Open Doors NE

Open DoorsNorth EASt EditioN

Issue 2Spring 2011

ISSN: 2044 7159

open d

oors – The Regional Training ProspectusIssue 2 | N

orth East Edition | Spring 2011 www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

apprenticeships / careers / training / jobs

Supporting Apprenticeship Week7 - 11 February 2011

• Qualifications explained • Apprenticeships Week • Connexions can help you

sector spotlight We shed some light on working in Construction, Sport, Media, Manufacturing and much more!

ISSN – 2044 7159All 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.

Open Doors – The Regional Training Prospectus is published by Open Doors Media Ltd ©2011.

Publisher – Karl [email protected]

Editor – Lisa [email protected]

Design – SBT Design, [email protected]

Year 11-12 contributorCharlie Woods, Bedale High School and QE Darlington

To contact us:0845 388 [email protected]

Advertising – Simon [email protected]

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The Regional Training Prospectus

Welcome to the second instalment of the Open Doors Regional Training Prospectus. It’s a new year and a great time to focus on the exciting opportunities ahead – there are so many of them right here in your area. That’s where we come in…

In this second issue, we focus on some different sectors in our region, like Manufacturing, Creative, Digital & Media, and Sports & Fitness. As always, we’ve covered all the other main sectors out there too. We’ve also included an article on money matters you may need to consider when choosing a training provider or college course.

Since it’s a new year, we thought it would be a good time to bring out our own new website – log on, and you can receive updates about opportunities in your region in between issues. There are plenty of other people in this Prospectus who can help you get ahead – learning providers, colleges, local councils and Connexions centres.

So turn the page and let’s get started!

Hello again!

Throughout this prospectus, you’ll see lots of facts and figures about our region and its sectors. We get them from UK National Statistics, various Sector Skills Councils, regional development agencies and industry experts. Wikipedia had nothing to do with any of it!

Open Doors – Spring 2011 - North East edition

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

03

the intro Bits

p17 sport &

fitness sector

the perfect place to start, jump straight to any section that instantly appeals or keep turning the pages and continue reading – it’s all here to help you find your dream career

Contents

07 get into training Part 2 of 3. Here’s some advice on money matters to consider when choosing a work-based learning course

10 QualifiCations table See how different qualifications add up, and how they compare

12 life stories past and present students tell us all about their experiences and how they succeeded

17 sport & fitness seCtor How about a healthy career helping people stay fit?

21 environmental & land-based seCtor Consider a career working out in the fresh air

25 ConstruCtion seCtor Build a successful career for yourself

29 manufaCturing seCtor It’s about making things we need, from food and medicine to petrol and clothing

33 Creative, digital & media seCtor Exciting, trendy careers for artistic types

37 imagine a Career... We give you a heads-up on the other sectors out there, which we’ll cover in later issues

the intro bits careers insight

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04


p21 environmental & land-based sector

p25 construction sector

p29 Manufacturing sector

p33 creative, digital & media sector

Here’s how it worksEvery term, we publish a new issue of Open Doors that covers five sectors in detail so you get a good idea of what a career in those industries would be like. Don’t worry if the sector you’re keen on isn’t one of the five – you’ll find it in our overview of remaining sectors in the ‘Imagine a career in...’ article. With each new issue, we’ll cover five totally new sectors in detail, so make sure you look out for us next term.If there’s anything else you’d like us to cover, or if you just want to say hello, email us at [email protected]. We want to make sure our magazine offers everything you need (or just want to read about)! Happy reading, and hope you have a great term.

43 spotligHt on tHe nortH east All about your region

48 Connexions The service that helps get you where you want

50 apprentiCesHip Week 2011 So what’s it all about? Find out here.

52 more Helpful stuff Useful links, contact details and more – because you can never have too much information

54 Website revieW Get the lowdown on how to search for apprenticeship vacancies, training schemes and jobs in your area on our new website.

Useful stuff


05

the intro Bits

earn whileyou learnand developthe skills youneed tosucceed

If so, then an Apprenticeship might be theright route for you.

• Business Administration• Childcare, Learning and

Development • Customer Service• IT• Retail• Sales and Telesales• Warehousing and Distribution• Team Leading and

Management

You’ll get recognised qualifications, full support duringtraining and enjoy great career prospects at the end.

Intraining can help you to find Apprenticeshipplacements in the following areas:

Looking for a job where you can earn money whileyou learn the skills you need to succeed?

For more information, please visitwww.intraining.co.uk or call our helplineon 0845 602 9747 quoting ref. ODNE1

INT_WFD_v2:Layout 1 31/08/2010 15:39 Page 1

get into training part 2 More and more, employers are looking for people with the right skills to do the job. Work-based learning, like an Apprenticeship, is a great way to start a career, earn qualifications and get paid...all at the same time!

there are training

opportunities in every

sector, from engineering to

Media

apprenticeship qualifications

can count towards

university

employers value

vocational qualifications

research shows that apprentices earn over £100,000 more throughout

their lifetime than other employees

on average, apprentices

earn £170 per week


07

the intro Bits

earn whileyou learnand developthe skills youneed tosucceed

If so, then an Apprenticeship might be theright route for you.

• Business Administration• Childcare, Learning and

Development • Customer Service• IT• Retail• Sales and Telesales• Warehousing and Distribution• Team Leading and

Management

You’ll get recognised qualifications, full support duringtraining and enjoy great career prospects at the end.

Intraining can help you to find Apprenticeshipplacements in the following areas:

Looking for a job where you can earn money whileyou learn the skills you need to succeed?

For more information, please visitwww.intraining.co.uk or call our helplineon 0845 602 9747 quoting ref. ODNE1

INT_WFD_v2:Layout 1 31/08/2010 15:39 Page 1

Travel costsTravel isn’t cheap, especially when you have to buy a

roundtrip ticket to your college or training provider everyday.

And the further from home you go, the more expensive it

gets. The good news is that there’s help available.

If you’re between 16 and 18 (or continuing a course you

started before your 19th birthday), your local authority

may be able to help you with the cost of transportation

to your college or sixth form.

The type of help you can get depends on where you

live - each local authority decides what’s suitable for the

area. They may look at your family’s income, judge how

far you live from the nearest college where your course

is available, and other factors. Visit your local council

website for more information (they’re listed on our ‘useful

links’ pages).

Something to think about...Usually, the help with transportation costs is only for

travel within your local council. The exception is if there

isn’t a suitable course in your area. If you want to attend

a college farther away when you could easily go nearby,

you’ll probably have to foot your own travel bill. And that

can add up.

Specialist coursesIf you want to do a specialist course that’s not available in your local area, there are two possible ways to get help with the extra costs of studying away from home:

• Choose a college that offers residential bursaries for certain courses – there are close to 50 specialist residential centres across the country that offer extra help for students who want to study a particular course that isn’t offered in their local area. These centres tend to specialise in agriculture, art and design courses. You have to apply directly to the college for financial help. If you’re thinking of choosing a course at a specialist college, then you should start applying in the Autumn term of Year 11.

• The Residential Support Scheme – if the specialist college you want to go to isn’t part of the residential bursary scheme, don’t worry – you can still apply for the Residential Support Scheme, which helps pay for term time accommodation if your college is too far away for you to travel there from home.

moneY mattersWhen it comes to deciding on a training provider, Apprenticeship, job or college course, there are some things you might not have considered, like how much it will cost to get there each day. Here’s some information to help...

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08


Find out moreThere’s so much you can learn, from engineering to hairdressing. Find out

what courses and qualifications are available in your area with your local 14-

19 prospectus. They’re on page 52-53...

ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships involve working for an employer while

studying for a qualification part time with a training

provider or college (usually on day release). One of the

great things about Apprenticeships is that you don’t have

to pay for the training. As long as you’re between 16 and

18, your studies are 100% paid for by the government.

The new National Minimum Wage means that all

apprentices will be paid at least £2.50/hour. However,

as your skills develop, many employers tend to increase

wages – research shows that apprentices usually take

home £170 a week.

Something to think about...Apprentices aren’t eligible for help with transport costs,

so this is definitely something to consider when choosing

an Apprenticeship. You’ll have to get to both your

employer and your place of study.

Young parents

If you’re a young parent, you’ll need to think about childcare

while you’re at college. The Care to Learn scheme can help

pay for your childcare and travel costs while you’re learning.

It doesn’t matter what subject or course you choose and

you could get up to £160 per child, per week.

What about EMA?The EMA is now closed to new applicants in England. Now, funding will be available through schools, training providers and colleges themselves

for students who need the help most.

Discretionary Support FundsThese funds help anyone over 16 who has trouble meeting the costs of further education at college or sixth form. They’re available through the college or school sixth form and can be used for travel costs, course-related equipment or accommodation costs.

Schools and colleges set their own criteria, which means the amounts available may differ between institutions. If you qualify, the funding could be a direct payment to you or a payment to someone else on your behalf. The payment could be a loan that you’ll have to pay back, or a grant, which you won’t.

how to applyIf you’re at a college, speak to your student support officer. If you’re in a sixth form, get in touch with your tutor or student support officer.

Something to think about...These funds aren’t available to people on Apprenticeships or in work-based learning.


09

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ad

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04


QualifiCationsexplained

Did you know that completing an Advanced Apprenticeship is the same as getting an A level? There are lots of different qualifications – here’s how they compare. Remember that within any one level, qualifications can cover a wide mix of subjects, and take different amounts of time to complete.

entrY level level 1 level 2 level 3

entry level Certificates

5 gCses (grades d-g)

5 gCses (grades a*-C) a levels Higher

apprenticeship

skills for life

bteC introductory

diplomas and Certificates

apprenticeship advanced apprenticeship

foundation degree

functional skills at entry level

(english, maths and iCt)

oCr nationalsbteC first

diplomas and Certificates

gCe in applied subjects

diploma of Higher education

awards, Certificates, and

diplomas at entry level

nvQs at level 1

foundation diploma

nvQs at level 2

Higher diploma

bteC diplomas, Certificates and

awards

nvQs at level 3

advanced diploma

Hnd, HnC

level 4-8

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10


NORTH EAST LTD

Call your local ITEC centre now or apply on-line

0191 490 4670 | 01325 320052 | 01642 232550

www.itecne.co.uk

Business & Administration Communication Technology Customer Service IT Practitioner/Professional IT User Sales Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Team Leading & Management

ITEC’s Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and real skills, gaining qualifications such as NVQ’s and other nationally recognised qualifications proving their true ability in the workplace. Employers really do recognise and value their apprentices.

