice in carpentry, painting and decorating, plastering or bricklaying; give Future Skills Sandwell a call to arrange an appointment to discuss your future on 0121 555 4350.Or you could register on the National Apprenticeship website where you will nd all of Think Locals apprenticeship opportunities:www.apprenticeships.org.uk

If you are an employer and would like to discuss taking on an apprentice please give Future Skills a call or to discuss Community Bene ts and how you can support Sandwell and its economy call Karen on 0121 569 2104

Email: [email protected]: 0121 555 4350


WHATS THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Its all about xing stu that breaks down. Anything that has an engine, from a basic 50cc moped to a 300,000 supercharged sports car. This might involve something simple like doing an MOT or a service, to more complicated procedures such as replacing internal engine parts or restoring panels on the vehicle that have become damaged or dented.

WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

Your salary will vary massively on your experience and your area of expertise. Many garages are privately owned businesses that have a good register of customers; these returning customers mean they have faith in your work and will pay (and possibly tip) more. Your starting salary will be between 9000 and 13,000, but will quickly rise as you become more established. If you choose to work in sales, you can also earn commission on top of your salary.

WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

In this sector youll be working in one of three environments depending on your choice of career; if you choose tting, repairs or body work, youll be in a mechanics garage working with tools and machinery to x vehicles. If you choose roadside assistance,

you will be out and about on roads recovering stranded vehicles. Finally, if you work in sales, youll nd yourself in a shiny showroom full of clean cars and those weird fake plants they have in every car salesroom for some reason.

HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

This sector generates a whopping 6.5 million to the UK economy each year! There are over 32 million vehicles on the roads in this country alone, which 740,000 people work to maintain and service. There are also 8 F1 teams based in the UK, who employ sta in a whole range of roles, from pit technicians to performance analysts.

WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

You will nd mechanics garages and workshops in nearly every town in the UK. Car show rooms are also found nationwide, but are mostly concentrated on business parks located on the outskirts of towns and cities.

AutomotiveOkay, so cars are totally awesome. From the Mini to the Mercielago, cars come in all shapes and sizes and require a fair bit of work to keep them roadworthy. If youre a regular old petrol-head, then this is de nitely the career for you!

You ask us...

Remit currently has dozens of Apprenticeship vacancies across the country. Those young people who are

interested should contact the recruitment team on 01623 410 020 or visit

www.remit.co.uk

THE REAL WORLDApprentice takes top spot at national awardsRemit works with almost 7,000 young people across the country, and its awards ceremony, which took place on the 20th December at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nottingham, celebrated the individuals who excelled.

David Price joined the Surf Blue Garage in Giltbrook as an Apprentice Vehicle Technician in 2009. He has a real passion for Minis, having converted one at the age of 15, and was delighted to secure a position with the local Mini specialist.

But it was two years into his Apprenticeship that everything changed and David was presented with an opportunity he couldnt turn down.

He said: Id really enjoyed working at the garage and the owner was ready to sell up and retire, so he gave me and the others an opportunity to buy the garage, before it went on the open market. I wanted to keep the business going and carry on with restoring these old Minis.

Remit were fantastic and gave me a gap year in my Apprenticeship to allow me to set up the business.

Not many people get to do their hobby as their job, but I do and Im so glad I took on my Apprenticeship. Winning this award is a fantastic honour; I hope I can inspire other young people to follow their dreams.


MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRThis is all about keeping vehicles on the road. You might specialise in cars, buses, motorcycles or campervans, as every vehicle needs a di erent sort of attention. The engines, tyres, transmission and the other parts di er depending on what youre working on. You might be doing a routine service, or replacing whole mechanical systems in your daily regime; either way, I hope you like the smell of petrol! Youre looking at a starting salary of around 13,000 here.

