Big Careera Magazine - Nov 2013

BIG CAREERS MAGAZINE

Exclusive Interviews with Comedians Kat

and Axel !!!

First EditionNovember 2013

Apprentice Star’s secret tips for success!

Interview Questions you Don’t expect !

Your guide to

Recruitment Agencies!

Dressing for

Success: Fashion Feature

WIN 4 TICKETS TO WEMBLEY!!!

Welcome to Big Careers.

This is the first edition of the Big Careers magazine, so we hope you enjoy it. Our aim is to assist you in your quest to find the perfect big career. We will guide you through all stages from applying for jobs, to searching for courses, looking for apprenticeships and starting your first day. We will also entertain you with fun articles about fashion, relationships, food and music. Plus, we will run regular competitions to win big prizes.

Whether you’re looking for jobs, apprenticeships, courses, training or help to start a business, this is the magazine for you.

Let’s find your big career together!

Best wishes,

Big Careers Team

Welcome...

Publisher Big Careers Limited Reporters Eleanor Radford Chardelle Mason Designer Chantelle PrempehAdmin & Marketing Sonia Mason Lini Ly Ramatu Lewally Tashanna Egbochue Other Editorial Contributions First4Skills Rag City EventsEditorial: [email protected] Sales & Marketing [email protected] Design: [email protected] General Info [email protected] 9 Gunnery House, Gunnery Terrace, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London, SE18 6SWwww.big-careers.co.uk

Big Careers

www.big-careers.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/bigcareers

Twitter: @bigcareersuk

Contents

5 Careers Advice

6 Careers Spotlight

8 University, To go or no to go?

12 Interview questions

you don’t expect

14 Win Big!

16 Next Steps

18 First 4 Skills

20 Career in Comedy

22 Big Careers on Trend

24 Fun Stuff

26 Quick Quiz Questions

Removing barriers to work and study

Europass facilitates the mobility of individuals by making their qualifications, skills and competencies more visible,

transparent and readily understood by employers and education

institutions in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Europass consists of six documents: There is the Europass CV,

Europass Language Passport, Europass Mobility,

Certificate Supplement, Diploma Supplement,

European Skills Passport.

The latest addition is the European Skills Passport which is an electronic portfolio that allows users to upload

Europass or other documents to supplement their CV.

All Europass documents are free.

For more information, please visit www.europass.org.uk

or contact a member of the Europass team at [email protected]

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It can be overwhelming thinking about your future career. With so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to begin, but don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Thousands of young people are facing the same dilemma as you every year, and even those with their dream job had to start somewhere.Getting some careers advice should be your first step to finding your big career!With so much free support available to you out there in schools, colleges, universities and online, there’s never been a better time to get clued-up and kick-start your journey towards the ultimate job for you.

One route does not suit everyone“Getting the right advice at the right time is crucial for students and their futures, so I would urge young people to have a look at the events offered by their local colleges and speak to guidance officers,” says June Morrow, director of Student Journey at Walsall College in the midlands.“One route does not suit everyone, so students need to explore all the options available to them, and consider whether they want to do vocational or academic qualifications or take on an apprenticeship role,” she adds.Without the right information, how will you know if university, an apprenticeship or a college course is the right option?

Eye-opening and excitingIf you’re studying at a further education (FE) college why not look at the help that’s on offer. All FE colleges are required to give advice, information and guidance on careers, so you might as well take advantage of it. Arrange a one-to-one meeting and take along a copy of your CV to be checked. Your careers advisor will also inform you of all the local careers events taking place such as the Big Careers Fair in Camden (27Th Nov). Your next move could be to drop in at your local Job Centre or look at the government’s National Careers Advice website at www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk.

Won’t get far in a job you hateExploring your options can be an eye-opening and exciting experience and you’ll find the more research you do, the more confidence you will gain to start making the right decisions.

A job isn’t necessarily for life and many people will go through two, three or even more career changes, searching for the right route. However, the more you know now, the more you’ll learn about yourself and the better equipped you’ll be to deal with the possibilities ahead of you.

Never too early or too lateWhether you’re 15 or 25, it’s never too early or too late to start getting an idea of what you might be good at, what is realistic for you and, most importantly, what you will enjoy. After all, you won’t get far in a job you hate.

You might even start to consider jobs you’d never heard of before.

Big Careers feels so passionately about young people getting the right information it has launched a campaign to make careers advice part of the National Curriculum for Year 10 and Year 11. Check it out at www.big-careers.co.uk where you’ll find extra careers guidance too.

Careers Advice: Are You Making the Most of it?

CArEErS AdVICE

5

Get your Digital & IT career o� to a �ying start.Get quali�ed, gain experience and improve your career prospects with Arch Apprentices.

