Careers Education Information, Advice and Guidance

Careers

Welcome to Shire Oak Academy’s Careers Webpage. This webpage is intended for all students from Year 7 to Year 13 who are seeking to make informed choices about their future. All of the information and advice is also useful for parents, carers and teachers.

For more information about our Careers Programme and Plan for 2023-2024, please follow the link in the downloads section below.

Our Provider Access Policy can be also be found in the downloads section below. 

Latest News

If you are unsure about your future career a good starting point is to identify your personality, skills and interests.

There are various ways you can do this ;

Shire Oak Academy has an ongoing commitment to ensuring that all our pupils have access to good quality impartial careers advice and guidance, thereby ensuring that each pupil has the best possible foundation on which to base their future aspirations and pathways.

To support this, Shire Oak Academy employs Gaelle Holford as your school’s independent Careers Advisor. Gaelle Holford is Level 6 careers adviser qualified.

She is available 2 days per week and her office is situated at the rear office in the school’s library. She is available every Thursday and Friday from 8.30am – 3.30pm.

Gaelle Holford is responsible for offering one to one guidance appointments to students. All students in year 11 will be offered careers meeting. Meetings are available throughout the academic year for all other year groups as requested.

The careers meetings will be individually tailored to meet the needs of each student and will explore the following topics:

  • Post 16 option choices and where you can study or train after year 11
  • Post 18 option choices and looking ahead
  • Year 9 option choices
  • KS5 subject choices and related careers
  • Specific career information and progression 
  • Guidance on how to research effectively with recommended resources and careers tools
  • CV and apprenticeship/employment application form writing
  • Job interview techniques and mock interviews
  • Sixth Form and college interview preparation
  • Sixth Form and college application support
  • SEND support and attendance at annual reviews
  • Support with SEND EHCP planning
  • Guidance on university research and UCAS applications
  • University mock interviews and assessments
  • Support with securing work experience placements

If your son or daughter would like a careers appointment, please ask them to contact Gaelle Holford, email holford.g@shireoakacademy.co.uk

We are proud of our careers provision at Shire Oak Academy. Gaelle’s role is an integral part of our careers provision ensuring that our students have adequate support to help them to prepare and to make well informed and realistic decisions regarding their future option choices.

UNIFROG – www.unifrog.co.uk

 

UNIFROG is the complete destinations platform; a one stop shop for students in all years but of particular interest to KS4 and KS5 students.  It gets students thinking about what they might want to do in the future, whether it be university or an apprenticeship, or just general careers advice and guidance, where students can search their extensive careers subject areas.  Every course and apprenticeship in the UK is on UNIFROG, there are also global options as well.  

 

MOOCS (Massive open online courses) are available to enhance students’ knowledge and skills.  

This careers platform has really transformed the way young people find and apply for post 16 and post 18 opportunities.

 

All students will be guided through logging in to UNIFROG during form time careers sessions.

BeReady – https://learn.bereadygroup.org/login/index.php

 

This free online platform enables students to develop strong employability skills giving them the best possible chance for future success. Students are able to work through accredited micr courses that are employability skills related.

Work Experience: When you know what type of job you want, getting experience is vital. You must make sure that this is the right career for you. Work experience can help confirm that the career is what you want or it may be you hadn’t considered certain aspects of the role and it isn’t for you after all. It is better to discover this on a temporary placement, rather than when you start your actual job, after all the hard work it takes to get there.

 

The big benefit of work experience is that most employers will want it. Some universities too will specify you must have had a work placement before applying to their courses: for example for teaching. As well as this, the skills you gain on your placement can be applied to many different careers; these transferable skills are valued by every employer. It is also an excellent way to network, making links with prospective employers and getting your foot in the door in a hard to crack work area or university course.

 

At Shire Oak all year 12 students will take part in a 2 week work experience placement towards the end of year 12. Students will be expected to find their own placement, however, help will be given if students find it difficult to find a placement. During enrichment lessons help and guidance will be given to students prior to the placement so as to ensure a successful placement.

