Careers World West Midlands AUTUMN 2013

WEST MIDLANDS edition AUTUMN 2013

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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

APPLY

L-Earn

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: 2050-6627

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

EngineeringAgriculture & Animal CareConstruction

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Haymes, Editor

04

6 www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

think social care

Knowing that

I can make people

happier is the

most satisfying

part of my job

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

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

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

How do I get intoadult social care?

For more information about adult social care Apprenticeships:

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

For more information about adult social care Apprenticeships:

You could be in a

home, out in your local

community, or working

in someones house.

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

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

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

9www.careersworld.co.uk

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

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

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

MEET THE EDITORMy name is Tom and Im

the editor for Careers World magazine. As

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

I had to make choices about what I wanted to

do. I remember sitting in a stuffy classroom, being

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

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

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

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

were these government programmes that Id heard

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

always will be thousands of young people who arent

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

education. This article is here to

discuss some of the hot topics in the world of

education, so that you are aware of how they impact

you and what you can do to make sure you fully

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

RAISING THE PARTICIPATION AGE


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

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

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

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

An Apprenticeship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

GETTING ONTO A TRAINEESHIP SCHEME

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

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

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

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

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

Youve been in the programme for more than six months

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

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

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

CHOOSE SOLIHULL COLLEGE

Vocational CoursesFoundation Learning

ApprenticeshipsTraineeships

www.solihull.ac.uk

Scan hereto view ourinteractiveprospectus

Careersworld A4 Advert - Sept 13_Layout 1 02/09/2013 14:02 Page 1


Section Heading

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

expert /eksprt/

Noun.A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.

AdjectiveHaving or involving such knowledge or skill.Synonymsnoun. specialist - connoisseur - adept - judge - masteradjective. skilled - skilful - skillful - pro cient - adept

Ask the Experts

Are you frustrated by all the choices you face? Dont you wish there was a way to compare all your options, or to have those key questions answered? Well, weve done it for you. Weve put together a team of experts from your area to give you an insight into what kind of experiences, bene ts and future they can o er you. Weve asked the same questions to each expert, to help you decide on the right choice for you.

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

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

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT?

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

WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR APPLICANTS?

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

IF YOU HAVE ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

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

The Employer


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


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

Warwickshire College is one of the largest general further and higher education colleges in the UK, providing high quality education and training for individuals and organisations at a local, regional, national and international level. The college has six centres in Leamington, Warwick, Rugby, Moreton Morrell, Henley-in-Arden and Pershore in Worcestershire.Web: www.warwickshire.ac.uk


As one of the largest general further and higher education colleges in the UK, we are proud to deliver outstanding teaching and learning for our students in excellent facilities.

But we also know that in the current economic climate, just having a quali cation isnt enough for many employers. This is why, as a Gazelle College, we offer our students more than just a quali cation

From A Levels to Apprenticeships, we give you the chance to develop

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


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.


The Training Provider


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


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


Be yourself, research the position and know your employer!

The College

employability skills such as creative thinking, communication skills, problem-solving and time-management to help you create a successful future career.

You will also have opportunities to work in commercial environments, attend unique events and take part in enterprise competitions - opportunities which add real credibility to your CV or UCAS statement.


The main quality we look for in our applicants is that they are passionate about their subject, and show a real commitment to learning. The applicants that really stand out are those that are interested in developing

their personal qualities as well as their technical skills.


Some of our students will continue their studies and go on to higher education, either with the college or at university. For those who want to get a job straight away, our aim is for our students to be work-ready when they leave us, with more than just a quali cation.

If students are looking to start the own business, then the college can support them through our enterprise board - a panel of business experts. The board ensures that the best ideas are worked on quickly and

successfully, from the rst pitch through to testing, piloting and completion, and have supported student ideas including a plant identi cation system and tree surgery company.


Its your future; take control of it. Dont just do a course because your friends are doing it. Do your own research; go to open events and taster sessions, try different things out to nd out what you really want to do, and where. Remember not all colleges and courses are the same; make sure you choose whats right for you.

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.


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.


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.


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.

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

Get in touch today!

