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NORTH EAST edion 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 Uni UCAS: THE GUIDE AFFILIATE MEMBER

Careers World North East AUTUMN 2013

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Featuring: Jessica Ennis-Hill, UCAS: The Guide, RPA and Traineeships, and loads more 14-19 careers and training info and articles

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  • NORTH 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

  • With over 350 career opportunities in the NHS there are plenty to choose from.

    Patient transport service

    Arts therapists

    Assistant technical officer

    Au

    dio

    log

    y

    Biomedical science

    Cardiographer

    Chef

    Chaplain

    Ster

    ile s

    ervi

    ces

    man

    agem

    ent

    Clinical engineer Clinical

    immunology

    Personal assistant

    Co

    un

    sello

    r

    Critical care science

    Chiropodist

    Dental hygienist D

    ram

    ath

    erap

    ist

    Life sciences

    Die

    titi

    an

    Doctor

    Midwife

    Dental nurse

    Emergency medicine

    Fin

    anci

    al m

    anag

    emen

    t

    Gardenersand grounds staff

    General management

    General practice

    Health promotion specialist

    Hea

    lth

    vis

    itin

    g

    HR

    Hea

    lth

    care

    ass

    ista

    nt Information management

    IT

    Learning disabilities nursing

    Nursery nurse

    Occupational therapist

    Op

    hth

    alm

    olo

    gy

    Orthodontics

    Occupational therapy support worker

    Painter

    Para

    med

    ic

    Pathology

    Pharmacist

    Pharmacy technician

    Phlebotomist

    Physiotherapist

    Port

    er

    Practice management

    Psychological wellbeing practitioner

    Prosthetist

    Psychiatry

    Psychologist

    Communications

    Radiography assistants

    Radiographer

    Rad

    iolo

    gy

    Respiratory physiology

    Sleep sciences

    Secretary

    Speech and language therapist

    ApprenticeshipsStores and distribution staff

    School nursing

    Dentist

    Theatre support worker

    Vascular science

    Urology

    Customer Service

    Phys

    ical

    sci

    ence

    s an

    d

    eng

    inee

    rin

    g

    Business administration

    Ort

    ho

    pti

    st

    Operating department practitioner

    Dental technicianNurse

    Estates and facilities management

    Health records staff

    Health and social care

    Emergency medical dispatcher

    Nurse cadet

    Den

    tal n

    urs

    e

    Mechanical engineering

    Plumbing

    Elec

    tric

    al e

    ng

    inee

    rin

    gPa

    inti

    ng

    an

    d

    dec

    ora

    tio

    n

    Wood occupations

    An

    aest

    het

    ics

    Cardiographer Cardiac sciences

    Knowledge management staff

    Hospital play staff

    Linen services staff

    Housekeeper

    GP

    At Health Education North East we ensure our workforce has the right amount of people, with the right skills and attitudes to deliver excellent care to our patients. If you would like to be partof the north east NHS workforce check out our website for the range of opportunities available.

    Ever thought of a future in the NHS?

    [email protected]

    ne.hee.nhs.uk

    @HealthEd_NE

    Music therapists

    Physiological sciences

    Business managerLibraries, archives and information services

    Leadership and management

    Librarian

    Children's nursing

  • 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]

    Advertising | [email protected] | [email protected]

    ISSN: 2050-6600

    52 5450

    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...

    Travel & HospitalityFinance & Law

    AutomotiveHealth & Social CareIT & Telecoms

    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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 10 www.careersworld.co.uk

    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

  • 11www.careersworld.co.uk

    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.

  • 13www.careersworld.co.uk

    Section Heading

    At Health Education North East we ensure the north east NHS workforce has the right number of people, with the right skills and attitudes to deliver excellent care to our patients. Managing Director, Elaine Readhead gives her view on careers in the NHS.Web: ne.hee.nhs.uk

    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?

    Keep trying until you succeed!

