Skills Development Scotland Leaving School - What are my options? Alison Rennie Careers Adviser.

Skills Development Scotland

Leaving School -What are my options? Alison Rennie

Careers Adviser


Options

Go to College

Go to University

Get a Job

Modern Apprenticeship

Get Ready for Work

Volunteer

Take a Gap Year


Going to College

• 3 local colleges – Ayr, Kilmarnock, James Watt (Kilwinning)

• Wide range of courses related to work areas such as Art & Design, Computing, Construction, Engineering, Hairdressing

• NC - HNC - HND - Degree

• Continue with general education (Intermediate 1/2, Highers)

• Different environment/more self discipline (not the “Easy” option)

• Limited places so apply as early as you can Jan – Mar of the year of entry.

• Sometimes January start courses – BUT not always available.

• Get a prospectus and research courses!


Going to University• Degree / Hon Degree / Dip HE….Sandwich degree, etc.

• How do I find out about courses?

• Prospectuses…Higher Education Convention.

www.ucas.com

www.planitplus.net

www.prospects.ac.uk

• Attend open days….check on www.opendays.com

or university websites

• Choosing a course…

• Degree for a particular job e.g. radiography, occupational therapy, primary teaching

• Studying a subject you really want to study….exact

job later


Going to University• What qualifications do you need to get in?

• You will normally need:

• Three Highers for entry into a degree (but for some courses five Highers are essential)

• “Going Rates” for entry

• Check for specific subject requirements

• Some courses need much more than the minimum

• e.g. Veterinary Medicine

• Work experience/work shadowing


Going to University• Important Points to Consider

• UCAS Deadlines- for most courses -15th January 2013

• Exceptions:- Medicine, Vet Medicine and Dentistry; Oxford/Cambridge-15th October 2012

• Music Colleges/Conservatoires- 1st October 2012

• Admissions Tests-UKCAT/LNAT

• Personal Statement- chance to impress admissions tutors for your course


Getting a Job

Limited opportunities – many jobs require qualifications or experience you won’t have straight from school.

Many jobs are part-time.

Vacancies are advertised in Ayrshire Post, Jobcentreplus (www.direct.gov.uk) and other job websites e.g. www.S1jobs.com.

Use your network to find work – family, friends, other contacts.

Create a CV / covering letter and send to employers (Yellow pages – www.yell.com).

Try to get a job with training!


Getting a Modern Apprenticeship• Working towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Study at college or in-house training – working towards SVQ levels 2 / 3 (up to HNC level).

• Gaining experience of the workplace – grow in confidence.

• Taking on board study and work at the same time – you need to be committed.

• Some companies advertise in local press (Ayrshire Post) otherwise check individual company websites.

• Useful websites:

– www.apprenticeshipsinscotland.com

– www.mappit.co.uk

– www.sds.co.uk

• Entry requirements vary – usually at least a set of Standard Grades at 4 or above including English & Maths or even some Highers.

“Earn while you

Learn”


Get Ready for WorkAims to give young people essential skills and the confidence to find & cope with work.

£55 per week allowance/travel expenses over £3.

Helps 16-18 yr olds plug any basic skills gaps so they can enter the labour market and find employment.

GRfW can help to build self-confidence and motivation.

Try out “work tasters” through work placements – this helps you decide on the job that’s best for you.

Training is tailored to meet individual needs.


VolunteeringHow do I volunteer?

• How much time do you want to devote - a few hours per week / full-time for a period of months?

• There are likely to be local organisations looking for volunteers – e.g.

– Charities

– Community groups/projects

– Environmental agencies

– Specialist interest groups

– You may see adverts or articles in newspapers or directories.

– www.projectscotland.co.uk

– Volunteer Centre – 60 Kyle St, Ayr


Volunteering

Why should I volunteer?

• Realise your potential

• Build up experience / develop skills / confidence / make friends / contacts

• Add to your CV

• Sense of giving something back


Volunteering

• What could I do as a volunteer?

• A wide range of different things (may be age restrictions for some activities):

– clean up the local river

– befriend people who are isolated

– help a charity with fundraising

– work in a community advice project

– help out on a summer play scheme

– work at home or abroad on conservation projects


Taking a Gap YearWhat is it?

Many students take a year off before entering full-time Higher Education.

Some take a year off after their courses and increasing numbers of older adults are taking time out of their established career with the support of their employers.

A year out can be spent in different ways:

– voluntary service - paid or unpaid – work camps - UK or abroad – summer (and winter) jobs – UK or abroad– adventure holidays– temporary, short-term or long-term jobs – study courses – UK or abroad – au pair work – travel / expeditions / working holidays


Taking a Gap YearSuitable for you?

• Depends on the type of person you are.

• If time out is before a course of study, contact institutions early to find out their view.

• They are more likely to encourage you if you have good plans for the use of your time.

• Most colleges and universities may accept you for a course, but defer entry for a year, allowing you to make sure of your place before taking your year out.


Taking Control• Time to take responsibility for your future!

• The secret to success is - RESEARCHRESEARCHRESEARCH

• Don’t bury your head in the sand!It won’t go away!

• Who can help?– Family / friends– Guidance teacher / Subject teacher– College / University staff– Careers Adviser – ME – Contact Card


Taking Control

Online Resources

• SDS -- www.myworldofwork.co.uk

– Careers A to Z can help you to understand careers and whether they will suit you. Job profiles and video clips.

• Planitplus – www.planitplus.net

– “Careerometer” - an interest guide which will suggest possible career matches.

– “Careers and Courses” – Job profiles and courses at college / university.

Skills Development Scotland Leaving School - What are my options? Alison Rennie Careers Adviser.

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