Create your future here

What is a school leaver programme? Create your future here What is a school leaver programme? Aimed at recruiting A-level students who might otherwise be considering going to university They tend to be offered by large companies in industries like accountancy, banking and finance, engineering, retail, hospitality and IT Usually intended for students who either want to avoid some of the cost of university education, or want to jump straight into employment Gives school leavers the chance to work for a company whilst gaining a professional qualification and/or university degree. Some of the most competitive programmes have entry standards to rival top universities. For school leaver programmes with large employers, school leavers have been known to earn over £22,000 a year during training.

Entry, Salary and Qualifications Create your future here Entry, Salary and Qualifications Entry requirements range from a minimum number of two A-level passes to at least 128 UCAS points Salaries for the duration of the programme can be anywhere from around £14,000 to £24,000 a year depending on the industry Duration can last anywhere between three and seven years Working towards a bachelor’s degree or foundation degree, and possibly a focus on the achievement of a professional qualification, or postgraduate professional qualification, such as chartered accountancy or incorporated engineer status. It might seem like a long haul, but that’s the time needed to gain some serious qualifications.

Overview of what is out there for school leaver programmes Create your future here Overview of what is out there for school leaver programmes Accenture School Leaver Programme National Grid Engineer Training Programme Airbus Undergraduate Apprenticeship Barclay’s Retail Development Programme PwC Higher Apprenticeships PwC Flying Start Degree Programme BDO School Leaver Programme RSM Tenon School Leaver Scheme Deloitte BrightStart Scheme Siemens Finance & Commercial Academy Grant Thornton School Leaver Programme Tesco Trainee Management Options Programme KPMG School Leavers’ Programme Marks & Spencer’s Trainee Retail Management programme Commercial Development Programme Travelodge Junior Management Programme National Audit Office School Leaver Programme

What is a sponsored or partnership degree? Create your future here What is a sponsored or partnership degree? Schemes that focus on the fact that trainees will get a degree as part of the programme. A sponsored degree programme is a way of getting a degree and being paid while you study, as well as gaining valuable work experience with a reputable company. It means you study and work and graduate without a student loan to pay off. Details of the schemes vary You will also receive a range of benefits and support as well as a job when you graduate Employers call their school leaver programmes all sorts, from training programmes and undergraduate apprenticeships to sponsored and partnership degree programmes Unfortunately, this can be confusing for a school leaver trying to decide which programme is right for them.

Examples of what is out there for sponsored degrees Create your future here Examples of what is out there for sponsored degrees Here are some companies that currently offer sponsored degree programmes in the UK   BAM  Specialise in construction, property development, design, services engineering, facilities management and plant hire. BAM operates day-release schemes with educational institutions throughout the UK. Typically you are a recent school / college leaver with a strong academic track record. You'll take part in a structured training programme while continuing your university or college course on a day-release basis. BAM will pay your university fees and pay you a salary.  You need to apply online. Barclays Bank The Barclays Retail Development programme allows you to secure a degree whilst developing the skills and experience you  need to become a branch manager within the Barclays retail branch network. Run in conjunctions with Anglia Ruskin and Nottingham Trent Universities. Applications: beginning of January

Create your future here Capgemini Looking for a career in IT with a global leader in technology. The Capgemini sponsored degree programme offers a five year programme that combines study for a BSc in Computing and IT Practice, on-the-job training on live client software development projects. CGI If you're interested in a degree in Business Management and IT, the CGI programme allows you to study part time for a BA at The University of Winchester and gain work experience and training at the same time. Not only will you receive a salary but all your tuition fees and costs will be paid for too. Ernst & Young  A four-year accountancy degree course in conjunction with Lancaster University, you’ll study for five of your ICAS examinations during your degree and another two more during your work experience, before completing your final three exams when you join us after graduation.

Create your future here KPMG   A 6-year programme that gives you the opportunity to join the KPMG Audit team, gain an accounting degree from either the University of Birmingham, Durham University or the University of Exeter, and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. All your tuition and university accommodation fees are paid and you will receive a starting salary of around £20,000 (in London).   Morrisons  Study for a BSc (Hons) in Management and Business at the University of Bradford whilst also gaining hands on practical experience across the Morrisons group leading to a job when you finish.

