Open Doors - West Midlands, Spring 2012

Open D

oors – The Regional Training ProspectusIssue 3 | W

est Midlands Edition | Spring 2012

WEST MIDLANDS EDITION Issue 3 - Spring 2012ISSN: 2046-6560

ApprENTIcEShIpS · cArEErS · JObS · TrAININg · A-LEvELS · cOLLEgE · UNI

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HEllO, wE’rE OpEN DOOrS...

Open Doors – Spring 2012 - West Midlands edition

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

ISSN: 2046-6560All 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.

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 local authorities and industry experts. It’s all official stuff, there’s no Wikipedia where we’re involved!

... and this is our Regional Training Prospectus, here to help you decide what to do next.

It’s an exciting time, after all – young people like you up and down the country are planning for their futures in September 2012 – and did you know that there are endless opportunities, right on your doorstep! You could start earning money with an Apprenticeship; get a taste of the working world with employer funded study; carry on learning at sixth form or college, and much more.

In this issue we will profile some of the biggest sectors in your region and explain how to take the first step to a career in the ones that interest you. We’ll also cover all of the main sectors out there, explore trends in your area, and take a look at some remarkable true stories of young people who have had success after leaving school.

But that’s not all! We also have a guide to all of the confusing qualifications out there, advice on how to make the most of our social media and we will answer some of the most common questions that you might have.

The future is in your hands... right here in this prospectus. So turn the page and let’s get started!

Publisher – Karl [email protected]

Editor – Stan [email protected]

Business Development – Simon [email protected]

Production Manager – Lindsey [email protected]

Design – Studio Belly [email protected]

Distribution/Subscriptions [email protected]

To contact us:01765 694120 | [email protected]

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

03

The Intro bits

07 HOw TO ApplY Here we answer some of the most common queries you might have

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 HEAlTH & SOCIAl CArE SECTOr If you’ve got a big heart, put it to good use in a caring career

21 CONSTrUCTION SECTOr Build a successful career for yourself

25 MANUFACTUrINg SECTOr It’s about making things we need, from food and medicine to petrol and clothing

29 rETAIl SECTOr This exciting industry is so much more than life behind a counter

33 IT & TElECOMS SECTOr This cutting edge industry isn’t just for the geeks

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

p17 Health & social

care 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

The Intro Bits Careers Insight

The Intro bits

04


p25 Manufacturing sector

43 SpOTlIgHT ON THE wEST MIDlANDS All about your region

52 MOrE HElpFUl STUFF Useful links, contact details and more – because you can never have too much information

54 CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAl MEDIA A step by step guide on how to find us on facebook, twitter and google +

p21 Construction sector

p33 IT & telecoms sector

p29 Retail sector

Useful Stuff

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.


05

The Intro bits

We have a wide range of Apprenticeships available at Intraining • Health and Social Care* • Business Administration • Contact Centre • Sales and Telesales • Customer Service • Team Leading

• Management • Playwork* • Hospitality* • Retail • Travel and Tourism • Warehousing and Storage

Earn

while you

learn!Take the first steponto your career withan Apprenticeship.

www.intraining.co.uk/apprenticeships

*Only delivered in certain locations

If you are 16-24 and want to earn a recognised qualification. Call us today 0330 123 1300 (quote RTP001)

HOw TO ApplY

How do you approach a

company for work experience?

Do you know what the Common

Application Process is?

Now you have an idea of what course or subjects would be right for you it’s time to think about taking the next step and making an application...

Around 70% of 16 year olds choose to remain in full time education

70%

of employers say relevant work experience is the

most important part of an application

34%

(number of school leavers and graduates who enter the job market each year)

800,000

Applications without spelling mistakes

are 61% more likely to get a reply

(number of apprenticeship starts in England each year)

275,000+There are more than

university places in the UK each year

500,000


07

The Intro bits

CoMMon APPlICATIon PRoCeSS14-19 area prospectuses use an online resource called the Common

Application Process (CAP) which makes it easier to apply for different

types of courses at age 14 or 16.

What is the Common Application Process?

Basically the CAP allows you to easily manage all of the applications

you want to make for different courses. There might be lots of courses

that interest you and the CAP lets you upload your application details

so that you can quickly apply for any courses on your local 14-19

area prospectus. This means that you should not have to fill out lots of

different application forms but can just upload your details once and

then browse courses and click to apply.

The system also keeps track of the status of all of your applications so

you can check their progress and see if you have any offers of places.

It also links to local Information Advice and Guidance services so that

you can get some helpful advice if the providers you have applied to

are unable to make you an offer.

What kind of courses does the Common Application Process

help me apply for?The courses on here are those offered by local colleges and training

providers. As it is used for all applications through your 14-19 area

prospectus you can use it to apply for the following types of courses:

• ASandALevels• Basic/KeySkills• BTEC’s• GCSE’s• HigherEducationCourses• VocationalQualifications

HowdoIgetinvolved?Your school should be able to give you a login to use on your 14-19

area prospectus, which will allow you to complete a personal profile and

application form, browse the available courses and apply for them online.

For the details of your 14-19 area prospectus turn to page 52 of this

magazine or head to www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk. Most of the 14-19

area prospectuses are very easy to use but if you do have problems

don’t be afraid to email them, they will be happy to help and guide you.

APPRenTICeSHIPSYou might have decided that an apprenticeship is the way to go! The National Apprenticeship Service operates a vacancy matching service that allows you to search apprenticeship opportunities and make applications for them online. To apply for an apprenticeship follow these simple steps:

• Headtowww.apprenticeships.org.ukandclick‘search for vacancies’.

• Registeronthesiteandactivateyouraccount.You only have to do this once and you will get a homepage that allows you to track your applications.

• Searchforapprenticeshipsbykeywords,jobroles,locations or learning providers. (Make sure to check the site regularly as new vacancies are uploaded all the time.)

• Whenyoufindtheapprenticeshipyouwantyoucan click to apply through the site. You’ll be asked to fill in your personal info, outline your experience and possibly answer some questions. You can even save your application as a draft and return later if you have to.

• Keepapplying!Youcanapplyforupto10vacanciesand if successful will be invited for an interview or assessment.

HOw TO ApplYBy now you will have some good ideas about what industry and job role appeals to you. You will also be aware of what types of courses andproviderscanhelpyougetthere,buthowdoyouapply?Herewe cover some of the application processes for further and higher education courses as well as some general tips on how to make a successful application...

FInD oUT MoRe

So now you may have a bit more of an idea about

what type of course or learning provider might be

right for you there’s loads more to discover. You can

find out what courses and qualifications are available

in your local area with your local 14-19 prospectus,

they’re on page 52.

... check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk for

details of people who can help in your area.

The Intro bits

08


UCAS APPlICATIon PRoCeSSThe Universities and Colleges Application System

(UCAS) is the system for higher education course

applications. You’ve probably seen it on the news as

hundreds of thousands of people apply to university

each year. The system is not just for undergraduate

degrees; foundation degrees, postgraduate degrees

and most higher education courses are on this site.

The basic steps to applying for university are:

Choosing your course – There are literally

thousands available, make sure to do your research

on which course is right for you, there are lots of

resources on the site to help. Also consider where

you want to do the course, some institutions

specialise in certain courses.

Applying – The application system is all online and

you select on the site which institutions you would

like to apply to, these are your ‘choices’. You need

to provide a personal statement saying why you’re

right for the course as part of this, too so make sure

to take your time.

Offers – If a university wants to offer you a place

they will let you know on the UCAS system what

results they expect you to get. You will have to reply

to accept or refuse these offers.

Results – If you get the results the university asked

for, they will probably offer you a place and you will be

able to start planning for your new course. If you fail to

get the necessary grades, you can still find a course at

a different university through the ‘clearing’ system.

Your teachers will be able to offer you further help

using the system, which you can find at

www.ucas.ac.uk.

GeneRAl TIPS on APPlICATIonSApplications vary greatly on the system you are using or the course or job you are applying for, but there are some general tips that can be applied to most cases.

GrammarandSpellingTake your time when applying. None of the application systems covered on this page force you to log on, find a course and apply all in one go. This means you have plenty of time to check your application thoroughly, applications with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors suggest that you have rushed the process. You might like to word process your application and then ‘cut & paste’. It’s often a good idea to get your parents, teachers or friends to help you by double checking!

Work ExperienceYou may decide to get some work experience to help you get the course, apprenticeship or job that you want. This can often be a good way to get ahead. If you have a company in mind for work experience you could telephone to find out who to approach or send a polite, and well written, letter or email with a CV attached.

Be Yourself!This is a top tip for any application. In many cases the people you are applying to have to look through hundreds of application forms. Try to show what would make YOU the right person for the course. Do you have a real passion for the subject or is it your dream to go into a career in that sector? What makes you stand out as a good applicant and the best candidate for the course or job? Make sure you’re picking the course or job that suits your personality and skills best!

If you are having trouble with your application your school careers advisor should be able to help.

Top 5 CV writing Tips from InspireeducationSometimes, 70 people or even more will apply for every vacancy, and most companies will select only 4

people to attend an interview. It is essential to get your CV and Covering Letter right to give you the best

chance of being interviewed.

1. Spelling and Grammar mistakes will put your CV at the bottom of the pile, always use a word processor

and get someone to check it for you.

2. Remember your audience; CV’s can be boring to read especially if an employer has 70 to read! Keep your CV, clear,

easy to read and to the point. You might want to tweak your CV to emphasize particular points or experience, which are

relevant to that particular job.3. A good Personal Statement at the start of your CV will be the hook that makes the reader carry on or dismiss the

application. In 3 – 4 sentences you need to say who you are and why you would be good for the job, inspire them to

want to interview you.4. Bullet point your key skills, the reader will need to see quickly if your skills match their requirements, using bullet points

will make it easier for them.5. Do not list “reading, going to the cinema and socialising” in your hobbies, everyone does this; you need to stand out from

the crowd and show them how involved in your community, activities and environment you are.

Finding a job part-time or full-time is very tough; InspireEducation helps students to be successful post education.

See our website for more information on our IAG workshops. www.i2e-education.co.uk


09

The Intro bits

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

Skills for life

BTEC Introductory

Diplomas and Certificates

Advanced Apprenticeship

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

The Intro bits

10


IntermediateApprenticeship

FoundationDegree

HigherApprenticeship

Foundation Diploma

With our industry approved Apprenticeships you’ll work in a real job from day one, it’s a great way to start your career and the perfect stepping stone to getting ahead. And the best part? You’ll earn a wage and gain invaluable experience too.

• Hairdressing and Barbering• Health and Social Care• Hospitality and Catering• Retail

Want to earn while you learn?