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

Be Creative at Bournville CollegeThe Creative Industries department at Bournville College offers a wide range of opportunities which tap into the talent and passions of the students in the subjects of art, media, music and English. Whether it is producing a vintage fashion photoshoot, hosting an exhibition in the Mailbox (Birminghams landmark shopping centre) or performing at the Birmingham Jazz Festival, creativity is oozing from every corner of Bournville College.

Recently, students at Bournville College set up the Bournville Creative website (www.bournvillecreative.co.uk) - an online platform to showcase their work in the disciplines of art, textiles, music, media and creative writing. The project has enabled the students to develop skills in web development, advertising and social media, as well as work within a team to produce an online exhibition which represents their talent, passion and creativity. Bournville Creatives website also features current news, events and course related information which keeps past, present and future students up-to-date with the college life.

Sophie Jones, studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design who also participated in all recent projects commented: Theres always something on the go at Bournville College, giving us fantastic opportunities to practice our creative skills. Participation in these projects can be used to enhance our portfolios and also helps us with having something to refer to in job and university interviews.

For information about courses in Art, Media, Music and English at Bournville College, visit the College at its upcoming Open Day on Saturday 23rd November 2013, 10am - 2pm.

Web: www.bournville.ac.ukTel: 0121 477 1300Email: [email protected]

Web: www.solihull.ac.uk/digimagTel: 0121 678 7000

Solihull Colleges new 8.5 million motor vehicle and construction facilityWith applications from school leavers rising, Solihull Colleges new 8.5 million motor vehicle and construction facility at the Woodlands Campus in Smiths Wood is set to provide a facility that is unparalleled in the Midlands from the start of the 2013/14 academic year.

Proving its commitment to major Midlands industries such as construction, engineering, motor vehicle and aerospace, the College is continuing its dedication to providing first class facilities to students across the West Midlands.

Andy Hatchwell, Senior Director at the Woodlands Campus explains what will make the Colleges facilities stand out, Our aim is to provide the best industrial practice with the ability to teach at an outstanding level. We will offer students the highest standard facilities and the latest in teaching technology to provide them with the best preparation for their chosen careers.

The new motor vehicle and construction facility will offer twelve new workshops including ones for motorcycles, MOT and motorsport. Decorating, brickwork and plastering will also have dedicated space in the new centre.

Future Motor Vehicle Engineering students recently took part in an exciting taster day featuring a Formula 1 simulator (pictured).


Web: www.discovernewcollege.comTel: 01527 570020

Web: www.bmet.ac.ukTel: 0845 155 0101

BMet, be part of something bigWe may be the biggest college in the Midlands but we still believe in the personal touch. Our students are individuals and our aim is to understand what inspires you, we support you to discover where you want to get to and help you become the best you can be.

Because were the biggest, we are able to offer you better facilities, more choice and stronger links with employers to help you get your dream job and create your dream life. You only live once.

Benefits of studying at BMET: Access to best facilities in the Midlands Widest choice of courses in the Midlands Access to prestigious employers such as BMW, Caterpillar,

Dixons Retail, House of Fraser, IBM JLR, Midshires Business Systems, Mondalez Samsung and Wesleyan Assurance Society, for jobs, work experience placements and training

OfSTED rated good provision, with some areas of education being rated outstanding

Best sports department in the UK with consistently winning teams

We have courses in just about everything. A Levels & GCSE, Apprenticeships, Art & Design, Beauty, Hair & Holistic Therapies, Business, Management & Professional, Computing & IT, Construction & Sustainable Technologies, Engineering, Fashion & Retail, Foundation Learning, Health, Social Care and Early Years, Hospitality & Catering, Land Based, Languages, Media, Music & Performance, Medical & Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Teaching, Travel & Tourism, Uniformed Services.

New for 2013 - The Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy. For High Flyers who want to enter the world of finance, business, law and property. Working with top businesses like Deutsche Bank, Gately, GVA, KPMG, Laser, Lloyds Bank, and Wesleyan.

NEW College hosts prestigious bricklaying competitionNEW Colleges Redditch-based Construction Centre, Alliance House, has hosted a prestigious craft competition with the The Guild of Bricklayers.

This year NEW College played host to students from 12 colleges from across the West Midlands as well as a range of local and national construction companies.