    I started out as a student nurse in 1981. I loved my various roles as staff nurse, ward sister and community nursing team leader, priding myself on working hard to deliver the best quality care for the patients that I served.

    I then progressed into the National Institute for Mental Health as workforce, education, training and leadership lead. I was able to in uence education and training to ensure patients were at the heart of everything.

    I then became the Director of the North East Leadership Academy. The core purpose of the organisation is to develop leaders to improve services for the patients.

    All roles have offered me the chance to develop people whilst continuing to emphasise the importance of striving to improve the care we deliver.

    I am proud to work alongside the many dedicated individuals that make up the NHS.

    WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

    The NHS exists to promote and provide healthcare for patients and therefore we look for individuals with the right skills, but most importantly the right attitudes and behaviours to ensure the quality of care we deliver is the best it can be. So speci cally we look for a caring nature, compassion and empathy for the patients and their families that we come into contact with.

    WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

    The NHS in the north east employs 72,000 people - 30% nursing and midwifery , 21% clinical support 21% admin and clerical, 9% medical and dental 7% estates, 6% Allied health professionals 3% healthcare scientists 3% scienti c, therapeutic and technical - so choose any career and it is likely that there is a role in the NHS!

    IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

    Be yourself, work hard and seek feedback on your performance at every opportunity, so you can continue to learn and improve all the time. Learning is never complete.

    The Employer

  • 14 www.careersworld.co.uk

    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

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

    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.

    A good time to join Northumberland CollegeWeb: www.northumberland.ac.ukTel: 01670 841 200 Email: [email protected]

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

    With a recent Good Ofsted inspection result, excellent success rates that place them in the top 10% of colleges in England and a 9 million development of the college estate it is a good time to join Northumberland College.

    Northumberland College offers hundreds of exciting courses in subjects including hairdressing, engineering, IT, construction, early years, art, sport, travel and tourism and construction amongst many others.

    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

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

    You will gain a deep insight into and understanding of your chosen subject area, plus an internationally recognised quali cation that will enable you to start working towards a successful career. At DMU we focus huge amounts of effort ensuring our graduates go onto fantastic jobs we offer placement years with many of our degree courses and have industry links with leading UK and international employers such as Deloitte, Hewlett Packard and the BBC.

  • 15www.careersworld.co.uk

    The Training Provider

    WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

    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.

    WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

    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.

    IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

    Be yourself, research the position and know your employer!

    The College

    Students have access to industry standard facilities such as a replica aircraft, hair and beauty salons, construction workshops, a photographic studio and professional kitchens.

    The colleges Kirkley Hall Campus is the leading provider of land-based training in the region and boasts fantastic learning environments including a zoo, an equestrian centre, two farms, a high ropes course and extensive gardens.

    For those individuals who wish to enter the world of work, an Apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain a quali cation whilst earning a wage. Northumberland College offers Apprenticeship training in over 40 subjects, one of the largest ranges in the region.

    WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

    Northumberland College provide apprenticeships, full-time and part-time, employability and higher education courses from Entry Level to Degree Level in a wide range of subject areas.

    To become an apprentice you will typically be expected to have two GCSEs at grade D or above and be employed in a related role. The entry requirements vary by course and can be found online at www.northumberland.ac.uk

    WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

    Opportunities exist for students to progress to higher education at either college or university and into employment.

    The progression rate for health and social care students is excellent with 96% moving into related employment or further training including nursing, social work and midwifery last academic year.

    IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

    Embrace college life. Study, have fun and make sure you take part in the extra college activities such as enrichment, The Duke of Edinburghs Award and class trips.

    The University

    Lets not forget that the student lifestyle is key in making the experience memorable. You gain independence, meet lots of new people and live somewhere new (if you choose to). With this in mind, DMU has fantastic facilities, night life, a new 8 million leisure centre, societies and clubs that truly enhance university life.

    WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

    All applicants need a combination of academic quali cations and relevant experience (which always looks positive on an application) to get onto their chosen degree course. The personal statement is a really important part of the process and

    demonstrates your ability to sell yourself we are looking for enthusiasm and a real passion for and dedication to the chosen subject.

    WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

    DMU graduates have gone on to work in a number of careers for employers such as Barclays and Warner Bros, have created stunning digital visualisations for NASA of the latest space discoveries and research, and set trends by designing clothes for Lady Gaga. All graduates show that they are capable of studying at a higher level; you will also develop many transferrable skills such as project management and team

    working, as well as excellent interpersonal skills which are all invaluable in helping you nd your perfect job.

    IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

    University offers fantastic opportunities that are hard to come by at any other time of life make the most of it! Youll meet academic experts, advance your skill set, complete placement years and start networking. You can also join lots of clubs and societies, committees and community projects and make lifelong friends.

  • www.pursglove.ac.uk Prior Pursglove College, Church Walk, Guisborough, TS14 6BU

    01287 280800 [email protected]

    Choose a successful future

    Bestcollege in the area for getting students a place at university

    Sutton Trust Report 2011

    Largest range of A/AS courses in the region

    facebook.com/priorpursglovecollege twitter.com/priorpursglove

    Open Evening Thursday 24th October 2013 5.30pm - 8.00pmOpen Day Saturday 29th March 2014 10.00am - 1.00pm

    This is your chance to meet with staff and students, tour the campus, view the facilities and obtain more detailed information about the

    courses that interest you.

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

    Exciting new BTEC Diploma in Engineering starts this September at East Durham CollegeThis new technical work-related programme covers a wide range of engineering and manufacturing topics. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start your career in this exciting sector.

    For the level 1 diploma you will need to have Maths and English skills at a minimum of Entry Level 3 and at level 1 or above (GCSE grade D to G) to study on the level 2 engineering programmes. To study the Level 3 Subsidiary and Extended Diploma in Engineering you will need to have five GCSEs at grade A* to C, which must include Maths and English.

    On the electrical pathway you will choose from a number of units such as electronic circuit design and construction, electrical and mechanical science for engineering and the operation and maintenance of electrical systems and components.

    On the manufacturing pathway the choice includes units such as casting techniques, computer-aided engineering and welding.

    Each level takes one year to complete, including one year for the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and an additional year to complete the Extended Diploma.

    Successful completion of each programme will enable candidates to progress on to further full time education opportunities in engineering or on to an Apprenticeship. At level 2 there may also be internship or some employment opportunities. Successful completion of the Extended Diploma programme will enable candidates to progress on to an HNC/D or Foundation Degree in Engineering or move into employment.

    Web: www.eastdurham.ac.ukTel: 0191 518 8222Email: [email protected]

    Off to Medical SchoolCallum Scott of Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington had an unusual dilemma when he received the maximum four offers to study Medicine. East Anglia, Hull York, Liverpool and Manchester medical schools all wanted Callum after he had impressed them throughout their gruelling application process. Callum who has achieved top grades in A level Chemistry, Biology, German and Maths has chosen to go to Manchester as he will have the opportunity to spend some of his clinical time in Germany, using his German language skills.

    Stella Barnes, one of the Higher Education and Careers Advisers at QE, commented:

    Callum thoroughly deserves his success. He has been an exceptional student who acted upon advice and prepared an excellent application for Medicine. We were not surprised when he received four offers and are confident that he will cope superbly with his Medical studies.

    Web: www.qeliz.ac.ukTel: 01325 461315

  • 18 www.careersworld.co.uk

    Web: www.stockton.ac.ukTel (Teesdale): 01642 865566Tel (Bede): 01642 373250Facebook: stocktonriversidecollegeTwitter: @srcinfo

    Web: www.bishopaucklandcollege.ac.ukTel: 01388 443 000Email: [email protected]

    Practical placements prove successful for Health & Social Care studentsVictoria Phillippo and Sachin Sharma, both from Newton Aycliffe, have recently completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care at Bishop Auckland College.