Start Learning & Earning

NVQ Levels2, 3 & 4

ITEC NE Ad Dec10 v3.indd 1 22/12/2010 13:35

life storiesFirst class training helps apprentice win top travel award

18 year old Intraining

apprentice, Laura

Cook, proved that doing an apprenticeship really is worthwhile.

Last year, Laura

won one of the travel industry’s top

awards ‘Young Agent

of the Year’ from

leading publisher

Travel Trade Gazette.

Having worked for

two years as a travel

apprentice with Midlands Co-op, Laura had already

gained a great deal of experience and achieved an

NVQ Level 2 in Travel and Tourism two months early.

As a result, she won the Midlands Co-op 2008/2009

Travel Apprentice of the Year Award in April last

year. She decided she wanted to progress further

and began her Level 3 NVQ in Travel and Tourism with

leading training provider Intraining which helped her to

achieve this award.

Laura really loves her job which involves a variety of

administrative duties, such as filing, invoicing, as well

as dealing with customers for package holidays and

long haul tailor-made holidays.

Laura said “I’m really glad that my apprenticeship

was delivered by Intraining because of the support

I have received and because of the layout of the

apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship

and winning Young Agent of the Year has made

a big difference to my life. It has given me more

confidence and has made me realise that I want to

pursue a career in the travel industry. It’s my dream

job and I cannot think of working anywhere else.”

For more information call 0845 602 9747 or email

[email protected]

www.intraining.co.uk

going the extra mile with teaM Wearside“I joined TEAM Wearside back in July 2009 as an Apprentice Administration Assistant working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Business Administration. I applied for the position after seeing it advertised on the National Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service website. Having recently completed my A Levels at college I saw an Apprenticeship as a great opportunity to offer me valuable work experience whilst earning a weekly wage. Since joining TEAM I have achieved my Level 2 qualification with the excellent support and guidance from my TEAM Wearside Apprenticeship Assessor. TEAM Wearside are fantastic! Some training companies say they help young people and just go through the motions. With TEAM, they help you gain an insight into work - they go the extra mile. I have progressed onto my Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration which I look forward to completing in the near future. I would recommend TEAM Wearside to anyone considering doing an Apprenticeship in Business Administration, ITQ, Retail, Customer Services, Hospitality and Catering or Health and Social Care.”

Kim Race, Business Administration Apprentice, TEAM Wearside.

TEAM Wearside Ltd delivers a large portfolio of training programmes (and other services such as PAT testing, policy writing, risk assessments and accredited health and safety training) which directly support businesses as well as assisting employed and unemployed young people and adults reach their potential.

Contact TEAM today on 0191 5142799 or email [email protected] for further information.www.teamwearside.co.uk

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celebrating success of first female apprentice electricianClaire Graham, 25, from South Shields is on course to complete her Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrotechnical Services at Newcastle College and is one of only two female apprentices studying the course.

Claire, who has worked as a Maintenance Officer at TT2 for the past four years, developed an interest in electrics after being encouraged by a family friend.

Claire said: “I was working in retail and did some office work, but I felt that I wanted to go further and find a career, rather than just a job. I struggled to access training in the job I was in and I really wanted to find something that I was interested in. My Dad’s friend encouraged me to think of a career as an electrician, so I looked around for Apprenticeships and signed up at an open day at Newcastle College.”

The experience of working and studying in a traditionally male environment has been a positive one for Claire, who would like to encourage more women to consider the wide range of subject areas open to females looking to start an Apprenticeship.

Claire added: “I would totally recommend an Apprenticeship and would like to see more women in this industry. I am really lucky as I get paid while I learn, have an employer who really supports me, and am able to put into practice a great deal of what I learn at Newcastle College.”

Jeff Shaw, Maintenance Manager at TT2, said: “Claire has become a valuable asset to the team and I look forward to seeing her develop further through the company in the years to come. Our apprentices are a key part of our future.”

To see the latest range of Apprenticeship employer vacancies at Newcastle College visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/apprenticeshipvacancies or contact 0191 200 4000.

trainee midwife delivers the facts

Trainee midwife

Jo Wattam is so enthusiastic about her chosen

profession she has

already helped deliver 40 babies!

The 18 year old

former Darlington

College student

won a coveted place on the midwifery course

at Teesside University – this

year there were 600 applicants for just 24 places. Jo scored the

highest possible points on her National Diploma in

Health and Social Care – equivalent of three A-Levels

– to get into university.

The former Polam Hall School pupil has been

a true ambassador for Darlington College and

without doubt is the Outstanding Vocational

Learner of the Year.

She was an exemplary student, a consistently

high achiever, with fantastic course work and is so

passionate about her cause she has given up time to

talk to new students about her two-year course.

Jo, who lives in Darlington, has recently returned to

the classroom to tell new Darlington College students

about the joys of labour. She returned to college to

share her experiences with new students studying for

a National Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Her insight has encouraged other students on

the same course to consider midwifery and in her

spare time she helps out on the maternity ward at

Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Jo commented: “I wanted to be a practical student. A

Levels didn’t interest me so this course was excellent

and I was lucky to have such great teachers.”

For further information on the range of courses at

Darlington College call 01325 503030

or visit www.darlington.ac.uk

Jo Wattam shares her experiences with

current Darlington College students.


13

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life storiesapprenticeships are integral to interbulk

Interbulk is one of

the most successful

intermodal logistics

companies in the

world and their group

office in Stockton

employs staff at all

levels, including senior

management, who

have benefitted from

work-based learning.

Shaun Richards, Interbulk’s Operations Manager

in the UK & Ireland reflects on the early days of his

career with a local learning provider. “My experiences

have been so positive that I’m a whole-hearted

supporter of work-based apprenticeships and back

Interbulk’s recruitment and development of young

people 100%.”Within Shaun’s team is James Cooney who

converted to an apprenticeship after completing ‘A’

levels at college. Thanks to his apprenticeship, James

has gained considerable experience, producing work

to a high standard, invaluable for his NVQ. He says

“Working at Interbulk has given me the support and

inspiration to seriously consider looking for part-time

college or university courses with potential to help me

develop my career path.”

The group’s IT department recently recruited

Katherine Short into an admin/IT role, alongside Ryan

Stephens and Samantha Parcell in Maintenance and

Repair, who all experienced college before embarking

upon apprenticeships with Interbulk. Both Ryan and

Sam initially completed Business and Administration

Level 2 and are now studying for further qualifications.

Martin Levitt, Group M & R Manager speaks extremely

highly of his young employees and looks forward to

helping them each progress and develop.

ITEC North East look forward to a continued

successful relationship with Interbulk, understanding

their business needs to recruit and develop excellent

candidates as they progress through apprenticeships

and beyond.

For more information please contact us on

01325 320052 / 0191 490 4670 / 01642 232550

or visit www.itecne.co.uk

NORTH EAST LTD

new appointments reflect gateshead college’s commitment to apprenticeshipsGateshead College has recruited seven new apprentices, reflecting its own commitment to increasing the opportunities for people gaining apprenticeships.

19 year old Sophie Beck from Pelaw, Jessica Forster (17) of Chester-le-Street, Sophie Kennedy (18) of Gateshead, Eilish Thompson (16) from Bedlington and 17-year-old Jack Kelly from Birtley have been taken on as business administration apprentices by Gateshead College.They will be working across several departments at the college, gaining experience in handling day-to-day office tasks including answering the phone, typing up meeting documents, preparing spreadsheets, sending out post and photocopying.

20 year old Abigail McNeill from North Yorkshire and Mark Robinson, 18, from Middlesbrough join as creative apprentices studying technical theatre where they will gain back stage production skills working on productions with music, dance and drama performers.Workplace training for the new apprentices will be combined with classroom studies – the five administration apprentices will be studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration at Gateshead College while Abigail and Mark will be working towards an NVQ Level 2 in technical theatre.College principal and chief executive Richard Thorold said the college identified areas of its own operation which would benefit from employing apprentices before selecting and interviewing the most suitable candidates. He said: “We were very impressed by those we appointed. They not only saw how they could benefit from apprenticeships but wanted to continue their studies while working.”

For more information call 0191 490 2246 or visit www.gateshead.ac.uk

Some of the new apprentices (l – r) Mark Robinson, Sophie Beck, Jack Kelly (sitting), Jessica Forster, Abbey McNeill and Eilish Thompson

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14


Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington has an excellent

reputation for high quality post-16 education

Vane Terrace, Darlington Co. Durham DL3 7AU t: 01325 461315 f: 01325 361705

e: [email protected] w: www.qeliz.ac.uk

The College offers full-time and part-time courses

Day and evening programmes are available

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

one of the country’s leading

sixth form colleges

You’ve got the world at your feet

Apprentice Technical EngineersThere are big, bright possibilities out there for people like you. So why not make the most of them with British Gas? Our apprentices mean the world to us. Many of our senior managers started off as apprentices and our investment in training and retaining our people means that nearly 92 percent are still with us five years after joining. That’s why we’re proud of our commitment to support National Apprenticeship Week again this year.

At our award-winning academies, we’ve got a wealth of resources to help you become a Technical Engineer. Working in either Service and Repair or Central Heating Installation, you’ll get classroom-based learning as well as on-the-job training with local, qualified Mentor Engineers. So there’ll always be someone experienced on hand

to answer your questions and give you the support you need. Don’t worry if you don’t live near one of our academies, as we can provide accommodation if necessary.

As far as the basics are concerned, you’ll need at least four GCSEs, grade C or equivalent. By the end of the course, you’ll also need to hold a full UK driving licence. If you haven’t learned to drive already, we’ve teamed up with the AA to offer discounts on lessons. Once qualified, you’ll be responsible for running your own day, so you’ll need to be customer focused and self reliant.

To find out more and apply for a career at British Gas, visit www.britishgasjobs.co.uk

are you aged 16-18 and interested in fitness?YES!