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CareerSpotlight

Self Employed- £0-£1,000,000+ Have you considered working for yourself?Everyone dreams of becoming their own boss and with the rise of online business, it’s cheaper and easier than ever before to set-up on your own.If you’re your own boss you can decide when and where you work, how long you work for and how much you’ll charge.You can develop your business in the way you want, with no-one telling you what to do, and with no time and money wasted

commuting to work.Those with a skill like writing can work freelance, while those with specialist trades like plumbers, builders, driving instructors and piano teachers can hire themselves out through their own companies.

SAlArY: Varies – you could get £100 one month and £100,000 the next. Of course there is a downside. You’ll have to work very hard to establish yourself, and won’t benefit from holiday or sick-pay or a contributory pension. You’ll have to keep tabs on your own tax returns too, but you

can claim back a proportion of expenses such as heating and lighting, if you work from home.

TIpS: If you have a business idea many local authorities run free workshops for entrepreneurs, offering advice on finance, book-keeping, marketing and more. Look on your local council’s website for more information.

In each edition we will shine the spotlight on 3 careers. This edition

will focus one the careers of a Dancer, Chef and someone that’s

Self-Employed. Check out each career spotlight to see if one could be for you!

6

Dancer- £21k-£30k+

A career in dance can include anything from performing in theatre, on a cruise liner, backing a pop act, choreographing shows or teaching others.Well-known dancers include ballerina darcey Bussell, Pineapple’s Louie Spence, diversity’s Ashley Banjo and choreographer Anton du Beke.

SAlArY: An experienced dancer may earn £450 to £500 per week and can charge much more for high profile shows. A dance teacher’s salary will start at around £21,000.

WhErE To STArT: Ideally, you would get into a good dance school such as Pineapple

dance or The royal Ballet School, but competition is fierce. realistically, you should find a school where the teacher has danced professionally too, so not only will they have the technical skills, but also industry knowledge and advice. Many universities offer degrees in dance.There is no set route or amount of training required before you break through your first audition. dancing is what you make it and the more you practice, the better you become.

TIpS: Make a YouTube account and showcase your talents for free on the internet.develop your style

and talents by taking as many workshops from different teachers as possible.Visit lots of shows. Musicals, ballets, theatre – broaden your knowledge of the industry.

Chef- £12k-£70k+

Chefs start from the bottom and work their way up, completing long or split shifts in places like pubs and restaurants, hospitals and schools. In fact, hospitality and catering is one of the largest industries in the country.Celebrity chefs include Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Gordon ramsey.All chefs start out as a ‘commis’, preparing ingredients and dealing with deliveries. You could go on to become an executive chef or specialise as a pastry chef. You might even end

up bottling your own brands, like Madhur Jaffrey.

SAlArY: A commis starts on around £12,000 rising to £18,000. A sous chef can earn around £28,000, while a London-based executive chef can earn £70,000 plus.

WhErE To STArT: Enrol in a culinary arts program or take an apprenticeship. Qualifications that help include the 14-19 hospitality and catering diploma, NVQs or SVQs, a foundation degree in culinary arts and any health and safety and food

hygiene certificates. Most chefs train an average of two years.

TIpS: Get a job in a pub or restaurant kitchen as quickly as possible and practice on your friends and family.The best way to learn is by picking up practical experience on-the-job, so an apprenticeship is the favourable route.

For any extra tips and

advice, head over to

www.big-careers.co.uk

CArEEr SPOTLIGHT

7

University: To go or not to go? Is university really the best option for you? Big Careers has investigated the reasons for and against getting a degree in the modern day.

As you near the end of your time in school you face a common dilemma – to go to university, or not.

older generations often reminisce over their time partying at university but gone are the days of free tuition fees and grants. higher education is now an investment which carries a heavy financial burden. Since the government introduced tuition fees in 1998, the costs have slowly crept up and nowadays, students can end up with anywhere up to £60,000 of debt, when living costs are added on-top.

So, the question has become more urgent, is university really the right pathway for you?

AN EASY rOuTE TO INdEPENdENCE: It can seem overwhelming to leave your family and friends but everyone will be in the same boat. In fact, it is probably one of the easiest ways to leave home and start an independent life, but with some support. You will be looking after yourself but your university will help you find a place to live in halls, or a shared house. Your roommates and course colleagues will be experiencing the transition with you.

BrOAdENING YOur HOrIzONS:

The experience of mixing with so

many different people, learning,

debating in seminars and living in a

different city will undoubtedly open

your mind and build your confidence.

People will come from various walks

of life and from all over the world.

This is definitely a perk of attending

university and something to be

embraced.