    Victoria started on a level 2 course and then moved on to the level 3 extended diploma. She completed her practical placement at Defoe Court Care Home in Newton Aycliffe and as a result has gained fulltime employment there.

    Victoria said: I love my job! Working on placement made the course so much easier as I could relate theory to practice. The placement changed me a lot and has taught me to look at people differently. Ive definitely matured since starting this course

    Sachin wants to go into Mental Health Nursing and has been offered a place to study at Northumbria University.

    Sachin said: The course structure has really suited me and the fifty per cent practical placement at Earlston House in Darlington has given me the experience, knowledge and confidence to go to university.

    Bishop Auckland College is a uniquely vocational college committed to supporting young people. Our careers advisers offer FREE independent advice and guidance, so whether you want to go straight into a job or go on to university before entering employment we can help you choose the right qualification.

    Were serious about giving our students a great learning experience and we want you to have fun and make friends along the way. So why not come to one of our open evenings and speak to the tutors, meet some of our current students and view our fantastic facilities.

    Get in touch for more information on courses, free college transport and our student rewards package worth up to 2000.

    Lizzie Carr, SRC Bede Sixth FormYour first step to a bright futureI enjoy being able to be flexible with my time. Having free lessons allows time for private study or to go to different extra-curricular activities such as discussion groups. I really enjoy the community feel at SRC Bede; its a really close-knit college which allows you to make friends.

    Dan Ryan, Stockton Riverside CollegeNo place so close can take you so farI decided that I wanted to do something different as A levels werent right for me. I heard some great things about the courses at SRC from friends. I enjoy working with children so I decided to undertake a childcare course. I think my experience at SRC has helped me become more independent and given me the drive to succeed!

  • 19www.careersworld.co.uk

    Web: www.darlington.ac.ukTel: 01325 503030

    Web: www. ttraining.co.ukTel: 0191 580 1080Email: info@ ttraining.co.uk

    Funded Apprenticeships are the Treadmill to a Fitness CareerAmbitious North East school leavers interested in pursuing a career in the fitness industry are being invited to apply for funded apprenticeships being offered by Fit Training, a North-East based provider of fitness training courses.

    Successful applicants will follow in the footsteps of hundreds of other young people who have completed the popular programme and gone on to pursue successful careers in the fitness industry. These include Domanick Hoben, a teenager from Westerhope, Newcastle, who is dyslexic and didnt feel like he received the help he needed at school to get him on the right career path.

    Domanick successfully completed his Fit Training apprenticeship and now works full time as a fitness instructor at Springslite in Kingston Park. He is now nearing his career dream of becoming a Personal Trainer and expects to complete his Level 3 qualification in the next couple of months.

    I would highly recommend a Fit Training apprenticeship for anyone who is looking at a career in the fitness industry, said Domanick. I couldnt have made a better decision. You get to work while you learn and its been a huge boost to my confidence, which was lacking at school.

    Building the foundations of a promising futureA student has built a strong future after completing a course at one of the North Easts top colleges.

    Bradley Lowes completed a BTEC level 3 National Diploma in Construction at Darlington College, setting his sights on working as a trainee site manager after doing the course.

    Facing difficulties finding a job during the recession, he decided to go to Northumbria University, where he studied a four year BSc (Hons) in Construction Management.

    Bradley spent the third year of his degree working as a trainee assistant site manager in London, before returning to Northumbria in June 2012 for his final year.

    He graduated with a first class honours degree in construction management in June of this year.

    Bradley also went on to bag the prestigious Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) excellence award in BSc construction management for overall student award.

    The student topped off his achievements by securing full time employment as assistant site manager with Taylor Wimpey, based in Stockton, where he covers the whole of the north division.

