UK Employers out of touch with Generation Facebook

Employers who impose strict policies against the use of social networking tools designed for business are at risk of alienating ‘Generation Facebook’ from joining their organisation. Nearly half (47.8%) of younger workers (aged 16 – 24) claim they would not work for companies who impose such measures, according to new research from "hyphen", the recruitment solutions provider.

The research finds that the use of online networking sites such as LinkedIn while at work is now an expected norm for younger people. Nearly two thirds (58.7%) of ‘Generation Facebook’ believe that having access to social networking tools at work actually increases their effectiveness as an employee.

The research also suggests that employer concerns over employees wasting time on social networking sites could be ill – founded with over half (55.5%) of the total workforce claiming to spend less than 10 minutes a day on their personal affairs and, of this, close to a third (31.3%) not spending any time at all using social media for personal use during work time.

GETSMAART NEWSLETTER/E-MAG

Welcome to the latest GetSmaart Newsletter

We have just put the finishing touches to the brand new issue of Smaart Talent and it's now online! Click here to launch our great ditigal e-mag. This issue has great information on becoming 

• a sports coach,
• a lawyer,
• a teacher
• an accountant.

 Hope you enjoy, and don't forget tell anyone who you think might find the info useful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lord Mayor of London Scholarships

Many Universities are offering scholarships to students who are high achievers - the following is an example from the City University London

"The Lord Mayor of London Scholarships are worth up to £3,000 a year for UK and EU students starting an undergraduate course of study at City in September 2012.

To qualify, students will need to attain grades AAB or above at A-level (excluding General Studies) or equivalent qualifications*. All qualifying applicants will automatically be awarded the Scholarship in January 2013. The value of the Scholarship will depend on A-Level (or equivalent) results and course of study. Students who maintain a high level of academic performance at City will continue to be rewarded each year. The Scholarship will not be means tested or offset against your tuition fee."

Graduate unemployment drops for the first time since the start of the recession

For most UK graduates employment is steadily increasing, unemployment is slowly decreasing and those in graduate level jobs has reached a record high, according to research published this week by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU).

HECSU’s annual, What Do Graduates Do? reports the destinations of full and part-time first degree graduates, six months after leaving university in 2010:

• 284,160 students graduated in 2010 with a first degree – a 3.6% increase on last year

• 69.7% (163,090 graduates) were in employment – a 7.9% increase on 2009 graduates

• Unemployment has gone down from 8.9% to 8.5% (19,785 graduates)

• Record number (100,265 or 63.4%) secured graduate level jobs – a 9.2% increase

The figures show recovery in business and financial services with 7.5% of graduates working in these occupations, the same as that recorded in 2008. Marketing, sales and advertising was the occupational group that saw the largest percentage jump in graduates in 2010. 31% more graduates entered these roles in 2010 compared to the previous year, fuelled by an upturn in graduate recruitment in advertising and digital media.

After reporting poor employment prospects for architecture and building management graduates in the 2009 and 2010 editions of What Do Graduates Do?, the 2011 edition reports an improvement with 73.2% in employment and a decrease in unemployment - from 10.9% in 2010 to 9.5%. (More architecture and building management graduates found work this year as quantity surveyors, building surveyors, architectural technicians and assistants and town planners

Gap Year Competition - Africa & Asia Venture is 18!

This year AV, the gap year volunteer organisation turns 18 and, just like our volunteers, we've decided to celebrate! AV was established in 1993 and our first group set off in 1994. Since then over 5,500 volunteers from all around the world have together contributed more than 1,200 man-years of voluntary work on AV's projects, varying in duration from five weeks to five months.

 

In celebration of our 18th birthday, we are offering people the chance to win a place on any one of AV's projects starting no later than 1 September 2013. Included in the prize - which is worth up to £3,490 / approx US$ 5,235 - is all pre-departure information and support, an in-country induction course, accommodation and meals during the project phase, 24/7 in-country back-up etc. The offer does not include flights, visas, travel insurance and spending money.

To Enter...

Simply tell us exactly why you want to volunteer with AV! Take a look at AV's website (www.aventure.co.uk), then complete the following statement in no more than 100 words and e-mail it to av@aventure.co.uk: - "I would like to volunteer in the developing world with Africa & Asia Venture (AV) because...."

Entrants must also provide their name, e-mail address, date of birth, country of residence and how / where they heard of AV. The competition is open to anyone anywhere in the world aged 18-25 at the start date of the chosen project. Entries must be received by AV no later than midnight (GMT) on 29 February 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

Questions?

Please contact Africa & Asia Venture on: +44 (0)1380 729009; av@aventure.co.uk; www.aventure.co.uk.

Welcome to Long Road Sixth Form College

A big welcome to all visiting parents, guardians and potential students at this year's Open Evenings.  We hope you have a informative and inspiring visit.  If you have any questions with a Careers focus, please do come and see me in the Learning and Resource Centre (LRC), where I will be available to offer support.

Andy Goodwin
Careers Manager

Frontier - Gap Year Organisation - visit to college

For all students who are interested in taking a Gap Year after college, please note that "FRONTIER" will be visiting the college on 15th November, and setting up an exhibition stand in the B corridor (just up from Reception). 

What do they do?  Well, amongst other things, they can tell you about how to Explore Central America or travel the vast and exotic continent of Southeast Asia, and much, much more on a Frontier adventure travel experience!   You may even have a unique and intimate encounter with some of the most sensational landscapes and countries on Earth.


This will be an excellent chance to find out more information about how their programme works; the kind of projects you can get involved in, where you can go, what others have done before you, and the costs.

Important notice from UCAS about the Stamford Test

The Stamford Test is a free UCAS service that was launched over 10 years ago to provide guidance for students on which subjects they may wish to study.