EMPLOYABILITY: Many employers will and still do value a

university degree. With millions of people

applying for new jobs every year and youth

unemployment at a high of around 970,000,

there is fierce competition for jobs. If you do

not have a degree you are putting yourself at

a distinct disadvantage with some companies

as they only recruit at a graduate level and

upwards.

8

uNIVErSITY IS NOT FOr EVErYONE: If you had enough of studying at school, what makes you think university will be any different? There will be more pressure to get your work done on time and to a higher standard than ever before. Plus if you drop out, you will have wasted your own money. university is not like school. Lecturers will not remind you of course work deadlines or ring your parents if you miss lectures or arrive late. Ask yourself: Can I stay motivated and passionate about my degree for three years?

VOCATIONAL OCCuPATIONS:

If you dream of becoming

a chef, outdoor pursuits’

instructor, plumber, electrician,

hairdresser or beauty therapist,

a better option might be an

apprenticeship or course at

a further education college.

Apprenticeships these days

can even lead into jobs in law,

accountancy and insurance.

So whether you’re still debating about attending university or have made up your mind, here are three things to consider:1: If you’re worried about the money or aren’t ready to leave home, you could consider going to a local university2: Many companies will pay your full tuition fees and even add extra money on-top, if you are studying certain subjects such as engineering. It’s worth investigating as it will also lead into a job at the end of your degree 3: research what scholarships and grants are available to you. Several charities and organisations offer money to students from ethnic minority groups or talented students from comprehensive schools

SPECIALIST SuBJECTS: If you want to get

into creative industries such as performance,

fashion and art you should consider specialist

colleges rather than universities. You can start

these courses as early as age 16 and can be

a more cost effective route than attending

university. In fact, some specialist colleges offer

their own degree which means you will have an

industry qualification at a degree level.

uNIVErSITY: TO GO Or NOT TO GO?

9

THErE COuLd BE A BETTEr rOuTE:

There are many jobs that don’t require a

degree, and time at university might hold

you back from gaining the work experience

you need. Jobs like this might include

sales, marketing, journalism, gardening,

estate agency or even setting up your own

business.

Sponsored students and graduatesTuition fees on top of the everyday costs of living make it tough for today’s students. As a Skanska-sponsored student, you’ll get the chance for paid employment during breaks, with valuable hands-on experience and site-based placements.

Skanska also offers internships and industrialplacements to students on sandwich-year courses.You’ll work on real projects with clear targets forup to 12 months, giving you invaluable experienceto support your degree.

Trainees and apprenticeshipsSkanska’s trainee and apprenticeship schemes are great ways to earn while you learn. Trainees study for a valuable qualification, such as a Higher National Certification or degree, usually through a day-release study programme while earning a salary at the same time.

Skanska’s formal apprenticeship scheme also meansyou’ll learn on-the-job, gaining a recognisedvocational qualification at college.

School leaversWhen you’re thinking about leaving school, you faceone of the biggest decisions of your life – which career to choose. At Skanska we know everyone has to start somewhere, and our programmes help make the move from education to work that little bit easier.

Short-term placements provide an useful insightinto the world of work, helping young people select the right career path. Available during the summer holidays, these structured placements provide on-the-job training and hands-on experience.

Great opportunitiesFrom working on complex construction projects to supporting our business in HR, finance, IT or other specialist areas, there are many opportunities to learn new skills and develop your career.

Visit skanska.co.uk/careers to find out more.

“The scale of the project was massive. I was just out of school with very little experience, but Skanska believed in me and gave me a chance.”

Luke BusetteElectrical engineer

Luke joined us when he left school, taking up an apprentice position.

Having successfully passed the recruitment process he started out at one of Skanska’s central London offices, working with the bid team. He went on to gain real site experience on one of our major construction projects, where he took responsiblility for the building’s lighting requirements.

linkedin.com/company/skanska youtube.com/skanskaukskanska.co.uk twitter.com/skanskaukplc

Building a brighter futureSkanska is one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, known in the UK for building iconic structures like London’s Gherkin and Heron Tower, as well as the QEII Bridge.

Interview questions you don’t expect!

WhY DID YoU ApplY For ThE joB?Try to be honest in your answer as they are looking for passionate people who can stand out. Your interviewer might speak to five to 10 people about the role, so be unique in your answer and plan ahead. useful Tip: Try to relate your answer back to the job advert and what appealed to you.

