. Please forward this information to any students who are considering becoming doctors or lawyers. Places are available at our next events:   Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Doctor Saturday, 31 January 2015, at University College London Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Lawyer Saturday 14 March 2014, at University College London For full details, including costs and bookings, see www.epoc.org.uk . These one-day events run from 10 am to 4:30 pm. They are principally designed for students in years 11 and 12. Other students, staff and parents are welcome too. As well as helping students to achieve their goals, our conferences give them a clear view of the advantages and disadvantages or a particular career. Students find these conferences valuable and enjoyable.  Last September I posted some A4 posters to your school (addressed to Head of Careers / Head of Sixth Form). If you would like more, you can get them from www.epoc.org.uk/information-for-schools . Alternatively if you would like me to post more hard copies to you, please let me know by an email to frances@epoc.org.uk. Thank you

Paid to learn - Apprenticeship opportunities

Earn as you learn with a paid  APPRENTICESHIP EARN UP TO £250 PER WEEK         We offer apprenticeships in: Business Administration Customer Service Sales Warehousing & Storage Information Technology Retail Estate Agency     Many young people aren't aware that an apprenticeship is available as an alternative to school or college at aged 16-18 - so you don't have to stay in full time education! Apprenticeships are a great way to achieve qualifications, whilst at the same time earning a wage and gaining that all important work experience. As you can see from the apprenticeships we offer, they are no longer only available for the more practical jobs such as bricklaying and plumbing - office based apprenticeships are growing in popularity and availability as employers look to train tomorrow's workforce!   How do I apply for an apprenticeship? Visit Paid to Learn and browse our current apprenticeship vacancies, success stories, CV tips, videos and more Register your interest, letting us know when you would be ready to start an apprenticeship by putting the month you expect to be ready to start in the comments box Call 0845 643 5566 if you would like help and advice, even if you are not due to leave education for a while Follow Us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest vacancies and apprenticeship news! Our apprenticeships are normally available immediately - but if you are still at school you can REGISTER your interest with us today and we'll ensure we contact you with all the latest vacancies this summer!   Paid to Learn is a dedicated website for apprenticeship vacancies and careers advice for young people under 24, provided by Positive Outcomes - a national organisation specialising in work-based training, corporate training and apprenticeships and recently awarded a Grade 2 by Ofsted       Positive Outcomes | 2 Maisies Way | The Village | South Normanton | Derbyshire | DE55 2DS  0845 643 5566  | www.positiveoutcomes.org.uk |  www.paidtolearn.co.uk   Positive Outcomes Ltd.  Registered in England and Wales 3304665

New Apprenticeship Opportunities revealed by AON Insurance

The Aon Apprenticeship is open for applications

Aon, the world's largest broker, is now taking applications for its 2015 Apprenticeship programme.
Here are some impressive numbers about Aon:

• 6000 staff in the UK
• 65,000 staff in more than 120 countries
• $12 billion revenue generated in 2013

Here is your chance to be part of this extremely successful, global business, without having to go to university.
They have three Apprenticeship streams:

• The Aon Insurance Apprenticeship - opportunities are available in London, Farnborough, Chelmsford, Redhill, Reading, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow
• The Aon Consultant Apprenticeship - opportunities available in Farnborough and St Albans
• The Aon Actuarial Apprenticeship - opportunities available in London, Farnborough, St Albans and Epsom.

For more information on any of these, visit the Aon Early Careers website. If you have specific questions you can contact the Apprenticeship team by email apprentices@aon.co.uk or phone 020 7086 0788.
Applications will be open until the end of March 2015 - however, we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as your CV and application is ready, regardless of the deadline. Click here for our CV advice.
Aon aims to run the majority of assessment centres in January, but will also hold a couple in April. 
Good luck.
- See more at: http://www.discoverrisk.co.uk/news/923/the-aon-apprenticeship-is-open-for-applications/#sthash.27iFPUtV.dpuf

Where to begin in the search for a job?

New research cited in HR Magazine has found that 26% of young job seekers may be having a hard time finding a job due to a lack of communication with their potential employers. It is thought that there is a misunderstanding between where employers advertise their vacancies and where young people seek for their future career.

 

Research from Wozedu, the social networking company that aims to connect young people to their potential employers, has found that:

 

• 35% of young people look for careers advice and business contacts at their university or place of education, yet only 20% of employers go to careers fairs and less than a quarter of employers are connecting with schools, colleges and universities.
• 33% of employers advertise their job vacancies online, yet surprisingly, only 19% of young job seekers use this method to hunt for a job.
• Perhaps the best understanding between employers and young people are the use of recruitment agencies. 26% of employers and 25% of young people use these to either job hunt or fill a vacancy.
• Furthermore, the research shows there is misunderstanding between the skills that employers want to see on a CV and the skills that young people think employers want to see on their CV.
• Employers rate people skills, technology skills and work experience as the top requirements for a job applicant, yet nearly half of all young job seekers believe that employers want to see university and A-level qualifications on their CV.
• CEO and founder of Wozedu, Oliver Donovan commented: “There is a desperate need for better, more open communication between young people and employers.
• “There is a real urgency to eradicate career misconceptions and encourage closer relationships between the two groups.
• “It’s painfully obvious that employers, and young people embarking on the recruitment process, are looking in all the wrong places to connect with each other in the first place. Then, once a conversation is initiated, there’s a damaging misalignment in terms of each other’s expectations of required skills and experience."