The regional heat of the competition, which has been running since the 1960s, aimed to find the best student bricklayers from throughout the West Midlands, with the winners going through to a national competition in Cardiff later this year.

Nathan Brazier of Walsall College took home the trophy in the Junior Competition, and Mark Lines of South & City College Birmingham came first place in the Senior Competition.

Winner of the Derek Spencer Award for significant achievement was Edward Silk, a junior competitor from NEW College.

President of the Guild of Bricklayers, Vic Scriven, said at the event The students have produced some fantastic work and they all deserve to be congratulated.

NEW College Principal John Callaghan commented, Were very proud of the facilities we have here so we have been delighted to host this important competition. Id like to congratulate all the competitors and Im especially pleased that a NEW College student was among the winners as all the work has been of an extremely high standard. Craft skills are a valuable asset to employers and its something NEW College will continue to invest in.


Web: www.mgts.co.uk/apprenticeshipsTel: 024 7663 0333Email: [email protected]

Looking for a career in engineering?Midland Group Training Services has a number of exciting employment opportunities for school and college leavers to undertake an engineering apprenticeship in Coventry and Warwickshire. An apprenticeship is an excellent route into an engineering career. An apprenticeship with MGTS provides both practical skills as well as academic study.

Engineering is the use of Maths and Science to design, build and maintain structures, machines, systems and processes that are vital for our everyday lives.

You need to have or are predicted achieve good GCSE grades A-C in English, Maths, and Science.You will be paid by your employer an average of 180 per week. This will increase annually as you gain more skills and so become more useful to your employer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happens at the end of your apprenticeship?

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

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

Web: www.uk.capgemini.com/careers

A world leAder of the AccountAncy And finAnce profession

THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT.NO ONES BETTER QUALIFIED.london, shanghai, new york, singapore? icAew chartered Accountants have the work experience, financial intelligence and skills the business world demands.

Become chartered and start your journey, visit icaew.com/betterqualified

HOw FAR DO yOU wANT TO gO IN BUSINESS?

143_Careersworld_297x210_AW.indd 1 29/01/2013 10:20


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

Eamonn, Audit SeniorBloomer Heaven Ltd, BirminghamI cant say Ive always wanted to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. It wasnt until I studied business with finance at the University of Sheffield that I became very interested in accountancy.

The ACA qualification stood out for me in particular when choosing a professional qualification, mainly because of the reputation the ICAEW has for being a world leader of the accountancy and finance profession.

Having started as an Audit Trainee, I am now Audit Senior for Bloomer Heaven Ltd in Birmingham. The best thing about my role is getting out and meeting different people from a range of industries. The role is very diverse and there is no such thing as a typical day.

For anyone looking at a career in accountancy, I would definitely recommend it. The ACA has not only given me an early career boost but I believe it will continue to do so in the future. With the ACA qualification being so diverse and highly regarded amongst employers, it will provide a basis from which I can take my career as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant anywhere.

Web: icaew.com/careersFacebook: ICAEWStartingpoint

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.


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


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 FOCUSOver 100,000 people in the West Midlands work in the nancial sector, across a varied range of job roles.

This contributes to around 13% of the regions GDP. The city of Birmingham

has around 49,200 people employed in nancial and

legal job roles, making it the regions most

important city for this sector. Despite this, the region has a relatively

small amount of people in the legal sector, with just over 5% of people

employed in legal based roles in the West Midlands.

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


WHAT KINDS OF CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS SECTOR?

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

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR?

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

WHAT KIND OF MONEY CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

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


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

IS THIS A POPULAR SECTOR TO WORK IN?

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

WHERE IS WORK MOST CONCENTRATED?

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

Travel & Hospitality

Web: www.wortech.ac.ukTel: 01905 743456Email: [email protected]

Hospitality student offered internship in AmericaA Hospitality and Catering Student, Ryan Banner from Worcester College of Technology has been offered a year cookery internship in Missouri, America at the Big Cedar Lodge, a luxury resort with five unique restaurants.

The internship was offered by former student Leigh Mills, who studied on the Hospitality and Catering course at the College back in 2005. Leigh who now lives in America and works as a Sous Chef at Big Cedar travelled all the way back to Worcester, which was only the second time he has returned since 2005.

