HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 2020 - Cockburn School
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HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 2020
2 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 3
ABOUT SUCCESS
AT SCHOOL
Success at School is a national careers website for students aged 11-19,
as well as their teachers, careers advisors, parents and other influencers.
Young people can learn about their future career options through no-
nonsense careers advice related to their own experiences.
As well as covering topics such as career paths, industries, apprenticeships,
university and employability skills, we connect schools and students to
employers and universities through opportunities on our site and our
interactive forums. Millions of young people and their influencers have
visited our site for advice and information to help them plan for the future. University: Ensuring a great
Go to successatschool.org for more information.
05 Choosing a career path 36 student experience in the age
of Covid-19
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR 08 Pathways into work
Why you should encourage your
daughters to choose engineering
J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, offering solutions 50 and technology
to the world’s corporations, governments and institutions in more
than 100 countries. We are recognised as one of the premier financial
institutions in the United Kingdom and provide our clients with a range
12 T-levels
54 Work experience
contents
of integrated financial services. At J.P. Morgan we hire employees who
help us do first-class business in a first-class way.
We recruit people who are passionate, motivated and who always look for
14 University
56 Gap years
ways to do better – and who else is more passionate than young students
who are eager to learn something new? The youngest generations drive
innovation, and for this reason J.P. Morgan start to engage with students
16 Apprenticeships
58 How to future-proof your
child’s career
as young as 15 years of age.
Supporting your child
Whilst at school, you can join us for insight programmes
such as Summer School or Work Experience
17 through an apprenticeship
59 Remember that recessions end
and post A-level, students have the option
to join the firm for our degree apprenticeships
in Financial Services or Technology. University 18 Employability skills Diversity and inclusion in
the workplace: A personal
students can benefit from internships and
graduate rotation programmes that last from
a couple of months and up to 2 years. 20 The Great Gatsby Benchmarks
60 perspective
22 Subject journeys
62 Young people and mental health
Copyright Success at School Ltd 2019
66 Your action plan
4 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 5
FOREWORD CHOOSING A 1. WORK OUT YOUR
CAREER PATH CHILD’S SKILLS
As our children progress through school or collage and start looking
ahead to a life after education, it can be difficult for parents and carers There is a world of opportunity out there –
AND INTERESTS
to know how to help them navigate the confusing world of career options. but for many young people, narrowing down all
For many of us, the ultimate challenge is knowing how to offer support the options can be a challenging task in itself.
Sit down together with 2 pieces
without projecting our own career aspirations onto our children. of A3 paper and a Sharpie.
And with so much change – from new apprenticeship schemes, We’ve created a step-by-step process you and
emerging technologies, political and environmental upheaval and the your child can follow to help them focus on the On one piece of paper, write down as many
coronavirus crisis – parents can feel in need of a guiding hand themselves. careers that are right for them. It is designed of your child’s interests as you can think of
to help you find that sweet spot where skills together. Use these questions as prompts
Here at Success at School, we’ve developed lots of resources to help
and interests overlap, for your child:
careers advisors and teachers at schools and colleges. But according
before figuring out • What hobbies do you have? What do you
to research, parents have by far the biggest influence on young people’s
career choices. We’ve created this guide to help you take a positive role
how this connects
CTIVITY like to do in your spare time?
in your child’s career journey. We cover all the basics – from university,
up with possible
career paths.
A • What extracurricular activities do you do?
apprenticeships and other pathways into work, to work experience
• If you could pick one thing to do right now,
and employability skills. We outline job roles linked to each major
Your child can what would it be?
school subject as well as exploring the jobs of the future.
complete this on their • What would you do on your ideal weekend?
We have also made this guide practical so you can use it as a tool to help
own or you can work
your child prepare for their future. You’ll find a step-by-step guide to help
on it together On the second sheet, write down as many
them focus on career paths connected to their skills and interests.
of your child’s skills as you can think of,
We’ve even included a worksheet you can complete together so that you
using these questions as prompts:
have made tangible progress as a result of working through this guide.
• What are your favourite school subjects?
If you like the guide, there’s plenty more resources on our website,
where every week we’re adding new articles written especially for parents • What are your personal qualities?
and carers. We also have an email newsletter for parents which you can E.g. are you a good listener? Do people
register for to get tailored advice straight to your inbox. come to you for advice?
We hope you find this guide useful and wish you and your child all • In your most recent school report,
the best in their future career journey. what did your teachers say you excelled at?