WhAT SkIllS Do YoU hAvE For ThE joB?Everyone has qualities. Make sure you speak about the skills that are needed and relevant for the job. You want the interviewer to believe you are the right candidate, so show off the skills they are looking for. To stand out, give examples of when you’ve used each skill. This will show you have actual experience and are not just listing skills for the sake of it. useful Tip: Some skills you can include: Organisation, time-keeping, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership

WhY Do YoU WANT To Work For US?The answer to this should be a combination of research you’ve done and personal reasons. You should start by looking at the company’s website starting with the About us page. Find things you like – it could be anything from the company’s excellent recycling policy and opportunities for promotion, to international offices to move to and great fund-raising or community work. Your personal reasons for applying could include great staff benefits, the company’s reputation or staff perks. useful Tip: Find out how the organisation started. The interviewer might be impressed and appreciate your efforts.

Got a job interview coming up?

Go through interview questions with a

friend or a member of your family. Be prepared!

You’ve got an interview, well done. But what are they going to ask you? Each edition Big Careers will explore some popular interview questions, as well as those you might not be ready for. We’ve got you covered!

Questions you expect

Questions you don’t

12

DESCrIBE YoUrSElF IN ThrEE WorDS.This question will test your ability to stick to an answer, follow clear instructions and be decisive. Make sure you stick to just three words and make them count. Are they suitable to the job you are applying for? remember this is a job interview. Sell yourself positively. useful Tip: When answering, avoid negative words (even if they are true): moody, easily distracted, clumsy

Do YoU hAvE ANY WEAkNESSES?Another trick question. The interviewer is testing your ability to reflect on your character and give an honest account of your skillset. don’t view weaknesses as something negative. Everyone has a weakness, the key is to recognise these and aim to improve them. Highlight something you struggle with and explain how you have taken steps to improve. remember, nobody’s perfect!useful Tip: If your weakness was being shy on the telephone, your steps to improvement could be learning to take deep breaths before each call, plan what is said and practising conversations with friends.

hoW WoUlD YoUr FrIENDS DESCrIBE YoU?This is thrown in as a trick question to see how you think you are seen by others. Be honest in your description but draw on your friends’ more positive reviews. To add credibility, give an example of why you are seen this way. If you are seen as a leader amongst your friends, say why. Is it because you always organise nights out? Or are you the captain of your quiz team? Always support your answers with evidence. useful Tip: Be positive about yourself. You want the interviewer to employ you, not avoid you.

have you had an interview

recently? Did you struggle with

answering the questions? If

yes, send them to us and we’ll

help you answer them. Simple,

strange, silly, send them all to

[email protected] or

post them on our Facebook page

Questions you expect

Questions you don’t

INTErVIEW QuESTIONS

13

WIN BIG!Every edition we will bring you great competitions with even greater

prizes. So make sure you enter for your chance to win BIG!

Win £500 towards a cabin crew coursedo you want to travel the globe and meet new people? Training company Oyster Training are now offering you the chance to win a whopping £500 towards your cabin crew course fees. To win this super prize, just tell us:Why would you be a great cabin crew member? Entrants must be aged 17-25 and living in the uK. Answers should be no more than 350 words. Send entries to [email protected] Full terms and conditions at www.big-careers.co.uk

Win a clothing stand at a london fashion eventdo you design and make clothes? do you want to showcase your designs to buyers and sell your clothes to the public? If the answer is YES, you need to enter this competition. Events company rag City are offering the chance to win a stand at their fashion event in February. To enter this competition:Email five pictures of your designs with 100 words about why you have chosen them. Entrants must be aged 17-25 and living in the uK. Send pictures and 100 words to [email protected] . Full terms and conditions at www.big-careers.co.uk

Win a family ticket to WembleyHere’s the BIG one! Win four tickets to Wembley Stadium, courtesy of the London Football Association. Yes, you plus three friends or family members could win a private tour of the world famous football stadium, home to many great matches and victories. Touch the soil, sit in the stands and enjoy the day.To win this exclusive prize, answer this question:Has England ever hosted the World Cup Tournament? Entrants must be aged 17-25 and living in the uK. Send entries to [email protected] Full terms and conditions at www.big-careers.co.uk

Closing date for all entries: December 30th 2013 at 5pm.

14

Our campusesActon Ealing GreenfordHammersmithSouthall

Courses GCSEs Apprenticeships Vocational courses A Levels Higher Education English Language Professional courses

Here’s what our students think…

“Studying here has given me the skills and practical experience I need to achieve my dream job.”Tasha, Diploma in Beauty Therapies

“I helped create the set for Harry Potter Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”Morgan, Apprenticeship Plastering, employed by Leavesden Studios

ku.oc.rehtegotsreeracgnidliub.www

This is the house that Holly built

This is the Holly that Barratt built

Barratt is Britain’s best-known house builder. Since we set up business more than 50 years ago, we’ve built and sold over 300,000 homes. Today, we’re a FTSE-listed business that employs the talents of 5,000 people. We’re building everything from smart city flats and penthouse suites to starter homes and family houses. And we’ve won a clutch of awards for the quality of our work and our training programmes.