BODY AND PAINT TECHNICIANFrom the tiniest chip to the biggest smash, prangs, knocks and little accidents are commonplace in the driving world and when the unexpected happens, people need their cars xing up. This is where Body and Paint technicians come in; it might be a full body rework or it might just need a touch up of paint but no two jobs will ever be the same. This is quite a specialised eld, so the salary is a little higher, usually between 13,500 (starting out) and 20,000.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCEYou can guarantee that at some point in the future, youll be in a vehicle that breaks down. 50 years ago, this would have meant walking miserably to the nearest town, but becoming stranded now is a thing of the past. Roadside Technicians x broken down vehicles and if the repairs cant be done there and then, theyll tow your stricken vehicle to the nearest garage for you. Salaries here range from 13,000 to 16,000.

FITTING TECHNICIANFitting involves the installation of parts such as tyres, exhausts, batteries and brake pads while the customer waits. Youll have to have a familiarity with a wide range of vehicles and brands so that you can t the right parts to the right model of car. Salaries start at around 12,000 and rise to 15,000 when fully quali ed.

PARTS OPERATIONSSelling parts is an important area of the automotive industry, as most people from customers right up to car dealerships and garages require parts to sell in their workplaces. Youll be in charge of stock checking, dealing with customers (so best customer service voice on!), processing payments and organising distribution. Salaries are fairly low to start with, at about 9,000, but your income will increase quickly as you progress.

AUTOMOTIVE SALESSelling cars isnt easy; your earnings will be based on commission, so youll have to sell honestly but productively in order to please both your employer and your customers. Cars are expensive, so youll have to make sure the customer is getting exactly what they want for the price o ered. You get a base salary of around 12,000 which is boosted by commission you make on sales. As you progress and grow in the industry, both your salary and your commission rate will signi cantly rise.

Careers ChoicesCars, motorbikes, buses, campervans, transit vans and Lorries all have one thing in common; theyll all inevitably break down at some point and leave you standing by the road waiting in the rain for a man in an orange jacket to take you to a garage. However, if youre a mechanic, you can x the issues without a problem (not necessarily by the road if its something major like a wheel falling off, youll probably be at a garage for that). Fixing automotives is a highly skilled trade that requires a fair amount of knowledge; from engines to exhausts, each part of a vehicle requires a different set of skills. This sector also covers body and paint work, roadside assistance and the selling of automotives.

Automotive


REGIONAL FOCUSZytek Group, the automotive

and motorsport company, make the West Midlands their

home in Sta ordshire, near the old air eld. Goodyear Tyres and Dunlop Tyres are also in the area and

manufacture for motorsport. The region is the biggest in the UK for the production

of cars, with companies like Jaguar and Peugeot UK having their head o ces

here, so obviously there is plenty of work for anyone

interested in the automotive industry. Alongside these

factors, Birmingham has the biggest population in the UK outside of London, thats a lot of cars to be sold and

maintained!

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:Roadside Assistance and Recovery Vehicle Body and Paint Operations Vehicle Fitting Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Vehicle Parts Operations Vehicle Sales

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.Roadside Assistance and Recovery Vehicle Body and Paint Operations Vehicle Fitting Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Vehicle Parts Operations Vehicle Sales

A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. However, for this industry its a less popular pathway to take due to the lack of practical learning the student receives. It could, however, be used to get onto a Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

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. There are a wide range of Foundation Degrees available for this sector, such as Mechanical Engineering and Motor Vehicle Performance.

COLLEGE COURSESA college course is another way to get into this sector. For more information, check out www.careersworld.co.uk

VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONSThis is the most popular route into the automotive industry, as it allows students to combine practical and theoretical study. In this way, students gain working experience while also learning about things like Maths, Science and English.

QUALIFIED MECHANICS CAN

EARN OVER30,000 PA

514,000PEOPLE WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY

MORE THAN

39,700BUSINESSES MAKE UP

THIS SECTOR

Automotive

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

MANAGEMEN

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ESSENTIAL BUSINESS SKILLS

ES & CUSTO

MER SER

VICEHEA

LTH & SAFETY

QUALITY &

IMPROV

EMENT

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SENIOR

MANA

GEME

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

APPRENTICESH

IPSSEA

RCH & SE

LECTILM


WHAT IS RETAIL ALL ABOUT?Retail is all about selling stu 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 o on somewhere between 11,000 to 16,000, which might not sound a lot but you have to factor in sta 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 stu .