Whilst we recognise that such a tool is still required, there are now a greater number of factors in play when making these crucial decisions. In light of this, we have decided to remove the Stamford Test from ucas.com at the end of November, by which time the majority of applicants will have completed their research for 2012.

We’re pleased to announce that we are now scoping the requirements for a brand new tool. This will take into account additional factors such as qualifications and career aspirations in order to ensure students are fully informed of all the options open to them as they research entry into higher education. Further details on this new tool will be provided next year.

Tuition fees at up to 28 universities could be lowered

As many as 28 universities in England are considering lowering the fees they have said they will charge from next year.  For more information on this news item, click on the BBC link below...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15389378

New Careers Tool to help you investigate job ideas

Cambridge company, Careersbox, have recently released a new Careers Tool to help you think about key careers questions, and point you in the direction of relevant short films that may help you decide on what you would like to do in the future.  It only takes a couple of minutes to complete a series of questions, and then you are directed to relevant films, job information and suggestions of where you might continue to study to access your chosen career.  Give it a go by clicking here

New opportunities for those ready to act now!

Click on the link to be taken to information about a range of opportunities, including:

1. Accoutancy scholarships with Kaplan
2. Retail Development Programmes at Barclays Bank (including studying for a degree)
3. Management Consultancy Technology Services - training plus a degree!
4. National IT Partnerships (NITP) - Apprenticeship opportunities across the country

Interested?  Click here

Electronic Careers Magazine

Help and Advice

The 'Help and Advice' section of Cambs Coursefinder has been updated with two new information sections.

'Careers Research' has a direct link through to the careers website 'icould' where workers talk about their progression routes and more.


'More Help?' is now linked to Directgov Young People's website and online Career Adviser helpline.

Facebook help for UCAS Personal Statements

The following was lifted from facebook today.  I found it on the UCASconnect page, a useful link that allows you to link through to useful videos, the student network Yougofurther, twitter links, and UCAS events.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're writing or thinking about writing your personal statement for your 2012 application then you may benefit from checking our comprehensive guidance on what to consider: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2F3VZHw&h=JAQBigjboAQBZByVJhz3iTz9QS0xkIleNuSQB1lor5yb4dA

Careers Dept

Help for 16-24 year old job hunters, 17 - 20 October, 2011

Next Step at the BBC

Next Step advisers will take part in a BBC Three production entitled ‘Up for Hire’ which will air on BBC Three each night from 17 to 20 October. The programme will focus on helping 16 to 24 year olds find work.

There will be help with CVs, advice from industry experts, as well as celebrities and top executives talking about their own experience of work and careers.

On Monday evening (17 Oct), Next Step advisers will be in the studio to give careers advice to the audience, and provide help with developing CVs and job interview techniques. From this Wednesday, Next Step will also be involved in the pre-publicity activity taking place before the programme. They will be responding to questions via Twitter, Facebook and email. For more information about the BBC Three programme visit the BBC website

One-Minute Physics - why there's no pink light?!

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/one-minute-physics/

If you click on the link above, it will take you to an interesting branch of the New Scientist Publication online.  In fact, there are many interesting features that you can link to whether you like physics, maths or simply have an interest in science.

Happy clicking!

Latest Unemployment Figures for 16 - 24 year olds

The latest official figures show unemployment has reached a 17-year high, with the number of people out of work rising by 114,000 to 2.57 million in the three months to August. The number of 16 to 24-year-olds out of work rose to 991,000, the highest total since 1992.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES with Marshalls Aerospace

Marshall Aerospace employs approximately 1500 people at its office and hangar complex at Cambridge Airport, where maintenance, modification and design facilities are available for many different types of military and civil aircraft.

The Government funded Advanced Apprenticeship places we offer each year have provided exciting opportunities, and a variety of careers, for many people who have become design engineers or airframe, electrical/avionics or mechanical manufacturing fitters. Successful graduates of our Foundation Degree, which operates in partnership with Kingston University, will be well placed in the future to find a role within the aerospace industry.

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
Details of our Advanced Apprenticeship scheme can be found on www.marshallaerospace.com/assets/docs/apprentice.pdf Potential applicants for the employed-status places starting in September 2012 should send an email and a CV to pam.lord@marshallaerospace.com between 1 November 2011 and 31 January 2012. Details of how to apply would then be sent to applicants who would need to provide appropriate documentation demonstrating their right to work permanently in the UK.

FOUNDATION DEGREE IN AIRCRAFT, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & OVERHAUL
Details of this 2 or 3 year course, delivered at Cambridge Airport, can be found at www.aeroacademy.co.uk. Successful graduates of the foundation degree may go on to ‘top-up’ to a full B.Sc at Kingston University. Applications should be made through www.ucas.co.uk.

New Finance Opportunities with Deloitte

Global firm Deloitte have some new career opportunities available to interested students.

Bright Start (a scheme for A level leavers) applications are NOW OPEN so click on the link to find out more about how to apply and get some top tips. www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates/brightstart

They also have a  Gap Year Placement (at the Cambridge office only) doing accounts tagging work. 

To give more of an explanation about the work... the two main departments who take on students are audit and tax. The work involves analysing and summarising client information, preparation of accounts and writing up findings and audit testing. If you like the sound of this invaluable work, click the link to find out more. www.deloitte.co.uk
The Careers Department can also offer advice on courses and actions to take if you are considering a career in business, finance or accountancy in the future.  Just come and ask

Scholarship information for students wishing to study abroad

Essential information for students who are interested in working abroad in either America, or Abu Dhabi (in an American-affiliated University) ... and all with VERY generous scholarship payments on offer!!  Click the links below for more details, but be quick, at least one of them only has days left to go...

http://moreheadcain.org/apply/united_kingdom/students

http://www.jeffersonscholars.org/undergraduate_program/for-counselors/

http://nyuad.nyu.edu/admissions/counselors/

New Opportunities...