The employmentand skills group

Take your first step towards a brighter future and call us now on 0333 444 3973, or

text JOB to 80011 and we’ll give you a call back. You can also visit www.esggroup.co.uk

The choice is yours…

During your Apprenticeship you’ll receive training, within a work environment. All of our training is sector specific and will equip you with the right skills to get you where you want to be. You can get qualifications in areas such as:

• Business Administration• Childcare• Customer Service

Open Doors Advert Oct 2011 version.indd 1 03/11/2011 09:34

SolVInG exTRAoRDInARy PRoBleMS

“The first thing tutors

said to me when I got

to the college was

‘What do you want

to go on to do when

you leave?’ and

that really got me

thinking.

With a score of 88

in the UK Maths

Trust’s Senior Challenge, Cameron

has achieved the

highest score within

New College. He is

now going forward, together with selected students

from across the UK, to the prestigious Maths

Challenge known as Senior Kangaroo.

“Why take part in the Maths Challenge events? On

the face of it, the sort of questions you get are totally

out of the ordinary and seem almost impossible. So

it feels good when you’ve managed to solve them by

pulling everything you’ve learnt together.”

“I’m taking Maths, Computing and I.T. and I aim to

go to University to study Games Programming and

Website Design. Having good teachers who are

pushing you and helping you get to grips with it all

makes a huge difference.”

“I’ve enjoyed everything at New College - from the

courses I’m doing now - to being in the college

football team. Solving interesting problems is a big

part of programming and developing games, and

careerwise I want to go on to develop algorithms and

artificial intelligence inside games.”

For more information call 01952 641 892

or visit www.nct.ac.uk

lIFE STOrIESyoUnG AnD GIFTeD, THe FUTURe IS lookInG BRIGHT FoR TAlenTeD HAnnAH MAy.The 18-year-old began working for Midlands-based letting agent Howland Jones after starting an apprenticeship with national training provider Intraining.

And through her apprenticeship, Hannah demonstrated so much talent, dedication and enthusiasm that after less than six months, she won Property Professional Awards Young Letting Agent Of The Year.

She said: “I am delighted and still shocked to have won.

“Without the training and support I have received from both my employer and Intraining, I would never have had the confidence and ability to win.”

In her work, Hannah deals with inquiries from tenants and landlords, carries out property viewings and advertises any new homes that have come onto the letting market. While working, she also has completed NVQ Business Administration Levels Two and Three.

She says: “I really enjoy my work. “I have been able to gain experience of a career,

earn money and develop new skills at the same time.“I would definitely recommend apprenticeships.”

Director Rebecca Howland said the team knew from the start that Hannah had something special.

She said: “Hannah decided to take the Apprenticeship route, rather than going to university, and she has shown that she can compete with the best. She is continuing with her studies, while getting a good grounding in the business, which is a combination for success.

“We are incredibly proud of Hannah for what she has achieved in such a short time with us. She has taken to the lettings industry very quickly and is Immensely talented and able, and, although still an apprentice, we have increased her salary to reflect that.

“This is just the beginning for her.”

For more information visit:www.intraining.co.uk/apprenticeshipsTel: 0330 123 1300

The Intro bits

12


ADAM’S DIGGInG DeeP wITH TelFoRD ColleGeAdam’s time at school was not a happy one. He had several periods of suspension and eventually exclusion, without having achieved any formal qualifications. This resulted in him having to attend a variety of “Alternative” education projects, none of which suited him or encouraged him to engage.

Eventually, Adam was referred onto the Telford College “Aspire” course in May 2010 by Connexions. Aspire is a 12-week, two day a week course which is designed to re-engage students who are N.E.E.T. (Not in Education, Employment or Training). It includes a mix of class work and out of college visits which encourage teamwork, leadership etc. whilst also helping to develop work and employment skills.

Adam completed the “Aspire” course successfully and, in September 2010, he enrolled on the Foundation Studies “Engage” course. This course helps develop a range of personal qualities and provides a stepping stone onto further training or employment. At the end of the “Engage” course, Adam achieved a variety of vocational qualifications, including Edexcel Workskills and Functional Skills. Adam was nominated for “Student of the Month” midway through the course and, at the end of the year, attended the Telford College Celebration of Work Awards Evening and accepted a Foundation Learning “Student of The Year” Award.

Adam took an active part in the Foundation Learning “Sportability” club and also regularly volunteered to do various land-based activities in the College gardens. Adam’s tutors helped him to find part-time work as a labourer and he was also supported in establishing his own business as a part-time garden landscaper.

In September 2011 Adam successfully enrolled on the full-time “Land-based, Motor-Vehicle and Construction” course.

For more information call 01952 642237 or visit www.tcat.ac.uk

IAn AIMS HIGH

Once a gang member

at a very young age, Ian

Perkins 21, knows only too

well the tragedy of taking

the wrong path in life and

losing friends due to crime

and unrest. Looking for his

second chance in life and to

prove wrong those people

who once doubted him, Ian’s

determination and will to

succeed led him to Lifetime.

Enrolling into the Lifetime

Fitness Academy and

with the support of tutor Mark Pemberton, Ian

successfully completed his Level 2 Fitness Instructor

Apprenticeship; not only could Ian earn while he

learned, but he was able to gain ‘on the job’ skills

and a true understanding of the industry.

Ian says: “I have turned my life around, influenced

people and shown never to give up on anyone. In the

space of just 20 months I have come from “just an

apprentice” to becoming the youngest ever Health

and Fitness Manager of the largest Fitness First

club in Europe. I have received two awards from my

employer on consecutive months, which has never

been achieved by anyone in the company. I always

aimed high from the very start and never gave up on

that goal.”

A bright future awaits Ian; he now teaches ‘PT

Business’ courses and has worked hard to establish

himself in the fitness industry. “Eventually I want

to have a say in how the industry is run. I feel that

my passion behind health and fitness can influence

change; my ambition is to aim high!”

For more information please get in touch

T: 0870 120 1207W: www.lifetimetraining.co.uk/looking-for-a-job

E: [email protected]


13

The Intro bits

JeSSICA SMITH - InTeRMeDIATe APPRenTICeSHIP In PRoFeSSIonAl CookeRyJessica, 19, has a Diploma in Performing Arts, danced for the Royal Family at London Palladium and got The Young Carer of the Year Title. Being accepted on the De Vere Programme is ‘like a second chance’ says Jessica. ‘I have been my Mum’s carer since I was 6, so being given this chance to do something for myself is a really good opportunity.’ Jessica loves

cooking and she is learning a lot in the Academy’s

kitchen and theory classes. Her work placement is

with Compass Group where there is a big team of

chefs. Asked about what advice she would give to a

new apprentice, Jessica said: ‘Don’t come here and

expect it to be easy. It’s hard work but if you want

a future, you have to give your best .’ Her dream is

to open a Charity Dance School for underprivileged

young people who can’t afford to go to private

schools. ‘Knowing how to cook is even better, I will

be able to develop this dream even further’

The De Vere Academy of Hospitality operates

across the UK with its first Midlands location at the

Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The Academy offers two

apprenticeship programmes in Customer Service and

Professional Cookery to young people that are not

currently in employment, education, or training.

If you are a superstar Chef in the making or you love

working with people, then this is the place for you. The

only things we ask you to demonstrate are passion,

potential, and a willingness to do well and succeed.

You will have the opportunity to gain a nationally

recognised qualification and real work experience in

catering, hospitality, service or retail sectors.

You can apply online on www.devereacademy.co.uk

or just call 07818 464 054.

lIFE STOrIESwIll GReGoRy IS PRePAReD FoR THe FUTUReI started at Cadbury Sixth Form College this September. I came from Turves Green Boys’ School after seeing evidence of, and hearing, good things about Cadbury College. After looking around many other colleges, I decided Cadbury would suit me best. It has an adult environment and is good preparation for university or employment. I am studying English Literature, Financial Studies, Government and Politics, Economics and Critical Thinking. All of these subjects I enjoy, and I think all of my teachers are excellent, very knowledgeable and very easy to get along with and who support and challenge you to fulfil your potential.

I am involved in the UK Youth Parliament. Like many students, I was frustrated with the substantial rise in tuition fees and wanted a more productive way to forward my view rather than protesting, so I signed up to become a candidate for the Youth Parliament 2012 elections. Cadbury College has done a huge amount to support my candidacy and through the college I have been able to achieve everything I’ve wanted to for my campaign.

My advice for future students is this; be very organised and use all the resources the College give you. Come and see the college for yourself on our Open Evening on 8th February 6-8pm.

[email protected]

Cadbury Sixth Form CollegeDownlands Close BirminghamB38 8QTT: 0121 458 3839F: 0121 433 2619

The Intro bits www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk

14

King Edward VI CollegeThe Sixth Form Specialist ... Nurturing Talent, Achieving Excellence

A specialist Sixth Form College offering an unrivalled range of 50AS/A-Levels, BTECS,

Professional Academies, and a GCSE ‘Step Up’ Programme

Our highly qualified specialist staff provide anenvironment for students to learn work and

personal skills needed for university oremployment

A fresh start leads to more invigorated andmotivated students

Scan this QR Codewith your smartphone

to take you to ourwebsite

ScanHere

King Edward Road • NUNEATON • Warwickshire • CV11 4BECollege Telephone: (024) 7632 8231 Website: www.kecnuneaton.ac.uk

The King Edward College Foundation is a charitable trust which exists to promote the education of young people

Latin

BiologySportProduction Arts

ICT GermanBusiness

Accounting

Archaeology

Art & DesignChemistry

History

DanceDesign & Technology

Drama Economics

EnglishFilm Studies

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

Government & Politics

Health & Social Care

LawMathematics

Media

Music

Music Technology

Photography

Physical EducationPsychology

Religious Studies

Science

Spanish

Use of Mathematics

Sociology

Physics

Electronics Performing Arts

Environmental

Critical Thinking

are you lookingfor a rewarding,long-term careerin a growingsector?an apprenticeship in social care couldbe the answer – earn while you learn!

Social care is a growing sector and one that offers increasing opportunities for progression.

Skills for Care’s bespoke career pathways e-tool lets youexplore where an apprenticeship in health and social care canlead and see case studies from those who work in the sector.Go to www.skillsforcare.org.uk/careerpathways

for more information visit:www.skillsforcare.org.uk/apprenticeships

SfC Apprenticeships A4 Advert 08.11_Layout 1 25/08/2011 16:32 Page 1

Workers in social care in England

1.56MIllIonWorkers in

healthcare in England

1.52MIllIon

(two of the biggest sectors in the UK)

There are over 350,000 nurses in

England!

350,000Do you want

to help people?