    Darlington College offers a range of construction course including Carpentry & Joinery, Bricklaying, Plastering, Painting and Decorating, and Plumbing, from entry level to HNC. Having recently invested in a brand new, extended construction workshop area, students can be sure they are learning in an industry-standard environment.

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  • 21www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE FINANCE AND LAW SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

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

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

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

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    In the Finance sector, youll probably be based in an of ce environment when you rst start out. As you progress, youll nd the building around you gets bigger and posher. If you give nancial advice, you might

    even nd yourself working from home! In the Legal sector, you might be in an of ce sorting case notes, or in the court room where the action is!

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

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

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

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

    Finance & Law

    Web: icaew.com/careersFacebook: ICAEWStartingpoint

    Laura, ACA studentJ.H. Greenwood and Co., Berwick upon TweedAfter realising that I had an interest in numbers and a desire to be an accountant, I decided to study Maths, English, Biology and ICT at A-Level which gained me a place at Manchester Metropolitan University to study Business Economics. With a strong will to succeed, I graduated with a first-class honours degree.

    Knowing that I would not be able to cover the costs of an accountancy qualification myself, my next step was to find a firm who would sponsor me through a professional qualification whilst allowing me to gain valuable on-the-job technical work experience. It was for these very reasons I chose to study towards the ACA qualification and because it is a highly-respected qualification that will hopefully pave the way to a rewarding career.

    I am currently two-thirds of my way through the qualification and I would be lying if I said it was easy juggling work, studying and bringing up a child. Luckily my family and employer are very supportive, and this, combined with the flexibility of the ACA training program makes it possible.

    With hard work and determination anyone can succeed and the rewards will follow!

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

  • 22 www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 23www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    REGIONAL FOCUSNewcastle is an absolute hub of banking activity;

    large national and international nancial companies such as

    Northern Rock, Oliver Financial Partnership and

    Three Counties are all based in the region. In terms of Law, there are

    a total of 32 courts (both magistrate and county) which employ roughly 1,270 people across a

    wide variety of legal job roles.

    THE LEGAL SECTOR DEALS WITH OVER

    500,000CASES PER YEAR

    47%OF UK FIRMS EMPLOY 250

    PEOPLE OR LESS

    MANAGERIAL ROLES ACCOUNT FOR

    37%OF THE WORKFORCE

  • Marsh House Ave | Billingham | TS23 3HB01642 373250 | www.stockton.ac.uk/bedeMarsh House Ave | Billingham | TS23 3HB01642 373250 | www.stockton.ac.uk/bedeMarsh House Ave | Billingham | TS23 3HB01642 373250 | www.stockton.ac.uk/bede

    YOUR FIRST STEP TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

    OPEN EVENINGS

    Monday 14 t h October Th ursday 6th Febru a ry Wednesd ay 19th Ma rc h

    Harvard Avenue | Thornaby | Stockton-on-TeesTS17 6FB | 01642 865566 | www.stockton.ac.uk

    NO PLACE SO CLOSE CAN TAKE YOU SO FAR

    Monday 14 t h October Th ursday 6th Febru a ry Wednesd ay 19th Ma rc h

    Harvard Avenue | Thornaby | Stockton-on-TeesTS17 6FB | 01642 865566 | www.stockton.ac.uk

    NO PLACE SO CLOSE CAN TAKE YOU SO FAR

    Come and visit us to see what college life is all about!

    Open Evenings for 2013/14 at SRC Teesdaleare 6pm 8pm and will be held on:

    Open Evenings for 2013/14 at SRC Bede Sixth Formare 6pm 8pm and will be held on:

    Thursday 1 7th OctoberTuesday 12th November Thursday 6th Ma rc h

  • 25www.careersworld.co.uk

    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.

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    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

  • 26 www.careersworld.co.uk

    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:

  • 27www.careersworld.co.uk

    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 FOCUSWe do enjoy a good

    time up in the North East and Newcastle is widely considered as one of the

    best nights out in the country! There are around 90,000 people employed in hospitality across the region, around 40% of which are employed as full time staff. In terms of travel, the North East

    has two airports; Durham Tees Valley and Newcastle

    Airport, with the latter transporting over 4 million

    passengers last year!

