1. Susan Earnshaw Guidance Adviser June 2011 Options other than University

2. Higher education is not the right choice for everyone

3.  Gap Year  Further Education  Job  Apprenticeship So what else is there….

4.  Doesn’t have to lead to university (but don’t forget to apply before 15 Jan if you do want to go to uni)  Gives time to explore ideas, try things out, be adventurous  Can include any of the following: Travelling Short courses Work experience/internship in UK or abroad Casual work in UK or abroad Volunteering in UK or abroad

5.  e.g. Art Foundation course  Other vocational courses at Levels 2 or 3 (e.g. at CRC) to prepare for work  Short courses at private colleges e.g. - beauty therapy (Cambridge School of Beauty Therapy) - business administration (Pitman Training) - private catering colleges - personal trainer courses  Opportunities to study part-time now or later on

6.  Cambridgeshire employers more confident than others in Eastern region  Recession has hit Cambridgeshire though and particularly the public sector  Unemployment is highest in the 18-24 age group  Connexions advertising more jobs for young people than same time last year  38% of workers in Cambridge are in the public sector  80% of jobs in the Eastern region are in the service sector  Growth in jobs in Cambridgeshire in next 10 years will be in the creative industries, managerial and professional jobs, software, high-tech industries, retail, customer services, health, caring and personal services Employment scene in Cambridgeshire

7.  Minimum wage from 01/10/10:  £3.64 ph for 16 – 17 year olds  £4.92 ph for 18 – 20 year olds  £5.93 ph for those aged 21+  £2.50 ph for all apprentices in their first year of an apprenticeship  Some employers specifically want 18 year olds with level 3 qualifications  Look for jobs offering training, qualifications and prospects  Jobs open to 16 year olds are also open to 18 year olds Most popular jobs for 17 / 18 year olds at a minimum of level 2  Retail / Sales  Construction  Catering / Hospitality  Office / Business  Caring / Health  Engineering / electronicsJob

8.  3 levels of apprenticeship (Intermediate, Advanced and Higher) leading to NVQ levels 2, 3 or 4  Last from 1-4 years (most are 1-2)  Variety of occupational areas  A way to earn and learn at the same time  Paid by the company – rates vary. There is a minimum wage of £2.50 an hour  Training providers have key role. Some apprentices go to college on day release whilst others gain the qualification mostly from being assessed in the workplace. Apprenticeships

9.  Caring / Health Related – many jobs will prefer applicants who are over 18, even if minimum entry qualifications are GCSE level. Employers will often look for relevant qualifications and experience.  Computer / IT – opportunities for programmers and analysts are usually for graduates. Students with level 3 qualifications may be recruited in jobs such as sales, operating, technical support and helpdesk operations  Retail management / Retailing – some large employers have management training schemes for entrants at 18 / 19. For those selected, responsibility often comes early. Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualifications

10.  Finance – this includes careers in accountancy, insurance and other financial related careers. For much of the professional training, level 3 qualifications are the basic minimum required to start training.  Administration and business – a wide range of local employers recruit 18 year olds into areas of administration and business. There are sometimes opportunities in local government and the NHS. Opportunities for progression may be increased for those with level 3 qualifications. Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualifications

11.  Hospitality / leisure / tourism – may provide opportunities for those with advanced level qualifications. Not all opportunities require level 3 but they can improve opportunities for progression.  Construction – for the trades, an 18 year old would need to start at the bottom in their training. There are sometimes local vacancies for professional and technical levels of training e.g. trainee Quantity Surveyor, which involves eventually taking a degree part-time whilst working.  Engineering and electronics – some leavers with appropriate level 3 qualifications may find work in this area, especially on an Advanced Apprenticeship. Key job/apprenticeship types for those with level 3 qualifications

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

13. General careers information www.eclips-online.co.uk Password: CB2 8PX Job and training vacancies www.youthoria.org www.youthoria.org Cambridgeshire jobs for 16-19 year olds www.apprenticeships.org.uk www.apprenticeships.org.uk national vacancies www.notgoingtouni.co.uk www.notgoingtouni.co.uk jobs, apprenticeships, training, courses www.e4s.co.ukwww.e4s.co.uk“ employment for students”: temp work, internships, holiday jobs, volunteering Useful websites

14. Self employment www.princes-trust.org.uk www.shell-livewire.org www.businesslink.gov.uk Gap year www.yearoutgroup.org Volunteering www.cam-volunteer.org.uk www.vinspired.com www.do-it.org.uk

15.  Make plans early – autumn  Have sound fall back plans  Research local opportunities  Use local websites for jobs and apprenticeships  Check local papers regularly  Check college e-mail, Moodle and notice boards for information on job vacancies  Update CV  Make a number of applications including speculative approaches from December onwards  If you’re stuck come down to the Careers Department for further help Action points for students

16. Thank you…