There will be people everywhere, so if you have good customer service skills youll be ne. If you dont, get some, because its essential to the shoppers experience. You need to be adaptable as not everyone is a happy shopper, 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.

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

You ask us...

Web: www.ptp-training.co.ukTel: 03332 408 302

THE REAL WORLDJake, Mid Counties Co-operativeWhen Jake was 18 he noticed an advertisement to join an Apprenticeship programme with Performance Through People (PTP) and the Co-op. He saw this as a great opportunity to better himself and enrolled on the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Retail Skills (Specialist) course.

Jake goes out once a month to o job training sessions which are relevant to his course. Jake felt that these sessions with PTP sta boosted his team working, presentation and public speaking skills.

Jake was suddenly put to the test when he unexpectedly had to step up and run the store himself. This tested everything he had learnt and really threw him in at the deep end, but he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and succeeded in rising to the challenge.

Jake said This is a really great course; I disliked sixth form so I enjoyed the fact that I only had to go out once a month to a classroom environment. I would de nitely encourage others to go down the Apprenticeship route as there are great opportunities for progression, especially with the Co-op.

Terri, Jakes Manager said Apprenticeships not only get new blood into companies but give learners the chance to get their foot on the ladder. Support from PTP helps with the theoretical side, which is great as sometimes they need an external push.


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 according to your design, so that the customers are getting a good experience and therefore buying stu . 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 sta 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 day-to-day tasks will vary depending on your employer, but these roles are found across the sector:

Retail


REGIONAL FOCUSThere are over 1 million

people in Birmingham alone, and thats a lot of shoppers.

For this reason, most of the retail opportunities are

focused on the Birmingham area. The Bullring is located

in the city centre and is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. Coventry

West Orchard centre is known for its range of

shops. Wolverhampton has the Wulfrun Centre and the

Mander Centre, located in the heart of the city.

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 work 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 an opportunity to go far! Entry levels vary, so its best to check the brands website for more information.

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

Retail

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

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


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.


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).


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.


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.


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.


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


REGIONAL FOCUSThe regional Army brigade for the West Midlands is

143 Brigade, who are based out of Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury. They have

strong ties to the local community and often reach out to help army families in the region. The two major air bases in the region are

RAF Cosford, focused on the training of Ground Tradesmen

and RAF Shawbury.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service covers

the whole of the region, with about 50% of their

treated patients coming from Birmingham. The re service

is split in the region with West Midlands Fire Service covering the majority of the region but Sta ordshire Fire

and Rescue maintaining the rest. Similarly the West Midlands Police cover most

of the region but Sta ordshire Police are the authority in the

north east of the area.

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

Cauldon Campus: Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DG

Burslem Campus: Moorland Road,Burslem, Stoke on Trent, ST6 1JJ

AGED 16-18?Achieve your goals atStoke on Trent CollegeOur Real Education includes:

Genuine work environments Work experience on all study programmes A unique Job shop on site Support for university entry Brand new Sports Academy New Sports Science facilities in 2015

Visit: www.stokecollege.ac.ukfor course information

Open Evenings:February 13th, March 19th, May 8th 20145pm - 7.30pm


WHATS THE SPORT AND FITNESS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Its more than just working out at the gym; this sector also includes coaching people in various sports, running outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and gliding and of course there are the roles that support sports centres, gyms and activity areas.


The starting salaries vary according to the role you will play, but they tend to range from 12,000 to 15,000 and can be upwards of 25,000 with experience. For example, a fully quali ed Fitness Instructor can earn over 32,000 a year.


Again, this depends on your role. If you are working in tness, then you are likely to be in a gym or sports centre. Outdoor activities can take you to rivers, cli faces, mountains, oceans and ski slopes, so be prepared to ll your wardrobe with clothing to suit the occasion!