£33,436 per year (salary of senior health

visitors)

You could help save lives

Keep reading if you want a rewarding, important career…

Advanced Dental Technicians earn between £28,000 and £37,000 per year

There are hundreds of different career paths, from IT and

admin to nursing and physiotherapy

HEAlTH & SOCIAl CArE SECTOr


17

careers Insight

HEAlTH &SOCIAl CArE

SAlARIeSMost people in this sector work for the NHS, where an entry-level position will earn you between £13,000 and £14,000 a year. With a level 2 or 3 qualification, you could be earning £16,000. The more experience you pick up, the more you’ll earn.

weST MIDlAnDS FoCUS

There are around 273,000 health and social care

employees here. Even though the sector is not the

West Midlands’ biggest employer, it still accounts

for over 10% of England’s health workforce. Areas

of this sector that you could work in include hospital

activities, general medical practice activities and

dentistry; the biggest employer here is hospital activity.

Fast facts:• 12%ofWestMidlands’workforceisinthissector.

• 19%ofhealthandsocialcareemployersherehave

vacancies.• Employeesinthissectortendtohaveahigherlevel

of qualification than most sectors.

Start learning!Want a course in the West Midlands? 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 visi


If 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 keeping people healthy, happy and looked after – and it takes all sorts of job roles to do this from nurses and care assistants to administrative assistants and IT specialists.

Healthcare is an essential part of our society, which means that there’ll always be jobs on offer for qualified people. In fact, this is one sector that continues to thrive during recessions.

Here are some of the main areas in the sector, along with the entry-level job position that could be your first step on the career ladder.

It’s one of the biggest sectors in the UK. It’s also your chance to start a rewarding, challenging career that helps people live healthy, happy lives.

Allied health professionsPeople who specialise in a specific area, like speech and language therapists, radiographers, occupational therapists and psychologists. The work of these professionals varies greatly depending on their skills.

childcareChildcare is an important career. Workers in this sector have to have the necessary skills to help children grow emotionally, physically and socially. The typical working day for someone in this sector will largely depend on the age of the children they care for and whether or not they are based in a school, day-care centre, or at the childs home.

DentalThere are a range of roles that are important to the dental team. Dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, technicians and therapists are all vital to providing dental care. Some will be employed or partners in a dental practice or based at NHS hospitals.

healthcare scienceThe scientific side to it all – includes pharmacists, biomedical scientists and laboratory assistants. Healthcare scientists play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of medical conditions.

health informationThe people who help process, store and analyse patient information and medical records – medical records clerk, clinical researcher, IT professionals. This is one of the fastest growing areas in the NHS as technology improves and more emphasis is place on keeping accurate records of patients.

Nursing and midwiferyThe largest group of staff in the NHS nurses play a vital role in assisting doctors and consultants. Midwifery is one of the most rewarding job roles in the healthcare profession due to the key role they play in assisting mothers before, during and after birth.

Social careSocial care workers and personal assistants help a variety of people, ranging from those with disabilities to the elderly. They assist these groups in maintaining their independence and live fuller lives. Many of these workers visit patients in their own homes and provide support in a variety of settings.

Wider healthcare teamThe NHS has to make sure all hospitals and health centres are well maintained, and that those in their care have all of their needs met. The wider healthcare team includes lots of roles, like technicians, porters, gardeners, caterers, cleaning staff.

careers Insight

18


CASe STUDyA route into the care sector

Sian Hendry was recruited to take on an apprentice’s role within a team who provide care for customers with mental health issues who live in a supported housing complex of self-contained apartments.

Prior to undertaking the apprenticeship, Sian had waitressed for a number of years after completing her GCSEs and a university access course in media. She soon realised that she would prefer to take up a paid vocation that offered on-the-job and skills training, rather than just a qualification.

Sian’s role is varied. She relishes the combined day’s study at college, with four days of on-the-job training. The course gives her an overview of health and social care and she is tasked with live assessments that enable her to reflect on her practical experience.

On a daily basis, she can be helping customers to manage their appointment schedules, identifying signs of health deterioration and ensuring their health and safety.

Sian believes that for a role in care you need empathy and patience towards others. The apprentice role has helped her to build personal confidence and gain a better understanding of mental health.

For more information about social care apprenticeships visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk/careerpathways or email [email protected]

GeT InTo THe SeCToR!There are lots of pathways to a career in this sector –

relevant work experience is one of them…

volunteering & work experienceThere are lots of volunteering opportunities in Health and

Social Care, and this type of experience could qualify

you for a fulltime position or boost your application for a

course. Visit www.volunteering.org.uk or www.do-it.

org.uk to search for opportunities near you. You can also

get in touch with your local NHS trust who may be able to

help you with work experience.

GeT qUAlIFIeD!

ApprenticeshipsIf you’re aged 16 or over, you could take an Apprenticeship

in health and social care and get a job with an employer.

You’ll do half of your learning on the job and half in the

classroom with a college or training provider. Here are the

Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all of

these are NVQ level 2:•HealthandSocialCare•PharmacyAssistantsandTechnicians

•SupportServicesinHealthcare

Advanced ApprenticeshipsAdvanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to A Levels,

but like Apprenticeships are advantageous for practical

roles. Advanced Apprenticeships help you become more

qualified whilst gaining employment experience. Here are

the Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all of

these are NVQ level 3:•DentalNursing•HealthandSocialCare

•PharmacyAssistantsandTechnicians

A LevelsA Levels can either lead to university or a Foundation

Degree, which are explained below. Most employers and

universities will value subjects that demonstrate you have

solid base level knowledge and would be able to develop

skills relevant to the industry. Here are some recommended

A Level subjects, which could set you in the right direction:

•Biology(Human)•HealthandSocialCare

•PhysicalEducation

Foundation DegreeYou can also do a Foundation Degree in health & social

care. A Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification

which combines academic study with practical hands-on

experience. Designed jointly by universities, colleges and

employers, they should give you the right skills to be ready for

employment. They are university-level qualifications and are equivalent

to the first two years of an Honours Degree. A typical full-

time Foundation Degree takes two years to complete, and

are different from honours degrees as they usually involve

learning in the workplace as well as at university or college.

college coursesA college course can also be a great route into this sector.

To see which colleges have relevant courses in your region

check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

USeFUl lInkSwww.skillsforhealth.org.uk – Skills for Health.

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk – NHS Careers.

www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk - Step into the NHS.

www.skillsforcare.org.uk/careerpathways - Skills for Care.

www.careersbox.co.uk - Careers films on the web.

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk - Our online careers resource.


19

careers Insight

Hitchinbrooke Hospital, Cambridgeshire

West Burton Power Station

Niketown, Oxford Street

BUILDING CAREERS

ON-SITE • AT COLLEGE • FOR REAL

• Team leader apprenticeship

• Flexible training programme

• Local practical experience

• Residential placement at National

Construction College, Norfolk

• Create your own training

THE APPRENTICE WILL!Want to make this work 3

Be self-motivated and enthusiastic 3

Have a positive attitude 3

Be willing and able to travel 3

YOU WILL GET PAID!As you learn, you earn. Kier will offer you a full time job with paid annual

holidays plus other benefits.

Follow us on Twitter

DO I GET PAID?Yes, as you learn, you earn. Kier will offer you a full timejob with paid annual holidays

plus other benefits.

2 YearsNVQ 2

1 YearNVQ 3

3 YearsFoundation Degree

1 YearFull Degree

BUILDING CAREER PATHSYour Construction Team Leader NVQ2 Apprenticeship willtake two years.

After that, you have the opportunity of taking the NVQ3Advanced Apprenticeship.

You need to pass a technical certificate, a health & safety testand also show you have key number and communication skills.At the same time, you’ll build a portfolio of your work on site(taking photos, writing up notes, keeping time sheets andso on).

Following your apprecticeship you may then have theopportunity to continue your studies to full degree level.

WORLD OF KIER• Kier is a ‘Top 5’ construction, development and services group

• We employ more than 11,600 people worldwide• Our annual turnover annual is £2.1bn• We have a network of over 50 offices nationwide andoperate overseas

• We are one of construction’s leading recruiters ofapprentices and trainees

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?Building Careers does just that – it helps young people likeyou build a career in construction.

Working for Kier will give you an unbelievable insight intothe construction world.

You’ll combine practical experience locally with residentialplacements at the National Construction College in Norfolk.Right from the start, we create your own training plan so youcan always tell how you’re getting on.This is a brilliant opportunity but it will require you to getup early, work in all kinds of weather and study in some ofyour spare time. If you want to build a great career, this issomething you’ll be happy to do.

DO YOU TICK THESE BOXES?Do you want to make this work for you?Are you self-motivated and enthusiastic?Do you have a positive attitude?Are you willing and able to travel?

�

�

�

�

Milton Keynes Academy

A7 Cross fold_Layout 1 17/07/2011 19:23 Page 1

ON-SITE • AT COLLEGE • FOR REALBUILDING CAREERS

FrontCover_Layout 1 17/07/2011 19:25 Page 1

Contact our Building Careers teamwww.kier.co.uk/buildingcareers

Please ask us for a

copy of our

Pocket Sizedbrochure

THE CONSTrUCTION SECTOr

Of people in this sector are self employed

Investment in green technology will create more

demand for construction skills

Supervisory roles can pay as

much as £45,000

a year!

There are over 2.35 million people employed in this

sector in the UK

Your work could be admired

by people for years to

come…

It’s not just for the boys – almost 200,000 women work in this sector too

construction Apprentices earn

around

£8,700 in their first year!

Number of new workers are needed in the sector each year

43,000 37%

Hitchinbrooke Hospital, Cambridgeshire

West Burton Power Station

Niketown, Oxford Street

BUILDING CAREERS

ON-SITE • AT COLLEGE • FOR REAL

• Team leader apprenticeship

• Flexible training programme

• Local practical experience

• Residential placement at National

Construction College, Norfolk

• Create your own training

THE APPRENTICE WILL!Want to make this work 3

Be self-motivated and enthusiastic 3

Have a positive attitude 3

Be willing and able to travel 3

YOU WILL GET PAID!As you learn, you earn. Kier will offer you a full time job with paid annual

holidays plus other benefits.

Follow us on Twitter

DO I GET PAID?Yes, as you learn, you earn. Kier will offer you a full timejob with paid annual holidays

plus other benefits.

2 YearsNVQ 2

1 YearNVQ 3

3 YearsFoundation Degree

1 YearFull Degree

BUILDING CAREER PATHSYour Construction Team Leader NVQ2 Apprenticeship willtake two years.

After that, you have the opportunity of taking the NVQ3Advanced Apprenticeship.

You need to pass a technical certificate, a health & safety testand also show you have key number and communication skills.At the same time, you’ll build a portfolio of your work on site(taking photos, writing up notes, keeping time sheets andso on).

Following your apprecticeship you may then have theopportunity to continue your studies to full degree level.