In JUST 3 weeks you COULD be qualified as a Fitness Instructor AND BE ABLE TO:

HELP PEOPLE GET

FITTER

WRITEFITNESS

PROGRAMMESGET PAIDTO LEARN

DEVELOPINDUSTRY

KNOWLEDGE

As part of your training you will learn all about:Anatomy & Physiology

Customer Service

MEMBERSales

FirstAid

If this sounds like the route for you,Government-Funded apprenticeships are offered by Lifetime

to find out more or to applyCall 0845 123 8528

or visit www.lEapintolEisurE.co.uk

GOVE RNMENT

FUNDEDAPPRENT

ICE SHIPS

FOR 16-1 8YR OLDS

Why sit at a desk when

you can have a career in

sport?

You could work for a

premiership club, train

athletes to reach their potential or lead canoe

trips

love sport? You could

make a career out of it.

You could even play a part in the

2012 london olympics

sport & fitness seCtor


17

Careers insight

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete for a career in sport. With the build-up to London 2012, now’s the perfect time to get involved in this booming sector…

Many people think the only way you can get a career in sport is to become a professional athlete or a PE teacher – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, behind every professional football player are the people running the club, maintaining the pitch, training the players, keeping the spectators safe and so on – and that’s just football.

This sector is about more than just sport – it’s about promoting health and fitness, helping people enjoy the outdoors and public health. No matter what your interests or physical abilities are, there’s a rewarding career path for you.

Here are some of the main areas within this thriving industry – you can take a vocational route into any of them.

Exercise and fitness This is about helping people stay fit and healthy, and includes roles like personal trainer, fitness instructor, yoga instructor and swimming teacher. You could work for a gym or leisure centre, or be self-employed and choose your own hours.

CoachingCoaches are needed to teach skills and techniques at all levels, from beginner to professional. They help teams and individuals train to reach their full potential. Coaches need to get a special qualification recognised by their sport’s national governing body.

PlayworkPlayworkers organise and lead play activities for children (aged between 4 and 15) in after-school clubs, play schemes and youth clubs.

Activity leadershipOutdoor activity instructors help people enjoy themselves in the great outdoors. They lead a wide range of expeditions and trips, such as walking, hiking, canoeing and rock climbing.

Spectator controlEvent stewards and marshals make sure crowds are safe and under control at matches and other large events.

operationsIt takes all sorts of people to run a leisure centre or gym, from leisure centre assistants and managers to cleaning and maintenance staff.

What will i earn?For all of these areas, salaries start around £12,000 and can rise to £25,000 with experience and qualifications. Senior staff could earn more than £30,000.

sport & fitness

North East focusWe love sport in the North East. Our region is home to several high profile clubs across football, cricket, ice hockey and rugby union and 20 of our sports facilities are listed in the London 2012 Pre Games Training Camps Guide, with St James Park named an official facility for the Games. We’re also home to the half marathon with the largest participation in the world – the Great North Run. All this means lots of opportunities in the sector.

Fast facts• employs around 24,700 people • 65% are women and 35% are men• the largest sub-sector is Sport and Recreation, which accounts for 60% of total employment.

• 32% of the workforce is aged between 16 and 24• 15% of employers have vacancies

Start learning!Want to find a course in Sport and Fitness in the North East? Then turn to page 52 to find out how to access your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell you who’s offering what course in your local area, or you could visit

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

Careers insight

18


case stUdYA Lifetime success story

In just one year, Tom Waterworth went from A-level drop-out to launching a successful career in the fitness industry.

The 18-year-old found his A-level course in sports science too theoretical and was struggling to see a clear route into employment.

But things changed when he signed up for Lifetime’s Government Funded Apprenticeship in fitness instruction.

Tom said: “It was great to be studying in an adult environment. What’s more, there was plenty of gym-based, practical work, so I knew my job prospects would be much better upon finishing the course.”

Tom is now completing an Apprenticeship in personal training, has secured a new job as a personal trainer at Fitness First in Pontefract, and loves his new career.

He said: “I’m now doing what I always wanted to do.”

If, like Tom, you want a more hands-on approach to education, visit www.leapintoleisure.co.uk to find out more about our fitness Apprenticeships

Get qualified!How to get your foot in the door…

Young Apprenticeship in Sports Management, Leadership and CoachingIf you’re in Year 10 or 11, you could learn

about careers in this sector with this two-

year vocational learning programme. You’ll

spend two days a week on the programme

and the rest in school as usual. This is a

great way to get a flavour for the career

and build up confidence, too.

The benefits: You’ll get a level 2 vocational

qualification, work experience and the skills

that employers are looking for.

14-19 diploma in Sport and Active LeisureThis brand new qualification gives you

a look into the many different careers

within sport and leisure. You’ll gain work

experience and start developing skills that

are relevant to the industry, like how to

promote a healthy lifestyle.

The benefits: You’ll learn more about the

industry and become qualified to get a job

or move on to further education.

ApprenticeshipsThe Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and

Learning covers a wide range of career

paths, whether you’d like to coach, be a

fitness instructor, lead outdoor activities

or run a leisure centre. You’ll learn on the

job while attending a college or training

provider on day release, and earn the right

qualifications that will help you progress.

The benefits: You’ll earn a salary while

picking up the right qualifications for the job.

Useful linkswww.skillsactive.com - the Sector Skills Council for this sector

www.careers-in-sport.co.uk - learn about different careers in sport here


19

Careers insight

The Horticultural Centre has a complete range of facilities; beds, borders, fruit and vegetable areas, ponds, propagation areas and glasshouses. There is also a well equipped fl oristry studio.The arboriculture provision is delivered using our specialist arboretum, dedicated workshop and fantastic woodland areas.

The 400 acre estate with its conservation areas, ponds,woodland, nature trails, wetlands and the River Wear is also the ideal location to enrol on an environmental and conservation studies programme.

Where

careers

grow!

East Durham College’s Houghall Campus is the region’s leading provider of land based courses and training. We offer specialist courses in...

Agriculture Animal Care Arboriculture & Forestry Equestrian

The Best in Land Based Skills Training

Sunday 22nd May, 10am-4pmHoughall Campus Open Day

www.eastdurham.ac.uk | [email protected]

For more information on our great range of courses or the open day please call: 0191 375 4710

Environmental Conservation Floristry Horticulture

The Houghall Campus includes a working farm, equine unit, labs and extensive animal care facilities with a diverse range of animals. Plus...

EDC Houghall Jan 2011 open day A4.indd 1 16/12/2010 16:37

so why spend your life tied

to a desk? turn the page to

start growing your potential…

You’ll earn £100 more a week in

this sector than you would in the retail, hotel or restaurant

industries

You could protect wildlife,

manage the home turf of your football

club or care for animals

Want to spend your

career outside?

environmental & land-based seCtor

the landscaping

industry alone contributes 3

billion pounds to the UK economy!


21

Careers insight

North East focusHere in the North East, we’re spoiled with beautiful outdoor spaces, national parks and a historic rural community. All of this adds up to a thriving sector, with plenty of opportunity for young people willing to roll their sleeves up and dig in.

Fast facts• The largest sub-sectors are agriculture,

game and wildlife management, and horticulture

• There are close to 6,500 businesses in this sector

• Employs 30,000 people, 36% of which are self-employed

• The sector is looking for 80,000 new recruits over the next 7 years

Start learning!Want to find a course in the North East? Then turn to page 52 to find out how to access your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell you who’s offering what course in your local area, or you could visit www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

Not everyone has to spend their career tied to a desk – in this sector, you could be one of the lucky people who gets to work outside. It’s an exciting time to join this sector. Britain is trying to produce more of its own food, fight climate change, and find greener fuel alternatives. There are lots of opportunities to make a difference to the planet, and future generations.

So what can you do? Loads! This sector covers farming; protecting the environment; landscaping; growing flowers; caring for animals and wildlife; maintaining the turf on pitches and much, much more.

Here are some of the main sub-sectors:

horticulture & landscapingThis is about creating and looking after designed landscapes in cities and the countryside. It covers work like maintaining sports turf, gardens, parks, golf courses and even business grounds. Earnings: From £12,000 to £20,000 a year.

AgricultureAs the UK strives to increase its own food production, opportunity is growing in this area. Agriculture covers work in farms, dairies and ‘agribusinesses’ or companies that supply the industry with things like animal feed, fertilisers and farm machinery. Earnings: From £12,000 to £17,000 a year.

Animal careFrom running a cattery to training horses, this career is for the animal lovers. Animal care is about handling, supervising and caring for animals, from small domestic pets to wildlife. Includes work with breeders, pet shops, groomers, animal welfare charities and zoos. Earnings: From £11,000 to £13,000 a year for animal care. £14,000 to £22,000 for veterinary nurses.

Environmental conservationThis area is for people who are passionate about environmental issues. It’s not just about saving the planet – conservation is about coming up with solutions that will lead to a more sustainable, healthy environment. Earnings: From £15,000 to £20,000 a year.

Land-based engineeringThese are the people who design, manufacture and maintain agricultural equipment, like combine harvesters and tractors. Working for dealerships and manufacturers, these engineers use technical knowledge to solve problems for the agricultural industry. Earnings: From £20,000 to £26,000 a year.

From agriculture and animal care to conservation and horticulture, there are many paths towards a rewarding career in this sector…

environmental& land-based

Careers insight

22


Useful linkswww.land-force.com - jobsite for land-based careers

www.lantra.co.uk - the Sector Skills Council for the industry

www.lantracoursefinder.co.uk - helps you find a course in your area

www.growcareers.info - careers in horticulture for young people

Get qualified!There are plenty of vocational courses for

this sector…

Young ApprenticeshipsThis vocational learning programme is open

to Year 10 and 11 students. You’ll spend

two days a week on the Apprenticeship

programme (you’ll study the National

Curriculum the rest of the week) and do 50

days of work experience in the industry.

The benefit: You’ll get an early headstart

in this sector and be able to progress to an

Apprenticeship.

ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships are the recommended

route into this sector. You’ll get a job with

an employer and do half your learning

on the job, and half in the classroom

with a college or training provider. There

are Apprenticeships in agriculture,

horticulture, land-based engineering,

environmental conservation, floristry,

animal care and more. The benefit: You’ll earn a salary while you

get a qualification and have excellent career

progression.