• What are your talents? What things can
you “just do”? E.g. cooking, coming up
with ideas, art.
Mitesh Bhimjiyani
Success at School, Founder and CEO
6 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 7
2. LINK INDUSTRIES 4. PLAN OUT 5. WRITE OUT THE
TO SKILLS AND CAREER PATHS NEXT 3 STEPS YOUR
INTERESTS FOR THESE JOBS CHILD WILL TAKE
The next step is to find out Take a separate sheet of A3 for Using step 4 to guide you, come up
about industries and the jobs each job and write the job title with some next steps your child
within them. at the top of the sheet. can take to help them on their
career journey (what they do next
Take another sheet of A3. Browse the Career Use the Success at School site and the internet
Zones section of the Success at School to research the steps needed to pursue these will depend on what stage of their
website and write down those which catch career paths and also the different ways into them. education they’re at).
you and your child’s eye. Focus on the roles Have a look at the How to become… articles on
which appeal to their skills and interests. the Success at School website for detailed guides For example, they might commit to contacting
on entering a whole range of career paths. employers to find out whether they can visit on
When you have a “shortlist” of industries
a work experience placement. Alternatively, they
that fit in with your child’s skills and interests, Use these questions as prompts:
might decide to visit particular subject stalls at
take a closer look. Write down • What qualifications are needed? This includes their school/college’s GCSE or A-level
jobs underneath the industry the subject (e.g. English, maths) and level choices event.
name and note the skills (e.g. GCSE, A-level, Bachelor’s degree).
they involve and how they Once they have completed these next steps,
connect with your child’s • What experience is required? Are there work you should have another discussion together
interests (e.g. VFX artist – experience programmes available through to work out the next set of steps.
design skills – movie buff). employers or will your child have to be proactive
to get a placement?
Go to: successatschool.org/careerzones
• Are there apprenticeships available?
• Is there a university route into the profession?
Go to: successatschool.org/advice/how-to-become
3. IDENTIFY 3
FAVOURITE JOBS
Look through the list of jobs
you have written down and pick
3 that really appeal to your child.
One way of doing this could be to go through
all the roles and give them a rating out of 5,
then pick those with the top rating and repeat
the process to narrow them down to 3.
Once you have picked out your final 3,
you can start looking in more
detail at the different routes
into these career paths.
8 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 9
PATHWAYS INTO WORK
The first years of work are UNIVERSITY APPRENTICESHIPS VOCATIONAL
a confusing place for parents
trying to help their children University is a good choice for your child if they: Apprenticeships are a job with pay, training QUALIFICATIONS
Want the “uni experience” and the chance to gain professionally relevant
begin a successful career which qualifications. After a revamp over the last few There are many other vocational options your child
Living semi-independently, making new could pursue through a college course at age 16
fits their strengths and interests. friends with very different people, joining
years, they are now a route into high-skilled
professions such as civil engineering, law, or 18.
clubs and societies – these are all things that
Opportunities for school and college leavers are science and nursing. Different qualification “brands”
university can offer.
changing. In the old days, the co-existence of There are 4 types of apprenticeship: Including BTEC, NVQ, OCR Cambridge National
polytechnic colleges alongside the universities Love their subject
• Intermediate: Equivalent to 4 GCSEs or Diploma, each one with a slightly different slant.
meant that high-skilled vocational and more If your child wants to throw themselves into
heady professions were accessible to many their studies because they love their chosen • Advanced: Equivalent to 2 A-levels Available at different levels
school/college leavers through multiple routes. subject and want to know everything there • Higher: Equivalent to a foundation degree Qualification levels represent different standards
is to know about it, university could be or higher of expertise. Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to
Then the government started focusing more
on university education as the way to create a good choice. • Degree: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s A-levels) are typically taken at age 16 while level
a high-skilled workforce. or Master’s degree 4+ require a level 3 qualification so aren’t usually
Want to go into a profession only accessible
taken before age 18.
Now, this is changing. Apprenticeships have via university
been developed as an exciting alternative route There are many career paths which have Study through a college course
which offers added benefits to many school been opened up to the apprenticeship Can be taken via a full-time or part-time college
leavers. University is still a way into route (see overleaf) but certain careers are course. Often, they are included as part of an
certain professions and is currently only accessible via a university apprenticeship programme, sometimes alongside
better suited to those of degree (or only widely accessible this way). other qualifications.
a more academic nature This includes medicine, veterinary medicine, Study on-the-job
who want to study a teaching and architecture. The option to study for vocational qualifications
certain discipline for is often offered by employers to enable employees
the love of the subject. to improve their theoretical understanding
A record 34.1% of 18-year-olds
of their work.
entered university in 2019
Over half of 18-30 year-olds have
taken part in higher education
10
PATHWAYS INTO WORK
VIRTUAL OPEN
GAP YEAR
If your child is unsure of what they want to do,
a gap year could be a good choice. A gap year can
give your child the chance to think about what
they want to do with their time – whether that
GET A JOB
Another option for your child is to apply for a job
immediately upon leaving school/college.