As a business that’s building futures, we’re always looking to develop tomorrow’s talent.That’s why we’ve taken time and effort to

invest in industry leading Apprenticeship, Foundation Degree, Undergraduate and Graduate Programmes. For Apprentices, there’s the chance to learn a skilled trade and even move into management, Graduates are prepared to take on challenging leadership roles in the future and Undergraduates are given the opportunity to work on real projects. Whichever one you’re on, you’ll enjoy plenty of training and the personal support of one of our Directors.

For more information and to apply, visitwww.buildingcareerstogether.co.uk

Taking your first steps after school, college or university can be challenging. If you haven’t got a plan, what do you do next? If you have got a plan, how do you make it work? Big Careers has spoken to Yasmina Siadatan, 2009 winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, and Quentin Crowe, managing director of training provider The Marketer’s Forum, to get some tips.

IMprovE YoUr SkIllSIf you’re not sure where to begin, you could start by improving your skillset. Competition in the job market is fierce and applying for jobs with just your academic qualifications is sometimes not enough. You can widen your skills by taking a professional or vocational course. There are hundreds of courses at colleges and training providers, ranging in length from four weeks to four years. Quentin suggests that in addition to extra training, young people should “go beyond the syllabus” by getting work experience in their chosen field. An internship (paid or unpaid) or volunteering in a business is a “great way” to gain professional skills and familiarity with the business world, he says. He adds: “Work experience will not only strengthen your skills but could open doors with employers.” I’m a graduate: do I still need to improve my skills to get employed? It depends what you want to do. If you want to become a solicitor, you might have to complete the Graduate diploma in Law course. If you want to work in marketing, you might benefit

by taking a Continuing Professional development course. Look into what’s available and necessary for your career choice.

NETWorkAnother route to success is through networking. No person is an island, and this is especially true when you’re entering new territory. use all of the networks you have, including friends, family, classmates, careers advisors and teachers. You never know who can help, or who has connections in industries you want to work in. Yasmina, now creative director at The Start up Loans Company, suggests you “get help, reach out and join groups”. These can be career-related such as a local young entrepreneur’s group, or connected to an industry you want to enter, such as a singing club. You should also draw on experiences from past groups and activities. If you’ve had a weekend job, can you draw on this to start a business?Or have you been part of sports club? Can you now run your own sports club as a business? Or if you can play an instrument, perhaps start a music tuition business? The possibilities are endless.

FINAl WorDS oF ADvICE For QUENTIN AND YASMINAQuentin says: “Be proactive - companies need employees who are interested and active, and will reach out to make a difference. “Think about how you and your skills can help a business and apply yourself to not only achieving for yourself, but your employer too.”Yasmina says: “When you are starting out, reach out and gather as much information as you can. Ask your parents, your friends and people in a similar field. Technology has also made it much easier to learn about your areas of interest, and a whole host of resources exist online.”

Next Steps...NExT STEPS

Visit www.big-careers.co.uk for more advice

16

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Aspire Study Achieve

Don’t forget to “Like” the BSix

page on Facebook &/or follow us

on Twitter – this way you will be

kept informed about all the exciting

events at BSix throughout the year!

We offer a range of courses at all levels including A-levels, GCSEs and Applied courses

Apply now www.bsix.ac.uk For course enquiries contact Admissions 0800 3892 947 or e-mail [email protected] days: 30th November 2013, 22nd January, 8th March and 21st June 2014

Be a part of our success

TES FE AwardsOutstanding Innovation in Teaching Winner 2012

LSIS Leading the Learner Voice Awards 2013Leading Learner of the Year

Investors in PeopleGOLD 2013Investors in Diversity2013

The Ofsted verdict “Engagement with learners is excellent. Managers employ a wide range of strategies to obtain the views of learners and incorporate those views into their decision making. Students are very positive about all aspects of college provision.”

BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College Kenninghall Road London E5 8BP

looking for an alternative to College or University

Apprenticeships are a great first step towards starting a fantastic career! As an apprentice you will work towards a nationally-recognised qualification where you will gain practical skills and experience whilst being employed and earning a salary.

Through on-the-job training, you’ll not only gain a recognised qualification but it will also ensure that you are steps ahead of the competition with the practical experience and knowledge required by so many of today’s job roles, as well as improving your future career prospects, and the opportunities open to you.

Why choose an Apprenticeship:

• Securingajobopportunity• On-the-jobtraining• Getpaidwhileyoulearnnewskills• Paidholidays• Lessexpensivethangoingtouniversity• Setyourselfupforacareer

What First4Skills can offer you?