 

Towards the end of year 9 all students will have the opportunity to take part in a work experience day. This placement will be ideally be undertaken at the workplace of a parent/carer or family friend.

Volunteering: Taking part in voluntary work is a wonderful way of giving back to your community but the benefits to you are also huge. You can gain all sorts of valuable transferable skills that will help your personality flourish and prepare you for the world of work. Here are a few ideas of where to get started:

  • Join clubs at school and outside of school to develop your skills such as teamwork and communication.
  • If you have your own idea for a new extra-curricular club, speak to your Head of House or Head of Year.
  • Year 11 and 12 students can take part in NCS (National Citizens Service), an excellent fun filled project: www.ncsyes.co.uk
  • www.vinspired.com
  • www.ncvo.org.uk
  • Think about joining a local Cadet Force.

Careers and Apprenticeship Advice

www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk – Information about apprenticeships, what you can study, how to apply, who offers apprenticeships and more.

www.apprenticeships.org.uk – Information about apprenticeships.

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/

https://www.careersbox.co.uk/- Useful careers advice videos

https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/ -Support finding a job after school

https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/ Support finding a job after school

https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ – Lots of great advice on alternatives to university

https://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/ – Careers advice specially tailored for disabled pupils

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ – Take a Skills Health Check to help you decide on a future career

https://icould.com – Take the Buzz Quiz to discover new careers suited to you and explore different career profiles

https://www.milkround.com/school-leavers/jobs/ Careers advice for school leavers

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/ – Fantastic overall careers advice, with job profiles giving lots of information of different careers

http://www.futuremorph.org/ – Career opportunities in science and maths

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers

https://www.careerpilot.org.ukCareers information and tools for 11-19 year olds, all in one place 

https://www.startprofile.com – Start is a free, online careers platform, designed to connect 11-18 year olds and their future career potential.

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/ – Advice and tools to help you find out more about yourself and the opportunities open to you. Your My World of Work account will help you discover careers which match your skills, strengths and personality type.

https://successatschool.org/

https://successatschool.org/advice/how-to-become

 

Careers information for different sectors 

www.bubble-jobs.co.uk – Bubble Jobs (digital sector)  

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk – Health Careers  

www.mathscareers.org.uk –  Maths Careers 

https://edu.rsc.org/future-in-chemistry – Chemistry Careers

 www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers – Royal Society of Biology

 www.rsc.org/careers/future – Royal Society of Chemistry

 www.iop.org/careers – Institute of Physics

www.careerscope.uk.net – CareerScope (hospitality, leisure and tourism sector) 

https://www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk – Career in teaching

https://www.tpdegrees.com/ – TechFutureCareers (digital / ICT)

www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk – The Tomorrow’s Engineers programme, led by the engineering community, provides a platform for employers to work effectively with schools to inspire more young people to consider a careers in engineering. 

www.engineeringuk.com – Engineering UK

https://www.thisisengineering.org.uk/

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles – NHS Careers 

www.tastycareers.org.uk – Tasty Careers (food and drink manufacturing)  

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service/about/recruitment – Civil service  

www.skillsforcareanddevelopment.org.uk  – Skills for Care and Development (social care) 

www.careers-in-sport.co.uk – Careers in Sport  

www.gocontruct.org – Go Construct  

http://www.citb.co.uk/research/construction-skills-network/ – Construction Skills Network  www.careersthatmove.co.uk – Move (Passenger transport and travel) 

www.lawcareers.net –  LawCareers.Net 

www.creativeskillset.org – CreativeSkillset (Arts and media) 

www.cim.co.uk/more/get-into-marketing – Chartered Institute of Marketing 

www.bookcareers.com – Book Careers  

www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers –  Royal Society of Biology 

www.rsc.org/careers/future – Royal Society of Chemistry  

 www.iop.org/careers – Institute of Physics

www.futuremorph.org/wp-content/uploads/games/scienceandmaths/index.html#/intro – Future Morph (STEM) www.futuremorph.org Future Morph – Science and maths: see where they can take you (STEM videos) 

https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment

 