14-19 diploma in Environmental and Land-based StudiesIf you want to explore this sector without

taking the plunge into a job right away,

this Diploma could be the way forward.

The course gives you the knowledge that

can be applied to a career in this sector.

You might learn about conservation, water

management, how we use land for the

production of food and natural resources.

The benefit: After completing the

Diploma, you could get an Apprenticeship,

progress to another course, or start

working in the industry.

case stUdYAward winning Lauren wows her lecturers

Student Lauren Fox recently won the Animal Care Award at East Durham College’s Student of the Month Awards ceremony.

Lauren, who is 16 and from Brandon, started at the College in September after finishing her GCSEs at Belmont School. She is now wowing her lecturers at Houghall, as she works towards her Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care.

Her lecturer Ian Hall said: “Whether it’s theory or practical sessions, Lauren is a delight to teach. She’s always willing to assist in any task, whether it’s helping on the farm with livestock or the small mammals in the animal care unit.”

Lauren enrolled on the course to follow her ambition of one day becoming a veterinary nurse. She told us she was “absolutely loving the course” and was particularly looking forward to spending 4-weeks next term getting her teeth into her planned work experience placement at the Cestria Veterinary Centre in Chester-le-Street.

For more information contact East Durham College, Houghall Campus: Tel: 0191 375 4710 www.eastdurham.ac.uk

Principal Stuart Wesselby, Lauren Fox and

Lecturer Ian Hall


23

Careers insight

Unit 40, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SZT: 0191 215 9903 | E: [email protected] | www.trade-training.com

YOU

College/6th form Unemployment Your career

starts with TTA

TTA-thepipelineto yourfuture!

If you’re 14 to 19 years old, a real career withprospects could be closer than you think.

To make TTA the pipeline to your future, the next step isto contact Shannon Patterson at TTA on 0191 215 9903or email [email protected]

By becoming a Building Engineering Services Apprentice with TTAin either plumbing, heating & ventilation, electrical or gas trades, wecan offer you the chance to gain your Level 2 or 3 qualifications ina timeframe that suits you.

This means you can be ready to start your career when you are reallyready to do so.

That’s because at TTA we know that not everyone is the same and asa specialist training provider we try to ensure that you learn as anindividual at a pace that suits you.

We have our own state-of-the-art premises in North Tyneside – apurpose-designed and industry approved training centre with thelatest equipment - so we can train you to a standard which will allowyou to carry out work for TTA’s own installation service business toallow assessments of your skills to take place.

So it’s like a real job?Yes, we’ll pay you £95 per week from day one and provide you withon-site experience through our specialist training company, TTAServices.

You’ll also join over 100 other apprentices while you train with us.As the largest employer of apprentices in the region, you can be sureof a great learning environment at TTA.

Interested?

? ? !

07-04328 talent train ad A4 Open Doors v7_Layout 1 05/01/2011 12:36 Page 2

the construction

sector is growing again

and looking for new recruits

it’s not just for the boys - almost 200,000 women work in this sector

too

Your work could be admired

by people for years to

come…

there are opportunities

to work locally or abroad!

Want to work in one of

the biggest industries in

the UK?

ConstruCtion seCtor

Unit 40, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SZT: 0191 215 9903 | E: [email protected] | www.trade-training.com

YOU

College/6th form Unemployment Your career

starts with TTA

TTA-thepipelineto yourfuture!

If you’re 14 to 19 years old, a real career withprospects could be closer than you think.

To make TTA the pipeline to your future, the next step isto contact Shannon Patterson at TTA on 0191 215 9903or email [email protected]

By becoming a Building Engineering Services Apprentice with TTAin either plumbing, heating & ventilation, electrical or gas trades, wecan offer you the chance to gain your Level 2 or 3 qualifications ina timeframe that suits you.

This means you can be ready to start your career when you are reallyready to do so.

That’s because at TTA we know that not everyone is the same and asa specialist training provider we try to ensure that you learn as anindividual at a pace that suits you.

We have our own state-of-the-art premises in North Tyneside – apurpose-designed and industry approved training centre with thelatest equipment - so we can train you to a standard which will allowyou to carry out work for TTA’s own installation service business toallow assessments of your skills to take place.

So it’s like a real job?Yes, we’ll pay you £95 per week from day one and provide you withon-site experience through our specialist training company, TTAServices.

You’ll also join over 100 other apprentices while you train with us.As the largest employer of apprentices in the region, you can be sureof a great learning environment at TTA.

Interested?

? ? !

07-04328 talent train ad A4 Open Doors v7_Layout 1 05/01/2011 12:36 Page 2


25

Careers insight

SalaryGenerally, tradespeople with a Level 2 qualification will earn around £325 a week and those with a Level 3 will earn close to £385 a week.

If you choose to do a Construction Apprenticeship, you can expect to earn around £8,700 the first year, £11,600 the next, and £15,350 the third year.

North East focusWhile the recession hit the construction

industry pretty hard, things are starting to look

up in our region. The construction sector is

set to grow by 5% each year, so now’s a good

time to get qualifications – you’ll be able to hit

the ground running and take advantage of the

new job opportunities.

Fast facts• The sector needs more bricklayers, labourers

and floorers• Employment is up by 5% since last year

• Employers are looking for people who can work

to deadlines, understand health and safety

regulations, and have good technical skills

Start learning!Want to find a Construction course in the North

East? Then turn to page 50 to find out how to

access your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell

you who’s offering courses in your local area, or

you could visit www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

Construction is one of the UK’s biggest industries and turns over billions of pounds a year. This sector is responsible for creating the buildings and structures we rely on – the houses we live in, the motorways we drive across, the stadiums we watch matches in, the bridges we cross, and so on.

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of people working together to pull off major construction projects. Whether you like physical outdoor work or drawing technical plans in the office, there is a career path to suit everyone.

Here are some of the most popular trades. You can get into all of these areas through a Construction Apprenticeship:

BricklayingOne of the most popular trades and Apprenticeships, bricklaying is about building and repair walls, using a range of materials and techniques.

PlasteringApplying wet and dry plaster finishes to constructed walls and ceilings.

Painting and decoratingApplying the finishing touch to surfaces, like wallpaper, gloss & emulsion.

Civil engineeringCivil engineering is about the design and construction of buildings and other important structures like pipelines, bridges, railways and roads. Civil engineers provide technical support on construction projects too.

JoineryThe building and installation of wood products, such as floors, staircases, doors and roof trusses.

ScaffoldingBuilding safe working platforms for construction workers to use when working on buildings and other structures.

SurveyingBuilding surveyors give detailed advice on the construction, design and maintenance of proposed or existing buildings.

it’s more than just bricks and mortar. the construction industry is worth billions and builds the world around us, from hospitals and houses to bridges and football stadiums. Be a part of it!

ConstruCtionCareers insight

26


Useful linkswww.bconstructive.co.uk - for information about Construction careers

www.bconstructive.co.uk/contact/offices/index.aspx - to find your local

Construction Skills office

Get qualified!Vocational qualifications are the way to get ahead in this sector.

Young Apprenticeship in ConstructionIf you’re in Year 10 or 11, you could experience workplace life in the construction industry with this two-year vocational learning programme. You’ll spend two days a week on the programme and the rest in school as usual. This is a great way to build a strong foundation before moving on to an Apprenticeship at 16.The benefits: You’ll get a level 2 vocational qualification, work experience and the skills that employers are looking for.

14-19 diploma in Construction and the Built EnvironmentThis qualification gives you a look into the many different careers within the built environment. The three main themes covered in this course are:• how the built environment is designed and

constructed• modern construction methods and materials• management and maintenance

You’ll gain work experience and start developing skills that are relevant to the industry.The benefits: You’ll learn more about the industry and become qualified to get a job or move on to further education.

ApprenticeshipsThis is one of the best ways to get into the industry. The Construction Apprenticeship Scheme is a two-year programme for a level 2 award, plus one more year for the Advanced Apprenticeship which will lead to a level 3 qualification. To apply, you’ll need to have found an employer that will sponsor you. Get in touch with your local Construction Skills office for job opportunities and vacancies in your area (see useful links box).The benefits: You’ll earn a salary while picking up the right qualifications for the job (either a Construction Award or a National Certificate).

case stUdYLiam achieves his ambition

Trade Training Associates (TTA) is celebrating its first apprentice to become self-employed. Liam Watts, 21, has completed level 2 & 3 Heating & Ventilation apprenticeships at TTA along with a Level 2 Customer Service NVQ before deciding to set up his own business. LSW Plumbing & Heating, was set up in Dec 2010 and has already acquired a good size customer base. Liam commented, “I enjoyed my apprenticeships at TTA and always wanted to set up my own business. Working with apprentices is a great way to keep costs down and still deliver high quality to customers. ” Liam is working as a sub-contractor to TTA Services (TTA’s own installation division) to ensure that the apprentices gain real work experience, Director Blake Robinson commented, “Our aim at TTA is to increase employment through apprenticeships and we hope that many more of our apprentices follow in Liam’s footsteps.”

TTA offer a wide range of courses and apprenticeships in the plumbing, heating and electrical trade sectors as well as NVQs in Customer Service and Business Administration. For more information about the courses TTA offer visit www.trade-training.com ,call 0191 2159903 or email [email protected].


27

Careers insight

You’ll fi nd The Regional Training Prospectus for everything you’ll ever need to know about apprenticeships, careers, training schemes and jobsin your region.

Sign up for our newsletter to be among the fi rst to receive upcoming job andtraining opportunities, open day and careers event information, news and exciting competitions direct to yourinbox. You’ll also be entered into our competition to WIN AN IPOD NANO!

WONDERING WHICH WAY TO GO...?

Check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

THE ONLINE REGIONAL TRAINING PROSPECTUS

Sign up for our newsletter to be among Sign up for our newsletter to be among Sign up for our newsletter to be among

WIN AN iPODNANO

Open Doors Website Ad v2.indd 2 11/01/2011 10:50

the north east is a

manufacturing hub

this sector makes

everything from cars and tVs

to clothing and shoes

1 in 4 cars in the UK

were made in sunderland

You could start earning

and gain qualifications

along the way

manufaCturingseCtor

this industry is looking for young

recruits now!

You’ll fi nd The Regional Training Prospectus for everything you’ll ever need to know about apprenticeships, careers, training schemes and jobsin your region.