With First4Skills you can select from a wide range of Intermediate and Advanced level apprenticeship

qualifications in:

• Retail• Hospitality&Catering• HairdressingandBeauty• BusinessAdministration• ContactCentre/Sales/Telesales• CustomerService• Warehousing&Logistics• ManagementandTeamLeading

In addition to gaining an understanding of the sector you want to work in, our qualifications also help improve your communication skills, team-working skills, Maths and English skills, as well as your confidence, all whilst getting paid!

Visit the First4Skills website for more information

18

Success stories- Be the Best and reach for the Stars!

ryan has gone from strength to strength in his career development since starting his Intermediate Level Apprenticeship 2 years ago with Argos, progressing from a Saturday Sales Assistant to a full time Admin Support Co-ordinator, which is an integral part of the Management Team in the Flagship Southport Store.

‘I have now completed my Level 3 Apprenticeship in retail Management, which will allow me to progress my career further within Argos; I feel I have come so far since being a 16 year old Christmas temp.’

It was a great honour for me to find out that I was a regional Award winner; it has encouraged me to continue raising the profile of apprenticeships within Argos, but also promote it to others outside of the company through First4Skills, who have supported me. It will give others confidence that they can build a career without going to university and allow me to continue to inspire and share my experience and knowledge.’

Stephanie palmer- Fujitsu’s apprentices

‘For me an apprenticeship means earning while you learn and getting essential experience in a business environment. I briefly tried further education and felt it wasn’t for me as it was not giving me work place experience. Luckily for me, apprenticeships started increasing in popularity and that is when I came across the position with Fujitsu.

First4Skills have been really supportive in helping me complete my Level 3 Business Administration qualification with extra resources when I needed it. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to do it.

FIrST 4 SKILLS

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Big Careers has spoken to full-time comedian kat B and part-time entertainer Axel about their very different experiences in comedy. read both interviews to see what route could work for you.

Interview with kat B

When did you decide you wanted to become a professional comedian?“I never decided…I’m just me and people find that funny. I just fit into this role and at the moment people know me for doing comedy. Before, people would have known me for teaching dance, or acting. But if there’s no food in this part of the world, you need to cross the water. And that’s what I did with comedy. Before getting my break with MTV in 1998 I did it all: I worked in abattoirs, on the Jubilee underground extension as a security guard, but I knew I never wanted to do that. Within three months of leaving the security job, I got the call from MTV and have never looked back since.”Tell us about your early years in Tv“Being young and black it’s really hard as you can get type-casted and put in a box. I was going up for shows like The Bill and they wanted me to play a criminal, but I didn’t want to do that. I was cast as the original Sean Ambrose in desmonds, but I turned it down as I was doing a show at the time of filming. I had just three days left in the play. I had everything confirmed, contract, date to film, they even called my mum to see what was happening. But I wouldn’t leave a play midway with just three

days to go. I don’t regret my decision, my candle would have burnt out early. I could have brought a house [laughs] but I’m grounded, I know what it’s like to eat baked beans with no seasoning.”

Was your family always supportive of you having a career in show business? “Yes. My mum, my sister, everyone. I chose what I wanted to do and got support. You will always get support from family. You won’t get support from certain people, such as those who say they’re your friends when really they’re not. But I was born alone and will die alone. If it doesn’t work, I will do something else. What don’t you like about the entertainment industry today?

“Too many people are getting jobs too easily, like on reality TV shows. Contestants believe they’re a superstar when they’re not. I don’t like someone who’s been put on the TV too quickly. I was put under the wings of entertainers to learn the trade, like an apprentice. But now it’s all “I want to be famous so I’m going on Big Brother” when people have worked in theatre for years and deserve their time to shine.”Any tips for a young person seeking a career in entertainment?“If you want to do it, believe in yourself. don’t let anyone tell

you can’t do it. Always put in 100 per cent. There is no limit to what you can do. Study your art, study your craft. If I see a fireman in the cockpit of an aeroplane, I know that’s not the plane I’m getting on! Know your passion”

Career in comedy- do you belong on stage?

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Interview with Axel

When did you decide you wanted to become a professional comedian?“Five years ago when I went to a comedy show. Slim (the comedian) stood out for me and had me laughing so much. I thought, “why can’t I do this? I’m a funny guy. I’ve always been the class clown!” how did you start out?“I didn’t know where to start so I did some research. I didn’t want to jump on stage and make a fool of myself. I looked online and found a comedy school in Camden. I paid £200 for a one-week course. Most of the things on the course I already knew, but the course made me believe in myself more.” What is life like as a comedian trying to breakout?“I put my name down for open mic events and I was so nervous. As a young comedian it’s about learning from others. You have to know what you want to take on-board and what you don’t. Everyone is going to throw a heap of information at you. I learnt visually - I like to see it in action.” Did your family support your decision to become a comedian?“I didn’t tell a lot of people, just close friends and family. Families sometimes say “I will support you,” but deep down they’re saying “let’s wait and see”. Families are there to protect and guide you. If you wanted to become an underwater fireman, they would probably support you!”Is comedy your full time job?“I have a job outside comedy. Comedy is my hobby and an additional income. There’s a certain level you get to as a comedian where comedy is your main job and you don’t need to do anything else, like Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre. For me personally, comedy is only in the evenings. I work so I can keep busy in the day.” What’s the biggest fear for comedians?“The biggest fear I’ve seen in people is the fear of being on stage. People fear being looked at or making a fool of themselves. Comedy is a great way to get over that because you don’t have to be perfect or taken too seriously. I know comedians