University Information

www.ucas.com – Contains official information on all undergraduate courses including course search, applying and tracking your application.

https://univeristy.which.co.uk – Fantastic university advice and course search

www.opendays.com – List dates to university open dates and gives the opportunity to book a place online.

www.skill.org.uk – National bureau for students with disabilities.

www.guardian.co.uk/education/higher-education – University ranking tables and subject profiles.

www.cukas.ac.uk – Conservatories UK admissions service. applicants to most practical music courses in specialist conservatories will need to use this website.

thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk – Excellent overall advice about university

Admissions Tests

www.bmat.org.uk – Biomedical admissions test (BMET) applies to medicine, veterinary medicine and related courses at certain institutions.

www.lnat.ac.uk – National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) applies to all applications to undergraduate law degree at certain universities.

www.ukcat.ac.uk – UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) for medical and dental schools.

www.admissionstests.cambridgeassessment.org.uk – Thinking Skills Assessments for applicants to computer science, economics, engineering and natural sciences at cambridge universities (not all colleges)

 

Finance 

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance – Government website giving information on student finance for university and higher education.

 

Student Life

http://www.nus.org.uk/ – Student rights, finance advice, links to other organisations. Also provide NUS card for special student discount offers.

https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB/content/about – Special student discount offers

 

Gap Year

www.yini.org.uk – year in industry provides talented young people with paid degree relevant work placements.

www.yearoutgroup.org – Association of gap-year providers offering information on opportunities in the UK and overseas.

www.gapwork.com – Information about gap year jobs, volunteer placements and seasonal work abroad.

 

Studying Abroad

www.erasmus.ac.uk – European study opportunities as part of a UK degree course.

www.fulbright.co.uk – Information and advice about studying in the USA.

www.acu.ac.uk – Website for the association of commonwealth universities – provides information on studying abroad.

www.hotcoursesabroad.com – Details of part-time and holiday jobs aimed at students.

www.astarfuture.co.uk

 

Labour Market Information for Black Country

https://www.blackcountryskillsfactory.co.uk/school-resources/local-labour-market-intelligence/

 

Careers Software

https://www.unifrog.org/ – UNIFROG

https://bereadygroup.org/ – BeReady

https://www.fasttomato.com/ – Fast tomato

Shire Oak Academy students have access to a structured and progressive CEIAG programme. The programme aims to support their 6th form education and provide the support, confidence, skills, attributes, credentials that FE, HE and employers are looking for in young people today. 

 

All Shire Oak 6th form students have access to;

  • Two student services advisors – They offer advice and support for UCAS applications, work experience and a range of pastoral, personal matters.
  • Academic Tutors  – All students are allocated an academic tutor, meetings are dependent on need for individual 1:1 support, small group and whole group work. Academic Tutors cover study skills, FE, HE, apprenticeship and work applications also pastoral matters such as mental health as well as monitoring academic progress and general welfare. The VESPA programme is also delivered via academic tutors.

 

Alongside the programme all students are timetabled to attend and experience :

  • Weekly scheduled assemblies for each year group-  themes include academy updates, reminders, current events, charity events, revision, the importance of sleep, staying safe, radicalisation, british values etc 
  • Social Action Projects- Students take part in activities designed to benefit our Academy and local community. This can involve charity days, fundraising and community action that is self driven by students themselves. 
  • A to E- PSHE sessions aimed at the issues relevant to post 16 students. Covering issues such as equality, driving, drugs/alcohol, sex and consent and financial management.
  • Enrichment – timetabled lesson fortnightly – themes include Careers and using UNIFROG, UCAS, Life School, Financial, Couch to 5K and sign language. Guest speakers are invited e.g. forensic linguist in March, Feeding Britain’s future programme covering networking and career pathways in the food and grocery industry in June. Also covers mental health, drugs and alcohol, Mind.
  • Sport Enrichment- Fortnightly sport session with competition based activities and inter form competitions

 

