university is not the only fruit... Sixth form seminar – Collingwood College – 18 th october 2011

1. university is not the only fruit...Sixth form seminar – Collingwood College – 18thoctober 2011 Mr C Woolford – IAG Co-ordinator

2. Aim of session To raise your awareness of your post 18 options, assist with your decision making process and explain the progression routes after Collingwood College.

3. Objectives By the end of this session you should be able to: • State who your IAG Co-ordinator is and how to access the service within Collingwood College • List the main post 18 options • Identify your next steps – what you need to do in order to make a decision about your post 18 options

4. Introductions • Information, Advice & Guidance Co-ordinator – offer help with choosing courses, careers and planning your future • Drop-in at anytime between 8.00am and 4.00pm • Located in Careers Department (LRC downstairs) • Careers web-page on Collingwood VLE www.collingwoodcareers.wordpress.com

5. What are you planning on doing after leaving Collingwood College?

6. The main post 18 options

7. Destination of Collingwood College students 2010-2011

9. Apprenticeships - “earn while you learn” http://www.careersbox.co.uk/films/sfa/?sector=38&filmID=1841

10. Apprenticeships – “earn while you learn” Advantages of apprenticeships:- • Earnings – between £95 and £200 per week • Support during training • Prospects • Choice of industries and employers

11. The Framework An Apprenticeship is made up of three parts • A TechnicalCertificate at level 2, 3 or 4 Examples: Supporting Youth Work Level 2 and 3 awarded by City & Guilds Diploma in Youth Work Level 3 awarded by ABC • A Competence basedNVQ Example: Youth Work Level 2 or 3 • Key Skills/ Functional Skills Example: Communication Level 2 Sometimes there are additional requirements: Example for Youth Work • An appointed first aid person - First Aid Certificate • Health and Safety unit (for level 3) NVQ

12. Apprenticeships – Three levels 1 - Intermediate Level Apprenticeships Intermediate apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC. These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship. 2 - Advanced Level Apprenticeships Advanced level apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based certificate such as a BTEC.  To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship. 3 - Higher Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 4 and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree. For opportunities and more information visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

13. Apprentices in numbers... • 89% of apprentices would recommend an apprenticeship to other people in similar circumstances to themselves • Over 9 out of 10 apprentices are in work or education on completing their apprenticeship • More than three-quarters of apprentices say that without their apprenticeship they wouldn't be earning their current salary

14. Further Education

15. Qualification Chart A Level Equiv 3 GCSE A*-C Equiv 2 GCSE D-G Equiv 1 E1, E2, E3 Equiv Entry Academic Route General Vocational Route Diploma Work Based Route Levels A Level (AS + A2) BTEC National OCR National Advanced NVQ 3 Higher NVQ 2 BTEC First OCR Nationals GCSEs IGCSEs GCSEs IGCSEs Foundation NVQ 1 BTEC Level 1 OCR National VRQ at Entry Level 1- 3

17. Further Education – Foundation Degrees • A university level (Level 5), employment-focussed qualification • A course designed in partnership with employers to address local, regional or national skills needs • A course delivered primarily by universities and colleges and occasionally by other organisations (for example, private training providers (PTCs)) • A course which offers a blend of academic and work-based learning • A qualification validated and awarded by universities • A stand-alone recognised degree in its own right equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree • A qualification which allows graduates to use letters after their name such as FdA, FdSc, FdEng, depending on the course of study • A course which entitles graduates to progress to honours degree level (usually into the final year) or other higher level (such as professional qualifications) through further study

18. For example... International Travel and Tourism Operations Management Foundation Degree FdA - 2012:13 Location:  Guildford College UCAS Code:  N800 Year  2012:13 Start Date:  September 2012 Duration:  2 Years Attendance:  A full time course. Lecturers form an integral part of the course and are currently time-tabled between 9.30am and 5pm. 1 day a week is allocated for private study. FT/PT:  Full-Time      Exam Board:  University of Surrey Level:  5 Tuition Fees: £4750 Exam Fees: £0 Other Fees: £0 Advisory Costs:  £785.00

19. Employment

20. Employment...fast facts • 44% of economically active 16-17 year olds who have left school are unable to find a job in 2011 • 9% of the 16-18 age group are NEET • 20% of 16-24 year olds are out of work • Some local employers receive up to 250 applications for just one job Source: notgoingtouni

21. Minimum wage • £3.68/hour for 16-17 year olds • £4.98 for 18-20 year olds • £6.08 for workers aged 21 and over

22. Where to look? • Jobcentre Plus – accessed via direct.gov web-site • Recruitment agencies – a good source for unadvertised vacancies and also industry specific • Papers and websites – local and national publications (print and online) plus websites such as www.totaljobs.com • Social networks – increasingly employers are using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn • Research – company web-sites