Why?
DAYS 2020
One reason could be that your child hasn’t made
be work, further study or a mixture of both.
up their mind about what they would like to do
What could a gap year involve?
• A job at home
next but would also like to gain experience and
earn a wage while they think about what is best
Register now for our
• Work experience outside the UK
• A volunteering placement overseas
for them.
What are the benefits? AUTUMN OPEN DAYS
• An opportunity to travel
• A break from work or study
Starting an entry-level job can itself be the
beginning of a young person’s career path. If it is
a job they care about – or develop an enthusiasm
ljmu.ac.uk/opendays
Why?
for – they could soon apply for a promotion
• A work-free gap year is a short respite from and progress within the workplace.
a life of work and study
Can they still progress?
• A chance to build life experience through
travel and exposure to new cultures They may have the chance to work towards
relevant qualifications or could choose later
• An opportunity to build up funds
to begin an apprenticeship related to the role.
and money-management skills
through work
• The chance to gain work
experience and employability
skills in a job
• Time to think about what
they would like to do next
12 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 13
T-LEVELS
What are T-levels? or a mixture of the two. Although students are
DESIGN, SURVEYING AND PLANNING EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
normally placed with one employer, placements FOR CONSTRUCTION
The T-level is a new 2-year qualification which is
can be shared across more than one employer. CORE CONTENT
being phased in as an alternative to A-levels over CORE CONTENT
the next few years. T-levels combine classroom Unlike apprenticeships, T-levels focus on an (Fundamental skills and knowledge spanning the qualification) • Wider context • Special educational
learning with “on-the-job” training through industry area rather than a specific job. This makes • Child development needs and disability
• Health and safety • Construction and the • Supporting education • English as an additional
an industry placement. Like A-levels, them ideal for students who are interested in • Science built environment • Safeguarding, health language
they lead to UCAS points which can a particular field of work but unsure what career • Measurement industry and safety and wellbeing • Parents, families and
be taken into account in higher- path they’d like to pursue within it. • Building technology • Sustainability • Behaviour carers
• Information and data • Relationship • Observation and • Working with others
education applications.
• Digital technology management assessment • Reflective practice
Currently, T-levels are only on offer at selected Can my child go to university • Construction
mathematical techniques
• Commercial business
• Project management
• Equality and diversity
colleges across the UK, which you can view here:
tinyurl.com/UK-T-levels However, they should
if they study T-levels? • Design • Law OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALISMS
be made more widely available as extra courses T-levels provide UCAS points, helping students OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALISMS • Early years education and childcare
are launched. Although providers will set their qualify for a university place. However, (Focusing on specific fields of work) • Assisting teaching
some universities may continue to require • Supporting and mentoring students in further
own entry requirements, it is likely students • Surveying and design • Building services design and higher education
will need grade 4+ in English and maths. A-levels as entry requirement so students for construction and • Hazardous materials
should check whether T-levels are the built environment analysis and surveying JOBS YOU COULD GO ON TO DO
accepted at their preferred universities • Civil engineering
What T-levels can my child study? before applying. T-levels are also a stepping JOBS YOU COULD GO ON TO DO
Early years educator, education technician,
learning and skills teacher, learning mentor, teacher,
3 courses are currently on offer (as of 2020): stone straight into a particular profession teaching assistant
or to greater specialisation through an Architectural technician, civil engineering technician,
• Design, surveying and planning for construction advanced, higher or degree apprenticeship. construction design coordinator, digital engineering
technician, rail engineering design technician,
• Digital production, design and development
transport planning technician
• Education and childcare
What will my child learn
7 more T-levels will be launched in September
2021, 8 more in 2022 and a further 7 in 2023. on their T-level? DIGITAL PRODUCTION, The next level qualification
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
You can see a full list on our website Below, we’ve outlined the course content your
child can expect to cover in the 3 T-levels CORE CONTENT
at tinyurl.com/t-level-courses
which are out this year. Each course includes • Problem solving • Legislation and
fundamental core content as well as occupational • Introduction to regulatory requirements
What is a T-level qualification specialisms which focus on particular fields programming • Business context
of work within the industry. • Emerging issues and • Data
like and how is it different impact of digital • Digital environments
to an apprenticeship? Work
• Security
experience
On a T-level, students spend OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALISMS
about 315 hours (45 days)
• Digital production, design and development
in the workplace, or just
Study
under a fifth of the academic JOBS YOU COULD GO ON TO DO
year. Apprentices on the
Assistant programmer, junior application developer,
other hand spend about 80% of their time junior games developer, junior software developer,
in the workplace. T-level placements could junior web developer, software development technician
be undertaken in a block or on day release,
14 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 15
UNIVERSITY
University is the most popular next step for school 2. To pursue their interests through further study
and college leavers, and with so much attention Some people go on to university because they’re
focused on higher education, it can feel like it’s passionate about a certain subject and want
the only route open to your child. to know everything there is to know about it.