How to search for opportunities and vacancies Create your future here How to search for opportunities and vacancies 1. The following websites are brilliant: www.studentladder.co.uk/School-Leaver-Programmes/school-leaver- programmes.html http://schoolleavers.milkround.com/ http://schoolleavers.milkround.com/staticpages/150909/the-times- guide-to-higher-and-degree-apprenticeships/ www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/ www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Windows of opportunity: When to apply Create your future here Windows of opportunity: When to apply Higher Apprenticeships – all the time but particularly from late Autumn/ New year of year 13 onwards School leaver programmes – sometimes these are open from the previous September. If it is a popular programme their may be a cut off at January or March Sponsored degrees – some programmes you need to apply through ucas. Others you apply direct through the company. Often they accept applications from September of year 13 to January

Windows of opportunity: how to make the most of your time Create your future here Windows of opportunity: how to make the most of your time Sponsored degrees: start researching at least a year ahead of when you would start, so Summer 2016 for September 2017 start School leaver programmes: research now what has been available this year in order to prepare for the window of application – September 2016 to March/ April 2017 Higher apprenticeships: Second years you can start applying! First years – get a flavour of what is available now or has been available this year

Applying for apprenticeships Create your future here Applying for apprenticeships The application process for leading employers is increasingly multi faceted and complex. Be prepared to undertake:  Online application form Online tests: numerical, verbal and logic Competency Interview: telephone or face to face Assessment centre: this may include group exercises, presentation, case study, in-tray exercise and further interviews Make sure you take the time to create a strong application

A good application that makes you stand out from the crowd Create your future here A good application that makes you stand out from the crowd They will ask you about your academic background, work experience and extracurricular activities Make your answers as relevant and engaging as you can It is key that all candidates can demonstrate an understanding of the role (and professional qualification) applied for and are able to articulate this Answer each question fully and correctly. Present clear evidence that you have all the qualities and skills they are looking for Companies are interested in what you've done, but even more interested in what you’ve achieved or learned from the experience The following three areas are crucial to creating your CV and content of your application form: Your skills Your experience of work/ or transferable experience Your personality Page 2

Summary: what you can do to make the most of the opportunities Create your future here Summary: what you can do to make the most of the opportunities  Research the options and opportunities There’s nothing stopping you applying to universities and apprenticeship schemes simultaneously Take the time to do your research, talk to people who’ve done an apprenticeship and those who have been to university and consider your own personal motivations. Get prepared with your CV content Start to think of the three areas, skills, experience and personality and develop a personal statement that can be adapted and re-edited when completing applications. This is definitely something you can be doing right now!

for employment and progression Free On-Line Courses Create your future here On line courses can develop your employability skills and enhance your CV for employment and progression

Create your future here www.linkedin.com Facebook for business A massive global business network Nearly 500 million people A shop window for companies – and you What is Linkedin? Go to the website to set up an account (free) Include all your work experience Include all your sports and interests State at the top who you are and what you want to achieve Get a professional-looking photo How do You use Linkedin? Look for companies you want to work for, sectors to work in Ask connections for advice, hints, tips People are professional, friendly and want to help Don’t be scared to ask for work experience or shadowing opportunities Share and like news that interests you Comment on them too Eventually go to face-to-face events What next?

ALTERATIVE TO HIGHER EDUCATION EVENT Create your future here ALTERATIVE TO HIGHER EDUCATION EVENT THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2017 5.00 - 7.30 SPORTS HALL “I met Scope AT at the Alternative to Higher Education Careers Fair held at Strode's - I am so thankful for this event and really appreciate how much Strode's helped me! Thanks :-)”  Student 2016 destination survey

CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY Create your future here CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY Issue 31 - w/c 28 November 2016 Key Dates for the New Year 26 April 2017 (5.00-8.00) Higher Education Fair 9 February 2017 Trip to Heathrow Careers Fair This weeks bulletin: Main events coming in the New Year Gap year opportunity Weeks Summer School in a USA University Work Experience opportunities Latest apprenticeship and School Leaver Programmes Careers in Hospitality 9 March 2017 (5.00-7.30) Alternative to HE Event Careers Guidance To book a 1 2 1 Careers appointment: Email: careers@strodes.ac.uk or pop into the Careers office in Student Services