WORLD OF KIER• Kier is a ‘Top 5’ construction, development and services group

• We employ more than 11,600 people worldwide• Our annual turnover annual is £2.1bn• We have a network of over 50 offices nationwide andoperate overseas

• We are one of construction’s leading recruiters ofapprentices and trainees

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?Building Careers does just that – it helps young people likeyou build a career in construction.

Working for Kier will give you an unbelievable insight intothe construction world.

You’ll combine practical experience locally with residentialplacements at the National Construction College in Norfolk.Right from the start, we create your own training plan so youcan always tell how you’re getting on.This is a brilliant opportunity but it will require you to getup early, work in all kinds of weather and study in some ofyour spare time. If you want to build a great career, this issomething you’ll be happy to do.

DO YOU TICK THESE BOXES?Do you want to make this work for you?Are you self-motivated and enthusiastic?Do you have a positive attitude?Are you willing and able to travel?

�

�

�

�

Milton Keynes Academy

A7 Cross fold_Layout 1 17/07/2011 19:23 Page 1

ON-SITE • AT COLLEGE • FOR REALBUILDING CAREERS

FrontCover_Layout 1 17/07/2011 19:25 Page 1

Contact our Building Careers teamwww.kier.co.uk/buildingcareers

Please ask us for a

copy of our

Pocket Sizedbrochure


21

careers Insight

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!

CONSTrUCTION

weST MIDlAnDS FoCUS

The construction sector has been continually on the rise here, which

means good news for future construction hopefuls! There are a variety

of sub-sectors in construction that you can work in, from repair and

maintenance to public housing and industrial. The biggest sub-sector

here is repair and maintenance, even bigger than the national average

in fact; 47% of construction is in this sub-sector.

Fast Facts• ManagersandNon-constructionoperativesarethemostcommon

job roles in construction here.• TheWestMidlandshasahigher-than-averagenumberof

electricians, roofers, painters and decorators and glaziers.

Start learning!Want a course in the West Midlands? 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


bricklayingOne of the most popular trades and Apprenticeships, bricklaying is about building and repairing walls, using a range of materials and techniques. It can be really creative work too and you may be called on to produce decorative and interesting effects.Salary Range: £17,000 - £28,000

plasteringThere are two types of plastering roles: Solid Plasterers apply wet finishes to walls, ceilings and floors, and Fibrous Plasterers work in workshops to produce ornamental plasterwork as decoration.Salary Range: £17,000 - £28,000

plumbingThere never seems to be a plumber when you need one. Plumbing is the skilled trade of working with pipes, tubing and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems, the drainage of waste and heating systems. It is one of the most varied roles, you could be working on existing pipe work or installing something new.Salary Range: £16,500 - £35,000

painting and decoratingApplying the finishing touch to surfaces, like wallpaper, gloss and emulsion; Painter and Decorators can work on construction sites or on commercial and domestic projects.Salary Range: £17,000 - £23,000

civil engineeringCivil engineering is about the design and construction of buildings and other important structures like pipelines, bridges, railways and roads. They provide technical support on construction projects to help turn complex designs into reality.Salary Range: £15,000 - £37,000

carpentry and joineryAs timber is so widely used, the building and installation of wood products, such as floors, staircases, doors and roof trusses, is vital work. Joiners can work on construction sites and domestic premises – bench joiners work in joiner’s shops on complex wood products.Salary Range: £17,000 - £31,000

ScaffoldingBuilding safe working platforms for construction workers to use when working on buildings and other structures. Scaffolders work on a variety of projects, including some very tall buildings.Salary Range: £17,000 - £26,000

SurveyingBuilding surveyors give detailed advice on the construction, design and maintenance of proposed or existing buildings. They have to work out the distances and angles between various points of the construction. Salary Range: £15,000 - £37,000

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:

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.

careers Insight

22


USeFUl lInkSwww.bconstructive.co.uk - For information about

Construction careers.

www.bconstructive.co.uk/contact/offices/index - Find

your local Construction Skills office.

www.careersbox.co.uk - careers films on the web


CASe STUDyCodyHolnessBTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and theBuiltEnvironmentLevel3

Cody is studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment Level 3, and is enjoying the challenging nature of the course.

Cody says “My aim after Stoke on Trent College is to go on to University and then to become a Building Surveyor. I’m really enjoying the course and the knowledge I’ve gained has given me an excellent understanding of construction and building methods. It’s also given me the tools to do the job, especially as the course has enabled me to experience a wide variety of practical construction skills.”

Outside the course, Cody is a keen college footballer and is looking forward to participating in the College’s ‘Challenge South Africa’ project. “If you want to gain qualifications and practical skills in the Construction Industry, and have a great time getting them” says Cody, “Take it from me – sign up to Stoke on Trent College.”

For more information call 01782 208208 or visit www.stokecollege.ac.uk

GeT qUAlIFIeD!Vocational qualifications are the way to get ahead in this sector...

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. 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). As well as those already mentioned on the previous page, here are the Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all of these are NVQ level 2:•Construction•ElectricalandElectronicsServicing•Engineering•Construction•Plumbing•Heating,Ventilating,AirConditioning&Refrigeration•ConstructionBuilding – Painter and Decorator, Maintenance Operative (repairs, tiling, plastering), Bricklayer, Craft Mason, Carpenter, Joiner, Woodmachinist •ConstructionTechnical,Supervision and Management – Team Leader•ConstructionCivilEngineering – Construction Operative, Formworker, Highways Maintenance, Plant Mechanic, Plant Operator, Tunnelling Operative •ConstructionSpecialist – Scaffolder, Roofer, Roof Tiler, Wall and Floor Tiler, Kitchen/Bathroom Fitter, Floor Layer, Dry Liner, Ceiling Fixer, Partitioner, Mastic Asphalter, Plasterer, Thatcher, Stone Mason, Insulation Installer

Advanced ApprenticeshipAdvanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to A Levels, but like Apprenticeships are advantageous for practical roles. Advanced Apprenticeships in construction are a one-year addition to the two-year apprenticeship. Here are the some of the advanced Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all of these are NVQ level 3:•BuildingServicesEngineeringTechnicians•Construction ElectricalandElectronicsServicing•Electrotechnical •EngineeringConstruction•Heating,Ventilating,AirConditioning&Refrigeration•Plumbing•Surveying•Construction Building – Bricklayer, Carpenter, Joiner •ConstructionTechnical,SupervisionandManagement– SiteTechnician,CivilEngineeringTechnician,WorkSupervisor•Construction Civil Engineering - Plant Mechanic •Construction Specialist – Plasterer, Roofer, Stone Mason, Wall and Floor Tiler

A Levels A Levels can either lead to university or a Foundation Degree, which are explained below. Most employers and universities value practical and scientific subjects; these demonstrate that you would be able to understand how things work. Here are some recommended A Level subjects, which could set you in the right direction:•Chemistry•Design&Technology •Electronics•Maths•Physics

Foundation DegreesA Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification which combines academic study with practical hands-on experience. Designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, they should give you the right skills to be ready for employment.

They are university-level qualifications and are equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree. A typical full-time Foundation Degree takes two years to complete, and are different from Honours Degrees as they usually involve learning in the workplace as well as at university or college.

college coursesA college course can also be a great route into this sector. To see which colleges have relevant courses in your region check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.


23

careers Insight

Sutton Coldfield Campus (SC)Lichfield RoadSutton Coldfield B74 2NW

Matthew Boulton Campus (MB)Jennens RoadBirmingham B4 7PS

James Watt Campus (JW)Aldridge Road, Great BarrBirmingham B44 8NE

0845 155 0101www.bmetc.ac.uk

OPEN EVENTs

Try aNd aPPly

BirmiNgham mETrOPOliTaN cOllEgE

fOr sEPTEmBEr 2012 admissiONs

Try >> >> your hand at computer games design, dissecting an artificial heart, using forensics to solve a crime, archaeology, bricklaying, hair and beauty, interactive politics, training for the emergency services

>> lots more workshops and activities across the campuses

aPPly >>

>> A Levels, Vocational courses, Apprenticeships, GCSE resits

>> find out about the courses

>> experience the facilities

>> get careers advice

>> talk to the students

>> make your application for September 2012

At our three main campuses. Erdington Skills Centre and Castle Vale Skills Centre will also be open

“Birmingham Metropolitan College” “@bmetc”

Castle Vale Skills Centre (CV)Spitfire House, 10 High Street, Castle Vale, Birmingham B35 7PR

Erdington Skills Centre (ER)Edwards Road, ErdingtonBirmingham B24 9EW

You can access an impressive range of full-time and part-time courses at a choice of campuses, whether you want to go to university, develop your skills for work, build your basic skills, take a new direction or continue with the next level of a course. To find out more visit our Open Events to see the facilities and speak to the staff.

OPEN EVENT daTEs >>

Thursday 26th January 2012 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday 17th March 2012 10.00am - 2.00pm

Saturday 16th June 2012 10.00am - 2.00pm

TuEsday EVENiNg carEErs EVENTs (7Pm sTarT) >>

The College also runs a series of free careers events throughout the academic year. Speakers from the relevant professions give an insight into their own career paths and offer advice and guidance.

31st January 2012 Health & Social Care (MB)

7th February 2012 Early Years & Childcare (SC)

14th February 2012 IT & Computing (MB)

6th March 2012 Public Services (JW)

13th March 2012 Business Studies (MB)

20th March 2012 Hair & Beauty (JW)

27th March 2012 Engineering & Construction (JW)

24th April Travel & Tourism (SC)

MANUFACTUrINg SECTOr

You could even be making hi-tech equipment and gadgets

£26,205 per year (average wage in the manufacturing sector)

It’s one of the sectors that can help the UK economy, so it’s the perfect time to get involved…

government and industry giants are trying to encourage

more females to get into science and

manufacturing!

This sector makes

everything from cars and Tv’s

to clothing and shoes

Manufacturing makes up 25% of the UK’s economy

25%

(number of employers reporting hard to fill vacancies) skilled

employees are needed!

57%

There are 2.5 million people in the industry in

the UK!

2.5MIllIon


25

careers Insight

MAnUFACTURInG JoBSThere are many career paths in the sector. The type of work depends greatly on the area of manufacturing.

Here are some example entry-level positions, which could be as part of a variety of the above manufacturing areas:

•Assembler:Fitting components together to make a finished product. For example, fixing microchips into circuit boards. Salary starts at £13,000.

•Materialstechnician:Testing the behaviour of materials under different conditions to eliminate faults. Salary starts between £14,000 and £17,000 a year.

•Processoperative: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.

weST MIDlAnDS FoCUSThe manufacturing industry is the second largest

sector in the West Midlands; although it has seen some

decline, there are still over 313,000 people employed

in manufacturing here. There are a variety of products

manufactured here from food and drink to tyres, cars

and jewellery.