23. School leavers programme Pros: • A school leavers programme is an alternative route into professions such as Accountancy, Retail or Banking • You can achieve a professional qualification whilst earning money and gaining work experience • Going to university can be expensive and can lead to debt • You gain firsthand experience through working with professions within an industry that interests you • You can go on to higher education at a later stage of your life KPMG school leavers programme http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLJeGNlWTZM&feature=player_embedded Source: purepotential.org

24. PwC School & College Leavers Programme Joining straight after Level 3 qualifications You don’t need to go to university to get on in your career. Not if you have some good Level 3 qualifications behind you. School and College Leavers can now jump straight into the world of work and earn while you study towards a professional accounting or tax qualification.

25. PwC Assurance - Financial Audits, Public Services , Risk Assurance and Technology Assurance To qualify as Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) within 4 years 280 UCAS tariff points

26. PwC Tax – Corporate Tax, Indirect Tax (e.g. VAT) & Human Resources Consulting Services Plenty of practical, on-the-job training while studying for a professional qualification with the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT). Takes c. 2 years. 240 UCAS tariff points

27. Cons: • University provides students with three or more years to think about what career they want to go into before committing to anything • Whilst at university, students develop a wide range of skills which provide a strong foundation • A university degree is flexible and provides access to a range of careers, where as a school leavers programme focuses solely on one particular profession • A degree can help you quickly progress up the ladder and often opens new doors • There is a great deal of support and government help available to those who apply to university

28. Gap Years

29. Gap Years Around 200,000 young people take gap years abroad every year...so what are the advantages? • Challenge yourself and widen your horizons • A refreshing break from education • It could be a chance to earn some money before university/college, or have a break before going into work • Develop skills & gain valuable work experience for your CV A gap year may not be the right option for everyone, so think about what’s best for you

30. Things to consider... • Can be expensive – work along the way? • Leaving the jobs market for 12 months – possibly miss out on many opportunities • Readjustment to “normal” life on your return • Safety – 1/3 of gap year students will be involved in an accident (so get insurance) • The more you put in...the more employers will be impressed - think about demonstrating your planning, preparation, working & volunteering skills

31. Gap year resources www.gapyear.com www.aventure.co.uk www.gapforce.org

32. Year in industry – an alternative to gap year Some students may wish to consider a year in industry before entering higher education. • give your CV the competitive edge • let you try out your degree or career choice • give you real work experience • earn money For more information try www.yini.org.uk for current opportunities

33. Higher Education

34. Higher Education overview • There are about 280 universities and higher education institutes in the UK • Vast number of subjects to study – over 150 subject areas • Degree courses are generally 3 or 4 years long but can be up to 7 years for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and architecture • Over 50% of English and Welsh universities are currently charging tuition fees of c.£9000 per year – fees for Scotland and Northern Ireland to be confirmed

35. Financing your studies From 2012 a majority of universities will be charging the maximum of £9000 tuition fees. No upfront fees Repay loan when earning >£21k e.g. Earning £25k you pay 9% of the £4k above £21k = £30/month

36. Higher Education – what to consider? Reasons you may want to continue to study a subject at a higher level are: • You have been good at and have enjoyed the subject in the past. • You need this subject to enter a particular career. • You have not studied the subject before but you have looked into it and think it will suit your strengths.

37. Higher Education – what to consider? Further considerations should be taken into account: • Some subjects are more difficult at an advanced level. • Make sure you get your facts straight. There are many misconceptions about subjects required for courses and careers. • Don’t take an uninformed risk. What is the new subject actually about? Source: http://russellgroup.org/Informed%20Choices%20final.pdf

38. Higher Education – what to consider? • Home or away? Cost of halls of residence at University of Derby range from £3087 - £4287 per academic year • No perfect life long choice...there are always options to change course/institution • Select course subjects then institution • If no idea then select subjects that you enjoy which keeps your options open or consider combined degrees e.g. English & Journalism • Sources of information – use 2 or 3 including friends, family, people who have been to university, IAG service within the college and tutors.

39. Options – things to consider • Education -Free until 19 Back up courses • Training - Apprenticeship availability Finding employer/training provider 16 – 18 yr old Back up option • Employment - Apply early Back up option

40. Who can help? • IAG Co-ordinator • Surrey Connexions via web-site/telephone • Teachers • Colleges – web-sites & college information centres • Surrey Area Prospectus • Family & friends

41. Objectives revisited – what was today all about? In this session you learned: • Who your IAG Co-ordinator is and how to access the service • The main post 18 options • To identify what you need to do in order to make a decision about your future options.

42. Questions? Thank you for listening and taking part