University is the best choice for many students. A love of learning is one of the best reasons
But it’s important to understand who it is right to go to university.
for and why, so you can help your child make 1. Students can become experts in the subject 1. Students may not gain technical skills –
This doesn’t mean they can’t plan for their career they love – through 3+ years of intense, many courses are theoretical instead of practical.
an informed decision. as well. Flick back to the chapter “Choosing a focused study.
career path”. Find other ways to give yourself 2. Students may not get employability skills
Why go to university? a career boost through volunteering, doing 2. University can prepare you for a specific – although they can gain these on work
There are many good reasons for your child to go a summer internship or another kind of work career path – although many higher/degree experience during the vacations.
to university. But if you think it is an essential step experience placement. apprenticeships now offer training for
3. Contact time is less than at school – with more
on the path to career success, you’d be wrong. graduate careers.
of a focus on independent, self-driven study.
With more apprenticeships and school leaver Shouldn’t every student go 3. Graduates earn more – but they can graduate
programmes available than ever before, 4. Students graduate with a lot of debt –
to university? with a higher/degree apprenticeship and earn
2018 graduates left university with £36,000
this simply isn’t true anymore. while they study.
No. University isn’t for every student, and students of debt on average.
Likewise, if your child is drawn to university do not need to feel that university is the only route 4. University gives students time to gain work
because “that’s what everybody does”, “because all 5. Students commit 3+ years of their life –
to a high-skilled career. experience – during the long summer vacations.
my friends are going” or because “it looks like fun”, so your child should consider whether
encourage them to think again. For some students, an apprenticeship is better 5. Students get a taste of independence – three more years of education is for them.
because it is more practical, allowing them to earn by living away from home in student halls
and gain work experience. 6. Students are not guaranteed a graduate job –
Here are some good reasons or rented accommodation.
many graduates end up in temporary
For others who want to study an academic
to go to university: qualification full time within an academic setting,
6. Students gain high-level transferable or entry-level jobs not graduate roles.
skills – such as analysis, critical thinking,
or experience some of the other things university 7. Lifetime earnings can be higher with an
1. To gain essential qualifications communication and problem-solving.
can offer, university may be the better option. apprenticeship – those with a level 5+
If your child needs a degree to follow their chosen 7. It can broaden the mind – by exposing apprenticeship typically earn more than
career path, they’re on the right track. Jobs such students to new people, ideas and places. traditional university graduates.
as teacher, lawyer and doctor generally require you
to have a degree, so university is the logical choice
for them.
If they haven’t already, your child should
investigate what kind of degree they need
to enter that profession.
They should also look at whether they can
gain a degree without going to university,
through a higher or degree apprenticeship.
That way, they can work towards a university
degree while getting paid a salary and gaining
work experience. This option is available
for some professions, such as solicitor
and software engineer.
16 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 17
APPRENTICESHIPS SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD
An apprenticeship is a job with training and the
chance to gain qualifications. As with any job,
qualifications linked to their role. Qualifications are
paid for by the employer. Apprentices do not pay
THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP
an apprentice gets paid, but they also take part in anything towards their qualifications.
formal on-the-job training and study for relevant
INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIPS DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS
She says yes and rises to challenges. She has
WhiteHat’s vision is to create an always been very shy, so it’s great to see how
• Worth the same as 5 GCSEs graded 4+ • Equivalent to a level 6 or 7 qualification outstanding alternative to university through her confidence has grown throughout her
• Functional skills in English and maths are needed • 2 A-levels grade C+ needed apprenticeships, to give people from all kinds apprenticeship.