Whether it's opportunities in Accountancy, Digital Network Solutions, or even the Merchant Navy, click the following link to view some new opportunities that have come to light...

Click here

New legislation set to change the UK’s working practices from 1st October

Three significant pieces of legislation which come into force this week will fundamentally affect companies and employees in the UK.
From 1st October, the Agency Workers Regulation will, after 12 weeks employment, give temporary agency workers the right to the same basic working and employment conditions as if they had been recruited directly by the hiring company. This applies to pay, working hours, overtime, holidays, rest periods, access to vacancies and to other facilities. With the UK reliant on large numbers of temporary workers, many are concerned about the effect this will have on companies, particularly those with seasonal demand for their products and services.

The Default Retirement Age will also be scrapped and from 1st October, making it illegal for employers to force their workers to retire at 65. By the early 2020s, people aged between 50 and 64 will comprise almost a third of the workforce and therefore many are calling for employers to adapt their practices and recruitment strategies to cater for this growing number of older workers.

The Minimum Wage will increase from 1st October, which will see the lowest paid workers receive a 2.5% pay rise to £6.08 per hour. The rise has been criticised for being inadequate to help the poorest cope with the rocketing price of essentials such as food. Meanwhile, there are also worries that it could prevent the worrying number of unemployed workers from finding new jobs.

Careers Mentors - URGENT Reminders

All Careers Mentors are reminded that they should have delivered at least one session in tutorial so far (September), introducing the class to:

• Where the Careers Department is
• Who works there
• Careers materials on Moodle (via the Careers Wiki), including the Careers BLOG.

Mentors should now be negotiating with tutors for the delivery of a second talk in October, covering:

• Careers Wiki and BLOG - to ensure that anybody who missed it the first time can catch up
• HE Support Pages

Finally, ALL MENTORS have been asked to come to the Careers Department to pick up books for their tutors in both year 1 and 2.  THIS IS IMPORTANT and should happen as soon as possible.

Anglia Ruskin University Open Day

An Undergraduate Open Day is taking place this Saturday (8^th October 2011) from 10am-3pm at Cambridge & Chelmsford. If any students are interested in attending they can book a place in advance via www.anglia.ac.uk/opendays.   Alternatively they can just turn up and we will register them on arrival. 

Student Finance Tour - The Department of Innovation, Business and Skills

All students and Staff, please be aware that this week's guest exhibitors in the Reception area (Thursday 9.00 - 12.30) are representatives from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills.  They are currently undertaking a tour of schools and colleges, known as the Student Finance Tour, and will be available to answer your queries regarding financial issues in relation to university.  Please make the most of their presence and clear up any queries you may have.

Careers Department

Improve your chances of becoming a Doctor

* Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Doctor
Saturday 3 March 2012, 10.00am-4.30pm, at The University of Manchester

Information for any students who are considering becoming doctors or lawyers.

The careers conferences are principally designed for students in Year 11 and Year 12 (or Year 1 of our college). Other students, careers advisers, teachers and parents are also welcome to attend.

These events give students the opportunity to:
* Gain practical advice on getting into university and the profession of their choice
* Talk to university admissions tutors and university students
* Find out about the career and its specialist fields
* Speak with solicitors, barristers / doctors
* Discuss their academic options, alternatives and related careers

This event will provide high quality, focussed, unbiased careers information. As well as helping students to achieve their goals, our conferences give you a clear view of the advantages and disadvantages of a career. Students attending our conferences find them a valuable and enjoyable experience.

For full details, including costs and the application form, please see www.epoc.org.uk/careers_conferencing.htm .

Career opportunities for those not going to uni

Click the following link to see a wide range of opportunities currently being advertised by the not going to uni team, including

• training to be a pilot, without going to uni
• jobs in IT
• studying for Accountancy Technician qualifications (AAT) whilst you earn

...and many more.  Click here

Housing Apprenticeships

This email has been sent by the Institute of Career Guidance on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Housing

Getting into Housing
The Level 2 Housing Apprenticeships E-Factsheet from The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)

Working in housing isn’t often top of a young person’s careers wish list, yet the housing sector offers an incredible range of satisfying careers options – from delivering a quality housing management service to your tenants, residents and partners, through to helping a young family move into their new home, or supervising the multi-million pound housing development. Housing remains high on the political agenda and so it is more important than ever to attract talent into the profession to help deliver the sustainable affordable housing that it so desperately requires. There are many routes into housing and lots of opportunities for progression once you have landed your first job.

This factsheet focuses on the Level 2 Housing Apprenticeships and is designed for reference and use when considering careers opportunities in the housing sector with your clients.

What is the Level 2 Housing Apprenticeship?
The L2 Housing apprenticeship is a combination of work and study. The study component consists of:

• C&G Level 2 Certificate in Housing QCF (NVQ)
• Functional Skills (England) / Essential Skills ( NI) (English Level 1; Mathematics Level 1; Information Technology Level 1)
• CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) workbook

What kind of work is involved?
At level 2 you could be employed as either an administrative assistant, customer services assistant or as a traditional apprentice. The work is usually office based, but the nature of the work means that you will have a lot of contact with other people in the company or company customers.

What is a housing workplace like?
Front line housing work is usually busy and a bit unpredictable – you never know what problems a customer is going to bring to you. People tend to work in small groups and there is usually a great team spirit and atmosphere, working in housing gives a great sense of satisfaction when you are able to help your tenants and residents and the whole community.