Fast Facts• Around13%ofWestMidlands’workforceis

employed in manufacturing.• ThemassiveCadburyfactory,andvisitorcentreisin

Birmingham.• Oneofthecountiesheregaveitsnametoapopular

household product- Worcestershire sauce.

Start learning!Want a course in the West Midlands? 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 visitwww.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.

Herearesomeofthebiggestareas:

AutomotiveThis can be anything from individual vehicle components to entire working vehicles. The UK 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 8 years.

DefenceThe defence industry is one of the most important clusters of high-tech manufacturers of military vehicles, equipment and components. Defence is big business and is one of the areas that UK companies are known for around the world. Defence manufacturing employs around 300,000 people in the UK, with an annual turnover of £35 billion!

chemical & processThis industry turns raw materials into useful high street and industry products. These processes are very scientific and include plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, artificial fibres and other man-made synthetic products. Work in this industry can involve developing existing processes or creating new materials.

ElectronicsThe design and production of electronic systems and components, including: semi-conductors, communications technology, consumer electronics, computers and other IT equipment. The UK electronics industry is the fifth largest in the world in terms of production and a large amount of this is down to the specialities in advanced components and technologies.

MetalsThe production and distribution of a range of metals. This area can be broken down to the main areas of production, fabrication and recycling. With lots of new technology in metals production (to help the industry become more efficient and environmentally friendly) new skills are needed so young people like you are in demand.

building products & processThe production of building products, coatings, extractives, glass, printing and paper, and furniture. As this manufacturing sector covers such a range of products lots of different skills are needed, including: technicians, engineers, logistics operatives and scientists.

From the cars on the motorway to the clothes in your wardrobe, many of the things we rely on have been manufactured.

MANUFACTUrINgcareers Insight

26


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.

www.careersbox.co.uk - careers films on the web.


GeT qUAlIFIeD There are lots of vocational routes into this sector...

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 of your learning on the

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

provider. Here are the Apprenticeship frameworks

relevant to the sector, all of these are NVQ level 2:

•BuildingProductsOccupations•CeramicsManufacturing•CoatingOccupations

•ExtractiveandMineralProcessingOperations

•Furniture,Furnishings&InteriorsManufacturingIndustry

•GlassIndustryOccupations•LaboratoryTechnicians

•MetalsProcessing•PaperandBoardManufacture

•PolymerProcessingandSignmaking

•Print&PrintedPackaging•ProcessTechnology

Advanced ApprenticeshipAdvanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to A Levels,

but like Apprenticeships are advantageous for practical

roles. Advanced Apprenticeships help you become more

qualified whilst gaining employment experience. Here are

the Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all

of these are NVQ level 3:•BuildingProductsOccupations•CoatingOccupations

•ExtractiveandMineralProcessingOperations

•Furniture,Furnishings&InteriorsManufacturingIndustry

•GlassIndustryOccupations•LaboratoryTechnicians

•MetalsProcessing•PaperandBoardManufacture

•PolymerProcessingOperations•Print&PrintedPackaging•ProcessTechnology

A Levels A Levels can either lead to university or a Foundation

Degree, which are explained below. Most employers and

universities value practical and scientific subjects; these

demonstrate you would be able to develop skills relevant

to the industry. Here are some recommended A Level

subjects, which could set you in the right direction:

•Biology•Chemistry•Design&Technology

•Physics•Textiles

Foundation DegreesA Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification

which combines academic study with practical hands-

on experience. Designed jointly by universities, colleges

and employers, they should give you the right skills to be

ready for employment.

They are university-level qualifications and are equivalent

to the first two years of an Honours Degree. A typical

full-time Foundation Degree takes two years to complete,

and are different from Honours Degrees as they usually

involve learning in the workplace as well as at university

or college. They are available in a range of subjects, from

manufacturing technology to processing.

college coursesA college course can also be a great route into this

sector. To see which colleges have relevant courses in

your region check out www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

CASe STUDyName: Anthony HoilCourse: Foundation Engineering Level 2Date Course started: September 2011When course will finish: Summer 2012

Anthony Hoil started at Burton and South Derbyshire College on a Key Stage 4 Level 1 Engineering whilst at school. Through this course Anthony developed a passion for engineering and decided to come to College after his GCSEs to study Level 2 Foundation Engineering. For Anthony this was a logical progression and would help him fulfil his dream to develop a career within engineering.

Anthony has gained great transferable skills that he can take with him when he goes into employment, as he has studied all elements of engineering on a day to day basis. He has taken part in practical lessons such as fabrication and welding, electrical engineering and fitting, “ The practical lessons are a great way to learn , as it is not only fun but also hands on learning like the workplace, but I do have to do theory based work and modules as well to complete my qualification!”

Anthony has taken a particular liking to fabrication and welding and would like to concentrate on this area. He intends to apply for an apprenticeship next year, to continue with engineering and has really impressed tutors with his hard work and progression.

For more information on courses and open days at Burton and South Derbyshire College call 01283 494400, www.bsdc.ac.uk.


27

careers Insight

rETAIl SECTOr

(number of female workers

in this sector)

58%

(number of male workers in this sector)

42%

£325 billion (annual turnover of the retail sector)

The retail sector is booming in the UK…get involved!

Don’t forget about the staff discount…!

get paid to help people shop til they drop

retail manager (experienced) expected yearly earnings - £21,000 - £28,000

retail manager (large store) expected yearly earnings - £40,000+

number of retail

employees under 25 years old

1/3

If you love fashion this is the sector for you!


29

careers Insight

Everyone loves to shop, which is why this sector turns over more than £321 billion a year in the UK. Retail 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. Here are the main areas in the sector:

Store operationsOne of the most exciting places to work, store operations is about delivering customer service. Sales assistants help customers in the shop and make the overall shopping experience better. To do this it is important to have top knowledge of the products you are selling, as well as being friendly and approachable.Salary: starting between £11,000 and £15,000 a year.

buyingBuyers are the people who choose what is sold in the shop, and buy the products directly from designers and wholesalers. As well as knowing all about the latest fashions and trends you have to be a keen negotiator. It’s the buyers at Topshop, for example, who bring trends to the high street.Salary: starting between £16,000 and £20,000. With experience, you can earn over £45,000 a year.

visual merchandisingFrom window displays to mannequin dressing, this creative career is about making visual displays to catch the customer’s eye. Visual merchandising is vital to the stores overall profitability.Salary: starting between £12,000 and £16,000 a year.

ManagementFrom managing a shop to overseeing a region of national chains, store managers are needed to keep things running smoothly and profitably. To be a successful store manager you have to be able to motivate staff and sales teams but you may also have to deal with human resources, marketing, customer service and finance.Salary: starting between £16,000 and £20,000, while managers of large stores can make £40,000 or more.

weST MIDlAnDS FoCUS10% of the West Midlands’ workforce is employed in retail. There are a lot of opportunities in this sector; available roles range from customer service and sales to managing, these are the most common job roles here. Nearly three quarters of vacancies in the retail sector here are in customer service and sales.

Fast facts:• 10%oftheUK’sretailemployeesareintheWestMidlands.• 10%oftheUK’sretailestablishmentsarehere.• Birminghamisthelargestretailcentreintheregion.

Start learning!Want a course in the West Midlands? 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

It’s not just about working on a till – the retail sector offers a range of career paths, from managing a shop to creating shop window displays.

rETAIl

careers Insight

30


USeFUl lInkSwww.acareerinretail.co.uk - Advice on careers in retail.

www.skillsmartretail.com - The Sector Skills Council

responsible for the Retail sector.

www.diplomainretailbusiness.com - For information about

the new Diploma in Retail Business.

www.careersbox.co.uk - Careers films on the web


CASe STUDyNick has clear plans for his future

Nick Allen was working as a brick-layer and labourer when the recession hit. With his first baby on the way, he decided to move into retail for more job security.

Nick from Northampton said: “I approached my local Wickes store as I had experience of the building trade and I felt I would be able to adapt my skills and knowledge to retail quite easily.

“When I applied I was told that the company training programme would also give me a qualification and, having left school with only low-grade GCSEs I saw this as a great opportunity to improve my education.”

Nick was promoted to Senior Customer Assistant and is now responsible for running the customer helpdesk, ensuring customer service levels on the checkouts and driving sign-up for the loyalty card scheme. When Nick first started at Wickes the store was far below its target for sign-ups for the loyalty card was 14%. In just four months Nick has helped raise this to 24%.

Since starting his Apprenticeship Nick’s self-belief has hugely increased and now he has clear plans for his future. He said: “I am currently on the Mastering Supervision training programme which is helping me develop my attitude, behaviours, skills and knowledge ready for a supervisor role. Following this I hope to progress through the training framework gaining experience as I move towards my goal of being a Wickes Store Manager.”

For more information about getting into retail visit www.skillsmartretail.com

GeT qUAlIFIeDThere are several courses you can take to help start

a career in Retail. Once you have work experience

these qualifications will help further your career...

ApprenticeshipsThe Retail Apprenticeship covers a wide range of

job roles in retail, from visual merchandising to sales.

You’ll get a job with an employer (for example, a

national chain like Superdrug) and do half of your

learning on the job, and half in the classroom with

a college or training provider. Though this the only

apprenticeship framework in the sector it can vary

hugely based on the employer, the apprenticeship

gives you an NVQ level 2:•Retail

Advanced Apprenticeships Advanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to A

Levels, but like Apprenticeships are advantageous

for practical roles. Advanced Apprenticeships

help you become more qualified whilst gaining

employment experience. You can continue the retail

apprenticeship to NVQ level 3:•Retail

A Levels A Levels can either lead on to university or onto a

Foundation Degree, which are explained below. In

this industry a lot of your success will be down to

your personality rather than academic qualifications;

but if you’re interested in retail management or a role

as a buyer, here are some recommended A Level

subjects, which could set you in the right direction:

•BusinessStudies•Economics

Foundation DegreesYou can also do a foundation degree in Retailing.

A Foundation Degree is a higher education

qualification which combines academic study with

practical hands-on experience. Designed jointly by

universities, colleges and employers, they should

give you the right skills to be ready for employment.

They are university-level qualifications and are

equivalent to the first two years of an Honours

Degree. A typical full-time Foundation Degree

takes two years to complete, and are different from

Honours Degrees as they usually involve learning in

the workplace as well as at university or college.

Employer Funded StudyMany of the big national chains (like M&S, Tesco

and Sainsbury) run special training schemes for

school leavers – lots of them are linked in with a

management option. Entry requirements vary with

each scheme – check the websites of shops for

more information.


31

careers Insight

0800 032 1986 www.hct.ac.uk

We offer a wide range of full-time, part-time and higher education programmes, academic, vocational and recreational courses, specialist training for businesses and apprenticeships.At our Holme Lacy Campus, courses range from rural crafts and equine to countryside management and animal care, while at our

Hereford Campus you can choose from beauty, sound engineering and public services to IT,

travel and tourism and much more.