    90%OF THE INDUSTRY WORK FULL-TIME

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

    INDUSTRY

    MORE THAN

    218 MILLIONPEOPLE USE AIRLINES

    EVERY YEAR

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

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

    through a combination of learning methods that may

    include: classroom attendance, online assessments and

    assessments in your workplace.

    An Apprenticeship is available to anyone aged 16 years

    and over, plus each one involves a structured programme

    of training, leading to a recognised qualification. They are

    available at different levels, letting you choose the speed

    you wish to learn at.

    We have invested heavily in real-working environments to

    give you the best possible training, while you also benefit

    from our well established links with local employers.

    We offer a huge range of Apprenticeships including:

    Building Services

    Business and Management

    Construction

    Education

    Engineering and Science

    Hairdressing and Beauty

    Health and Community Services

    Horticulture

    IT and Telecoms

    Motor Vehicle

    Professional Services

    Retail

    Veterinary Nursing

    Sport and Active Leisure

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

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

    Open Doors Advert Version One 01.indd 1 9/2/13 1:29 PM

  • 29www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE IT, DIGITAL AND TELECOMS SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

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

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

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

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    Itll come as no surprise that you will be working in front of a lot of computer screens! Depending on your job role, you could be working in a school, an of ce or even from your own front room! You will have to have good interpersonal skills as computer problems stress people out and youll be encountering a lot of stressed people!

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

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

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

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

    IT, Digital & Telecoms

    Web: www.intraining.co.ukTel: 0330 123 1300

    Chris taps into Apprenticeships withNorthumbrian WaterA Durham man has become Northumbrian Waters first telecommunications apprentice after rejecting university in favour of an Apprenticeship and the opportunity to learn while you earn.

    Chris Tindale, 19, has joined the water and waste management company at its head office in Pity Me, as an Information and Communication Technology Apprentice. Chris combines his time with learning at Intraining and in the workplace. His role involves working on the companys telephone systems across its many sites throughout the North East.

    Chris said: Im much more of a hands on type of person and didnt want to spend all of my time after sixth form in the classroom again. I wanted to develop my skills and experience in the workplace.

    As part of my apprenticeship I am learning about network systems. This is really helping me in my job as I get practical experience of working on them every day. Its really a case of being able to put into practice what I am learning at Intraining. This is definitely the best way for me to learn.

    If you are considering an Apprenticeship as a future career route then get in touch with Intraining today.

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

  • 30 www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 31www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

    THERE IS A TOTAL IT & TELECOMS WORKFORCE OF

    1.5 MILLIONPEOPLE

    IT ACCOUNTS FOR

    4%OF THE UK

    WORKFORCE

    105,000BUSINESSES IN THE UK OFFER IT & TELECOMS

    PRODUCTS & SERVICES

    REGIONAL FOCUSThe North has a rapidly growing IT sector; over

    49,000 people work in IT in the North East region

    and a growing number of small business dealing

    with IT support, sales and even research! The city of Newcastle was one of the rst in the UK to have its city centre covered by wireless internet access and came online in 2006.

    With a growing media industry and a reliance on IT, theres no better career

    to be going into in this area.

  • 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

  • 33www.careersworld.co.uk

    WHATS THE HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

    If you couldnt have guessed by the name, its about helping people who have fallen ill, hurt themselves or have problems at home. The medical side of this industry is vast; doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, dentists, psychiatrists and many more roles help keep this country in top working order. The Social Care side helps people with more domestic issues, like fostering children, working with people with learning disabilities and helping families deal with issues.

    WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

    The average starting salary in this sector is around 13,000, but will quickly increase as you become more experienced and quali ed (this is especially the case with nurses). A fully quali ed nurse will earn upwards of 27,000 and doctors can earn anywhere between 38,000 and 63,000 depending on their speciality. Social workers usually start on 19,000 but can easily be on 35,000 when they become fully quali ed and experienced.

    WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT WOULD I BE WORKING IN?

    This sort of depends on which area of the health sector you go into. If you work in Social

    Care, you will be out and about helping people in your remit. Some areas of responsibility are rather large, so you might need to travel a fair bit. A more of a medical environment awaits those in the Health sector; healthcare assistants can work anywhere from A&E to maternity, whereas doctors and nurses might be based in local surgeries or in actual, surgical situations.

    HOW DOES THIS SECTOR COMPARE TO OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

    As you can imagine, this is a huge sector in the UK. There are more than 1.52 million healthcare workers and over 1.56 million social care workers in this country, so itll come as no surprise that the UK National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in all of Europe!

    WHERE IS THE WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

    Well, every town or city has a hospital. If it didnt, people would get very stuck very quickly. Doctors surgeries can be found in smaller towns and villages, with some surgeries covering more than one village if the area isnt particularly built up. Social Workers work closely with the local authorities helping people in that particular country, but you do also get private rms which cover larger areas of the UK.

    Health & Social Care

    Web: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/icareEmail: [email protected]

    Ollie, Oaklands Community CareOllie left school at the age of sixteen and was unclear about which career path he wanted to take.

    Then he heard about an Apprenticeship at Oaklands Community Care, who deliver care and support services to people with learning disabilities and mental ill health. Ollie felt this might be the career for him as he already had experience within his family of the positive impact supported care can make.

    At Oaklands he was treated like a team member from the outset, initially shadowing project workers, getting to know service users and given responsibility. All this support helped Ollie gain confidence.

    Every day is different for Ollie. His tasks are varied and can include escorting service users to medical appointments, helping them to shop and cook, or just offering emotional support over a cup of tea.

    Ollie works with a range of adults with varying needs across different age groups. He feels a sense of achievement every day helping vulnerable adults back into the community and supporting their needs.

    After school, Ollie didnt think that he would be studying again, but is clear that being an apprentice is the ideal work-based route to a long term career supported by on-going work training.

    Ollie said: I would definitely recommend the Apprenticeship programme to those who want to gain experience in care, whilst training and studying. Its a brilliant programme and the training is second to none.

    Everybody gets sick at some point, its just the way it goes. To help us get better, we have the very best in doctors, nurses, dentists and other medical sta . It could be a strong bout of man u or a bump on the head from falling down the stairs; whatever it is, these guys have got you covered. If you want to be on the side that saves and improves lives, then youve chosen wisely!

  • 34 www.careersworld.co.uk

    ADULT SOCIAL CARECaring for adults is all about helping people who want to go out and live life, but for varying reasons couldnt do it by themselves. Its not about being a form of babysitter; its about helping people live their lives with dignity and independence. Some people are full time carers for family members, or look after several people during the course of their week. Salaries vary depending on your role and, perhaps more poignantly, when in the week you work. Night shifts, bank holidays and weeks usually pay much more than regular working hours, but normal starting salaries are around 13,000.

    ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONSThis covers some of the more specialised career paths within the health sector; radiographers, therapists, dieticians, psychologists and optometrists all come under this section. Your average starting salary is around 17,000 21,000 and will increase as you progress in your eld.

    CHILDCAREChildren require plenty of care; if left unattended they can draw on themselves, drink paint, catch re and fall victim to any number of problems in the world. Childcare is all about making sure children are looked after in a safe, friendly and fun environment; the variables of this are dictated by the age of the children you are caring for and your day might involve planning activities, providing meals, monitoring playtimes and leading basic educational sessions. You can expect to start on around 10,000, but after experience you can earn more and push on for a managerial role, which can earn you upwards of 22,000.