Sign up for our newsletter to be among the fi rst to receive upcoming job andtraining opportunities, open day and careers event information, news and exciting competitions direct to yourinbox. You’ll also be entered into our competition to WIN AN IPOD NANO!

WONDERING WHICH WAY TO GO...?

Check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

THE ONLINE REGIONAL TRAINING PROSPECTUS

Sign up for our newsletter to be among Sign up for our newsletter to be among Sign up for our newsletter to be among

WIN AN iPODNANO

Open Doors Website Ad v2.indd 2 11/01/2011 10:50


29

Careers insight

Manufacturing jobsThere are many career paths in the sector. The type of work depends on the area of manufacturing – for example, you could be operating machinery that makes plastics or testing the quality of finished products. Job roles include production and process engineers, technicians, maintenance engineers, chemists, IT specialists, welders, electricians, machine setters and site managers.

Here are some entry-level positions:Assembler: fitting components together to make a finished product. For example, fixing microchips into circuit boards. Salary starts at £13,000.

Materials technician: testing the behaviour of materials under different conditions to eliminate faults. Salary starts between £14,000 and £17,000 a year.

Process operative: involved in the manufacturing process, from reporting machine faults to feeding raw materials into machines. Salary starts between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.

North East focus

The North East has always been the heart of the

UK’s manufacturing industry. From cars and clothes

to glass and paper, millions of goods are made here

and shipped around the world. In fact, our region is

the only one in the country that exports more than it

imports – get into this sector, and you can help keep

the UK competitive in the global market!

Fast facts• Manufacturing makes up for 12.5% of the region’s

workforce.

• Over 163,000 people work in this sector.

• The North East accounts for 10% of the UK’s jobs

in defence manufacturing.

Start learning!Want to find a Manufacturing course in the North

East? Then turn to page 52 to find out how to access

your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell you who’s

offering courses in your local area, or you could visit

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

Manufacturing is all about making things on a massive scale: cars, TVs, clothes, metal, planes, food, pharmaceuticals, fuel…it’s a very important industry. While lots of manufacturing companies have moved abroad, the UK still competes as the sixth largest manufacturing country in the world, employing 3 million people.

The North East happens to be a major manufacturing hub in the country. Here are some of the biggest areas of manufacture:

AutomotiveThe North East is home to Nissan’s manufacturing base, with the Sunderland plant producing almost one in every four cars made in the UK. Nissan is the largest volume passenger car manufacturer in the country and has been one of Europe’s most efficient car plants for the last eight years.

defenceThe North East defence industry is one of the most important clusters of high-tech manufacturers of military vehicles, equipment and components. Defence manufacturing employs around 8,000 people in the North East, with an annual worth of more than £800 million!

Chemical & ProcessThis is the largest industrial sector in the North East, and one of the largest in the UK. This thriving area is responsible for making pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber, petrol and other fuels.

ElectronicsThe design and production of electronic systems and components, like fibre optic systems and microchips.

MetalsThe production and distribution of a range of metals, like steel fabrication.

Process manufacturingThe production of building products, coatings, extractives, glass, printing and paper, and furniture.

Clothing and footwearThe production of textiles and leather and the manufacture of clothing and accessories.

From the cars on the motorway to the clothes in your wardrobe, many of the things we rely on have been manufactured. the North East manufacturing sector is one of the strongest in the country, so get involved!

manufaCturingCareers insight

30


Useful linkswww.cogent-ssc.com - the Sector Skills Council for chemicals, gas and plastics

www.prospect4u.co.uk - manufacturing careers website from the Sector Skills Council

www.semta.org.uk - the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and

Manufacturing. There is a manufacturing course finder on the site.

www.proskills.co.uk – the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector

Get qualifiedThere are plenty of vocational courses for

this sector…

Young ApprenticeshipsIf you’re in Year 10 or 11, you could find out

what it’s like working in manufacturing with this

two-year vocational learning programme. You’ll

do 50 days of work experience along with your

usual National Curriculum studies. The benefit: You’ll get real work experience and

a recognised vocationally related qualification.

ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships cover a wide range of job roles

in manufacturing – you could be helping to

make anything from furniture and glass to cars

and paper. You’ll get a job with an employer and

do half your learning on the job, and half in the

classroom with a college or training provider.

The benefit: You’ll earn a salary while you

get a qualification and have excellent career

progression.

diploma in Manufacturing and Product designThis Diploma gives you the chance to learn

about the manufacturing and product design

process. It covers everything from the

purchasing and processing of the raw materials

all the way through to marketing and selling

the final product. On this course, you’ll do an

extended project, work experience, specialist

learning as well as English, maths and ICT.

The benefit: At the end, you’ll be qualified

for a job in the industry, or to go on to further

education.

case stUdYApprentices Are Vital To a Team

After achieving excellent A Level results, Colin Dewhurst 20 from Wigan, Lancashire, felt that experience was just as important as education and decided on pursuing an apprenticeship rather than a university degree. Colin applied for a 4-year apprenticeship scheme at Pilkington and was offered a place with the automotive research and development department in Latham in 2008.

“Doing my apprenticeship is great, I’m not just learning how to do certain jobs and the theory behind them, but I’m also learning how to work within a team - I know that my team depends on the work that I do and the results that I gain, so I work hard to make sure I get everything right.”

During his apprenticeship, Colin also attended several training courses adding to his skills, achieving distinctions and merits to maximise his potential.

“I’m so glad I am doing this apprenticeship because I’m getting work experience whilst also getting good qualifications. I’m also earning a bit of money too! I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship to any of my friends because you get so much out of it.”

As a result of his successful apprenticeship, Colin was awarded the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award at the Proskills Awards 2010.

Proskills (The Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector) Proskills UK, Centurion Court, 85b Milton Park, Abingdon Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY

For more information call 01235 833 844

L-R Hugh Dennis, Colin Dewhurst, Alan Murray (GQA), Terry Watts (CEO Pro-Skills)


31

Careers insight

You could chase

down hot stories for a newspaper

You could work with

famous actors on a tV set

imagine seeing your handiwork

on a massive billboard

Creative,digital & media seCtor

playing computer

games could be part of your job

if you’re a creative

person, there are so many

exciting career paths before you...


33

Careers insight

From fashion and film to design and new media, it’s all about the creative buzz in this exciting, fast-paced industry. Vocational learning is a great way to get your foot in the door!

Graphic designWe live in a world of visual messages: websites, billboards, magazines, signs, packaging, etc. A graphic designer uses type (lettering) and images to get information across and make an impact. Earnings: Salaries start anywhere between £13,000 and £18,000 a year.

Performing artsIt takes years of practice, talent, hard work (and luck) to be a performer, but there are plenty of supporting roles on offer. You could help light the productions, dress the actors in wardrobe or man the ticket booth – all without the risk of stagefright!Earnings: Salaries are between £12,000 and £16,000 a year.

interactive mediaInteractive media or ‘new media’ covers any digital product that responds to the user’s action by presenting pop-ups, text, video and sound. Facebook is a perfect example – others include iPhone apps, viral ads and dynamic websites. It’s all things digital, and it’s a fast-paced industry where technology pushes forward each day. Earnings: As creative and IT-type role, salaries are quite high for the industry – you could make between £16,000 and £20,000 a year.

Computer gamesIt takes a team of creative types to produce something like Call of Duty – level designers who map out the game, graphic designers who imagine what it all looks like, and games testers to make sure there’s no glitches. Earnings: Salaries start between £15,000 and £19,000 a year.

Creative, digital& media

Forget the starving artist. If you’re a creative person, there are many ways to have a successful career. This industry covers things that play a big role in our everyday lives, from the television we watch to the websites we click on. Because it’s such an exciting sector, competition for jobs can be high so work experience and on-the-job training is highly recommended.

Here are some of the biggest areas within this sector:

FashionThis stylish industry needs fashion designers to dream up the next hot look, pattern cutters to turn the designs into real clothes, buyers to stock shops with the best trends, managers to make sure everything runs to budget, plus many more hard-working people.Earnings: Starting around £12,000-£15,000.

PublishingWithout this industry, this publication you’re reading wouldn’t exist. From journalists looking for the big story to book editors crafting an author’s manuscript into a bestseller, this is an industry for people who love the written word.Earnings: Between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.

Film & tVWe all know who the actors are, but what about the hundreds of names that scroll by during the end credits? They all perform technical roles that equal a great film: production assistants, camera operators, set designers, lighting technicians, directors, special effects people, etc. Earnings: Salaries start quite low (£12,000 a year), but can build up with experience and hard work.

AnimationIt’s more than just cartoons – films like Toy Story proved just how profitable animation can be. In addition to films, you’ll find animated content on TV, in films, adverts, website and computer and video games. Earnings: Between £16,000 and £20,000.

Careers insight

34


Useful linkscourses.skillset.org – great place to search for media courses

www.skillset.org – the sector skills council for creative, digital and media

www.ccskills.org.uk – Creative and Cultural Skills

www.bbc.co.uk/workexperience – work experience placements at the BBC

North East focusWhile most creative jobs are in London, our region has many opportunities too. In particular, digital and new media are growing industries in the North East. All in, our regional sector turns over roughly £2.7bn a year.

Fast facts• employs around 11,500 people• highest employer sectors are publishing and interactive media• 14% of the workforce are freelancers

Start learning!Want to find a course in the North East? Then turn to page 52 to find out how to access your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell you who’s offering what course in your local area, or you could visit www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

Get qualified!There are plenty of vocational courses for this sector…

Young ApprenticeshipsThis vocational learning programme is open to Year

10 and 11 students. You’ll spend two days a week

on the Apprenticeship programme (you’ll study the

National Curriculum the rest of the week) and do 50

days of work experience in the industry.

The benefit: You’ll get an early headstart in this

sector and be able to progress to an Apprenticeship.

ApprenticeshipsThe Creative Apprenticeship is a way to get your

foot in the door of this exciting industry. You’ll get a

job with an employer and do half your learning on

the job, and half in the classroom with a college or

training provider. The work experience will give you a

real advantage over other candidates.

The benefit: You’ll earn a salary while you get

valuable work experience.