(students with grade 4+ GCSEs have these) • Foundation degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s of backgrounds the opportunity to have great
• What qualifications can I get? Level 2 NVQ, degree, Level 4-7 NVQ, Higher National Diploma careers at brilliant companies. What piece of advice would you give
National Diploma, National Certificate
Facts and figures: a prospective apprentice’s parent/guardian?
ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS • 90% stay in work or training after their programme
It is essential to do your research to find out
• 65% remain with the same employer While apprenticeships are becoming increasingly
• Worth the same as 2 A-levels what is the best route for your child. As parents,
• Half of parents would encourage their child to start one popular, only 7% of school leavers undertake
• 5 GCSEs grade 4+, including English and maths, we want to keep our children safe and want them
• 71% of parents believe they provide a better chance apprenticeships. However, apprenticeships provide
are needed to have a bright future, but we also need to trust
of getting a job that alternative to university that many young
• What qualifications can I get? Level 3 NVQ, them. Luckily for us, Uzma has regularly kept
National Certificate, BTEC
• Typical course length: 3-6 years people are looking for. Parents play a significant
us up to date, even educating us on her sector
Degree apprentices gain skills employers really want: role in this decision and career guidance in young
and apprenticeships.
HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS
• Problem-solving people’s lives.
• Creative thinking
Please support your child to do whatever
• Equivalent to a level 4, 5 or 6 qualification Uzma is a WhiteHat alumna who now is an
• Communication they are passionate about and don’t disregard
• 2 A-levels grade C+ are needed employee volunteerism associate at Salesforce.
• Teamwork apprenticeships or any other option.
• What qualifications can I get? Foundation degree, In this interview, her parents talk about how they
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Level 4-7 NVQ, • Leadership supported her throughout her apprenticeship.
Higher National Diploma • Project management How secure does Uzma’s future look now?
Facts and figures: • Research and analysis When Uzma informed you both that she Very bright. She has secured a promotion, has
• Some higher apprentices earn as much as £500 Some of the areas apprentices can work in: had chosen to undertake an apprenticeship, recently got a distinction for her apprenticeship
per week • Finance what were your thoughts? and has a job that allows her to make a positive
• 90% stay in work or training after their programme • Construction difference in the community.
Many of Uzma’s teachers told us about their
• 65% remain with the same employer • Engineering hopes of seeing Uzma at university. So when
• Typical course length: 1-6 years • Law she did mention the possibility of undertaking
• 30+ hours per week at work • Management an apprenticeship, we were concerned. But Uzma
Some of the areas apprentices can work in: • Software development has always worked hard, so we trusted her to make
• Accountancy • Childcare • Accountancy the correct decision about her future.
• Construction • Marketing and
• Engineering communications
Watching Uzma throughout her apprenticeship,
• Healthcare • Cyber security
what characteristics or qualities does a young
• IT • Software development
person need to be a successful apprentice?
• Law • Digital marketing
• Management • Public relations Punctuality is imperative! Being hardworking
• Manufacturing
and honest about their experiences and challenges,
and most importantly, something I have seen more
and more in Uzma is determination.
Find apprenticeships by visiting the Jobs and Courses page on our website at successatschool.org
18 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 19
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS Organisation Good organisation means being able to plan
ahead, using techniques to manage your own
• Develop a revision plan for their next set
of exams
and others’ work, ensuring that deadlines • Plan one family event per month
To succeed in the world of work, employers What are employability skills? are met and making sure that plans turn out
• Save appointments to their phone calendar
will expect your child to have certain basic There is no authoritative list but there is a lot of successfully with every detail catered for.
and set reminders
employability skills (sometimes called “key skills”). overlap in what skills employers say they want as
These are skills which are needed in virtually every a bare minimum when taking on a new member
Leadership Good leaders motivate others through an • Take on a leadership role within a school
job, regardless of the industry or role – as well as of staff. inspiring vision, by taking responsibility for club or society
in everyday life. There are plenty of ways your child This is a list of key employability skills we decisions and taking ownership of problems. • Ask others to share their opinions when
can develop these skills at school or in their home They also promote good teamwork, are carrying out group tasks in class
recommend your child is able to demonstrate effective communicators and reflect on
life, even if they don’t have a part-time job. when they start applying for work: themselves and others.
