How to make the most of National Careers Week to find the right career for you
CHOOSING a profession is one of the most important decisions young people ever make.
Yet 36 percent of public school students say they have not participated in career-related activities.
The findings from social mobility charity The Sutton Trust reveals that as a result, two in five lack confidence in their own situation next one steps in the field of education and training.
National Careers Week, which takes place from March 4 to 9, aims to ensure that all young people have access to good advice about jobs.
This year’s theme is My Career Journey, bringing together schools, colleges and universities to showcase both traditional and new employment pathways and ways of learning.
One of the most sought-after career paths is the advertising and media industry. Yet few young people from disadvantaged backgrounds apply because they do not feel they have the right connections and qualifications.
The Brixton Finishing School trains and places new talent – with a focus on multicultural, white workers and neurodiverse people – into entry-level roles at top companies including Diageo, Saatchi & Saatchi and Meta.
After deciding not to go to college, Rory Troughton joined the program and it helped him land his dream job.
Rory, 24, from Lewisham, South London, said: “My time at BFS has been incredible.
“I learned fundamental skills that I still use today, and met some great people.
“Over the past three years, I have worked my way up to Global Data Growth Manager through the internship program at media company VML.”
- More information can be found at brixtonfinishingschool.org.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE SHOW
To help you make the most of National Careers Week, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, head of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, shares her tips.
- Use your school career team: They can advise on almost 700 available apprenticeships for a huge variety of careers.
- Professional cards: These resources show the potential salary and skills needed in different roles. See tinyurl.com/2cjnhmaz.
- Try things out: Your school should organize work experience to help you decide. Consider T levels. They combine study with a substantial internship (usually 45 days).
- Do it yourself: Do your own research into what different jobs entail and pay. Also ask friends and family about their experiences.
- Be positive: The possibilities are endless if you work, prepare and make the most of the opportunities.
Check out the free NPV resources available at:
- nationalcareersweek.com
- skillsforcareers.education. government.uk
- nationalcareers.service. government.uk
- reed.com/tools/gateway-to-work
Remote working
Do you want to get a really cool job? The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust needs people to work at Base A, Port Lockroy, Antarctica.
Roles include base leader, store manager, postmaster and wildlife monitor.
2
You have to be resilient and able to live without modern conveniences. There will be almost constant daylight, freezing temperatures and no flushing toilet or running water.
CEO Camilla Nichol says: “This is a unique opportunity to live in a landscape that will leave you in awe.
“We are looking for individuals who have a genuine love and fascination for Antarctica.”
Apply at ukaht.org/jobs.
Work on showing gratitude
Do you feel appreciated at work? Today is Employee Appreciation Day, where bosses are supposed to show their gratitude.
Here, Pete Cooper, from HR software company Personio, shares his advice for getting it right.
- NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY: Demotivation is not a problem that simply disappears when someone reaches the top of their salary range. Boosting productivity depends just as much on small daily moments of encouragement.
- SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: In many cases, a small appreciation can have a greater impact on productivity than the prospect of a promotion or pay increase. Positive feedback has been shown to motivate 42 percent of staff.
- BUILD IT INTO THE CULTURE: Employee appreciation should not be a priority for just one day. People remain the most important asset of almost any company, and showing they are valued year-round is critical.
- CONSIDER WHAT YOU CAN DO: From discount plans that reward employees to better work-life balance, there are many options available to businesses.
- PERSONALIZE YOUR APPROACH: Today should also be an opportunity for bosses to reconsider what is important to their employees and what will keep them motivated in the long run.
Vacancy spot
FRESH food company BAKKAVOR GROUP has 86 internship positions, from engineering to supply chain management to company administration. Apply at tinyurl.com/4enyv22x.
VEOLIA employs 55 interns, from truck maintenance, electrical and mechanical engineering to IT data analysts and customer experience. Apply at veolia.co.uk/careers.