1. Create your future here

2. 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.

3. Entry, Salary and Qualifications
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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.

4. Overview of what is out there for school leaver programmes
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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

5. What is a sponsored or partnership degree?
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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.

6. Examples of what is out there for sponsored degrees
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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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. How to search for opportunities and vacancies
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How to search for opportunities and vacancies
1. The following websites are brilliant: programmes.html guide-to-higher-and-degree-apprenticeships/

10. Windows of opportunity: When to apply
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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

11. Windows of opportunity: how to make the most of your time
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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

12. Applying for apprenticeships
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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

13. A good application that makes you stand out from the crowd
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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
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14. Summary: what you can do to make the most of the opportunities
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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!

15. for employment and progression
Free On-Line Courses
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On line courses can develop your employability skills and enhance your CV
for employment and progression

16. Create your future here
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?

17. ALTERATIVE TO HIGHER EDUCATION EVENT
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ALTERATIVE TO HIGHER EDUCATION EVENT
THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2017
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

18. CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY
Create your future here
CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY
Issue 31 - w/c 28 November 2016
Key Dates for the New Year
26 April 2017 ( )
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 ( )
Alternative to HE Event
Careers Guidance
To book a Careers appointment:
or pop into the Careers office in Student Services