Come along to an information event: Hereford Campus:

2 February and 19 April, 4.30-7.30pmHolme Lacy Campus:

4 February, 10am-12pm and 18 April, 4-7pm

Herefordshire College of Technology

Engineering – what’s in it for me? Make the right choice with Bright Links

Bright Links Engineering ementoring gives you the support you need to make those tough decisions about your future.

Direct contact with people currently working in engineering-related jobs and a database full of information means you will find answers to questions like:

• What types of jobs could studying engineering lead to?

• Should I get a job or do further study?

• What are my study options?

• How do I get an apprenticeship?

• What are my career options?

• How much could I earn?

Sign up for free at www.brightlinksengineering.org

Supported by

Royal Academy of Engineering Ad v3.indd 1 13/12/2011 10:41

IT & Telecoms employees working in other sectors in the UK

IT & TElECOMS SECTOr

IT & Telecoms

is vital to every sector

Employees in IT & Telecoms sector in the UK

Employers love candidates who are good on computers

Senior web designers

can expect to earn up to £43,000 per

year!

Over half a million new IT & Telecoms professionals are needed in the next 5 years!

£38,500 per year(Average salary for full-time IT professionals)

Of job vacancies

require basic IT skills!

92%

673,900826,700


33

careers Insight

IT & TElECOMSIT & Telecoms is a major part of life – it helps us keep in touch with our friends, stay entertained, conduct business and more. This sector is all about digital technologies and it’s a fast moving area with excellent prospects, whether you’ve got a technical brain or a way with people.

This sector can be broken down into two main areas:

From mobile phones and satellite Tv to broadband and fibre optics, IT & Telecoms is for anyone who wants to work with cutting-edge technology.

ITAs you can imagine, almost every organisation and business out there uses computers as part of their daily operations. In the UK, 21 million people use IT at work every day! From hospitals and power stations to charities and banks, IT is found in all parts of life. The IT industry is all about computers and information systems – designing them, developing them, making them, selling them and installing them.

Skilled IT professionals are always in demand. There’s a wide range of career paths on offer and many of them are technical – however, lots of IT jobs involve working with other people in a team. Here are some of the careers in IT:

IT trainer – These people make courses to teach clients how to use computers and different applications. They train people of all abilities and backgrounds and will generally specialise in a particular area, which could be anything from technical training to general use of applications like MS Office. Salary: starting around £18,000.

Web designer – These designers use a mixture of technical and creative skills to build websites that look good, function well and are user-friendly. Many web designers work independently but those working in companies may be in a team with programmers and other specialists.Salary: starting between £16,000 and £20,000.

Software developer – These people design computer programmes and applications that help businesses work more effectively, such as bookkeeping software. Working on anything from these business applications to games these roles are highly complex and technical.Salary: starting between £20,000 and £26,000.

Helpdeskassistant– Offering support to IT users with technical difficulties. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to explain problems clearly, as well as technical knowledge.Salary: starting between £14,000 and £17,000.

TelecomsTelecoms 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 who offer a wide range of services (phone + broadband + satellite TV) in one package.

It’s a growing sector with lots of different career paths. You could be installing fibre optic broadband cables, selling contracts in a call centre or assisting customers in a mobile phone shop. Apprenticeships are a recognised way of progressing through this industry.

Telecoms technician – The people who install, test and repair telecommunication systems like telephone and broadband cabling. This can range from installing home satellite systems to working on communications for large companies and corporations.Salary: starting between £12,000 and £15,000.

Customer service – The people who assist contract holders and users with any enquires, from billing to technical problems. Similarly to helpdesk assistants communication skills are required in order to help people.Salary: starting between £14,000 and £16,000.

weST MIDlAnDS FoCUS The IT and telecoms sector isn’t just a sector on its own, IT is used in most job roles in some way. It is beneficial to have IT skills as they are required for a lot of different jobs in various sectors. The good news is that the number of employees in this sector is expected to grow by almost 3 times the region’s average, with an estimated 43,000 IT professionals needed in the next 5 years.

Fast facts• 1in20WestMidlands’employeesworkinthissector.• Over1.7millionWestMidlands’workersuseITintheireveryday job.• 74%ofjobvacanciesrequirecandidateswithITuserskills.Start learning!Want a course in the West Midlands? 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

34


CASe STUDyAdam set his eye on the future

Eighteen year-old Adam Burgoyne from the rural town of Kington in Herefordshire, impressed everyone with his enthusiasm for learning over the two years he studied for the Information Technology (IT) Level 3 Diploma at Herefordshire College of Technology. Adam came to the College after completing his GCSEs at school and was quite clear about what his next steps would be. He commented, “I knew that A levels weren’t for me because I definitely wanted to work in IT and that this course would enable me to do it.”

His Course Tutor, Leonard Shand, describes Adam as a hard working and very dedicated student, “He had a real long-term goal to achieve. He got awards for ‘Best Student’ in both the years he was here. He was always helpful in class, supporting his peers and set a great example for other students.”

At the end of his course Adam had achieved the highest possible grades in all eighteen of the units and has gone to Cardiff University to study Computer Science. He comments, “I’m really pleased with my results, it’s been great and I have already recommended the course to other people. Once I have completed my degree I’d quite like to travel a little bit, I just want to make sure I have the right qualifications before I do anything else.”

For more information call 0800 032 1986 or visit www.hct.ac.uk

USeFUl lInkSwww.e-skills.com - The Sector Skills Council for this industry.

www.microsoft.com/uk - Microsoft UK.

www.comptia.org - Computer Technology Industry Association

(CompTIA).www.bigambition.co.uk - Big Ambition.

www.careersbox.co.uk - Careers films on the web.


GeT qUAlIFIeD!There are plenty of vocational and academic routes into this sector...

ApprenticeshipsIf you’re aged 16 or over, you could take an Apprenticeship in IT services & development, telecoms, or IT user. You’ll do half of your learning on the job and half in the classroom with a college or training provider, picking up qualifications along the way. Here are the Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, both of these are NVQ level 2:• ITandTelecomsProfessionals• ITUser

Advanced Apprenticeships Advanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to A Levels, but like Apprenticeships are advantageous for practical roles. Advanced Apprenticeships help you become more qualified whilst gaining employment experience. Here are the Apprenticeship frameworks relevant to the sector, all of these are NVQ level 3:• InformationandLibraryServices• ITandTelecomsProfessionals• ITUserYou can also do a Higher Apprenticeship, NVQ level 4 in:• ICTProfessionals

A Levels A Levels can either lead to university or a Foundation Degree, which are explained below. In this industry demonstrating that you’re handy with computers is an obvious advantage; however technical roles may require other skills too. Here are some recommended A Level subjects, which could set you in the right direction:• Computing• Design&Technology–SystemsandControl• ICT

Foundation DegreesYou can also do a foundation degree in Information Technology. A Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification which combines academic study with practical hands-on experience. Designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, they should give you the right skills to be ready for employment.

They are university-level qualifications and are equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree. A typical full-time Foundation Degree takes two years to complete, and are different from honours degrees as they usually involve learning in the workplace as well as at university or college.

vocational QualificationsVocational qualifications are work-related and often have a large practical element, from which you will learn specific crafts and industry.This approach enables you to develop skills relevant to the workplace or to enter into higher education. BTEC extended diplomas are fullLevel 3 courses and equate to 3 A Levels.


35

careers Insight

HANDSON?CAREERTRAINING EXPERIENCE

APPRENTICESHIPS IN VEHICLE CRASH REPAIR

PANEL, PAINT AND FITTER

tel: 01635 294 816 email: [email protected] or visit www.thatcham.org/apprentices

AN EXCELLENT WAY TO GAIN QUALIFICATIONS AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE WORKPLACE, WHILST GETTING PAID.Clean, professional, cutting edge – like today’s vehicle repair technicians, the modern crash repair environment is geared up for innovative, highly skilled repair techniques on technologically advanced vehicles.

With nearly 33 million vehicles on the roads in the UK - Now is a great time to be a part of this fast paced, exciting industry.

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy is the largest training facility of its kind in the UK, providing a state of the art facility for a new generation of crash repair technicians. We offer apprentice training leading to VCQ Levels 2 & 3 in Body Repair, Body Refinish and Body Fitter.

Contact our Apprentice team now, and find out how you can be a part of it

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Designing websites

organising holidays

Making big

money deals

Travelling around the

world

Repairing sports cars

leading outdoor

expeditions

Helping to cure life threatening

diseases

Cooking five-star meals

Fitting shop frontsRenovating

old houses

Caring for

animalsworking behind

the scenes in TV

Saving the

planet

IMAgINE A CArEEr...


37

careers Insight

YOUr CArEEr, YOUr CHOICEWondering what other careers are out there?here are some of the other sectors in your region...

Armed Forces Britain’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 & Finance This 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.

Job roles: Accounts assistant, payroll assistant, admin assistant, bank cashier, trainee accountant. Salary: Starting between £13,000 and £20,000. Qualifications:Apprenticeships in Business & Admin and Financial Services; A-level Traineeships; Foundation Degrees.

creative, Digital & Media This sector covers a range of exciting and creative careers in TV, film, graphics, publishing and journalism. Production assistants help out on television and film sets; graphic designers create adverts and billboards; journalists write news stories; publishers print books and magazines; and photographers shoot and edit images. If you thrive on a creative buzz, there’s no better industry to be in. Competition for jobs is high so work experience is highly recommended.

Job roles: Graphic designer, web designer, production assistant, editing assistant, photographer assistant. Salary: Starting between £13,000 and £17,000. Qualifications: Apprenticeships in Creative and Digital Media; Foundation Degrees from Creative Writing to Animation.

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 per year.Qualifications:Apprenticeships in Customer Service and Business & Admin; Foundation Degree in Customer Service Management.

careers Insight

38


Energy & renewablesThis 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:Apprenticeships in Gas, Nuclear and Utilities; Foundation Degrees, including Power Distribution.

EngineeringAt the heart of every technological advance is an engineer. Chemical engineers create new fuels to keep vehicles moving; civil engineers design our railways and roads; and aerospace engineers design the most modern aircraft. Engineers use problem solving, creativity and imagination to come up with answers to problems. The main challenge is doing more with less. How can they 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 per year.Qualifications: Apprenticeships in Engineering; Foundation Degrees.

Environmental & Land-based This broad sector offers lots of opportunities to make a difference to the planet, from farming and protecting wildlife to looking after parks and conservation. The main areas within this sector are: Horticulture & landscaping, Agriculture, Animal care, Environmental conservation, and Land-based engineering.

Salary: Starting between £12,000 and £18,000. Landscape engineers make between £20,000 and £26,000 a year. Qualifications: Apprenticeships from Animal Care to Agriculture; Foundation Degrees.