14-19 diploma in Creative and MediaIt’s a great way to explore the many routes in this

sector, from fashion and film to TV and web design.

The benefit: After completing the Diploma, you

could get an Apprenticeship, progress to another

course, or start working in the industry.

case stUdYWorking with the local community at Stockton Riverside College

Art students from Stockton Riverside College have been working with Victoria House Care Home in Middlesbrough creating artwork for the residents.

Katy and Emily are two of the students on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3) at Stockton Riverside College who were involved in the project with Victoria House.

Katy Harrison- Taylor created an artwork called ‘The Two of Us’ for the project. Katy said: “I based the artwork on a man and woman at the seaside using an acrylic background. I am proud of the artwork and really love the college and the work that we are doing.”

Emily Mosley, who wants to go onto university after completing her course at Stockton Riverside College, said: “I created an 80’s Poster Girl image for my artwork. I think this is a great opportunity to have my work shown in public. I have enjoyed creating the piece.”

Nicola Rowling, Art Lecturer at Stockton Riverside College, said: “The students really have created some amazing work. Collectively they have worked really hard to produce art work that will now benefit other people. I am very proud of them.”

Stockton Riverside College offers a range of art and design courses. For more information on any of the courses on offer at the college contact us on 01642 865566 or visit the website at www.stockton.ac.uk


35

Careers insight

33 million vehicles of all types travelling the equivalent of 12.5 million times round the world each year.

To keep these vehicles serviced, repaired and moving, the Retail Motor Industry employs 600,000 skilled individuals throughout the UK. Each year apprentices are recruited to ensure that skilled personnel continue to join the industry.

Do you want to get paid at the same time as developing the skills required to work in the Motor Industry and also achieve nationally recognised qualifications?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ then you should apply for an apprenticeship with Remit

As the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry, Remit has Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship opportunities throughout the country in a range of skilled occupations.

Choose from Service Technician (Light or Heavy Vehicle), Motor Cycle Technician, Body Repair, Vehicle Paint, Auto Electrician, Tyre/Exhaust Fitter, Parts Consultant, Vehicle Sales, Service Advisor, and Business Administration.

You will be employed as an apprentice at a company close to your home, and Remit will plan and deliver your training through a selected College of Further Education in your area or through structured training at your workplace.

Apprentices – keeping the country moving

Tel: 0845 8399 200 Email: [email protected]

www.remit.co.ukApply now at

‘Remit is committed to promoting working environments in which everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute to the success of the business’

Pre 115_Remit A4 Advert.indd 1 27/10/2010 15:45

33 million vehicles of all types travelling the equivalent of 12.5 million times round the world each year.

To keep these vehicles serviced, repaired and moving, the Retail Motor Industry employs 600,000 skilled individuals throughout the UK. Each year apprentices are recruited to ensure that skilled personnel continue to join the industry.

Do you want to get paid at the same time as developing the skills required to work in the Motor Industry and also achieve nationally recognised qualifications?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ then you should apply for an apprenticeship with Remit

As the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry, Remit has Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship opportunities throughout the country in a range of skilled occupations.

Choose from Service Technician (Light or Heavy Vehicle), Motor Cycle Technician, Body Repair, Vehicle Paint, Auto Electrician, Tyre/Exhaust Fitter, Parts Consultant, Vehicle Sales, Service Advisor, and Business Administration.

You will be employed as an apprentice at a company close to your home, and Remit will plan and deliver your training through a selected College of Further Education in your area or through structured training at your workplace.

Apprentices – keeping the country moving

Tel: 0845 8399 200 Email: [email protected]

www.remit.co.ukApply now at

‘Remit is committed to promoting working environments in which everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute to the success of the business’

Pre 115_Remit A4 Advert.indd 1 27/10/2010 15:45

imagine a Career...

assembling cars

developing websites

investing people’s money

restoring houses to their former glory

caring for

animals

Working behind the scenes in

tV

leading outdoor

expeditions

Making a difference in people’s

life

cooking five-star meals

saving the

planetorganising holidays

Fitting shop fronts


37

Careers insight

Your Career, Your CHoiCeWondering what else is out there? take a look at some of the other sectors in the North East

Armed ForcesBritain’s armed forces – the Army, Royal Navy, RAF and MoD – all invest a lot in their personnel to give them an education that’s relevant in the civilian world as well as in the services. They all offer Apprenticeships so recruits can earn nationally recognised trade qualifications alongside their regular training. For example, a cook for the Royal Navy could also complete a chef Apprenticeship. Each organisation offers different schemes, so visit their websites for more details.

Salary: starting around £13,400 the first year, with excellent benefits and progression.Qualifications: the armed forces offer Apprenticeships in many areas, including Engineering, Fitting, Maintenance, Cookery, IT, Admin, Marine Engineering and more.

Business & financeThis sector is about money – saving it, borrowing it, managing it and most of all, making lots more of it. It’s the UK’s most global industry and covers a wide range of services and products that everyone uses like bank accounts, mortgages, pensions, credit cards and insurance. The perk of working with money is that salaries tend to be higher than average.

Jobs: accounts assistant, payroll assistant, admin assistant, bank cashier, trainee accountant.Salary: starting between £13,000 and £20,000.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeships; Diploma in Business, Administration and Finance; Apprenticeships; A-level Traineeships.

Customer service & adminAny business that wants to be successful has to make its customers happy. From helping a shopper find the right size at Topshop to answering customer queries at a BT call centre, customer service jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Another thing businesses can’t function without is effective admin. Administrators are responsible for running the daily operations of the office. They answer the phone, input data, type up letters and anything else that needs to be done. Since administration and customer service are needed in most organisations, you could work across many different sectors.

Job roles: admin assistant, office junior, personal assistant, customer service representative. Salary: starting anywhere between £13,000 and £18,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration, Diploma in Business, Administration and Finance, Apprenticeships.

Energy & renewableThis essential sector deals with the utilities we rely on: water, electricity and gas. It also covers waste management and alternative sources of power like nuclear energy, wind power and solar energy. Careers in this sector cover the distribution and supply of gas; the generation and transmission of electricity; the collection and purification of water; the treatment of sewage; and nuclear fuel processing. Apprenticeships are a recognised route into this industry and offer excellent career progression.

Job roles: gas network engineer, gas service technician, wastewater plant worker, process operator, decommissioning operative.Salary: starting anywhere between £12,000 and £20,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeships in the Utilities Sector, Apprenticeships.

Careers insight

38


EngineeringAt the heart of every technological advance is an engineer. Chemical engineers create drugs to treat diseases; civil engineers design our railways and roads; and aerospace engineers design aircraft. Engineers use problem solving and and imagination to come up with answers to problems. The main challenge is doing more with less and figuring out how to make something more cheaply, quickly and effectively than ever before. Engineering is one of the most varied sectors out there, with specialist areas like Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Marine and Defence.

Job roles: maintenance fitter, welder, mechanical engineering technician.Salary: starting anywhere between £15,000 and £18,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Apprenticeships, Diploma in Engineering.

Food & drinkFood and drink is one of the largest industries in the UK – in fact, it even helped pull the country out of the recession. This sector is about taking what’s grown by farmers and transforming it into our favourite foods and beverages. It takes a lot of people working together to make this happen, which means loads of career paths on offer. You could be processing ingredients, fixing machines on the production floor, processing meat, baking cakes or testing quality.

Job roles: production operative, bottling operative, baker, warehouse worker.Salary: starting between £11,000 and £17,000 a year. Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Food Manufacture Apprenticeship, Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design.

health & social careIf you’ve got a big heart and want to work with people, then a career in Health and Social Care could be for you. This sector is about helping people live healthy, full lives. Health care covers careers in medicine (nurses, physiotherapists, dental nurses, etc) while social care is about supporting people with special needs to help them lead fuller lives. Most people in this sector work for the NHS while the rest are employed by private practices. Because healthcare is an essential part of our society, there’ll always be jobs on offer for qualified people. In fact, this is one sector that continues to thrive during recessions.

Job roles: care assistant, nursing assistant, dental nurse, porter. Salary: starting between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Diploma in Society, Health & Development, Apprenticeships.

health & beautyThis industry is all about helping people look good and feel even better about themselves. It’s a booming sector that makes billions each year. There are many different paths within this sector – hairdressing, nail services, beauty therapy, spa therapy – and all of them require common skills: creativity, the ability to work on your feet for long hours, good hand-eye co-ordination and up-to-date knowledge of what’s in (and what’s out).

Job roles: hairdresser, spa therapist, beauty therapist, aromatherapist Salary: starting between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Diploma in Hair & Beauty, Apprenticeships.

it & telecomsFrom mobile phones and satellite TV to broadband and fibre optics, IT & Telecoms are a major part of life – it helps us keep in touch with our friends, stay entertained, conduct business and more. The IT side of things is all about computers and information systems – designing them, developing them, making them, selling them and installing them. Telecoms is a broad term for any technology that transmits information, like phone lines, broadband, TV, mobile phones and satellites. This industry includes internet suppliers, mobile phone companies and the big companies like BT and SKY.

Job roles: IT trainer, helpdesk assistant, telecoms technician, customer service representative. Salary: starting £16,000 - £20,000 for IT and £12,000 - £15,000 for Telecoms.Qualifications: Apprenticeships, Diploma in IT.


39

Careers insight

Health and Social CareHealth with following choice of routes:

Blood Donor Support + Advanced Support

Perioperative Support

AHP Support - Clinical Imaging

AHP Support - Dietetics

AHP Support - General

AHP Support - Physiotherapy + Occupational Therapy

AHP Support - Radiotherapy

AHP Support - Radiography

AHP Support - Speech and Language Therapy

Clinical Support + Clinical Healthcare Skills

Decontamination

Endoscopy Support

General Healthcare Support

Maternity/Paediatric Support

Newborn Hearing Screening

Obstetric Theatre Support

Perioperative Care - Anaesthetic/PACU Support

Perioperative Care - Surgical Support

Renal Support

Pathology Support

Support Services with the following routes:

Portering/Security

Housekeeping/Domestics

Laundry

Postal

Transport

Catering

Health Records and Patient Administration

Dental

Laboratory Technicians (Generic)

Pharmacy Technicians

Corporate Services including:Accountancy (including level 4) + Payroll

Administration + Information and Library Services

Children’s Care Learning and Development

Contact Centres

Customer Services

IT various including a level 4

Management + Marketing

Estates and Facilities including:Engineering various (including servicing medical equipment)

Logistics various including management, storage and delivery

Cleaning and Support Service Industry

Construction various

Facilities Management (NEW as at Nov 09)

Maintenance - equipment, buildings, land

Hospitality and Catering

Providing Security Services

Purchasing and Supply (NB also available at Higher Apprenticeship - level 4)

Vehicle Engineering and Maintenance

Apprenticeships

80+

For further details contact:

Why do an apprenticeship?• Work, earn and learn at the same time

• Achieve new qualifications and gain new skills

• Develop your career

For further details see:

www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/apprenticeships

Start LearningWant to find a course in one of these sectors? Then turn to page 52 to find out how to access your local 14-19 prospectus. It will tell you who’s offering what in your local area.