    DENTALGoing to the dentist isnt everybodys favourite thing to do, but dental hygiene is very important to our overall health. The human mouth acts as a gateway to the rest of our body, so if its not working properly, then our body wont act properly either. The dental industry is a highly skilled trade to be in, so therefore you need to have good attention to detail and a good, reassuring nature (not to mention a steady hand!). Dental nurse salaries start out at around 16,000, where as fully quali ed dentists can earn upwards of 30,000 in their rst year.

    HEALTHCARE SCIENCEMedicines, vaccines and other medical related chemicals are all created in a laboratory somewhere by our top healthcare scientists. This is less about surgery and patients and more about working in a lab with chemicals and data, which can be exciting if you enjoy chemistry. This also covers the pharmacists you get medicine from; they are responsible for choosing the right amounts of the right medicines that are prescribed by the doctors. Most starting salaries in this area are around 21,000 and will increase with experience.

    HEALTH INFORMATIONResearchers, analysts, IT professionalsthe list of people required to store the vast amount of people is huge. These people are responsible for keeping a record of literally everything that goes on in the hospital, from prescriptions and surgeries to patient records and medical histories. A hospital without health information would be absolute chaos; this is for those who want to work in a medical environment but dont want to do anything science related. Your salary depends on your role, but it will usually start at around 15,000, but at the top end of the ladder you could expect to earn over double that.

    NURSING & MIDWIFERYNurses assist doctors with complicated procedures, while also tending to the needs of the patients. In some situations, patients will be referred to nurses for simple surgical procedures or for blood sample collection. So it goes without saying that with all this patient interaction youll need to be smiley and approachable so that people feel safe letting you poke and prod them. Midwives are responsible for patients who are about to have (or have just had) babies. This involves both the patients and the babys well being, so if you love being around babies, this is de nitely the career for you. Salaries usually start between 15,000 and 20,000, but can rise to 30,000 and beyond.

    SOCIAL CARESocial workers work closely with young people and families helping with various issues such as behaviour, parenting, education and fostering. They also work with people just released from prison, helping them integrate into society. You might be working in hospitals, prisons or anywhere in the local community. Salaries can range from 19,000 to 22,000 when you start out, but most quali ed social workers are on 32,000 and over.

    WIDER HEALTHCAREAs with the Health Information team, the hospital wouldnt run without the various caterers, porters, maintenance men, gardeners and cleaners. Hospitals have to be kept clean to avoid infection spreading; many cleaning staff undertake courses to become sterilising specialists who clean down rooms and equipment. Salaries start out at around 12,000 and will increase with experience and added responsibility.

    Careers ChoicesKeeping people healthy has never been more important these days; were always looking for ways to protect ourselves from disease, improve our wellbeing or just lose a couple of pounds for the summer season. This sector covers everything from physical medicine and therapies to more specialised areas like psychiatry, fostering and child care.

    The Healthcare sector is huge; there are so many job roles that keep this industry ticking that we couldnt possibly list them all. We just couldnt. What we can do is show you the most popular areas that people go into and which job roles you might encounter when in that area.

  • 35www.careersworld.co.uk

    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:Health and Social Care Health (Pharmacy Services) Health (Informatics) Health (Healthcare Support Services)

    ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPSThese are the equivalent to A-Levels and can usually be joined after completing the associated Intermediate Apprenticeship. They are ideal for people who want a practical role as they learn while gaining valuable employment experience. People with Advanced Apprenticeships tend to progress up the ladder a lot quicker than those without, as the skills they learn are more suited to management and supervisory roles. Here are some of the Apprenticeship Frameworks for this sector and all of these will result in a Level 3 quali cation such as a BTEC, a Diploma or an NVQ.Health and Social Care Health (Allied Health Profession Support) Health (Clinical Healthcare Support) Health (Dental Nursing) Health (Healthcare Support Services) Health (Maternity and Paediatric Support)

    A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. They will be useful to getting into this sector, especially science based quali cations. Here are the relevant A-Levels for this sector.Physics Biology Chemist