I want to be a housing apprentice! What do I do next?
There are two main ways to become a housing apprentice:

1. You need to find employment in the field of housing and discuss the possibility of doing the apprenticeship with your new employer.
2. You can look for specific apprenticeship vacancies with housing employers. Vacancies can be found on the Apprenticeships website

How do I find employment in housing?
You could try the following:

1. Register with local employment agencies and specify that you are interested in working in housing.
2. Keep up to date with vacancies on the Inside Housing website
3. Keep up to date with vacancies on the Guardian website
4. Keep up to date with vacancies from local housing employers, your local newspaper and local jobs websites
5. Visit the CIH Careers website and download the 'Why Housing' Booklet from the CIH website to find out more about the types of jobs available, where employers advertise and housing courses
6. Alternatively you may wish to send your CV and a covering letter to local housing employers and ask to be put on their mailing list for job vacancies.

Can I do anything to improve my chances?
You could:

1. Look at volunteering with local charitable and voluntary groups which work with homeless or vulnerable people. You should be able to find out who these are by contacting your local voluntary and community action. The National site has a list of local groups
2. Any work experience is valuable. If you can show you are a reliable and enthusiastic worker, you will improve your prospects.
3. Get involved in any community activities run by local housing associations.
4. Visit the Support and Advice page on the Apprenticeships website.

Interested in finding out more about opportunities in the housing sector?

Online information and resources
You can find out more information about the housing sector by visiting the CIH or Asset Skills websites. There are many publications and resources that you can download. One of those resources is a guide, produced by CIH and Ocean Media Group, titled 'Why Housing'. The guide is designed to show the wide variety of rewarding options on offer, the benefits of working for a housing organisation and the support available to help individuals make the most of their housing career. It also includes a number of job profiles of people actually doing just some of the roles in housing.

Download a copy of the Why Housing guide

ICG Insight Day - The Built Environment

Wednesday 23rd November 2011

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is one of four professional bodies working with ICG to deliver an Insight into Careers in the Built Environment event. The event will be held on Wednesday 23rd November in London. More details on the ICG website.

FREE Careers in Housing E-Bulletin

You can also sign up for the CIH twice yearly FREE Careers in the Housing Sector E-Bulletin. Subscribe and view the latest issue here

Interested in joining the Police? Interested in university?



Police at the 2011 Careers Event at College

Each year, a number of students come to the Careers Department asking questions about joining the Police.  in fact, there have been several already this year.  Many others talk about University and appropriate courses for pursuing this occupation.  Up until now, one of the main courses has been Public Services however we have now been informed of another University-based course that may be right up your street.  Click this link

Worldskills London, 2011

The following information has come in about an exciting event that you could go to in London's ExCel Centre in a few weeks time.

Dear all,

WorldSkills London 2011 is the greatest skills Competition, careers and jobs event on the planet.

We would be grateful if you would circulate this link to students, parents/carers of your students. This will enable them to be aware of the opportunity for a complimentary visit if they register in advance. The flyer can be sent home with students on its own or copied into your regular newsletters...

Click the link...  download 

Royal Geographical Society Gap Year Grants – up to £4000 - URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

The RGS has Gap Year Scholarships available to students completing their A-Levels in 2012 and taking a year out in 2012/13. The scholarships include a grant of up to £4000 plus expert support and mentoring to plan a worthwhile experience.

Applications are welcomed from students going onto study Geography at a UK university who would not otherwise have the means or ability to participate in such activities. Applicants should also be wishing to spend at least part of the gap year undertaking meaningful activities and learning opportunities abroad, which will positively impact their future studies and career.

The deadline for applications is Friday 30th September 2011.

More information can be found on the RGS website - http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/LandL/gap+years.htm

Think you want to be an Accountant? What about Financial Services Instead?

There are a wide range of well-paid jobs available across the financial services industry including roles in I.T, HR and Marketing, as well as Trading and Stock Broking. You don’t need a degree to work in the financial services industry and there are jobs available throughout the UK and opportunities to work abroad as well.


Studying the CISI’s Introduction to Investment Award could really boost your CV and help prepare you for a career in financial services. The award has been specifically designed to meet the needs of new entrants to the industry and provides an overview of all areas of investment. You can self-study for this qualification in just 80 hours and if you are currently unemployed then you will receive a 50% discount on the cost of the course. Completing this qualification could help you gain a job in a top Investment Bank.

To find out more visit our profile or email getintofinance@cisi.org

Think Psychology think Bangor!

There are lots of reasons why we think students should consider studying at the School of Psychology, Bangor University. Here are just a few:

• Latest National Student Survey places Bangor Psychology in the UK top 5 for student satisfaction, a result underpinned by our highly rated academic and pastoral care systems
• 7th in UK for ‘Research Power’ based on the latest Research Assessment Exercise
• One of the largest Psychology Departments in the UK with staff and students from over 20 countries worldwide
• An ‘Excellent’ Teaching Quality Rating reflected in the fact that nearly 70% of students graduate with a 1st or 2:1
• One of a select few UK Psychology departments listed in the CHE European Excellence Rankings
• Bangor Psychology provides students with an excellent mix of transferable skills and employability courses ensuring students access to a varied range of professions
• A compact friendly city, in a stunning location, dominated by over 9000 students
• Easy to reach: 20 minutes from the Holyhead ferry terminal, about 90 minutes from Liverpool & Manchester airports and around 3 hours on the train from London

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like any more information. We look forward to hearing from you.



Phone: 01248 382629

Email : psychology@bangor.ac.uk

Website: www.bangor.ac.uk/psychology

Nottingham Trent University – Business, Law and Social Sciences courses, and Fully Sponsored Degrees

There’s been some exciting developments to the Business, Law and Social Sciences courses at NTU. We’ve introduced new in-company fully-sponsored business degrees which allow students to study and gain valuable experience, and in some cases companies will pay a salary and cover tuition fees. Find out how your students could benefit at www.ntu.ac.uk/nbssponsored .
We also offer our students the opportunity to study abroad with Nottingham Law Schools International Summer School and the Politics and Sociology Erasmus foreign exchange programme. They can also broaden their experience with work-based experience and volunteering opportunities and join one of the many student-run societies including the LEX Student Law Society which recently won the Society of the Year award at the annual Nottingham Trent Students' Union (NTSU) awards.
If students would like to come and see what we can offer them in person, they can visit us at our University Open Days on Saturday 17 September 2011 or Saturday 15 October 2011. These events are always very popular so visitors are advised to book their place online at www.ntu.ac.uk in advance.