Hard work and Hard workers commit themselves to their • Set a work timetable for the evening
dedication work and keep going through tough problems. • Take regular breaks during study periods
HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP THIS They know how to motivate themselves when
SKILL WHAT IS THE SKILL? • Reward themselves when they complete
SKILL BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO: they’re at a low ebb.
a set number of hours of study or revision
Communication Good communication is the ability to express • Get a Saturday/evening job
yourself clearly verbally and in writing. It also Creativity Creativity skills, also known as creative thinking • Take on a small but unfamiliar creative task
• Write a blog on their favourite topic
includes the ability to listen to others and skills, essentially means being able to come up such as making birthday cards for the family
• Join a debating society or reading group with something new. It means looking at things or doing a craft project
process information accurately.
in a new way. • Play creative games as a family,
such as Pictionary and word games
Teamwork Teamwork is the ability to work together with • Join a sports team or other club/society • Sit down to write 500 words…
others towards a common goal, making the • Take on a creative project with their friends and see what comes out
most of the group’s different strengths
• Join an orchestra, band or ensemble
and abilities.
Numeracy Numeracy is confidence with numbers, • Learn one new technique for adding
enabling employees to analyse, interpret and and subtracting (they can find techniques
Initiative Initiative is being proactive, taking responsibility • Take a leading role in a club or society use numerical information. by searching on Google)
and making decisions for yourself to get things • Start a music, art or drama project • Add up prices in their head instead of using
done, rather than waiting to be told what to do. with their friends a calculator
Initiative is gained by trying new things outside
• Create a budget for their pocket money/
our comfort zone.
wages
Problem-solving Overcoming problems using creativity and • Reflect on how different subjects involve Reliability Reliability means being dependable. Reliable • Commit to a certain amount of study time
logic is an absolute must for every employer. problem-solving workers turn up to work every day, deliver on each night and reward them for sticking to it
Problem-solving doesn’t just feature in • Break down tasks into manageable chunks deadlines, are trustworthy and keep their word. • Take on a Saturday/evening job with
subjects such as maths – problems include
a set timetable
conceptualising a design in art or interpreting
a poem in English.
Computer / Young people have grown up surrounded by • Practise using Google to answer questions
IT skills technology, but there are a whole host of apps in their home or school life
and software that can aid our everyday work • Find new apps to help with everyday
by automating tasks or helping us organise our problems such as scheduling events
workload. Students are quick learners when or managing tasks
it comes to tech, but it’s important that they
• Become more familiar with IT hardware by
know how to find new software to help them
asking them to set up new tech equipment
at work.
for the household20 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 21
THE GREAT GATSBY So what do these benchmarks look like
for your child and what should your
BENCHMARKS: school’s programme contain?
How schools are helping your child How you can best help
BENCHMARK WHAT THIS MEANS
choose their future your child
1. A stable • A structured and embedded programme with senior
the Gatsby Charitable Foundation was careers school leaders’ support, led by a named careers leader. Make sure your child is aware
Carolyn Parry, RCDP is commissioned by the government to create a programme • Programme and leader details on school website.
of what’s on offer and encourage
founder and lead coach set of benchmarks to enable schools to improve • Pupil, parent, employer and teacher feedback as part
of regular evaluation. them to take part in as many
at Career Alchemy and their career provision. activities and as much research
a project associate for 2. Learning • Access for all learners to good-quality information
as possible. Get them thinking
the Career Development from career on study options, career paths and labour market
Institute Your child’s rights to high quality, and labour opportunities (e.g. how many scientist jobs are needed and talking about what they
market in Manchester over the next five years?) learnt and what this has taught
unbiased and informed school information • Support from informed advisor and parents to support them about themselves,
A rapidly changing world careers support (LMI) learners in decision making. their abilities, and interests.
As a result, all young people in secondary 3. Addressing • Raising aspirations, avoiding and challenging stereotyping. This sort of preparatory work
“It’s clear from the news that the world of work the needs of • Keeping records of advice given to learners and linking
is changing more rapidly than ever before as new schools and academies can now expect to get a will help them to make the
each pupil it to previous education records.