Sixth form students are also encouraged to become involved in at least one of the following roles in order to develop their confidence and soft skills e.g Academy open evening guides with groups of visitors, Reading Leaders, Subject helpers, House captains, Sports Leaders, Work Placements e.g Child Play Learning and Development , Mindfulness, Staying Healthy, Sexual Health, Road Safety/Young Drivers 

 

September:

  • Displays for University Open Days/initiatives with companies and apprenticeships are kept up to date in the study block and KJ common room
  • Year 12 parents information evening “Sixth Form and Beyond” takes place
  • Year 13 UCAS and student finance Information Evening 
  •  All students are emailed as soon as opportunities/initiatives e.g open days, apprenticeships come through to staff, students are able to choose what is relevant to them 
  • Attendance at events such as the UCAS convention, Higher Education fairs and an internal careers convention are actively encouraged as a cohort and individually
  • Personal statement writing clinics offered by a student support adviser 

 

October:

  • Year 11 “What Next Assembly” covering decisions for Post 16
  • 1:1 meetings with careers adviser as and when necessary, throughout year

 

November:

  • Prospective 6th form parents evening in November – takes place in sports hall similar to a careers fair model, senior staff introduce the evening and options available, subject staff provide information and guidance to students and parents
  • Application process begins for 6th form entry
  • Year 12/13 “ethics” enrichment day run by the RE department, delivered annually.  Guest speakers/topics have included holocaust survivor, prejudice and discrimination and radicalisation, mental well being.
  • Progress Meetings in November and March for all Year 12 & 13 students to discuss progress, future plans etc
  • Year 12  “Ethics” enrichment day run by the RE department, annual event.  Guest speakers/topics have included holocaust survivor, prejudice and discrimination and radicalisation, mental health and well being.
  • Scholarship application process begins
  • Sutton Trust mentoring scheme for disadvantaged students applications begins

 

December:

  • Oxbridge candidates across the MAT- Mock interviews take place with staff and students across the trusts’ schools

 

January:

  • Summer School – application process starts for students who express an interest

 

February:

  • Year 13 Parents evening takes place to discuss academic progress.  Individual support and guidance offered on UCAS, apprenticeships etc
  • Year 11 students invited to interview following their application into sixth form – discussion between staff and student on subject choices, career aspirations, current progress and attainment etc
  • Year 12 & 13 parents evening

 

March:

  • Progress meetings in November and March for all Year 12 and 13 students to discuss progress, future plans etc
  • Year 11 parents evening – 6th form stand for students and parents, 6th form students and staff available to talk to students and parents  
  • National careers week – 6th form students delivering assemblies to all year groups about Academy 6th form
  • National careers week – De Montfort University and Birmingham University talks for all students
  • National Careers Week – students sign up to various careers talks from outside business organisations delivered during the week 
  • Speakers For Schools – interactive talk for all year 12 students

 

April/May/June:

  • Preparation for examination season e.g Revision support mainly delivered through enrichment programme and by and with academic tutors
  • Attendance at  UCAS convention for university applicants
  • Year 12 students and parents – UCAS and student finance evening, information Re apprenticeships

 

July:

  • Transition day – preparation for year 12 held towards the end of the Summer term for year 11 students  – study skills, subject meetings, taster lessons, support systems, peer mentoring 
  • “Next Steps”   – Year 12 to 13. A number of days delivering workshops and activities focussing on UCAS/degree apprenticeships, what to expect in Year 13, mock interviews with business representatives, transition interviews, support for apprenticeships, Loughborough University talk. Some current year 12s will mentor year 11s on their transition day in the same week
  • Work Experience – All year 12 students carry out a 2 week work experience placement (this can be split between 2 companies one per week).  In order to transition into Year 13 it is a requirement that all students participate, thus we are guaranteed 100% turn out.  Students are actively involved in finding suitable placements, it is stressed to them that work experience is a really positive and very useful step up to further education and future employment.  We have had some superb placements – ranging from Aston Martin to local nurseries and schools. 

 

August:

  • Results issued to students full staff support is available for students needing to go through clearing or changing university choices.     