Interested in Studying in America?

If you interested in studying in America, then the US-UK Fulbright Commission may be able to help!

As part of the EducationUSA advising network, we are the only official source of US study information in the UK.

- Visit our website (http://www.fulbright.co.uk/) for a step-by-step guide on the US admissions process
- Attend USA College Day, the UK’s only US university fair (London, 1 October 2011)
- Hear from experts in the field at our seminars, webinars and advisor training sessions
- Register for our monthly E-newsletter or join our online communities

Need more help? Call, email or visit our advising centre in London

A new way of searching for courses on ucas.com - information to help you on their pages

This year, for 2012 entry, applicants will get a clearer and more personalised picture than ever of the choices open to them when searching for their ideal course. UCAS is launching Course Finder, alongside the existing Course Search function on ucas.com this autumn.

This exciting new development will give applicants and their advisers a test version of the new product, which will fully launch later in the year. It will allow applicants to carry out a detailed or broad search for a course based on subject, provider and location and to filter and sort search results by factors that are important to individuals, including fees.

Course Finder will run in parallel with Course Search for a few months, so applicants will see a choice when they come to ucas.com. This is to ensure there is time to fully test the system before its full launch. We’d welcome any feedback which should be sent to comments@ucas.ac.uk

NHS funded courses - 2012 University Applications

For those of you who may be applying for a university course funded by the NHS, UCAS advise that students view the details provided on nursing courses on the UCAS website - www.ucas.com/students/choosingcourses/specificsubjects/nursing - for the latest information in relation to the provision of these courses, it is also important to view the institutions own website too.

UCAS Application Deadlines

It is essential that all students who are thinking about applying to university for 2012 entry do so within the internal deadlines set by the college.  The closing date for applications (for standard courses) is to have paperwork submitted by the 4th November, unless you wish to apply for medicine, veterinary medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, or any course at Cambridge or Oxford.  In the case of these courses, see the deadlines below. 

The college deadlines ensure that applications are submitted in plenty of time, and long before the UCAS deadlines.  This will ensure you have the greatest chance of a fair consideration of your application and in plenty of time before decisions are made.

There are actually three UCAS application deadlines for entry onto 2012 courses - 15 October, 15 January and 24 March - it is important that you check the deadline for your chosen courses. Applications can include courses for a mixture of closing dates but the correct deadline must be adhered to for equal consideration to be guaranteed.


The deadlines mean that universities and colleges guarantee to equally consider applications received by these dates:

15 October - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
15 January - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. Check the ‘Course information’ screens on Course Search to find out if art and design courses have a 15 January or 24 March deadline.
24 March - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline. Check the ‘Course information’ screens on Course Search to find out if art and design courses have a 15 January or 24 March deadline or go to www.ucas.com/students/applying/whentoapply  to view a list of courses with the 24 March deadline

Closed courses – if, after the application deadline (15 October, 15 January or 24 March) has passed, universities and colleges have received enough applications for any of their courses, the Universities will be able to close them. This will prevent applicants, who are making applications after the deadline has passed, from wasting one of their choices.

Careers Department

Opportunities at Ernst & Young

If you want to get into the business world but don't want to go to university, the School Leaver programme at Ernst & Young can give you access to an incredible combination of training and work experience.

EY School Leaver programme
This is a five-year 'straight to work' programme for students who want to study towards a professional qualification without going to university. You join straight after A-levels and work with Ernst & Young from the start. By the end of the programme, you will be professionally qualified with considerable experience of accountancy in the real world.

Your journey with us will run alongside that of someone going to university. At the end of the five years your career and salary will be the equivalent to that of our graduates. It's simply a different route to the same excellent career. We pay you a full salary for five years and fund your qualifications, so there are no student debts to worry about.

So, when you've done the School Leaver programme, what next?

Completing the School Leaver Programme gives students all the foundations for a great career. You'll have learned a lot over the five years, gaining the confidence and knowledge to decide where to take your career.

Find out more and apply at www.ey.com/uk/careers

CBI comments on latest unemployment data - Thinking about the future has never been so important.

Last week the CBI commented on latest official unemployment figures showing the number of people out of work rose by 80,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to July. Neil Carberry, CBI Director for Employment Policy, said: “This rise in unemployment is troubling, particularly the growing number of young people out of work. With one in five 16-24 year olds currently unemployed, tackling youth unemployment must be a priority. Businesses are eager to play their part through apprenticeships, training and work placements, but now the Government must do all it can to create the right conditions for the private sector to create much-needed jobs.”

Thinking about the future has never been so important.  All students should be working with parents, teachers, the Careers Department etc., to try and develop a focus for their future.  The sooner you start, the better you will be in the long run, with well informed insight into the possibilities that lie ahead, and the steps you will need to take to achieve your goals.

Volunteering at Addenbrookes Hospital Young Person's Programme, 2012

Any students who are interested in volunteering for work experience on the Addenbrookes Hospital Young Person's Programme, 2012, should see Jolene Barrett, or Jennie Crisp in the Careers Department as soon as possible.  Closing date for applying for a place will be 10th September, 2011.

Careers Department

Welcome back from the Careers Department.

Welcome to Long Road Sixth Form College, for the beginning of the 2011 academic year.  Over the year we will be posting a number of articles here on our BLOG, and hope you find them both interesting and inspiring.

If you would like us to feature anything in particular in this BLOG, do come and see us, or drop us an email with your suggestions.  We'll do our best to provide you with the help you need to progress successfully from the college into a suitable career.