Food & Drink Food 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:Food Manufacture Apprenticeships; Foundation Degree in Food & Drink Management.

hair & beauty This industry is all about helping people look good and feel 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: Apprenticeships from Hairdressing to Beauty Therapy; Foundation Degree in Salon Management.


39

careers Insight

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 vehicles This 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 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 per year.Qualifications:Apprenticeships in Motor Vehicles; Engineering Foundation Degrees (Automotive specific).

public Services In 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: Apprenticeships and Foundation Degrees in Public Services.

Sport & Fitness 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. This sector is about promoting health and fitness. For example, exercise and fitness instructors work for gyms and leisure centres and help people stay fit and healthy. Sports coaches teach skills and techniques at all levels, from beginner to professional. Outdoor activity instructors help people enjoy themselves in the great outdoors and operations managers make sure gyms and leisure centres run smoothly.

Job roles: Personal trainer, fitness instructor, swimming coach, leisure centre assistant, playworker. Salary: Starting around £12,000 and can rise to £25,000 with experience and qualifications. Qualifications:Apprenticeships in Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching; Foundation Degree in Playworking.

Transport & Logistics This sector deals with all sorts of vehicles 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.

Job roles: Vehicle technician, bodywork repairer, rail engineering technician, lorry driver, baggage handler. Salary: Starting between £12,000 and £17,000 a year. Qualifications: Apprenticeships and Foundation Degrees.

Travel & hospitality This 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.

Job roles: Travel agent, waiter, trainee chef, air cabin crewmember. Salary: Starting between £11,000 and £16,000 a year. Qualifications: Travel Services and Hospitality & Catering Apprenticeships; Foundation Degrees in Hospitality Management.

41


41

careers Insight

...AND SO MUCH MOrE!

SpOTlIgHT ON THEwEST MIDlANDS

home to Aston Martin and Jaguar

Landrover

host to major sporting and music events

birthplace of the industrial revolution

birmingham is the second largest city in the UK

5.3 million (number of people in the west Midlands)

people work in the financial services sector here

90,000

per year (Average salary in the West Midlands)

International companies are located

in the region (from 38 countries)

2,075

£22,529


43

Useful Stuff

Herefordshire

Worcestershire

BirminghamKeycolleges:Birmingham Metropolitan College, Bournville

College, Cadbury Sixth Form College, City College

Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College,

Sandwell College, Solihull College, Solihull Sixth Form College,

South Birmingham College, Walsall College.

Keyuniversities: Aston University, Birmingham City University,

The University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham,

Newman University College.

Known as the ‘second city’, Birmingham has a large population

and huge number of employment and education opportunities.

Some of the country’s biggest travel businesses are based

here, including National Express, Cross Country and Thomson

Holidays. Birmingham’s central location makes it important

in the transport and logistics sector. The National Exhibition

Centre (NEC) hosts loads of different events from Crufts to the

Motor show and is also used for concerts; this supplies a lot of

career opportunities for the area.Birmingham also has a rich heritage in financial services

with the Lloyd’s banking group and HSBC being formed in

the city hundreds of years ago! Due to its size Birmingham

still remains a financial hub in the modern day too, it’s the

biggest outside London.

Black CountryKeycolleges: City of Wolverhampton College, Dudley College, Halesowen College, King Edward VI College (Stourbridge), Stourbridge College. Keyuniversity:University of Wolverhampton.

The Black Country gets its name from its coal mining heritage, but these days you’re more likely to get a job in construction or manufacture! Carillion (the construction giants) have one of their 3 main national offices in Wolverhampton. The area is also home to the Hadley Group, who are known for metal forming, and Goodrich, who supply the aerospace and defence sectors. However these aren’t the only options, there are opportunities ranging from publishing to textiles as well.

14-19 prospectus: www.connexions-bc.co.uk/

ShropshireKeycolleges:Ludlow College, New College Telford, Shrewsbury

College of Arts and Technology, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College,

Telford College of Arts and Technology, Walford and North

Shropshire College.Keyuniversity: Harper Adams University College.

Shropshire has a strong presence of high technology industries,

with manufacturers such as Fujitsu and Hitachi producing loads

of electronic products every day in this region. But it’s not just

electronics, Caterpillar’s Manufacturing Products are based here

too so there are plenty of manufacturing opportunities.

Shropshire is home to both Muller Dairy Ltd and Dairy Crest,

among others, providing plenty of jobs in various aspects of dairy

production. The service sector is also important, contributing to

85% of the jobs in Shropshire, with public services (administration,

education & health) and the motor vehicle trade being the two

largest industries within this sector.

Keyemployers: Muller Dairy, Dairy Crest, Fujitsu, Veterinary

charity PDSA14-19 prospectus: www.shropshireareaprospectus.co.uk

welCoMe To THe weST MIDlAnDS

here’s a look at where you live, and the opportunities there...

YOUr rEgION

Birmingham

Black Country

Staffordshire

Warwickshire

Shropshire

Useful Stuff

44


StaffordshireKeycolleges:Burton College, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form

College, Leek College of Further Education, Newcastle-under-

Lyme College, South Staffordshire College, Stafford College,

Stoke-on-Trent College, Staffordshire University.

Keyuniversity: Keele University.

Staffordshire holds the popular tourist venue Alton Towers, which

includes a theme park, restaurants and hotels and requires a

lot of employees to keep it running smoothly. This is why the

service industry has grown massively here, particularly in South

Staffordshire.

Staffordshire also holds the largest amount of food and drink

manufacturers in the region as it is home to Coors Brewers,

Premier Foods and Marmite. The most common roles within this

sector are process, plant and machine operating roles, but there

are opportunities for a variety of roles including management,

customer service, sales and administration.

Keycity: Stoke-on-Trent

Like the rest of Staffordshire tourism is strong here, including:

the Potteries Shopping Centre in Hanley, and the entertainment

complex, Festival Park, as well as a fairly short commute to Alton

Towers and the Peak District National Park.

Keyemployers:Marmite, JCB, Alton Towers, Michelin

14-19 prospectus: www.way2go.me.uk

WarwickshireKeycolleges: City College Coventry, Henley College

Coventry, Hereward College of Further Education, King

Edward VI College (Nuneaton), North Warwickshire

and Hinckley College, Stratford upon Avon College,

Warwickshire College.

Keyuniversities: Coventry University, The University of

Warwick.

The picturesque county of Warwickshire is home to

Warwick castle and Shakespeare’s home of Stratford-

Upon-Avon, both thriving tourist spots which bring

employment. However car manufacture has a huge

role to play in Warwickshire’s economy with a lot of big

names based in the county including BMW, Subaru UK,

Aston Martin, Land Rover and Volvo Group UK. The

central location of the Warwickshire makes it easy to

get to from anywhere in the country.

Keycity:Coventry

Coventry has seen the Business Services sector has

grown steadily to become the biggest employer in the

city, providing 22% of the jobs in Coventry. Financial

services are also a big employer here and throughout

the rest of Warwickshire.

Keyemployers:Volvo, IBM, BMW, Subaru UK, Aston

Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid PLC

14-19 prospectus: www.route14-19.co.uk

HerefordshireKeycolleges: Hereford College of Arts, Hereford Sixth Form College, Herefordshire College of Technology.

Food and drink production are big in Herefordshire. As well as some famous cider brands there is a Cadburys factory (now owned by Kraft Foods) responsible for making the chocolate ‘crumb’ used as a base for their famous Dairy Milk chocolate.

There are far more jobs available in agriculture, hunting and forestry in Herefordshire than the rest of the country; 9% of Herefordshire’s workforce is employed in this sector compared to the nation’s 1%. Due to the rural setting Herefordshire is also above the national average for employment in Travel & Hospitality. Keyemployers: Bulmers Cider, Cadbury UK14-19 prospectus: www.myherefordshire.com/youthzone2010

WorcestershireKeycolleges: Kidderminster College, North East

Worcester College, South Worcestershire College,

Worcester College of Technology, Worcester Sixth Form

College.Keyuniversity:University of Worcester.

Worcestershire is home to the king of Worcester sauce

manufacture- Lea and Perrins - you can probably tell the

sauce is from here by the name! Manufacture as a whole

accounts for 21% of all employment in the county; Royal

Worcester Porcelain and Carnaud Metalbox- the world’s

largest packaging manufacturer- are also based here.

Keycity: Worcester The public sector is the biggest employer in the city of

Worcester, with Worcestershire County Council and

Worcestershire Health Authority NHS Trust as key

employers. The Finance sector also has a role to play;

16% of Worcester’s employees work with banking,

financial services or insurance. Britannic Assurance PLC

is based in Worcester and has 1,500 employs alone.

Keyemployers: Lea & Perrins, Halfords, Royal

Worcester Porcelain, Morgan Motor Company

14-19 prospectus: www.worcestershire14-19prospectus.co.uk

Warwickshire


45

Useful Stuff

APPRENTICESHIPSCAREERS

TRAININGJOBS

A-LEVELSCOLLEGE

UNI

APPRENTICESHIPS

The Regional Training Prospectus Our fabulous magazine - Open Doors and our website at www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk.

For everything you’ll ever need to know about colleges, apprenticeships, careers, training schemes and jobs in your region.

Sign up for our newsletter online to be among the fi rst to receive upcoming job and training opportunities, open day and careers event information, news and exciting competitions direct to your inbox.

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Open Doors Website Ad October 2011.indd 3 07/10/2011 14:26

33,900 people are employed in the Food and Drink industry

160 interactive media businesses operate in this area

The West Midlands is one of the largest mechanical

and manufacturing engineering centres in the UK

The business, financial

and professional

services sector

employs over 100,000

people in birmingham

30% of the construction

industry’s employees

are due to retire within

10 years, leaving a lot

of vacancies

35,000 people work in West Midlands call centres

The largest financial sector outside of London, employing 90,000 people

Over 33,000 people work in the

criminal justice system here

44,000 people are employed in the passenger transport industry

0 5 10 15 20 25

Agriculture, hunting, forestry & fishing

Public admin, arts and other

Education, Health & Social Care

Admin & support

Professional, scientific & technical

Real estate

Financial & Insurance

Information and Communication

Accommodation & food services

Transportation & Logistics

Wholesale & retail, motor vehicle repair

Construction

Production Industries

% OF WEST MIDLANDS WORKFORCE IN EACH INDUSTRY

www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk Useful Stuff

47

The number of employers offering training in the West Midlands is on the rise, making it the perfect place to kick start your career...

IN THE wEST MIDlANDS...

WELBECK DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

WHERE LEARNINGMEETS ADVENTURE.

AND ENGINEERSMEET THEIR FUTURE.

Have you ever thought about

starting an Apprenticeship?

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.

