CHOOSING a profession is one of the most important decisions youngsters ever make.
Yet 36 per cent of state school pupils say they have not taken part in any careers-related activities.
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The findings from social mobility charity The Sutton Trust reveal that, as a result, two in five do not feel confident in their next steps in education and training.
Running from March 4-9, National Careers Week aims to ensure all young people have access to great advice on jobs.
This year’s theme is My Career Journey, with schools, colleges and universities coming together to highlight both traditional and new employment paths and ways of learning.
One of the most sought-after career paths is advertising and media, yet few young people from disadvantaged backgrounds apply as they don’t feel they have the right connections and qualifications.
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The Brixton Finishing School trains and places new talent — with a focus on multicultural, white working-class and neurodiverse people — into entry-level roles in top firms, including Diageo, Saatchi & Saatchi and Meta.
After deciding not to go to university, Rory Troughton joined the programme and it helped him land his dream job.
Rory, 24, from Lewisham, South London, said: “My time at BFS was incredible.
“I learnt foundational skills which I still use today, and met incredible people.
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“Over the past three years I’ve worked my way up to be global data growth manager through the apprenticeship programme at media company VML.”
- You can find out more at brixtonfinishingschool.org.
I’m an etiquette expert – five rules on how to act after a job interview to land the gig
HOW TO MAKE MOST OF THE SHOW
To help you make the most of National Careers Week, Baroness Ruby McGregor- Smith, head of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, shares her tips.
- Use your school careers team: They can offer advice on almost 700 apprenticeships available for a massive variety of careers.
- Occupational Maps: These resources show the potential salary and skills needed in different roles. See tinyurl.com/2cjnhmaz.
- Try things out: Your school should organise work experience to help you decide. Consider T-levels. They combine study with a substantial work placement (typically lasting 45 days).
- Do it yourself: Do your own research on what different jobs involve and pay. Ask friends and family for their experiences, too.
- Be positive: The possibilities are endless if you work, prepare and make the most of opportunities.
Check out the free NCW resources available at:
- nationalcareersweek.com
- skillsforcareers.education. gov.uk
- nationalcareers.service. gov.uk
- reed.com/tools/ gateway-to-work
Remote working
WANT to land a really cool job? The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust needs people to work at Base A, Port Lockroy, Antarctica.
Roles include base leader, shop manager, postmaster and wildlife monitor.
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You need to be resilient and able to live without modern conveniences. There will be near-constant daylight, freezing temperatures and no flushing toilet or running water.
CEO Camilla Nichol says: “This is a unique opportunity to live in a landscape that makes you feel awe.
“We are seeking individuals who possess a genuine love and fascination for Antarctica.”
Apply at ukaht.org/jobs.
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Work on showing thanks
DO you feel valued at work? Today is Employee Appreciation Day, where bosses are meant to show their gratitude.
Here, Pete Cooper, from HR software firm Personio, shares his advice to get it right.
- NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY: Demotivation is not a problem that simply disappears when someone reaches the top of their salary band. Driving productivity hinges just as much on small day-to-day moments of encouragement.
- SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: In many cases, a little appreciation could have a bigger impact on productivity than the prospect of a promotion or pay rise. Positive feedback has been shown to motivate 42 per cent of staff.
- BUILD IT INTO THE CULTURE: Employee appreciation shouldn’t be a priority for just one day. People remain the most important asset of almost any business, and showing they are valued all year is key.
- CONSIDER WHAT YOU CAN DO: From discount schemes that reward employees to improved work-life balance, there are lots of options available for firms.
- PERSONALISE YOUR APPROACH: Today should also be an opportunity for bosses to reconsider what’s important to their employees and what will keep them motivated over the long-term.
Jobspot
FRESH food firm BAKKAVOR GROUP has 86 apprenticeship vacancies from engineering to supply chain management to business administration. Apply at tinyurl.com/4enyv22x.
VEOLIA is hiring 55 apprentices, from HGV maintenance, electrical and mechanical engineering to IT data analysts and customer experience. Apply at veolia.co.uk/careers.