Ryan who was studying a Level 2 Professional Cookery VRQ at Worcester College of commented:

I started off on the course not knowing what direction I wanted to take with my career, with very little cookery knowledge, and very little practical experience. Throughout the course I have developed my skills and have much more of a direction of where I would like to take my career in the future. My tutors have been really supportive; they recognise my limitations, as well as my strengths and have helped me to gain confidence in my abilities. It will be an excellent opportunity to gain practical skills, and get real life work experience as a chef!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

REGIONAL FOCUSThe West Midlands is a great place to start a

career in Hospitality, with the region having over 15,000 different work

places. Of course, the majority of these are

found in the major cities such as Birmingham,

Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton.

Birmingham is also a great place for travel, with the regions only commercial airport found here (or at

Bickenhill, to be precise!). Many of the countrys

motorways also converge on Birmingham, providing the city with links to the

rest of the country.

90%OF THE INDUSTRY WORK FULL-TIME

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

INDUSTRY

MORE THAN

218 MILLIONPEOPLE USE AIRLINES

EVERY YEAR


WHATS THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

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


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


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

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


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


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

Construction

Web: www.futureskillssandwell.comTel: 0121 555 4350

Good news - Willmott DixonOne of Sandwells most state-of-the-art projects has given nine Future Skills Sandwell trainees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on the construction of the 8m Tipton Swimming Leisure centre. This leisure facility boasts a 25 metre six lane pool and a 12 .5 metre training pool amongst other state of the art leisure facilities.

The apprentices working within the project have benefitted from gaining hands-on work experience and evidence towards achieving their individual Level 2 Apprenticeship framework.

This has been a truly exceptional opportunity for all 9 youngsters, as being placed on such a high profile site has not only allowed them to work towards their full qualifications but has given them the chance to showcase their skills, knowledge and determination to succeed to developers and sub contractors and will hopefully lead to the chance to gain permanent opportunities.

Cabinet member for Jobs and Economy at the time, Councillor Derek Rowley, said: We are keen to ensure young people benefit from all the regeneration work under way in the borough.

Think Local, the Councils Employment and Skills Initiative, work closely with all Sandwell Developments to support both the contractors and the young apprentices, sourced from Future Skills Sandwell apprenticeship programme, to ensure that employment and training opportunities are maximised under the Councils social clause commitment as a consequence of investment in the Borough.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

37%ARE SELF-EMPLOYED

55%ARE EMPLOYED

IN MANUAL OCCUPATIONS

REGIONAL FOCUSOur region currently

employs over 200,000 people in the construction

industry and with regeneration projects

popping up all the time (such as the 33 million project in Shirley the place, not the person), theres no better time to get into a career in construction. Theres a current demand for labourers and interior

tters, while theres little in the way of demand

for plumbers, tters and mechanics.

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

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

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

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

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

A levels Accounting Agriculture Animal welfare Arboriculture Art and design Beauty therapies Blacksmithing Brickwork Business Carpentry Childcare Construction Cookery Costume and fashion Countryside Dental nursing Design and crafts Equine Electrical Engineering Enterprise Event management Farriery Floristry Food and drink Forensic science Furniture Hairdressing Health and social care Horticulture IT Landscaping Media Motor vehicle Music Performing arts Peter Jones Enterprise Academy Photography Plumbing Public services Sport, coaching and fitness Travel and tourism Veterinary nursing

Leamington Tuesday 1 October, 5:30pm 8pmHenley-in-Arden and Trident, Warwick Wednesday 2 October, 5:30pm- 8pmRugby Thursday 3 October, 5:30pm 8pmMoreton Morrell and Pershore Saturday 5 October, 10am-1pm

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WHATS THE AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL CARE SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Agriculture is quite a broad term for land based industries such as farming, landscaping, environmental conservation and forestry. It also covers the manufacturing of machinery for various uses on farms, forests and foliage alike. Animal Care involves the treatment of animals in both a domestic and professional environment. Whether this is through veterinary means or if you are grooming the next Grand National winner, youll need to know everything about the animals you will be looking after.