                                         

From September 2021 an Alumni programme will be set up to remain in contact with sixth former students leaving Shire Oak Academy, following their progression through Higher Education and into careers, with a view to these students being invited into school to give talks and advice to students looking to go into similar careers.

Entry into university is competitive and there are many different options to explore. The school works with many local universities to help keep you informed but a great starting point is to take a look at the following websites and begin searching for different courses and universities that may interest you. Remember universities are trying to attract you, where you go is down to you – no-one else.

  • UCAS is the leading website. Universities keep UCAS regularly updated about changes to their courses: www.ucas.com
  • Which is another great website to help you explore university. It also includes lots of useful guidance articles: www.university.which.co.uk
  • What A levels do you need for the degree you want to study? www.university.which.co.uk
  • Attending Open Days is crucial to really get a feel of a university and if it is right for you. Click here to Browse the Opendays.com calendar of university and college open days: www.opendays.com/calendar

It is important to check the entry requirements of each course carefully. Drop into the Sixth Form Office if you need advice:  www.ucas.com

  • Unistats uses data from entry requirements, student destinations and national student surveys: www.unistats.ac.uk
  • Education Guardian focuses on the quality of teaching and what students think: www.theguardian.com
  • Push Guide uses a wider variety of factors including money, ease of entry and student life: www.push.co.uk

Personal Statement

The personal statement is the most difficult part of your application and will take a lot of thought and redrafting. The 6th form team and your academic tutors will give you lots of support with this.

These are the main areas that you should include in your personal statement:

  • Why do you want to study this course? What interests you the most about this course? Show off your subject knowledge- be geeky. Talk about the super-curricular activities you have engaged with. (This will form the largest part of your statement).
  • How are your current subjects/studies relevant to your chosen degree?
  • What relevant work experience have you taken part in? Reflect on what you learnt from this experience that will help you on this course.
  • Extra achievements/experiences inside and outside of school that will help you succeed on this course.

Student Debt

Student debt should never be seen as a barrier to university, but you definitely need to consider whether you are happy to take on a student loan or if you would prefer going straight into an apprenticeship and earning while you learn. Will you regret not having the student life experience? There is a lot to consider.

Yes, you will have a lot of debt after university, but this only has to be repaid when you are earning enough to start repaying and only a very small percentage of your wages are paid towards your student loan each month. It goes straight out of your bank account too, so it is hassle free. There will be nobody coming to your home to repossess your belongings or chase up your payments, and if you are unable to pay back the loan after 30 years then you won’t ever have to. Think of it more like graduate tax.

These websites have more detailed information to help you decide:

Advanced Apprenticeships offer work-based experience alongside training at Level 3

 

Completing an Advanced Apprenticeship is the equivalent to gaining two A-level passes

 

Higher Apprenticeships are the next step up, leading to a Level 4 (or above) qualification; in-between A level and Degree level.

 

Degree Apprenticeships are essentially a full time job, alongside completing a Degree in your spare time. There will be a few days at university, but most of your time will be spent on the job in training. Your Degree work will therefore need to be completed in addition to a full time job, in your spare time. A lot of hard work is required, however the benefits are huge: not only will you be getting a good wage for the apprenticeship, the employer will also fund your degree. No student loans, no debt and a good salary.

 

What level should I be working at?

It is ok to start at a lower level. Some companies will want you to start lower and work your way up, especially if you have no experience of the industry. This is normal and it may be that you can complete this quicker. It is important to keep your aspirations high. Apprenticeships are a great option for everyone, and more than ever, the highest achieving students are taking an apprenticeship route, securing Higher and Degree level apprenticeships at some of the top employers in the country.

What are Apprenticeships?

It’s a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You’re treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave.

If you’re 16 or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50% of your working hours in England – for the duration of the apprenticeship and you are not in full-time education.

When you’re an apprentice:

  • you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider
  • you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation
  • you’re on a career path – with lots of future potential for you

Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience. Different apprenticeships are available all over England, at companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations. From local organisations to large national brands.