Motor vehiclesThis sector deals with all aspects of cars, vans and motorcycles – selling them, fixing them, servicing them and even rescuing stranded drivers. There are lots of career paths on offer, from technical to customer-service based roles – maintenance and repair; sales; body and paint operations; roadside assistance and recovery; and fitting and selling motor vehicle parts.

Job roles: maintenance and repair technician, sales assistant, fast-fit technician, body repair technician.Salary: starting between £13,000 and £18,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, Diploma in Engineering (with Automotive Specialist Learning)

Public servicesIn this sector, your work could help other people and improve your local community. Public services are an essential part of our society – education, housing, the police, and the fire service are all services that the government provides for its citizens (that’s you and us). In this sector, you could help organise a community arts programme, work for a housing association or support a teacher in the classroom. Your local council is a large employer in this sector. Contact them directly for job vacancies.

Job roles: classroom assistant, nursery nurse, admin assistant, youth support worker.Salary: starting between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Apprenticeships, Diploma in Public Services.

retailRetail is about the sale of products and services to consumers (that’s people like you). It covers high street shops, supermarkets, independent shops, large national chains and more. It’s also one of the most fun and young industries out there, with more than one third of the workforce under 25 years old. Whether your strengths are creativity or organisation, there’s a role for you in Retail. The main areas in the sector are:

Store operations: assisting customers on the shop floor.Buying: buying products to sell in the shop from designers and wholesalers. Visual merchandising: creating visual window and store displays. Management: overseeing the operations of the entire shop.

Job roles: sales assistant, visual merchandiser, team leader, buyer.Salary: starting between £12,000 and £18,000 a year. Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Apprenticeships, Diploma in Retail Business, Employer sponsored traineeships.

transport & logisticsThis sector deals with all sorts of vehicle and their different purposes – the cars and motorcycles we drive, the lorries that transport goods, the trains and buses that travel across the country, even the aeroplanes that arrive and depart from our airports. All of these vehicles require skilled mechanics to keep them running, drivers to operate them safely, and organised people behind the scenes keeping everything to schedule. Many jobs involve manual and mechanical skills, however many roles deal with the public, so people skills are important too.

Jobs: Vehicle technician, bodywork repairer, rail engineering technician, lorry driver, baggage handler. Salary: starting between £12,000 and £17,000 a year. Qualifications: Apprenticeships.

travel & hospitalityThis sector helps people enjoy themselves during their free time and holidays. People working in this industry arrange our holidays, cook for us in restaurants, serve drinks at the bar, pamper us in salons, and more. It’s a buzzing, exciting sector with many opportunities to work in the UK and abroad. You could be a chef, a spa therapist or even a member of air cabin crew! While working hours often take place when other people are enjoying themselves (evenings and weekends), many prefer escaping the typical 9-5 lifestyle.

Jobs: hairdresser, travel agent, waiter, trainee chef, air cabin crewmember.Salary: starting between £11,000 and £16,000 a year. Qualifications: Young Apprenticeship, Apprenticeships, Diploma in Travel and Tourism.


41

Careers insight

World leader in

cutting edge technology

top colleges

and training providers

employers invest more in training than any

other region

Fastest growing creative

sector in the country

home to major national

employers like orange and nissan

the most exciting, beautiful

and friendly region in

the whole of england*

spotligHt on tHe nortH east

...and so muCH more!* said Lonely Planet


43

Useful Stuff

Northumberland

Lots of Northumberland is rural wilderness – in fact, there are only

61 people per square mile! Still, there are plenty of job opportunities

in Northumberland, particularly within green low carbon technology,

pharmaceuticals and engineering. World-leading green technologies

are being developed at the New and Renewable Energy Centre in

Blyth, which in turn has attracted lots of international businesses.

Northumberland is most known for its ancient castles, Hadrian’s Wall,

gorgeous coastlines and picturesque market towns. Thousands of

tourists visit Northumberland, which is why the Leisure & Tourism

industry is booming, bringing in over half a billion pounds a year!

Key places: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Morpeth, Hexham, Blyth

Key sectors: Public Services, Leisure & Tourism, Energy & Renewable

Key employers: Covance, Northumberland County Council

14-19 prospectus: www.my-steps.co.uk

Wondering what else is out there?take a look at some of the major opportunities in the North East

Your region

County Durham

Northumberland

Tees Valley

Tyneside

Sunderland

Newcastle and Gateshead

County DurhamCounty Durham has a world-class Science,

Engineering and Technology sector. Some of

the most exciting leading edge technologies in

the world are under development in Durham

across fields such as nanotechnology,

microelectronics and stem cell research.

Sedgefield has one of the most advanced

science and business parks in the UK.

It’s not all about science, though. Like the

the other parts of the North East, Leisure &

Tourism plays a big part of Durham’s local

economy.

Key Places: Durham, Darlington, Bishop AucklandKey Sectors: Engineering & Manufacturing;

Leisure & TourismKey employers: Durham County Council,

NHS, Durham University, GlaxoSmithKline

14-19 prospectus: www.durham.futures4me.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE NORTH EAST

Useful Stuff

44


TynesideNorth Tyneside has one of the fastest growing

business scenes in the North East. It’s home to the

UK’s largest office park, which houses big names

like Proctor & Gamble, Newcastle Building Society,

and Orange.

South Tyneside has some of the most beautiful

beaches in England. It’s also a great place to start

your career, with key industries of Engineering,

Manufacturing, ship-repair and offshore services.

The Leisure & Tourism sector is growing, too!

Key sectors: IT & Telecoms, Business &

Finance, Health & Social Care, Leisure & Tourism,

ConstructionKey employers: Procter & Gamble, Orange,

Newcastle Building Society

14-19 prospectuses: www.get-it-sorted.org.uk,

www.ST19.net

Newcastle and GatesheadUnited by its seven bridges and spectacular riverscape, Newcastle & Gateshead is an important business centre and cultural centre of the North East. Newcastle & Gateshead has a vibrant nightlife, shopping, culture and high profile sporting events like the Great North Run.

There are the most career and learning opportunities in this area.Key sectors: Manufacturing, IT & Telecoms, Business & Finance, Health & Social Care, Leisure & Tourism, ConstructionKey employers: The Sage Group,Newcastle City Council14-19 prospectuses: www.newcastleroutes.co.uk, www.gatesheadprospectus.co.uk

SunderlandThis city by the sea has plenty of career opportunities in motor manufacturing and on the cutting edge of Creative, Digital & Media. The city is fast becoming a digital centre of excellence with organisations like Codeworks and Sunderland Software City. Sunderland is also home to Nissan, Europe’s most efficient car plant. Sunderland is a hub of research and development in the car industry.

14-19 prospectus: www.sun1419.net

Tees Valley

Tees Valley is a hub for Chemical Manufacturing, and

the Energy & Renewables and Creative, Digital &

Media sectors. In fact, it’s home to more than half of

the UK’s petrochemical industry with a vast complex

of chemical companies near Middlesbrough.

Tees Valley is a great place to train. It’s home to 14

Centres of Vocational Excellence and has double the

number of young people with Apprenticeships than

the national average.

Key Places: Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough,

Redcar, Stockton-on-Tees

Key Sectors: Engineering, Manufacturing, Leisure &

Tourism, Ports & Logistics, Food & Drink

Key employers: Barclaycall, British Energy,

Santander, PD Ports

14-19 prospectuses: www.campusstockton.org,

www.rc.futures4me.co.uk, www.next4me.co.uk,

www.pools1419.net

Contact CentralThe North East is a major hub for call centres, with plenty of opportunities for training in

customer service. Mostly located in Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear, these contact centres

are huge employers and provide customer service operations (mainly for banking and

insurance), call centre reservation, ticketing, and telemarketing. They can be linked to

local, national or even international companies.Tees Valley


45

Useful Stuff

Kick start your career with a FREE Business and Accountancy Apprenticeship from Kaplan*

Kaplan offer Business and Accountancy Apprenticeships in:

• Accountancy (AAT)

• Business and Administration

• Customer Service

• NEW Advice and Guidance Support

* Students aged 16+ could be entitled to fully or partially fundedtraining via an Apprenticeship route. Terms and conditions apply

We’ve got links with some of the UK’s largest organisations who are looking for enthusiastic people to work within their business. Simply send your CV through to [email protected] to get help with fi nding a job to do an Apprenticeship.

Take a step in the right direction

Call 0845 873 6315visit www.kaplanapprenticeships.co.ukor email [email protected] APA09

Number of people in each industry

learn in tHe nortH east

89% of 16 to 17-year-olds are either learning or training in the North East. that’s 1% higher than the national average!

the North East invests more

into vocational training than

any other region.North East is leading the way in emerging markets such as low carbon technology, renewable energy and the digital sector.

North East leads the

country in the development

of low carbon vehicles.

58% of the UK’s

petrochemical sector

is in tees Valley.

One figure represents 5,000 people

20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000

Defence

Creative

Oil & Gas

Retail

Leisure & Tourism

Construction

Engineering and Manufacturing

Health and Social Care

Chemical Processing

IT & Digital Media

the North East stands out as the only region in the UK that exports more than it imports.

research predicts that there will be more and more jobs available in the North East. however, most of these jobs will require higher skill levels, which makes it important for young people to have the right skills and qualifications.

1 in 10 in the North

East’s workforce are

in the retail sector.