You’ll be in good company;

there are over a half a million

apprentices working in England.

This year the fifth annual National

Apprenticeship Week takes place

from 6-10 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 a careers event or open

day? At apprenticeships.org.uk

you can find out what’s taking place

near you.

The website also gives you the

opportunity to search and apply

for Apprenticeship vacancies.

At any one time there are

thousands of jobs available in a

variety of industry sectors across

England. You can apply for as

many as you like.

Apprenticeships are increasingly

recognised as the gold standard

for work-based learning. There are

more than 200 different types of

Apprenticeships suitable for over

1,200 job roles, in a range of

industry sectors, from engineering

to financial advice, veterinary

nursing to accountancy.

Career progression is excellent for

apprentices, and over the course

of their careers, those with an

Apprenticeship earn, on average,

£100,000 more than those without.

Some Apprenticeships already

attract UCAS points or allow you to

study for a Technical Certificate.

Once the Apprenticeship has

finished there’s the opportunity to

carry on working, maybe get

promoted or go on to higher

education in a college or university.

What types of

Apprenticeship are there?

An Apprenticeship includes a work-based

learning qualification, functional skills, a

knowledge-based qualification and in some

cases a technical certificate.

• Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (level 2)

• Advanced Level Apprenticeship (level 3)

• Higher Apprenticeship (level 4 or above)

Key Benefits:• earn a salary

• get paid holidays

• receive training

• gain qualifications

• learn job-specific skills

Climb the Career Ladder

with an Apprenticeship

apprenticeships.org.ukNational Apprenticeship Week6 - 10 February 2012

Apprentice Triumphsat WorldSkills London 2011Joe’s story…Joe Price, 20, from Telford, who is a carpentry apprentice at JR Slee Building & Joinery Contractors Ltd, triumphed at the largest global skills competition there is, WorldSkills London 2011, having been awarded a Medallion for Excellence for his skills in the carpentry category. Joe was part of Team UK who competed against 1,000 competitors from 52 countries/regions, who were watched by over 200,000 visitors over the four days of tough competition they had to complete. Joe said: “It is an amazing feeling to be awarded a Medallion for Excellence – it means I’m now one of the best in the world at carpentry. Competing at WorldSkills is an experience I will never forget. I am so pleased I’ve been able to make my family, friends, training managers and all those who have supported me along the way, so proud. Just as importantly, I hope my success will inspire others to think about their career options and that I’ve managed to show everyone that there are options for them. I’d definitely say that a career in carpentry is very rewarding!” Prior to his success at WorldSkills London 2011, Joe was crowned Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the 2011 National Apprenticeship Awards. Team UK consisted of 43 competitors aged 19-24 competing in 37 skills ranging from Mobile Robotics, Electronics and Manufacturing Team Challenge through to Landscape Gardening, Cooking and Bricklaying.Two in three Team UK Members were current or former apprentices.For more information and to be inspired by other apprentices inTeam UK visit www.worldskillsteamuk.org

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Apprencticeship-DPS-JoePrice.pdf 1 07/12/2011 10:26

USEFUl lINKSDIrECTOrY

ShrewsburyCollegeofArts&Technologywww.shrewsbury.ac.uk01743 342342

Telford College of Arts and Technology www.tcat.ac.uk 01952 642 200

Walford and North Shropshire College www.wnsc.ac.uk 01691 688 000

BlACK COUNTrY

City of Wolverhampton College www.wolvcoll.ac.uk 01902 836000

Dudley College www.dudleycol.ac.uk 01384 363000

KingEdwardVICollegeStourbridgewww.kedst.ac.uk 01384 398100

Sandwell Collegewww.sandwell.ac.uk0121 556 6000

Stourbridge College www.stourbridge.ac.uk 01384 344344

Walsall College www.walsallcollege.ac.uk 01922 657000

BIrMINgHAM

Access To Musicwww.accesstomusic.co.uk0116 242 6888

ONlINE 14-19 prOSpECTUSES

Birminghamwww.youchoose14-19.co.uk

Coventrysecure.route14-19.co.uk/CAP/Home.aspx

Dudleywww.fourteen2nineteen.com/

Herefordwww.myherefordshire.com/youthzone2010/

Solihullwww.youchoose14-19.co.uk

Sandwellwww.4teen9teen.co.uk/

Staffordshirewww.way2go.me.uk

Stokewww.way2go.me.uk

Telford&Wrekinwww.options4taw.co.uk

Warwickshiresecure.route14-19.co.uk/CAP/Home.aspx

Wolverhamptonwww.area-prospectus.com/

Worcestershirewww.worcestershire14-19prospectus.co.uk

lOCAl COUNCIlS

LocalCouncilsmycouncil.direct.gov.uk/

COllEgES

STAFFOrDSHIrE

Burton Collegehttp://www.burton-college.ac.uk 01283 49 4400

City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College www.stokesfc.ac.uk 01782 848736

LeekCollegeofFurtherEducationand School of Art www.leek.ac.uk 01538 398866

NewcastleunderLymeCollegewww.nulc.ac.uk 01782 715111

South Staffordshire College www.southstaffs.ac.uk 0300 456 24 24

Stafford College www.staffordcoll.ac.uk 01785 223 800

Stoke-on-Trent College www.stokecoll.ac.uk 01782 208208

SHrOpSHIrE

Derwen College www.derwen.ac.uk 01691 661234

LudlowCollegewww.ludlow-college.ac.uk 01584 872846

New College Telford www.nct.ac.uk 01952 641 892

Shrewsbury Sixth Form College www.ssfc.ac.uk 01743 235491

Useful Stuff

52


Birmingham Metropolitan College www.bmetc.ac.uk 0845 155 0101

Bournville College of Further Education www.bournville.ac.uk0121 483 1000

Cadbury Sixth Form College www.cadcol.ac.uk 0121 458 3898

City College Birmingham www.citycol.ac.uk 0121 204 0000

Fircroft College of Adult Education www.fircroft.ac.uk 0121 472 0116

Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College www.jcc.ac.uk 0121 446 2200

QueenAlexandraCollegewww.qac.ac.uk0121 428 5050

Solihull Collegewww.solihull.ac.uk 0121 678 7000 Solihull Sixth Form College www.solihullsfc.ac.uk 0121 704 2581

South Birmingham College www.sbc.ac.uk 0121 694 5000

wOrCESTErSHIrE

KidderminsterCollegewww.kidderminster.ac.uk 01562 820811

North East Worcestershire (NEW) College www.ne-worcs.ac.uk 01527 570020

South Worcestershire College www.sworcs.ac.uk 01386 712600

Worcester College of Technology www.wortech.ac.uk 01905 725555

Worcester Sixth Form College www.wsfc.ac.uk01905 362600

wArwICKSHIrE

City College Coventry www.covcollege.ac.uk 024 7679 1000

HenleyCollegeCoventrywww.henley-cov.ac.uk 024 76626300

HerewardCollegeofFurtherEducation www.hereward.ac.uk 02476 461231

KingEdwardVICollegeNuneatonwww.kinged6nun.ac.uk 024 7632 8231

NorthWarwickshireandHinckleyCollege www.nwhc.ac.uk024 7624 3000

Stratford-Upon-Avon College www.stratford.ac.uk 01789 267524

Warwickshire College – Royal LeamingtonSpa,Rugby& Moreton Morrell www.warkscol.ac.uk 01926 318000

HErEFOrDSHIrE

HerefordCollegeofArtswww.hca.ac.uk 01432 273359

HerefordSixthFormCollegewww.hereford.ac.uk 01432 355 166

HerefordshireCollegeofTechnologywww.hct.ac.uk 0800 032 1986

Walsall College www.walsallcollege.ac.uk 01922 657000

OTHEr USEFUl SITES

Careers Advicewww.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk

Careers Boxwww.careersbox.co.uk/

Jobcentre Pluswww.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/

Martec Trainingwww.martectraining.co.uk

National Apprenticeship Servicewww.apprenticeships.org.uk/

Skillwww.skill.org.uk/

Work Experiencewww.work-experience.org


53

Useful Stuff

THE rEgIONAl TrAININg prOSpECTUS ON SOCIAl MEDIAYou’ve reached the end of the mag, but that’s not all the Open Doors team have to offer! If you’re on facebook, twitter or even google +1 you can come and say hello...

So if you don’t want to miss out on your dream career you can like us, follow us, or even +1 us. Come say hello, we don’t bite!

FACeBookIt couldn’t be easier to find our facebook page you can visit our website

(www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk) and click on the facebook logo at the top corner of the

page or search ‘The Regional Training Prospectus’ whilst you’re chatting to your

mates on facebook.

• Checkoutourwall We post information, articles, success stories, and much

more. You can even ask us any careers questions you have, just write on our wall.

• Uploadyourphotos Our magazine goes all over the country, and so do we,

so upload pics of you with the mag and you’ll win a mini prize.

• Winprizes We love to give away prizes, and not just for your photos, but every

time we get 1000 more “likes” we give away a great prize such as an ipod or computer

games! We’re too generous.

FIND USON FACEBOOK

TwITTeRLoads of people use twitter to follow their fave celebs or share their funny thoughts, but did you know you can use twitter to get top careers advice?!• Followus Search @opendoorsmedia and you’ll find us, just look for our logo, click

follow and we do the rest.• Readourtweets We’re always tweeting the best careers opportunities and latest

news. We also re-tweet lots of colleges and training providers.• Tweetus Why not say hi? You can ask us any question you’re struggling with on

twitter, or even re-tweet any opportunities we promote for your friends.

GooGle +1You may not have tried it yet but the Open Doors team are already +1 experts...

• +1us If you head to www.opendoorsmedia.co.uk you’ll see the +1 logo on our

homepage (or on any of our pages). Clicking this gives us your personal stamp

of approval (that would make us very happy) and adds us to your recommended

pages so you can easily keep up to date with the latest opportunities in your area.

It also allows you to share all of the exciting news and careers opportunities with

your friends!

Useful Stuff

54


How do I get to work in a theatre? What opportunitiesare available to me? What grades do I need?

How do I get to work in a theatre? What opportunities are available to me? What grades do I need?

All of these questions and more can be answered at www.getintotheatre.org,where you’ll find the latest training and job opportunities, advice from professionals already in the industry and loads more...

What are the best routes into the live music industry? Whatroles are there? Where can I find work experience opportunites?

All of these questions and more can be answered at www.getintolivemusic.org,where you’ll find advice from industry professionals, the opportunity to askthem questions, training & workshop events and loads more...

EXPLORE YOUR STAFFORDSHIRE

Youthbox is the new website for young people in Staffordshire. Visit www.youthbox.info for help & advice, activities and fun.

WWW.YOUTHBOX.INFO

Open Doors - West Midlands, Spring 2012

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Transcript of Open Doors - West Midlands, Spring 2012