You get valuable hands-on experience working whilst you learn, which helps you progress in your working life. Completing your apprenticeship means you’ve earned and learned. Given your training is funded by contributions from the government and your employer, and you receive a regular salary, apprenticeships are a great option for getting on the job ladder or supercharging your career.

Apprenticeship levels

There are four different levels of apprenticeship:

  • Intermediate – equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
  • Advanced – equivalent to two A-level passes.
  • Higher – equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
  • Degree – comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree. 

 

Length of Apprenticeships

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements and your individual ability.

That being said, apprenticeships will usually last between one and six years. Their length follows a basic framework:

  • intermediate apprenticeships typically last between one year and 18 months
  • advanced apprenticeships are usually studied over two years
  • higher and degree apprenticeships take three-to-six years to complete.

Pay rates and working hours

If you’re aged under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you’ll be entitled to the apprenticeship wage of ÂŁ3.90. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who’ve completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage, which currently stands at ÂŁ6.15 per hour (for those aged 18-20) or ÂŁ7.70 (21-24).

This pay rate is stated as a guideline – some employers pay you a higher wage. You’ll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Use the GOV.UK Holiday Calculator to work out your exact entitlement.

Working hours vary depending on your employer, but you won’t be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you’ll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you’re entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours – while most apprentices can expect to work a 9am-5.30pm day with an hour’s break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.

Entry requirements

As each type of apprenticeship offers a different-levelled qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:

  • To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
  • For an advanced apprenticeship, you’re likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three A*-C or 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent – such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
  • As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you’ll usually need at least five A*-C or 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a Level 3 NVQ.
  • Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five A*-C or 9-4 GCSE grades. It’s likely you’ll be required to have prior work experience.

You can apply for apprenticeships at any time of year – whether you’re successful depends on if an employer has a vacancy.  For a full list of vacancies and to apply for an apprenticeship click www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Traineeship

A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last up to 6 months. You can apply if you’re:

  • eligible to work in England
  • unemployed and have little or no work experience
  • aged 16 to 24 and qualified below Level 3

You’ll get:

  • a work experience placement
  • help with English and maths (if you need it)

You won’t be paid, but you may be given expenses for things like travel and meals.

Click here to find a traineeship www.gov.uk/find-traineeship

 

The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.

 

Information found on this page has been taken from the following websites; www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice

www.prospects.ac.uk/

Finding Vacancies

Apprenticeship vacancies for the summer after you finish your qualifications are advertised throughout the year and the closing dates can vary. You need to regularly check on the National Apprenticeship Website: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship or you can search www.future-talent.com.

You can search for Degree Apprenticeships at: www.ucas.com/alternatives

Training Providers who have lots of apprenticeship opportunities, such as Performance through People, Rathbone Training and Juniper. These providers can offer you training but you may still need to find an employer to complete the workplace assessments required. They can help with this.

Approaching Employers Directly:

First impressions count, make sure they are positive ones.  You will need to be proactive to make contact with employers. You could:

  • Send a Letter and CV
  • Ring them up
  • Turn up in person and leave a CV
  • Attend Careers fairs/recruitment fairs
  • Be keen, flexible, polite and presentable.

Knowing where to look for a job is vital. Most organisations advertise in a variety of ways:

 

  • Recruitment websites often hold many jobs, such as www.reed.co.uk , www.monster.co.uk and www.jobs.theguardian.com . There are many more.
  • Company website. Look for Career Opportunities section.
  • Local newspapers will have a jobs section.
  • Radio/TV – Local radio stations sometimes run job advertisements.
  • In the community and in shops – Check out your local supermarkets and local shops for job advertisements.

 

If the job count in your local area is low or there are no jobs relating to your field, move outwards to a larger scale area e.g a city rather than a local community or even a county rather than a city. Some jobs are unique or so rare that you may be required to search nationally or even internationally to find them. If you are required to travel nationally or internationally, make sure you are able to.