47

Useful Stuff

the service that can help you get to where you want to be in life…

ConnexionsWHY use Connexions?There are so many questions in life – should you start work or keep learning? How do you write a CV? What careers are out there? And that’s just the work stuff – what about relationships or moving house?That’s why Connexions is here to help. They give advice and information to young people like you, so you can make all these important decisions. It’s a free service, so use it!

WHAT do they do

Whether you’re looking for a job or wondering how to cope with

a break up, Connexions can give you the support you need.

They can answer your questions in all sorts of areas, including:

• Health • Careers • Travel • Learning • Money

• Relationships • Work • Housing • Your rights

WHEn are they open

Connexions Direct advisers are on hand to offer advice and support

between 8am and 2am everyday. They have a free, anonymous call back

service on 080 800 13 2 19.

If you want to talk to someone in person, stop by your local Connexions

centre. Most of them are open during the day, Monday through Saturday.

WHO Can they HELPYou! Connexions is here for anyone between the ages of 13 and 19.

Warning! There are going to be lots

of changes to Connexions

services all over the region

in 2011 so make sure to

check the availability of

your nearest access point

online or over the phone

before dropping in.

Useful Stuff

48


WHere is mY nearest Connexions Centre?

County Durham

Northumberland

Tees Valley

Tyne and Wear

ContactFor more information about how Connexions can help you, visit www.connexions-direct.com.

County Durham0191 383 1777www.help4teens.co.uk 14-19 prospectus www.help4teens.co.uk

Centre’s in Durham City, Bishop Auckland,

Consett & Peterlee

Tees ValleyConnexions Darlington01325 480055 www.darlington.gov.uk/evibe 14-19 Prospectus www.futures4meindarlington.comConnexions Hartlepool01429 275501www.hartlepool.gov.uk/connexions14-19 prospectus www.pools1419.net

Connexions Middlesbrough01642 240081www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/connexions14-19 prospectus www.next4me.co.uk

Connexions Redcar & Cleveland01642 490870 www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk 14-19 Prospectus www.rc.futures4me.co.uk

Connexions Stockton01642 677600 14-19 Prospectus www.campusstockton.org

Tyne and WearConnexions Gateshead0191 433 6800www.connexions-tw.co.uk/gateshead

14-19 prospectus www.gatesheadprospectus.co.uk

Connexions Newcastle0191 277 1944www.connexions-tw.co.uk/newcastle

14-19 prospectus www.newcastleroutes.co.uk

Connexions North Tyneside0191 290 0415www.connexions-tw.co.uk/northtyneside

14-19 prospectus www.get-it-sorted.org.uk

Connexions South Tyneside0191 424 6630www.connexions-tw.co.uk/southtyneside

14-19 prospectus www.st19.net

Connexions Sunderland 0191 443 2950www.connexions-tw.co.uk/sunderland

14-19 prospectus www.sun1419.net

Northumberland

01670 798180

www.connexions-northumberland.org.uk

14-19 prospectus www.my-steps.co.uk

Centres in Ashington, Blyth, Hexham and Berwick


49

Useful Stuff

apprentiCesHip Week – WHat’s it all about?(7–11 februarY)

What is an apprenticeship? • Apprentices are employees

within a company, and are paid a wage.

• All apprentices receive training for a specific job and gain recognised qualifications.

Key benefits: • earn a salary

• get paid holidays

• receive training

• gain qualifications

• learn job-specific skills.

You earn while you learn, gain a variety of skills and work towards nationally recognised qualifications that enable you to progress in your chosen career. And the good news is funding for over 300,000 Apprenticeships will be provided by the Government each year for the next four years.

The annual Apprenticeship Week takes place this year from 7-11 February and celebrates apprentices across the country. It is an excellent opportunity to find out more about Apprenticeships, so if you’re considering your future options and career path then why not go along to an event? At apprenticeships.org.uk you can find out what events are taking place near you.

If you decide you are interested in applying for an Apprenticeship the website also provides the opportunity to search for Apprenticeship vacancies. At any one time there are around 9000 jobs available in a variety of industry sectors on the website. You can apply for as many as you like.

Many young people consider an Apprenticeship because they want to learn on the job and earn a salary whilst still continuing to work towards qualifications. Research has shown that people with an Advanced Apprenticeship earn on average around £100,000 more over their lifetime than those with a qualification at Level 2 or below and in many cases Apprenticeships can also lead onto higher education.

Supporting Apprenticeship Week7 - 11 February 2011

there has never been a better time to start an Apprenticeship

Useful Stuff

50


south tyneside apprentice joins national

apprenticeship advisory group

A former award-winning apprentice

working in South Tyneside has been

personally invited to join a prestigious

national advisory group.

21-year-old joiner Scott Gray, who works for South

Tyneside Homes’ Property Services Team, has

been asked to become a member of the National

Apprenticeship Service’s Young Ambassadors Network.

The network is made up of 20 talented, current and

former apprentices from across the country who

have been chosen to provide advice to the National

Apprenticeship Service about how they provide

their services and communicate with current and

future apprentices.

Scott, from Hebburn, completed his Advanced

Apprenticeship in joinery with South Tyneside

Homes last year. The housing company manages,

maintains and repairs over 18,000 council homes

in the borough and recruits apprentices across

four main trade areas each year: joinery, plastering,

electrical work and plumbing.

During his four years of training Scott became

recognised on a national level as an exceptional

apprentice. In 2009 he was a runner-up at the

Association Public Service Excellence (APSE) local

authority apprentice and trainee awards.

Last year he won the Aaron Todd Memorial Award from South Tyneside Homes and in April he was highly

commended in the Apprentice of the Year category at the North East final of the National Apprenticeship

Awards 2010.

Scott said: “It is an honour to be chosen for the Young Ambassadors Network and I am looking forward

to working with the National Apprenticeship Service to give advice to future apprentices. I have learnt a lot

during my Apprenticeship through the mentors I have worked with and I hope to be able to pass on my

experiences through the network.

It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to have an input into the apprentice scheme and to feel I can put

something back. I am looking forward to the new challenges.”

Head of Property Services at South Tyneside Homes, Gary Kirsop, added: “Scott has worked exceptionally

hard during his Apprenticeship with South Tyneside Homes, and we are very proud of his achievements. I

am sure he will make an excellent ambassador for the National Apprenticeship Service and will be able to

provide advice and support for other young people.”

Over the past five years South Tyneside Homes has trained over 65 apprentices. Last year they were

also recognised as the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the North East final of the National

Apprenticeship Awards 2010.


51

Useful Stuff

useful linksdireCtorY

major Colleges

Bishop Auckland Collegewww.bacoll.ac.uk

City of Sunderland College www.citysun.ac.uk

Cleveland College of Art & Designwww.ccad.ac.uk

Darlington Collegewww.darlington.ac.uk

Derwentside Collegewww.derwentside.ac.uk

East Durham Collegewww.eastdurham.ac.uk

Gateshead Collegewww.gateshead.ac.uk

Hartlepool Collegewww.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk

Middlesbrough Collegewww.mbro.ac.uk

New College Durham www.newcollegedurham.ac.uk

Newcastle Collegewww.ncl-coll.ac.uk

Northumberland College www.northumberland.ac.uk

Redcar & Cleveland Collegewww.cleveland.ac.uk

South Tyneside College www.stc.ac.uk

Stockton Riverside Collegewww.stockton.ac.uk

Tyne Metropolitan College www.tynemet.ac.uk

online 14-19 prospeCtuses

County Durhamwww.durham.futures4me.co.uk

Darlingtonwww.futures4meindarlington.com

Gatesheadwww.gatesheadprospectus.co.uk

Hartlepoolwww.pools1419.net

Middlesbroughwww.next4me.co.uk

Newcastle upon Tynewww.newcastleroutes.co.uk

North Tynesidewww.get-it-sorted.org.uk

Northumberlandwww.my-steps.co.uk

Redcar and Clevelandwww.rc.futures4me.co.uk

South Tynesidewww.ST19.net

Stockton-on-Teeswww.campusstockton.org

Sunderlandwww.sun1419.net

Useful Stuff

52


loCal CounCils

Darlington Borough Councilwww.darlington.gov.uk

Durham County Councilwww.durham.gov.uk

Gateshead Councilwww.gateshead.gov.uk

Hartlepool Borough Councilwww.hartlepool.gov.uk

Middlesbrough Councilwww.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Newcastle City Councilwww.newcastle.gov.uk/

North Tyneside Councilwww.northtyneside.gov.uk

Northumberland County Councilwww.northumberland.gov.uk

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Councilwww.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

South Tyneside Councilwww.southtyneside.info

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Councilwww.stockton.gov.uk

Sunderland City Councilwww.sunderland.gov.uk

otHer useful sites

Careers Advicewww.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk

Jobcentre Pluswww.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

National Apprenticeship Servicewww.apprenticeships.org.uk

Need 2 Knowwww.need2know.co.uk

North East Apprenticeship Companywww.neapprenticeship.co.uk

Work Experiencewww.work-experience.org


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Useful Stuff

WWW.opendoorsmedia.Co.ukSay hello to our shiny new website, where you can register for updates on news, courses and training opportunities in your area. Log on now!

Find apprenticeships

discoVer coUrses

choose a college or training proVider

search For training & job Vacancies

learn aboUt UpcoMing eVents & open daYs

register!Make sure you sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send

you regular updates on courses, training opportunities

and more. Our website is updated daily, but you

won’t have to keep checking back to see if any new

opportunities have been added. We’ll send them straight

to your inbox. Just leave it to us at Open Doors...

choose YoUr regionYour Regional Training Prospectus has just hit the web!

Log onto www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk to find lots

more useful information about courses and training in your

area. You’ll be able to select your region and see what’s

happening near you, right now.

exploreYou’ll also find information on different sectors, careers and training events, news, and inspirational stories from other young people who have found success with vocational training. It’s the perfect way to keep up with us in between issues.

Useful Stuff

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Training today – to benefit tomorrow

APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job and

developing new skills whilst you earn a real wage. TEAM offer Apprenticeships in

Retail Business ● Business Administration

Hospitality & Catering ● Health & Social Care

Customer Service ● Information Technology

“

For more information contact TEAM today on

0191 5142799 [email protected]

www.teamwearside.co.uk

Open Doors NE

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