Jobs and Careers - South London 2012/13 - (Page 9)

education education is key hether you’re looking for your first step on the career ladder or interested in how you can excel in the workplace, there are an assortment of learning opportunities available. You are never too old – or young for that matter – to learn, and with the job market more competitive than ever, studying could really help you go further in your chosen career. Educational opportunities available to you to help you kick start or grow your career. W Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are a great way to earn whilst you learn – and with nearly 200 roles available across the UK, there’s likely to be something suited to you (as long as you are over the age of 16). Although you aren’t usually expected to have a wealth of qualifications or experience for an apprenticeship, depending upon your GCSE Maths and English grades, you may be expected to take a literacy and numeracy test. If you are aged between 16 and 24 and need to improve these areas, then it’s advisable to consider joining the Access to Apprenticeship scheme run by the National Apprenticeship Service. The minimum wage for apprentices aged under 19 (or over 19 in the first year of their apprenticeship) is £2.65 per hour. Wages can vary, but the average take-home figure is £170 per week. Furthermore, like the majority of employees, you will get at least 20 days’ paid holiday per year. your knowledge. NVQs begin at entry level certificates (suited for those looking to get some basic, functional skills in English and Maths for example) right up to level 5 with HNCs (Higher National certificates) for people seeking a higher education level of course. For NVQ courses available near you, visit www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. Mature Students nfull-time students across the UK A significant percentage of Open UniVersity If you’re looking for a part-time higher education course to suit you, why not consider the Open University (OU) that has more than 250,000 students. The OU offers a variety of distance-learning courses; ideal if you wish to fit study around employment or childcare. The majority of undergraduate programmes available do not insist on formal entry requirements or qualifications so are available to all. Financial support is available for the majority of students if required. See www.open.ac.uk for more about the courses that the OU has to offer. nVQs NVQs are competence-based qualifications that allow you to learn work-related skills whilst you work. Studying for an NVQ alongside a job is a great way to improve your knowledge and implement your new skills as you go along. Studying for such a qualification is ideal whether you’re seeking to get your first qualification or to top up are mature; with the majority of part-time students at universities made up of mature students (48.6% of mature undergraduates enrolled on part-time degree courses in 2008-9). Many universities offer flexible learning programmes for mature students that allow you to tailor your studying around your prior commitments. And some employers even offer sponsorship for employees whilst they gain a work-based qualification, so it is definitely worth consulting your company to see whether they offer sponsorship. www.jobsandcareersmag.com 09 http://www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk http://www.open.ac.uk http://www.jobsandcareersmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers - South London 2012/13

THE FAIRY JOBMOTHER
FOSTER A CAREER
THE BURN TO LEARN
REGIONAL GUIDE

Jobs and Careers - South London 2012/13