Susan EarnshawGuidance Adviser

June 2011

Options other than UniversityOptions other than University

Higher education is not the right choice Higher education is not the right choice for everyonefor everyone

Gap Year

Further Education

Job

Apprenticeship

So what else is there….So what else is there….

Doesn’t have to lead to university (but don’t forget to apply before 15 Jan if you do want to go to uni)

Gives time to explore ideas, try things out, be adventurous

Can include any of the following:TravellingShort coursesWork experience/internship in UK or abroadCasual work in UK or abroadVolunteering in UK or abroad

e.g. Art Foundation course Other vocational courses at Levels 2 or 3 (e.g. at CRC)

to prepare for work Short courses at private colleges e.g.

- beauty therapy (Cambridge School of Beauty Therapy)

- business administration (Pitman Training)

- private catering colleges

- personal trainer courses Opportunities to study part-time now or later on

Cambridgeshire employers more confident than others in Eastern region

Recession has hit Cambridgeshire though andparticularly the public sector

Unemployment is highest in the 18-24 age group Connexions advertising more jobs for young people than same time last

year 38% of workers in Cambridge are in the public sector 80% of jobs in the Eastern region are in the service sector Growth in jobs in Cambridgeshire in next 10 years will be in the creative

industries, managerial and professional jobs, software, high-tech industries, retail, customer services, health, caring and personal services

Employment scene in Employment scene in CambridgeshireCambridgeshire

Minimum wage from 01/10/10: £3.64 ph for 16 – 17 year olds £4.92 ph for 18 – 20 year olds £5.93 ph for those aged 21+ £2.50 ph for all apprentices in their first year of an apprenticeship

Some employers specifically want 18 year olds with level 3 qualifications

Look for jobs offering training, qualifications and prospects Jobs open to 16 year olds are also open to 18 year olds

Most popular jobs for 17 / 18 year olds at a minimum of level 2

Retail / Sales Construction Catering / Hospitality Office / Business Caring / Health Engineering / electronics

JobJob

3 levels of apprenticeship (Intermediate, Advanced and Higher) leading to NVQ levels 2, 3 or 4

Last from 1-4 years (most are 1-2) Variety of occupational areas A way to earn and learn at the same time Paid by the company – rates vary. There is a minimum

wage of £2.50 an hour Training providers have key role. Some apprentices go to

college on day release whilst others gain the qualification mostly from being assessed in the workplace.

ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

Caring / Health Related – many jobs will prefer applicants who are over 18, even if minimum entry qualifications are GCSE level. Employers will often look for relevant qualifications and experience.

Computer / IT – opportunities for programmers and analysts are usually for graduates. Students with level 3 qualifications may be recruited in jobs such as sales, operating, technical support and helpdesk operations

Retail management / Retailing – some large employers have management training schemes for entrants at 18 / 19. For those selected, responsibility often comes early.

Key job/apprenticeship types for Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualificationsthose with level 3 qualifications

Finance – this includes careers in accountancy, insurance and other financial related careers. For much of the professional training, level 3 qualifications are the basic minimum required to start training.

Administration and business – a wide range of local employers recruit 18 year olds into areas of administration and business. There are sometimes opportunities in local government and the NHS. Opportunities for progression may be increased for those with level 3 qualifications.

Key job/apprenticeship types for those with Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualificationslevel 3 qualifications

Hospitality / leisure / tourism – may provide opportunities for those with advanced level qualifications. Not all opportunities require level 3 but they can improve opportunities for progression.

Construction – for the trades, an 18 year old would need to start at the bottom in their training. There are sometimes local vacancies for professional and technical levels of training e.g. trainee Quantity Surveyor, which involves eventually taking a degree part-time whilst working.

Engineering and electronics – some leavers with appropriate level 3 qualifications may find work in this area, especially on an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Key job/apprenticeship types for those Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualificationswith level 3 qualifications

Communication skills Numeracy Information Technology skills Literacy Problem solving Team working Business and customer awareness Self-management Positive attitude and approach to work

General careers informationwww.eclips-online.co.ukPassword: CB2 8PX

Job and training vacancieswww.youthoria.org Cambridgeshire jobs for 16-19 year olds

www.apprenticeships.org.uk national vacancies

www.notgoingtouni.co.uk jobs, apprenticeships, training, courses

www.e4s.co.uk “employment for students”: temp work, internships, holiday jobs, volunteering

Useful websitesUseful websites

Self employmentwww.princes-trust.org.ukwww.shell-livewire.orgwww.businesslink.gov.uk

Gap yearwww.yearoutgroup.org

Volunteeringwww.cam-volunteer.org.ukwww.vinspired.comwww.do-it.org.uk

Make plans early – autumn Have sound fall back plans Research local opportunities

Use local websites for jobs and apprenticeships Check local papers regularly

Check college e-mail, Moodle and notice boards for information on job vacancies

Update CV Make a number of applications including speculative approaches

from December onwards If you’re stuck come down to the Careers Department for further

help

Action points for studentsAction points for students

Thank you…