Because this is such a broad sector, we cant list all the salaries for every single job, but as a rough guide, farm based job roles start at between 10,000 and 13,000 and increase as you progress up the career ladder. Specialist career paths such as farriery (making horseshoes) and park rangers (who look after our national parks) can start on around 18,000 and be on upwards of 30,000 after experience. In animal care, a veterinary nurse can expect to start out on about 13,000, whereas professional horse-groomers usually begin on about 12,000.


Well, given that its land based and animals are mostly found outside, then youll be doing most of your work in the great

outdoors! You could be in a eld harvesting crops, on a farm looking after the animals or in a forest keeping everything natural looking. In an animal care environment, you could be working in a veterinary surgery treating peoples pets, or going out and about in your community doing house calls. You could even be working at a race track helping horses prepare for their next big competition.


Just under half of the people that work in this sector are self employed, as most agricultural farms are family run businesses. On the animal care side of things, the demand for quali ed veterinary staff is on the rise; the government predicts that from now until 2020, this sector will require at least 44,000 people with a minimum Level 3 quali cation in their chosen eld.


It goes without saying that this sector is focused on working in the countryside, so dont be looking to the big cities for work! Most farms are family run businesses, but you might nd some that are willing to take on apprentices. Youll also nd veterinary surgeries in nearly all small towns and villages, but youll nd it easier getting work in surgeries that have a larger catchment area.

Agriculture & Animal Care

Web: www.lantra.co.uk

Lauren PageTwenty-one-year-old Lauren Page works as an advanced apprentice in the equine industry. I decided on a career with horses at quite an early age says Lauren, who has spent much of her life around horses.

Lauren began her working life with no qualifications, so at first she found it challenging to evidence her knowledge of horses: It was hard to get a job as everyone wanted proof of what I could do and I only had the words of family and friends, so I decided to look into NVQs.

Lauren joined a Gloucestershire-based training centre and went on to achieve an Apprenticeship in Work-Based Horse Care Level 2. She also undertook a Riding and Road Safety Course and is now working towards her Advanced Apprenticeship Diploma Level 3.

A typical day for Lauren includes activities such as feeding and mucking out the horses, riding lessons, sweeping, sorting out bedding and undergoing stable management training.

One aspect Lauren really enjoys in her role is teaching and seeing clients improve their abilities as well as improving her own riding skills. For Lauren, patience and initiative are two key skills in her role. She highlights teaching as part of the role that can sometimes prove challenging: You need to find different styles to suit different clients of different abilities.

Laurens plans for the immediate future include completing her Advanced Apprenticeship Diploma Level 3 and going on to study further qualifications. In the long term, she would like to work on a competition yard, exercising horses and ensuring they are in good condition for shows and events.

The UK is blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world; rolling hills, green elds and more breathtaking views than you can shake a stick at. Its also an important part of our economy, with farming, landscaping, conservation and national parks all bringing in money in various ways. Animal care is all about caring for animals (duh); making sure they are t and healthy, as well as grooming them for both domestic and professional use.


HORTICULTURE & LANDSCAPINGEver wondered what it is that makes our country that little bit more beautiful? From the city centre parks people stroll in to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, this sector is all about making the areas we visit look good. You might be arranging owers in a local community or maintaining our national parks; either way youll be getting plenty of satisfaction from people taking in your work. Your starting salary will be around 15,000, but could be more depending on what it is your working on.

FARM WORKERIts not all big beards and wellies (although you should probably get a pair for this; you might end up losing your trainers pretty quickly). Farming is hard work, but the rewards that come out of it, in terms of money and pride, are well known. You could be looking after animals such as sheep, cows and pigs, or working with high-tech machinery cultivating and harvesting crops. You can expect to earn around 7,200 if you are aged 16 or over, while those who are 19 and over will expect to bring in around 10,000, rising to around 15,000 with experience.

RANGERRangers are responsible for keeping our national parks clean and tidy, while also making sure that the wildlife and plants are also kept healthy and safe. This is de nitely a career for those who want to work outdoors but also for those who are avid about the environment and working with animals. Salaries start out at around 18,000, but Senior Rangers can earn in excess of 30,000.