who use their shyness as part of their act- instead of making the audience laugh with them, they make the audience laugh at them. Laugh with, laugh at: it can work either way, as long as the audience is laughing. I still get scared to this day, but I do a dance before I go on stage to help my nerves.”Any tips for young people that want to become a comedian“Look out for smaller comedy shows and get yourself known. Sign up to open mic events and network. use social media. Make a video to go on YouTube, it’s free TV and who doesn’t want to be on TV. You can build up your likes and get more views.”

You can catch kat B at the hackney Empire in puss in Boots, November 23 to january 5.

Career in comedy- do you belong on stage?

CArEEr IN COMEdY

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What are we wearing to our big careers?rag City have been out and about snapping people on their way to their Big Careers. School, College, University or Work? We want to know what you’re wearing! For this edition we were in london.

Big Careers on Trend

Jack 24 - Works as an Analyst Asha 20 - Event Management Student

Alison 22 - Business Management Student

Holly 20 - Works in HM Samuels

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Jessica 26 - Works as a Sales Assistant OJ 22 - Works in All Saints

Shahnoor 18 - Film and Broadcasting Student

Jack 21 - Works in Construction

BIG CArEErS ON TrENd

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presents under £5It’s the festive season again - but we don’t want to break the bank buying gifts. Here’s our top 10 presents for under a fiver:1: BuBBLE BATH SET 2: PrE-OWNEd Cd 3: BOx OF CHOCOLATES4: CANdLES 5: dVd6: SLIPPErS 7: TEddY BEAr 8: BOOK 9: NOVELTY MuG 10: PAIr OF SOCKS- WE COuLdN’T rESIST

Staying in this weekend? Why not have a go at our Box Set Challenge? Can you watch an entire box set in one sitting? You can complete the challenge on your own or with friends. Let us know what challenge you completed by tweeting us @bigcareersukrush hour box set: 3 films: 4hrs 36mins Shrek box set: 4 Films: 6hrs harry potter box set: 8 Films: 18hrs 52mins this might take a few days….

Save Save Save Whether you’re saving for something special or cutting down on your spending, here’s three tips for saving your pennies this month.1: Packed lunch! Yes, take a packed lunch every day and you will save money. A loaf of bread, filling, drink and a snack will cost far less than a shop-bought lunch each day.

2: Change your method of transport Perhaps you could try a different method to get to work, school, college or university that is more cost effective. If you drive, try taking the bus. If you take the bus, try to cycle or walk, yes, walk! 3: Sell, sell, sell Have a clear out and sell your unwanted items on eBay or at a local car boot sale.

loaf of bread £1,

Filling (Turkey, Cheese..) £2

6 pack of carton juice £2

Bunch of Bananas £1.20

Total £5.20

lunch Monday £5

lunch Tuesday £5

lunch Wednesday £5

lunch Thursday £5

lunch Friday £10

Total £30

panto season already?

our top picks 1: Cinderella: Bristol hippodrome (starring Louie Spence and Suzanne Shaw)2: Dick Whittington: opera house Manchester (starring Ashleigh and Pudsey)3: Aladdin: New Wimbledon Theatre (starring Jo Brand and Mathew Kelly)4: Sleeping Beauty: Catford Broadway Theatre (starring richard Blackwood)5: Snow White: Milton keynes Theatre (starring Warwick davis)

Buy a ticket and have a laugh!

Fun Stuff!

packed lunch vS Eating out!