Sport and Fitness is a popular sector to work in and it employs 663,000 people across the country, which accounts for 2% of the total UK workforce. Over 4 million people are subscribed to some sort of tness or gym program, so there will never be a shortage of people to help. The one downside to this is the cost and some people see it as a luxury they cannot a ord. Perhaps this is something you can change for the better!


Youll nd gyms all over the place although some of the private ones can be found attached to spas and hotels and can be in the middle of nowhere. The bigger chains can be found in towns and city centres along with council run sports centres. Outdoor activity centres are usually found in the countryside, but also look out for places by the sea and in forested areas.

Sport & FitnessKeeping t is very important nowadays; the time of extra Yorkshire puddings and chips are gone! People are more keen to get and stay in shape and this sector is all about helping people do just that.

You ask us...

Contact for further information about courses in Sports, Fitness or Coaching at

Stoke on Trent College: Website: www.stokecoll.ac.uk

Email: [email protected]: 01782 208208

THE REAL WORLDGareth Chetwyn,BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Exercise, Fitness and CoachingGareth said, My goal is to work as a tness instructor and personal trainer, so I chose this particular course to help me develop my skills in the tness industry. My time here has helped me become more con dent and Ive really enjoyed learning about how the body works and reacts to exercise. Ive also found out about the bene ts of balanced nutrition which gives me even more employment opportunities. So, if youre interested in sport, tness and how the body works then this course is really worth taking.

Gareth bene ts from the brand new Sports Academy opened at Stoke on Trent College in 2013, which features a sports hall, tness gym, physiotherapy lab and aerobics studio.

Stoke on Trent College o ers progression routes from Level 1 to degree level, delivered either full-time or part-time in the areas of sport, exercise, tness and sports science. All our courses are designed with employers needs in mind and all have signi cant practical content as well as experience of work within the study programme.


PERSONAL TRAININGPeople hire Personal Trainers (or PTs as they are commonly known) so they can have one on one training sessions tailored to suit their needs. Youll need a wide knowledge of physiology and the body so that you can cover all possible areas that a person might ask for. As well as just training them, you will be giving them nutritional advice and therapies such as warm downs, stretches and massages to help the client relax after a workout.

COACHINGSir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Martin Johnson and the like all started out as coaches before they became successful managers. Coaching is all about using your skills and knowledge to guide others as they start out their sports careers and this could be coaching at grassroots level with an U9s basketball team, right up to working for the big sports clubs in England.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIESThere are a whole host of outdoor pursuits that you can work with. Sports such as White Water Rafting, Paintballing, Go-Karting, Zip-Lining, Abseiling and Caving all require instructors and supervisors to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable time. Instructors can also coach people who are interested in making a career out of their sport.

SPECTATOR SUPPORTEvery professional sports match requires stewards to maintain health and safety, help people with queries and act in case of an emergency. NVQs are available in spectator safety, where youll learn skills such as con ict management, rst aid and dealing with emergencies.

OPERATIONSThe operations section of Sport and Fitness is important; its all about the day to day running of a centre, gym or facility. Whether thats maintaining the equipment, keeping everything clean and hygienic, taking bookings and sorting memberships or managing the whole place, this sector wouldnt run without responsible, organised people behind the scenes.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?Salaries start out between 12,000 and can rise to 25,000 as you gain experience. Gym Managers can earn upwards of 35,000.

Careers ChoicesYou dont have to be a tness fanatic to work in this sector (but it probably helps to be a little t) and there are many more roles than people think. This industry also covers outdoor activities, play work (with young children and toddlers), coaching in the community and the operation of gyms and sport centres. Here are some of the areas within this industry you could go into:

Sport & Fitness


REGIONAL FOCUSSport is big business in the West Midlands, with some

of the countrys biggest football teams coming from

the region, namely Aston Villa, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. There is

a big call for other sports in the region, with Birmingham

Speedway being home to a variety of motorsports.

Darts, cricket and boxing are prevalent in the area too. In 2014 Birmingham University has been ranked the number one uni for Sport Science in

the UK.

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 is 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.Leisure Operations Coaching Instructing Exercise and Fitness Activity Leadership

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 th

careers world west midlands spring 2014

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