Link to article: http://www.hrreview.co.uk/hr-news/recruitment/young-people-dont-know-where-to-begin-in-search-for-job/53963

There are careers and there are Merchant Navy Careers- Places starting in 2015

At a time when the maritime industry is predicting a shortfall in the availability of suitably qualified officers, there are now exciting opportunities for school and college leavers to join the British maritime industry in the following roles.

Engineer Officer: is responsible for keeping the ship moving and for all machinery onboard, from the main engines to the electronic control systems used throughout today’s modern fleet.
Deck Officer: is responsible for the safety of the ship's crew, its cargo and the safe navigation of the vessel.
The Electro Technical Officer: is responsible for the complex electronic and communication systems employed onboard modern vessels today.


The minimum entry requirements for Engineering and Electro Technical Officer are 120 UCAS points and having studied A level or Higher’s Maths or Physics.  The minimum entry requirements for Deck Officer are 120 UCAS points and a minimum B in GCSE or standard grade maths.


The training lasts for three years and is split into five phases, three at college and two at sea, building academic skills and practical skills, culminating with your academic qualification and a Certificate of Competence that allows you to work on any ship in the world fleet.


This industry is continuing to expand year on year. Ship operators are keen to attract new entrants who they can train for a career at sea.


Excellent sponsorship packages are available too; please visit our website for up to date information and online application http://www.sstg.org/ or email recruitment@sstg.org


SSTG is a not for profit organisation working on behalf of over thirty shipping companies, having trained thousands of young people over the past thirty years who are now employed throughout the maritime industry on ships or working in maritime law, insurance, education and management and engineering facilities etc.

Aviva Insurance Apprenticeships

Interested in the role of being and Actuary, or underwriter?  Enjoy thinking about risk?  Is maths your thing?  Try clicking here to find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities with Aviva.

FULL TIME – HOURLY RATE FOR APPRENTICESHIP REGARDLESS OF AGE FOR 12 MONTHS £2.73.   BEFORE APPLYING, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE HAPPY TO TRAVEL TO THE STORE ON A DAILY BASIS.

Join one of our local stores and earn a salary, gain a qualification, and become a fully-fledged Retail Optical Assistant in just 12 months. If you're enthusiastic, over 16 and eager to learn, you can now take the first step towards an exciting career in eye care with the Specsavers Apprentice scheme. It's a chance to become part of a thriving, international business and build the foundation for a successful long-term career.


If you’re enthusiastic, over 16 and eager to learn, you can now take the first step towards an exciting career in eye care with the Specsavers Apprentice scheme.
It’s a chance to become part of a thriving, international business and build the foundation for a successful long-term career. You’ll spend 12 months in a paid job, working alongside our highly experienced team, who’ll support you as you learn. At the same time, you’ll work towards a nationally recognised qualification and develop a whole host of valuable skills.


Key Responsibilities
Day-to-day, you’ll be a key member of one of our store teams, welcoming customers, giving them advice, booking in eye tests and measuring frames. You’ll also carry out pre-screening, take payment and generally help the store to run as smoothly as possible. This on-the-job learning will sit alongside structured training that will lead to a nationally recognised qualification. At the end of 12 months, you will be a fully-fledged Optical Assistant – with an exciting future ahead of you.


Skills & Experience
Let’s make one thing clear: you don’t need experience in optical or hearing care. But you must be as determined as we are to give great customer service. We want people who are enthusiastic about what they do take pride in a job well done. Grade A-D GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent/ or predicted result) are essential, together with an organised, hard-working approach.
The Intermediate Apprenticeship in Optical retail skills is suitable for candidates who have not achieved a Level 4 qualification or above and have no experience in the Optical Retail sector.


You will:
• earn a salary
• get paid holidays
• receive comprehensive and structured training
• learn transferable job-specific skills.
Show us you have what it takes – and complete your Apprenticeship successfully – and there may be a place for you on our team as a permanent member of staff.


About Us
Specsavers is the UK's Most Trusted Optician with one in three people who wear glasses choosing our frames. With over 700 stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, we’re still a family-run business and the Specsavers group of companies offer a wide variety of retail, clinical and professional careers across the country. Our stores provide an outstanding eye care service and our vision is to provide best value eye care and hearing care to everyone, simply, clearly and consistently, exceeding customer expectations every time.