technologies change conventional ways of working, programme of advice and guidance that is stable, • Collecting accurate data on learner outcomes in most of their careers interview
creating both job losses and new opportunities. structured, and delivered by individuals with the education, employment, and training. with a qualified careers advisor
What’s also clear is the turbulence which Covid-19 right skills and experience. when the time comes. Make
4. Linking • Helping learners understand the relevance of subjects
is having on the economy and jobs overall, These benchmarks are known as Gatsby curriculum to a wide range of different careers. sure your child gets to work
with some sectors thriving while others suffer Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance and there learning to • Stressing the importance of STEM subjects with someone who is a member
careers as a gateway to many careers. of the Career Development
severe impacts. are currently 8 of them. Your child’s school will • Highlighting what employers expect e.g. in maths
normally form part of a Careers Hub of 20 – 40 Institute (CDI), the professional
In this context, keeping up to date with the and English in the workplace.
schools who can work together to provide specific body for the sector, and listed as
sheer volume of opportunities and change is hard. 5. Encounters • Facilitating at least two meaningful encounters a registered career development
That’s where ensuring your child has access services which are helpful to all schools in the hub with employers with an employer every year for 11+ age students.
and meet the benchmarks.” professional (RCDP) on the
to first-class careers education and guidance and employees • Providing speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes
for pupils. CDI’s Professional Register.
comes in.
• Developing links and partnerships with local employers Registered professionals
To help schools and academies to develop suitable to support learning about work, employment and skills.
are easy to identify because
programmes for their students and pupils, 6. Experiences • Enabling work visits, work shadowing and/or work they can use “RCDP” after their
of workplaces experience to support first-hand learning. names to show their professional
• Expanding pupil networks.
standing. All those on the
register must complete 25 hours
7. Encounters • Providing meaningful encounters for pupils by age
with further 16 with providers of learning opportunities (sixth form, of additional training every year
and higher colleges, universities and apprenticeships). to maintain their registration.
education • Ensuring pupils considering applying for university have This means you can be sure
at least two visits by age 18 to meet staff and pupils.
that your child is getting the
8. Personal • Ensuring every pupil has at least one timely guidance best advice and guidance
guidance interview with a level 6 qualified careers advisor. support available.
• Facilitating the opportunity of a further interview
by age 18.22 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 23
SUBJECT JOURNEYS
Art and Design Biology
A background in art and design will equip your child for work in a wide range of industries, The study of biology provides a solid foundation for a wide range of careers, with key skills
paving the way to careers in illustration, special effects design, gaming, fine art, graphic such as problem-solving, analysis and communication being very transferable.
design or gallery curation.
JOB OF THE FUTURE JOB OF THE FUTURE
Augmented reality/virtual reality designer Antibiotic engineering
Augmented reality is about overlaying fictional digital The widespread and sometimes reckless use of
elements onto real environments – like in Pokémon Go antibiotics to treat human and animal disease means
– while virtual reality is an entirely computer-generated that some bacteria are becoming resistant to the drugs
world. They are revolutionising not only the world of we use to kill them. We need to create new antibiotics
gaming but also tourism, medicine, education and many to replace the old ones to avoid a return to the pre-
other areas of work and life. Combined with technical antibiotic days when routine infections could lead to
skills, art and design students could use their creativity death. Microbiologists create antibiotics by testing
in this role to imagine the worlds we will occupy in these newly discovered chemical compounds to see if they
new augmented realities. can provide resistance to bacteria, so biology students’
analytical and lab skills leave them well-placed to pursue
EXAMPLE CAREER PATH a career in antibiotic engineering.
Public sector & government › Community arts worker EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Salary: £16,000 – £30,000
Agriculture & environment › Ecologist
Career: Community arts workers use their artistic skills
to engage people in the local community, promoting Salary: £17,000 – £29,000
artistic activities to groups and individuals in order to Career: Ecologists study the relationship between living
improve their quality of life. They tend to deal with things and the environment they live in. This includes
social problems – for example, with young offenders the way human activity impacts organisms. The study
5 skills art and design will give your child of biology provides all of the foundational knowledge
5 skills biology will give your child
or homeless people.
1. Drawing needed to do this job, as well as many of the practical 1. Curiosity
EDUCATION skills required to carry out research.
2. Research 2. Organisation
At 14: GCSE Choose art and design 3. Confidence EDUCATION 3. Analysis
At 16: A-level / equivalent
Choose art and design A-level 4. Independence At 14: GCSE Single sciences 4. Communication
At 18: Apply for an art-related degree or directly to a 5. Creativity At 16: A-level / equivalent Biology 5. Critical thinking
job – most employers consider experience and skills to At 18: Degree in biology, ecology, environmental
be more important than formal qualifications. science, zoology etc.