Big Careers Box Set Challenge

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There are up to 20,000 Apprenticeship vacancies available through both our website and the ‘Av Search’ app. Right now. apprenticeships.org.uk

z x H G P Q z B E u M C I xS r d K T A P O N z G O Y SC V F r N H u J A O Y L K CQ J O O V E T r O B T L E HS d V W G V r L L G I E x OT N E L T N A z L M S G A OB E N B d T T P r P r E M LC I P J B M S P z z E P S Ax S I E H W G C Q Y V Y u FB d E G r E E V u N I P r Yr O F W V Y G Q J A N Q M PV Q H Y E S r u O C u N M IP I H S E C I T N E r P P AN x B E A V A I O u C G L E

Apprenticeship College Course CV degree Exams

Job Loan School Startup university Work

FuN STuFF

a. cmedwmiotniehe

b. tsenilyyeshoeaxws

c. drilcnycensciogtmta

d. eaimdancehles

e. aweulerheosisv

f. ribgrbteho

g. ikmieatlomrlcharnmiea

WorD SEArCh rEAlITY Tv SCrAMBlE

Answers:

a. Come dine with me b. The only way is essex

c. Strictly come dancing d. Made in Chelsea

e. real Housewives

f. Big brother g. Millionaire Matchmaker

z x H G P Q z B E u M C I xS r d K T A P O N z G O Y SC V F r N H u J A O Y L K CQ J O O V E T r O B T L E HS d V W G V r L L G I E x OT N E L T N A z L M S G A OB E N B d T T P r P r E M LC I P J B M S P z z E P S Ax S I E H W G C Q Y V Y u FB d E G r E E V u N I P r Yr O F W V Y G Q J A N Q M PV Q H Y E S r u O C u N M IP I H S E C I T N E r P P AN x B E A V A I O u C G L E

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AspireAspire Achieve Advance Ltd is one of the leading national training providers in England for Apprenticeships boasting a number of the country’s top FE Colleges and employers as their partners. Established inin 2008 the 3As has grown rapidly to become the training provider of choice in a number of business sectors.

Aspire.... Achieve.... Advance.... Creating the next generation of professionals in

IT, Social Media & Accountancy!

The Apprenticeship programmes we currently deliver are:

• Advanced Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms• Higher Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms• Advanced Apprenticeship in Social Media and Digital Marketing• Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship in Accountancy

To find out more information or to apply please visit

www.3aaa.co.uk or

call 0844 504 3174

What some of our Apprentices say about us:‘It has opened doors for me to become what I’ve

always dreamed of’ ‘NITP give me the opportunity to work

independently as well as spending time to teach me the skills I need’

We currently have 15 Academies across England, with more planned to open next year. We recruit throughout the year and have training start dates available in January, April, July and September; working with a variety of key employers in the IT and Accounting Sectors from large recognised Companies to smaller independent Organisations.

1. How many different types of apprenticeship are available in England?

2. Which of these celebrities went to Cambridge university? Sue Perkins, rachel Weisz, Carol Vorderman

3. And Oxford university? rick Stein, Hugh Grant, Adrian Chiles

4. Match the apprenticeship to the celebrity: 1) plumbing 2) tailoring 3) tool worker a) Alexander McQueen b) Ozzy Osbourne c) Sir Alex Ferguson

5. Which organisation is the largest employer in the uK?

6. do you need a degree to become a zookeeper?

7. How long does it take to qualify as an architect?

8. How old do you have to be to start an apprenticeship?

9. Which of the current dragon’s den panel have degrees?

10. How old was Sir Alan Sugar when he left school and what was his first job?

Quick Quiz Questions

QuICK QuIz QuESTIONS

Answers:

1. Around 280

2. All of them

3. All except Chiles who went to the university of London

4. 1b 2a 3c

5. The National Health Service with 1.4m employees

6. No. But you will need lots of patience and work experience.

7. Seven years. Five at university and two years’ practical experience

8. 16

9. One. Only Piers Linney who studied law and accounting at the university of Manchester

10. He was 16 and famously sold television aerials out the back of a van, but his first job was actually as a statistician for

the civil service

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AspireAspire Achieve Advance Ltd is one of the leading national training providers in England for Apprenticeships boasting a number of the country’s top FE Colleges and employers as their partners. Established inin 2008 the 3As has grown rapidly to become the training provider of choice in a number of business sectors.

Aspire.... Achieve.... Advance.... Creating the next generation of professionals in

IT, Social Media & Accountancy!

The Apprenticeship programmes we currently deliver are:

• Advanced Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms• Higher Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms• Advanced Apprenticeship in Social Media and Digital Marketing• Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship in Accountancy

To find out more information or to apply please visit

www.3aaa.co.uk or

call 0844 504 3174

What some of our Apprentices say about us:‘It has opened doors for me to become what I’ve

always dreamed of’ ‘NITP give me the opportunity to work

independently as well as spending time to teach me the skills I need’

We currently have 15 Academies across England, with more planned to open next year. We recruit throughout the year and have training start dates available in January, April, July and September; working with a variety of key employers in the IT and Accounting Sectors from large recognised Companies to smaller independent Organisations.

Big Careera Magazine - Nov 2013

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Transcript of Big Careera Magazine - Nov 2013