Penstripe Student Planner Catalogue 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 88
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TAKING A GAP YEAR
The world of work, employment & training
Careers Advice
After completing sixth form you may decide to enter the world of work, employment and training.
Careers advice is available for all young people aged 13-19 from the government’s support service,
full details of which can be found in the Young People section of Directgov.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/index.htm
Tel: 0800 100 900
Text phone: 0800 096 8336
Some jobs/careers recruit after ‘A’ levels or Vocational Level 2/3 study, e.g. nursing, technician
jobs in the NHS, retail management and business administration. Skilled vocational or technical
jobs such as carers, electrical engineers and plumbers also recruit at this stage. These jobs may
not require a degree but offer specific training alongside paid employment.
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships
After sixth form, to give yourself the best chance of a successful career, you will need to continue
to develop your skills. If you are aged between 16 and 25, an apprenticeship will give you the
opportunity to achieve nationally recognised qualifications whilst also working for an employer.
Most are one or two year programmes and some take up to five years depending on the profession.
The type which is offered will depend on the skills and qualifications you have. Apprenticeships
and Advanced Apprenticeships can lead to:
NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications) at Level 2 or 3
Key Skills Qualifications, e.g. using technology
City & Guilds progression awards
Technical Certificates, e.g. BTEC
Full Time Employment
Sixth formers seeking employment need to gather evidence to improve their chances of securing
employment at Post 18. Employers look for qualities and skills gained in addition to academic
qualifications such as:
Communication skills
Team leading
Willingness to learn
Reliability
Ability to meet deadlines
Team working
Planning and organising
Attendance and punctuality
Working under pressure
When you are looking and applying for jobs, you will be expected to produce a curriculum vitae (CV)
to accompany your written application.
Work Experience
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Some employers may view work experience as having more relevance than qualifications. Work
experience is essential for some degree and post-degree courses in preparation for employment.
Work experience opportunities include:
Sandwich placements – usually lasting one year
Work-based projects – carried out at an employers’ premises
Work placement – shorter than a sandwich placement
Voluntary work – unpaid work in your own time
Work/Job shadowing – observing the work environment
Internships – company name for a placement
Part time work – paid work during term time to fit in with your studies
Further information
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Description
The world of work
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Taking a gap year & doing voluntary work
Some students decide to take a gap year before they begin university or embark on their chosen
career path. This can be a productive way to spend a year and is viewed as a positive experience
by universities and employers. However, you must use the year constructively and be able to
demonstrate how the skills and experiences gained will support your future education and training.
Your questions about gap years answered
Why take a gap year?
Travel and experience other cultures.
Gain life experiences.
Research academic or personal interests.
Build confidence.
Realise your own potential.
Develop new skills.
Demonstrate independence.
Make a difference.
Be adventurous.
A requirement for some courses and employment.
Enhances your UCAS application or CV.
What can I do?
Travel independently or as part of a group.
Teach or work abroad.
Volunteer in this country or abroad.
Gain unpaid work experience.
Alternative form of education, e.g. learn a language.
Employment to save for university.
Train at an academy, e.g. sports and leisure.
Simply have fun.
How do I do it?
Know what you want to accomplish at the end of the year.
Talk to someone who has been there and done it.
Plan your finances – how are you going to raise the funds?
Don’t forget your personal safety – research where you plan to go thoroughly.
Involve your parents/carers in your decisions.
If relevant to your chosen course, inform your university.
Gap Year organisations are good but you do not have to use them. Shop around and find
which is the best deal for you.
Useful websites
Volunteering
www.projecttrust.org.uk
www.do-it.org.uk
Work experience
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Travel
www.bunac.org
www.realgap.co.uk
Description
Taking a gap year
www.volunteering.org.uk
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THE WORLD OF WORK
www.prospects.ac.uk
www.gapyear.com
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