With this in mind, it's never to early to start.  So, for those of you who are interested in Apprenticeships, or would like to find out more about what they are (they apply to one year and two year students), try some of the links below to watch some short films about Apprenticeships in a range of occupations.

Regards, Andy Goodwin, Careers Manager

• Introduction – www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1q6FTBfN7Y


• Sports turf - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lup_wLDv0o

• Business Admin - www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnJ9fcSDBd8

• Electro technical - www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNG-zYQG9RQ

• IT - www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SiJ1f4DnWQ

• Vehicle maintenance - www.youtube.com/watch?v=530fYaGNHL8

• Hairdressing - www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KthC3A5pB0

• Health and social care - www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPNWy58VOv8

• Customer services - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BXTo3RQxJQ

Get SMAART - emag - Focus on Fashion Retail

The Fashion Retail Academy promotes full and part-time courses for those interested in pursuing this career.  Click below for access to their latest e-mag with details of many opportunities...

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/146e4b62#/146e4b62/34 

UK Clinical Apptitude Test (UKCAT)

Please note, students wishing to apply to study Medicine or Dentistry for entry in 2012 (or deferred entry in 2013) will need to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) this summer. Click here for a one-page guide. 

The 26 University Medical and Dental schools that require candidates to take this test as part of the admissions process are as follows:

University of Aberdeen; Brighton and Sussex Medical School; Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry; Cardiff University; University of Dundee; University of Durham; University of East Anglia; University of Edinburgh; University of Glasgow; Hull York Medical School; Keele University; King’s College London; Imperial College London Graduate Entry; University of Leeds; University of Leicester; University of Manchester; University of Newcastle; University of Nottingham; University of Oxford Graduate Entry; Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry; Queen’s University Belfast; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; University of St Andrews; St George’s, University of London; Warwick University Graduate Entry.

The test is offered at a choice of over 150 UK high street test centres and over 300 testing centres worldwide. The closing date for registering to take this test is 23 September 2011.  However, due to high demand, students should register to take this test immediately to ensure they get a test slot at their chosen test centre.

Important Dates:
Registration opens: 3 May 2011
Bursary applications processed from: 3 May 2011
Testing begins: 5 July 2011
Registration deadline: 23 September 2011
Bursary application deadline: 23 September 2011
Exemption application deadline: 23 September 2011
Last testing date: 7 October 2011
UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2011

To enable candidates to register and book a test, please visit the UKCAT website at http://www.ukcat.ac.uk/.

Head of student finance taskforce and MoneySavingExpert.com founder responds to Sutton Trust report on tuition fees

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com has responded to the Sutton Trust's findings that only one third of pupils understand tuition fees. The survey follows the launch of an independent taskforce, headed by Martin Lewis and former NUS President Wes Streeting, which will help tackle the myths and misunderstandings both good and bad surrounding the true cost of university education. Martin Lewis says: "It's shocking how little pupils understand the system and this survey shows the mammoth scale of the job ahead. While I'm no fan of the change, it's important to realise no one needs to pay upfront, and because 2012 graduates will start repaying at £21,000, rather than the current £15,000, many are surprised to find they'll actually have more disposable income, not less, under the new system. The truth is while the headline figure of £50,000 fees is very scary, actually many people will never come close to repaying that.

Read more..

Deloitte offers 1,500 graduates and undergraduates the chance to beat the rush

As confidence in the graduate market improves and competition for roles increases, Deloitte, the business advisory firm, is today (1 July) opening the application process for 2012 entry to its graduate and undergraduate schemes, giving 1,500 students the chance to beat the crowds and apply, prior to returning to university, for placements with the firm starting in 2012.

For further detail on how to apply to the Deloitte graduate and undergraduate schemes, please visit: www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

LCA Business School, London

How would you like the opportunity to graduate debt free?


At LCA Business School in London we offer quality Higher Education leading to degree qualifications in Applied Accounting, International Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Business Studies and Business and Law, accredited by the University of Wales and Anglia Ruskin University.

Our specially designed flexible learning programmes mean that students have the opportunity to undertake meaningful part time employment whilst completing full study days. This means that students are able to pursue significant daytime employment whilst they are working towards their degrees, enabling them to contribute towards the cost of studying whilst still at college.

In addition our accelerated degree programmes in Applied Accounting and International Business Management mean that students can graduate and enter the world of work after just two years. Our Applied Accounting programme also offers the opportunity to work towards the maximum possible number of ACCA exam exemptions – 9.

Our fees for 2011 entry are highly competitive; at £3,375 per year, and for 2012 entrants our fees will be just £4,500 per year at a time when many universities will be increasing their fees to around £9,000 per year.

LCA Business School is potentially the debt free alternative to traditional universities, offering students professional qualifications delivered by faculty with real-world practitioner experience.

Study in the exciting and vibrant heart of the City of London, with easy commuting or with assistance in finding student accommodation if required.

At LCA Business School our priority is high quality, affordable and professional education leading to qualifications that allow our graduates to strive in the world of business. For more information please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team on 0808 178 1722 or find us at www.lcabusinessschool.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE 2011 UKCAT UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS TEST

UKCAT Admissions Test - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
We would be grateful if you could inform students wishing to apply to study Medicine or Dentistry for entry in 2012 (or deferred entry in 2013) of the requirement to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) this summer.

The 26 University Medical and Dental schools that require candidates to take this test as part of the admissions process are as follows:

University of Aberdeen; Brighton and Sussex Medical School; Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry; Cardiff University; University of Dundee; University of Durham; University of East Anglia; University of Edinburgh; University of Glasgow; Hull York Medical School; Keele University; King’s College London; Imperial College London Graduate Entry; University of Leeds; University of Leicester; University of Manchester; University of Newcastle; University of Nottingham; University of Oxford Graduate Entry; Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry; Queen’s University Belfast; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; University of St Andrews; St George’s, University of London; Warwick University Graduate Entry.