If you have any questions regarding this position please speak to a member of the Retail Recruitment Team on 01566 771888 or visit http://jobs.specsavers.co.uk

           

Study online to boost your career in interior design Flexible online study is the perfect way to develop a career in interior design with a fully accredited qualification, whilst comfortably fitting it around work or other commitments. Whether you crave the opportunity to steer your career into a new and creative path or long to add further credentials to your CV, an interior design course with the National Design Academy is the perfect option.    -  Online distance learning    -  Flexible start dates    -  Diplomas accredited by AIM Awards    -  Degrees awarded by Staffordshire University    -  Study when and where you choose    -  Payment instalment options available    -  Over 25 years of student success    -  Individual dedicated design tutor Our courses:    -  Diploma in Interior Design    -  Diploma in Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings    -  Diploma in Garden Design    -  BA (Hons) Interior Design    -  BA (Hons) Heritage Interior Design    -  BA (Hons) Retail Design    -  BA (Hons) Design for Outdoor Living    -  MA Interior Design The National Design Academy (NDA) is renowned for being a centre of excellence in interior design with over 25 years of experience in distance learning.  NDA has students from over 75 countries predominantly studying for interior design related diplomas or degrees online via our Virtual Learning Studio. Why not pop along to our next open day on Saturday 15th November and find out more about what the NDA has to offer and chat to our in-house expert design tutors over a lovely cup of coffee. All of our open days are held at our head office in Nottingham and run from 10am - 1pm. Book your place online today: http://www.nda.ac.uk/opendays/register.aspx To find out more visit: www.nda.ac.uk or call 0115 9123 412.

Volunteer Opportunities – Papworth Trust

The Tourist Information office in central Cambridge have given us the opportunity to sell Papworth Trust Christmas cards. We are very excited about this as it is the first time we have been able to make our Christmas cards available like this. To ensure that it goes well and that we get this opportunity next year we need some volunteers to help out on an occasional, or one off basis. The Tourist information office is open from 10am until 4.45pm each day Monday until Saturday, and they will be selling charity Christmas cards from now until December 19th. The shop is warm and there will be volunteers from other charities there too. Would you be willing to help us out for a few hours or half a day during half term or at the weekend?

Tesco’s in Milton have offered us the chance to do a collection outside their store on Sunday December 7th. We are looking for a couple of volunteers for each 2 hour slot: 9-11am, 11-1pm 1-3pm and 3-5pm. Could spare us  some time? We will provide a T-shirt -all you need is a friendly smile!

Downing College have again generously given us the use of their car park for a few days before Christmas – this gives us the opportunity to charge Christmas shoppers for their parking for the day. We are looking for people to help staff the car park in 2 hour blocks on December 20th, 21st and 24th. We raised over £1,500 last year! Hot drinks are available but dress up warmly!

If you are willing to help us out with any of these activities please email jane.mumford@papworth.org.uk

ROTARY CLUB OF CAMBRIDGE - Gap Year Funding Award

Eligibility: Open to students in year 13 of schooling (2014-2015) or equivalent in Further Education in a school or college in the Cambridge area.

 

­Purpose: To encourage the principle of ‘service above self’ by supporting one or more students undertaking a gap year project in an overseas location and which involves an element of community service.

 

The Award: Up to £500 may be awarded to a student (or students) to support the cost of the project. A team of up to three students may apply collectively.

 

Criteria:

 

• The project must include a significant element of service to the local overseas community or to a section within it.
• It is recognised that the work undertaken will very likely be in association with an established international or overseas charity; however preference will be given to those planning the trip themselves, rather than using a gap year organisation.
• Projects may be from 1 month to 9 months duration.
• Students must have shown initiative and commitment in raising, or planning to raise, other funds for their trip.
• The project may be undertaken from July 2015 onwards but must be completed by June 2016
• Following their return, students must be prepared to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of Cambridge to give an account of their trip and the project undertaken.

 

Procedure for applications:

 

• Applications are to be submitted to The Rotary Club of Cambridge, c/o Rotarian Rosemary Turner, 22b Mingle Lane, Cambridge CB22 5SY by Monday 9 February 2015.

 

• Applications should include name, address, age of student, details of the planned trip, name and address of any charity involved, motivation and reasons for undertaking the project, full budget with an indication of how any remainder of funds required will be raised.

 

Rosemary Turner may be contacted on 01223 847733 to clarify any of these details.

 

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview during March 2015.

 

Awards will be announced in April 2015.

Vision Express Apprenticeship Opportunities

Vision Express Apprenticeships We are currently recruiting for our Apprenticeship programme in a location near you! Our programme has been designed to provide you with an introduction to the world of Optical Retailing.  As an Apprentice, you'll be supported every step of the way with a structured training and development programme where you can earn while you learn and pick up a nationally recognised qualification along the way. Benefits of our Apprenticeship programme include: Excellent career opportunities A structure training programme delivered by a dedicated team of VE experts and in store support Varied store locations including shopping centres, high street and local towns Attractive salary plus company benefits including annual free eyewear and family and friends discount vouchers
So what do you need? Bags of enthusiasm and a genuine smile Be a confident communicator and warm and friendly to others Honesty, patience and exceptional manners
If you are aged between 16 and 19 and looking for a new and interesting career  then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Please visit www.visionexpresscareers.com for more information or contact Therese Gallagher on 0115 9882496