VETERINARY NURSINGAnimals get sick just like people do (and unlike people, they cant drive themselves to the doctors; their feet cant reach the pedals for one thing) and require treatment, checkups and if necessary, surgery. Veterinary nurses assist vets in treating various different types of domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, parrots and horses. Youll learn all about the different types of animal anatomies, as well as the kinds of treatments each animal needs in each situation. Dont be afraid to get your hands a bit messy in this industry! Your starting salary will be around 14,000, but Senior Veterinary Nurses earn around 25,000.

LAND BASED ENGINEERINGAs you can imagine, farm working involves a heck of a lot of complex machinery, such as threshers, harvesters, processors, tractors and many others. Land based engineers are responsible for building and maintaining these machines, so an eye for mechanics and systems will be handy here. Starting salaries in this sector are quite high and usually between 20,000 and 26,000.

Careers ChoicesSo, do you think you could thrive in an Agricultural environment? If you dont like working outside but still like the idea of working with animals, then perhaps you would want to consider a career in veterinary sciences or as an animal trainer! This sector is truly massive, so massive in fact that the job roles weve listed below dont really begin to scratch the surface of what you can do! These are the most popular job roles you can expect to nd:


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:Game and Wildlife Management Animal Care Horticulture Environmental Conservation Land Based Engineering

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.Animal Care Environmental Conservation Game and Wildlife Management Land Based Engineering Veterinary Nursing

A-LEVELSA-Levels are the most popular gateway into university and are sought after by employers. They are also useful for getting into more senior roles such as management and team leading. The following A-Levels will help you get into this sector:Biology Chemistry Maths English Geography Geology

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

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

VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONSThese can be undertaken instead of doing A-Levels and can be done at Level 2 and 3. They, like Apprenticeships, can result in a BTEC, NVQ or Diploma and are handy for getting into more speci c job roles in this sector.

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 FOCUSWith so much countryside

in the region, its unsurprising that theres a lot of land and animal

based job roles. Farming is a popular career choice

in our region, with just over 2,500 businesses

employing close to 14,500 people. Animal care is

even favourable, with over 20,000 people employed

in the West Midlands. 43% of these people

work in skilled roles within the sector, such as tree

surgery or dry stone walling.

78,000PEOPLE WORK IN

ANIMAL CARE

3,350AGRICULTURE RELATED BUSINESSES IN THE UK

86%OF ANIMAL CARE

BUSINESSES EMPLOY 5 STAFF OR LESS


WHATS THE ENGINEERING SECTOR ALL ABOUT?

Well, it certainly covers a lot of ground. Engineering is so diverse that pretty much everything you see around you is the product of engineering. Its about creating technology to help us advance as people; engineers were behind the rst aeroplane, the rst cannon, the rst microwave and even the rst tin of beans. But its not just about creation, its also about improving; F1 teams use engineers to make their cars faster and lighter and car manufacturers always need new designs to keep ahead in the market.


This is a very big sector, so you can expect a very big salary as you become more quali ed. Starting salaries are around 17,000 and the average, fully quali ed engineer can expect to earn 43,000 a year. Of course, the more specialised you go, the more you will get!


Most engineers work in factories, but some elds such as chemical engineering might require you to work in a laboratory with complex equipment or in the case of Marine Engineers, on a boat in the middle of the ocean!


As weve mentioned a billion times already, engineering is a huge part of the UK economy. In fact, it comprises one fth of it. Over half the people who work in Engineering are in managerial and professional roles, so there is an obvious route to progression in this sector.


The North of England is one of the leading areas in the world for this sector; theres aerospace, automotive, chemical and marine engineering in that region, but speaking more locally, most factories and plants are where the action is. Naturally, most work is on industrial estates so be prepared to look around to nd the type of engineering you would like to work with.

Engineering

Web: www.auea.co.ukTel: 0121 380 0570

Aminah Bibi: Engineering my futureAminah Bibi is in Year 13 at Aston University Engineering Academy where she is studying A levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Product Design.

Aminah says Physics is my favourite subject because it is the science of why and it dares to go where no other science has gone before. As I looked into options of where I could use Physics, Engineering kept coming up.

Aminah did not know much about engineering so she did her research, attended careers events and spoke to advisors. Aminah attended a presentation by Aston Universi

Careers World West Midlands AUTUMN 2013

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Transcript of Careers World West Midlands AUTUMN 2013