The test is offered at a choice of over 150 UK high street test centres and over 300 testing centres worldwide. The closing date for registering to take this test is 23 September 2011. However, due to high demand, students should register to take this test immediately to ensure they get a test slot at their chosen test centre.

KEY DATES
Registration opens: 3 May 2011

Bursary applications processed from: 3 May 2011

Testing begins: 5 July 2011

Registration deadline: 23 September 2011

Bursary application deadline: 23 September 2011

Exemption application deadline: 23 September 2011

Last testing date: 7 October 2011

UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2011


To enable candidates to register and book a test, please direct your students to the UKCAT website at http://www.ukcat.ac.uk/

Graphic Design Jobs - top tips

A link recently came up in Cambridgeshire news, giving tips for people interested in applying for Graphic Design Jobs.  Click the tick below for more information...

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Student Finance for University - The Deadline Approaches!

The deadline for new students to apply for financial support at University is fast approaching.

31st May 2011 is the date you need to have submitted your application by, even if you have yet to secure a confirmed place.  That's right, you can apply now and let Student Finance England know later on if your course or circumstances change.

You can get more information from www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance, or alternatively, click on the link below and check out pages 2-3, and 38-39.

LINK

New edition of the Smaart Careers e-magazine

To access the latest edition of the Smaart Careers E-magazine, click the tick below...

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Practical Opportunities for tomorrow's engineers

Technical Engineering Development Programme


East and West Midlands
£16-18k + excellent benefits

Want to get more from your training? Our business is built on having the very best people available to keep the lights on for millions of people. This is a great opportunity to become one of them - and to be paid a competitive wage from day one. Best of all, we'll give you all the support you need to develop and grow throughout the programme (which will last for at least three years). And when you've achieved your Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering, you'll able to fulfill your potential by making a real difference to the future of energy.

To take part, you'll need A-levels (A/B grades) in Maths and a Science, or an ONC or Technical Certificate Level 3 (or equivalent) in electrical engineering. During your first 12 months of training you'll be based remotely throughout the Midlands attending our Engineering Academy and other sites, so you'll need a full driving licence. We're looking for people who can bring great team-working, communication and organisational skills. Drive and determination are also essential, as is strong safety awareness, balanced with a willingness to take on new challenges.

If you want to use your energy to shape the future, Click here

National Apprenticeship Services

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) can provide bite-size information about Apprenticeships for every student who is interested in receiving it, in the form of a regular e-shot.

All you need to do is send an e-mail giving your full name to ee-nas@apprenticeships.gov.uk with the word ‘Learner’ in the subject title.

We can then send you tailor-made e-shots to inform you about:

·           what an Apprenticeship is;

·           new Apprenticeship opportunities;

·           registering on Apprenticeship vacancies, our on-line system that allows you to search, view and apply for Apprenticeships

Student Loan Applications for University

For immediate release March 2011

APPLY NOW TO MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR STUDENT LOAN AT THE START OF TERM

Are you going to university or college in the autumn? Apply now for student finance

If you're going to university or college in autumn 2011, it’s time to apply for your student loan. You can apply for finance before you have a confirmed university place. Visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for more information and a series of ‘how to videos’ to help you apply now.

Make sure that you have all the information you need from your parents or sponsors to complete your application. If you don’t get your application in by 31st May, you may not receive all of your first instalment at the start of the new academic year.

Engineering Apprenticeship Opportunities at British Sugar

British Sugar is the UK's leading sugar supplier and the most cost-efficient sugar producer in Europe and offers a fantastic Apprenticeship scheme. So if you'd rather earn while you learn, with a mixture of on-the-job training and college study, leading to a valuable qualification or two at the end of it all, this could be right up your street.

Click HERE for more information

George (at ASDA) Degree Programme

Paul Jenkins is the Talent Manager for George at Asda. This is what he has to say about the George Degree Programme....

Starting in September 2011, we have a great scheme that can offer your students the best of everything. They can have it all. A degree, a career, university lifestyle, and even a salary! Run over two years, they’ll complete a practical and vocational Retail Foundation Degree from Manchester Metropolitan University. Designed with employers, the degree will give your students the skills that retailers demand.

Over these two years, they’ll be based at George’s Head Office and spend their first year learning the business and developing their commercial skills. In the second year they’ll keep on developing these skills, but their focus will be on working in one role.

Whether they’ve a head for business and analysis, or a passion for fashion, we will add on-the-job experience to their studies. We’ll help them to understand everything from store operations to stock planning. Every minute they spend here will be worthwhile as they’ll get to completely understand our business through a range of roles.

All of this investment in your students will leave them with enviable career opportunities, a qualification, and an amazing breadth of knowledge. So, if your students are George material, they should definitely be part of the George Collection.

Your students can make something amazing here in Lutterworth, Leicestershire with George. If you’d like to find out more, you can contact me on 01455 884 174 01455 884 174 or visit www.george.jobs/gettingstarted  and click ‘the George experience’.

If you think this could be right for you, don't hang around. Contact them now!

Find out more about a career in the Financial Services Industry

Gain the skills and knowledge to underpin a successful career within the financial services industry.
The ifs School of Finance is holding a series of regional open house events in April to enable you to find out more about their part-time qualifications:

1. Professional Certificate in Banking 
2. Foundation Degree in Banking Practice and Management 
3. Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management 
4. BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management

To find out more visit our regional open house events:

  6 April 2011, Birmingham

 6 April 2011, London

 12 April 2011, Manchester

 13 April 2011, Bristol

  For more information please click here.

  Open days

Our ‘drop in’ sessions will enable you to discuss your options face-to-face with one of our advisers. There is no need to pre-book, our advisers will be ready to meet you and assist with any enquiries.