The word Curriculum Vitae literally translated means the story of your life. Your CV is a very important document because it rests your hopes and dreams for the future – that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money and new challenges. Your CV therefore has to represent the best you have to offer if you do not want to miss out on that job you saw which was ‘perfect’ for you. These days employers often receive hundreds of CVs for each advertised position. So your CV has to be just that little bit special to stand out.

 

You may also need to include a covering letter with your job application.

 

You may find the following websites helpful to write your CV:

 

These websites will give you advice on how to write a cover letter:

 

  • www.bcs.org Although this is the careers section of the British Computer Society, the information here does not just apply to jobs in IT. There is useful advice here on different types of covering and application letters and how to tailor your response to your chosen job.
  • www.e4s.co.uk

Once you have secured your interview, it is very important to prepare. Mock interviews can be provided by our Careers team; just send an email to the careers team or drop into the 6th Form office to request one. You will have experienced a practice interview during your year 10 World of Work Day and during the 6th Form Next Steps programme during the summer term.

 

Preparation:

  1. Find out about the organisation. Read their website inside out so you understand what they do, what they pride themselves on and what values they expect in their workers. Ask questions via their social media links so they get to know you before the interview.
  2. Think about yourself. What skills, qualities and achievements have you got that would interest the interviewer. Note down examples of where you have shown and developed these skills. Read your application again and pick out the things you’d like to come out at the interview.
  3. Plan your journey – make sure you know exactly where and when the interview will be. Aim to arrive at the reception area of the company at least 15 minutes before the interview. If possible, have a dry run beforehand and an alternative plan in case something goes wrong.
  4. Dress appropriately – choose clothes that suit the type of work and fit in with the organisation’s image. Aim to look clean, neat and tidy. Get your clothes ready the day before.
  5. Always take a pen and something to write on and read your interview instructions carefully in case they have requested that you should bring anything else along.

 

Use the following websites to help you find out how to complete a successful interview:

https://successatschool.org/advice/employability-skills

What is Labour Market Information?

Labour Market Information (LMI) tells us all about what is happening in the world of work, or the labour market.

What can LMI tell us?

  • The number of job vacancies in each job sector.
  • The type of vacancies — if they are part-time, full-time, temporary, seasonal or permanent.
  • General trends in the world of work — such as which types of business are doing well or failing.
  • What kind of businesses are opening, or closing down, in your area.
  • The skills and qualifications that employers are looking for.
  • What qualification levels and subjects people have.
  • How many people are looking for work.

Why do I need LMI?

  • LMI can give you a clear view of what is happening in the world of work, so you can make realistic plans when choosing your career.
  • Knowing about things like the number and type of job vacancies, how work is changing and what employers are looking for can make it easier to plan what to do next.
  • It will also help you to find out about the qualifications and employability skills you will need for your career ideas.
  • LMI can give you an idea of the job situation and help you to find out which subjects or courses you might need for your career ideas.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects are integral to the UK’s success: the UK is the world’s sixth-largest manufacturer, engineering turnover is around £800 billion per year, and whilst the UK makes up only 1% of the world’s population, we produce 10% of the world’s top scientific research. Despite this, it is remarkable to note that even though STEM graduates have the potential to earn amongst the highest salaries of all new recruits, employers are finding it difficult to recruit STEM skilled staff . Alongside our need for a skilled STEM workforce, it is crucial that all young people, regardless of their future career pathway, have the STEM knowledge and skills they need to be an informed citizen in an increasingly scientific and technological society.

 

There is now a greater need for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) concepts to integrate with the arts (STEAM) across the wider curriculum.  Businesses need employees to have multiple areas of expertise or at least appreciate how a range of skills fit together.

 

If you are interested in a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics then you must use this website. The Future Morph website is designed to show you just some of the amazing and unexpected places that studying science, technology, engineering and maths can take you. Think of this as your base camp, your launch pad, the door is open come on in and explore.

 

www.futuremorph.org

LMI Data and Profiles

 

This website is an excellent way to look at Labour Market Information

 

https://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/our-strategy/people/labour-market-intelligence/

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