  Open evenings

Our open evenings will have a more structured format with a presentation and question and answer session. We do ask that you register your attendance if you would like to attend one of our open evenings.

  

Passionate about Fitness and Sport? Why not make a career out of it?

LIFETIME have opportunities to help you develop a career in the Fitness industry, and it won't cost you a penny!  Click on the icon below for more information...

Check out the latest Careers Magazine from SMAART Publishing

Click on the magazine below:

Deloitte Accountancy Open Day in Cambridge

An EXCELLENT opportunity for an insight (and good CV content) for those interested in Accountancy...

Deloitte Cambridge (based on Hills Road) are running an Insight Day on 24th February 2011 (NEXT Thursday), and there are STILL SOME REMAINING SPACES for anybody who would like to come along to the day.

The day is running from 10am until 4pm and is aimed at all students who have ever been (or could be!) interested in a career in business accounting or finance.

There are no subject requirements to attend the day, and although the day is primarily aimed at lower sixth form (yr12) students it could also benefit upper sixth (yr13) who would consider joining a firm like ours after university or anybody who is coming up to a decision making time. It may also be a chance to meet students from other colleges considering similar career or university choices as you.

The day consists of a business game, talks, a tour of the office and even free lunch! So please do think about giving up some time to come and visit us and get a great insight to what it is like on the inside of the biggest accountancy firm in the world.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you! Please email Kelly at kstevenson@deloitte.co.uk if you have any questions or would like to apply for a place (there is just a short form to fill out).

Thanks Again

Kelly Stevenson

Adult Directions Software

For any students who missed the Careers Activity on ILP afternoons last week, fear not, you can still access the software by following the instructions at the end of this post.

Why should I do it?  I already know what I'm doing. There's no point - I did it in school before Long Road and it didn't help, etc., etc.

If any of the statements above sound familiar then keep in mind the following:

• Many students change their minds about careers each year, before the end of their course, and often it is too late to sort out new alternatives
• Many students think that they will decide on what to do after their results are released.  BUT MANY OF THE OPPORTUNITIES HAVE LONG GONE BY THIS STAGE!
• Many students are so convinced of what they are doing that they fail to consider back-up plans.  Sadly, some find that their results or ideas change in some way and their original ideas are no longer feasible.

To help generate fresh ideas, or even back up plans, try using the Adult Directions Software as follows:

• Access the frontpage of Moodle
• Select the Long Road Wiki option from the Main Menu on the left hand side
• Select the Careers Department Wiki on the next page
• Select Careers Software from the Careers Menu on the left hand side
• Select NEW to register and begin using Adult Directions software

If you have any problems with this programme, please feel free to come to the Careers Department and we will do all we can to help you.

Careers Department

Amendment to University Funding Applications

Amendment

Please note that an earlier post stating applications for funding for University in 2011 can begin from 14th February was inaccurate.

We have now been informed that 14th February is the application date for existing University students. 

All students from this college who are applying for University for the first time should begin applying from 16th March, 2011.

you can use the following link for more information and submitting your details: http://www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance  

Application dates for University Student Finance, starting 2011

To all students who intend going to University in 2011, please note that you can start applying for funding from 14/2/11. You really should do this as soon as you can to ensure that you sort out your finances sooner rather than later, and to avoid any delays in receiving your money when you have started University. The link you use to submit your applications will be, www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance .



Careers Department

Films for those interested in careers linked to Further Maths, or choosing a degree course

http://www.fmnetwork.org.uk/student_area/whystudyfm2.php


The above link takes you to a short video (just over 2mins): "The Further Mathematics Network has helped to create a video highlighting exciting careers that are available to people who study Further Mathematics".

This link along with lots more on careers using Maths and choosing a degree course can be found on the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications website on this link:

http://www.ima.org.uk/Careers/school19.htm

CAMP AMERICA RECRUITMENT FAIRS

Remember, it's the CAMP AMERICA Recruitment Fair this Saturday (29th January) at the Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, London, W8 7NX.

Doors open at 12.00 - a perfect chance to meet with camps from all over the USA.

For more info, click on http://www.campamerica.co.uk/

Apprenticeships with Halfords Autocentre

The Nationwide Autocentre is changing to Halfords Autocentre. Their academy of Learning provides on-going development opportunities for all of their staff, enabling individuals to realise their full potential. Nationwide offers a 3 year Apprenticeship Programme combined with great career and earning opportunities throughout the country. They also offer full ATA accredited training.

 

If you are interested in applying for an Apprenticeship with Halfords Autocentre, access the link below to watch a short film about these opportunities...

 

Click the tick  P

National Apprenticeship Week 7th - 11th February

 Monday 7th to Friday 11th February is this year's Apprenticeship Week. The aim of this week is to highlight the achievements of apprentices and celebrate the value of Apprenticeships. It is also about creating a better understanding of what apprenticeships are; which is what we aim to help you with.

Click on the link below to watch a short, but informative film about Apprenticeships, to help give you a better basic understanding of this alternative to full time education.

Click the tick   P

Top Tips for job search

The Cambridge Network listing we have on the right hand side of this page is regularly updated with a range of articles that are relevant to business in the Cambridgeshire area.  The following link is a recent article giving top tips for those interested in job search.  Give it a go...

Click the tick ... P

Get Smaart - a new digital Careers magazine

Get Smaart has a new Emag, available to all students by clicking on the link below.  It is packed with information about a wide range of career paths, interactive films, and advice on how to move forward with any of the features you like.  Click below and give it a shot!

Click the tick ... P 

(Once the webpage is revealed, use the arrow keys at the top to move from page to page)

UCAS Deadline

REMEMBER THE UCAS DEADLINE!

THIS YEAR'S DEADLINE IS APPROACHING AND  APPLICATIONS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY 15TH JANUARY.