After university: Graduate job in ecology /
OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER
Jobs directly linked to art and design: Postgraduate qualification in ecology Jobs directly linked to biology
• 3D artist OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER
• Biomedical scientist
English language, psychology
Common career paths for artists: Common career paths for biologists:
EMPLOYERS Chemistry, geography
• Illustrator • Plant scientist
Self-employment EMPLOYERS
• Commercial art gallery manager • Environment officer
Local government › councils, arts groups
Career paths you might not have thought of: Charity & non-profit › Wildlife Trust, WWF, RSPB Career paths you might not have thought of:
Museums and galleries
Public sector & government › DEFRA, Natural
• Interior designer England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency • Epidemiologist
• UX/UI designer • Science policy advisor24 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 25
Business
Studying business prepares students for many jobs, providing an understanding of leadership
and people skills as well commercial awareness and problem-solving.
JOB OF THE FUTURE
Automation implementation specialist
Automation poses a number of issues for businesses.
On the one hand, it can make them more efficient
and therefore profitable; on the other, it’s expected to
lead to job losses. Managing the transition to greater
automation will need specific skills. Businesses need
to understand the new technology and how best to
use it for their company. Automation implementation
specialists need to manage people carefully, which
might include retraining or upskilling workers who will
lose existing jobs due to automation.
EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Various industries › Business development manager
Salary: £25,000 – £60,000
Career: This role focuses on growing a business,
which might be through attracting new customers,
or encouraging existing customers to buy more. It also
involves building relationships with suppliers and other
partners. People skills are an asset and being able to
think critically and strategically is a must as well.
5 skills business will give your child
1. Decision making
Be yourself.
2. People skills
EDUCATION
At 14: GCSE Choose GCSE business
3. Critical thinking Become part of an inclusive culture that welcomes
4. Commercial awareness
At 16: A-level / equivalent Choose A-level business
(or equivalent) or the BTEC National in business 5. Time management
individuality and uniqueness. Apply for our
At 18: Apply for a degree in business development fresh opportunities, including our new Business
or business management, or an apprenticeship as an
improvement leader. Jobs directly linked to business:
Diversity internship, Business Management degree
OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER • Financial trader apprenticeship and Business graduate programme.
Maths, economics Common career paths for business students:
To find out more and apply,
• Data analyst
EMPLOYERS
• Risk manager
visit tesco-careers.com/programmes
IT & technology › Google, Microsoft, Apple
Career paths you might not have thought of:
Banking & finance › JP Morgan, NatWest, HSBC,
Barclays • Occupational psychologist
• Construction managerHELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 27
Interview NAME: Hannah
Interview UNIVERSITY: Liverpool John Moores University
Interview SUBJECT: Business Studies
Interview Chemistry
Chemists have the power to do a lot of good, from exploring new water treatment methods or
searching for sustainable ways to generate energy to developing new treatments for illnesses
such as cancer and malaria.
What subjects did you study at school? What’s your advice for someone wanting to study the
same course? JOB OF THE FUTURE
BTEC: Business studies
A-level: English language, geography, psychology Go for it! If you are passionate about business, you will Organometallic chemist
love studying it at degree level due to the depth you will This is a field that’s expected to grow within chemistry.
dive in to. Make sure you read into the detail of each It’s the study of chemical compounds that have metal-
Why did you choose this course? course and pay close attention to the modules offered. carbon bonds, as well as their reactions. It’s essential for
Course titles are often misleading so it’s important to many industrial processes. Research in this area could
I wanted to choose a degree programme that gave me research and choose the course that’s the perfect fit lead to new processes or products in sectors like energy
endless opportunities when it came to my career as a for you and your career goals. production and pharmaceuticals.
graduate. My friends and I all have completely different
plans for our careers, covering many different sectors.
EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
In your view, what is the best support parents and
carers can give to young people as they prepare for
Police, security & emergencies › Forensic scientist
What do you enjoy about your course? their career?
Salary: £20,000 – £45,000
The diversity. I’ll go from one seminar analysing a real- Make sure you know all about your child’s chosen career Career: This job involves analysing traces of physical
life profit and loss account to another debating which path and the steps they need to take to achieve it. evidence from crime scenes and preparing this evidence
businesses are socially responsible in their practice. Support your child in the career path they have chosen. for use in court. Forensic scientists use analytical skills
This highlights how complex businesses really are. Although you may have a preference of what career you and take a methodical approach, paying close attention
want your child to pursue, it’s important to let them make to detail to ensure any evidence handled or prepared
that decision themselves and choose a career they are is admissible in court.
Why did you choose university over an apprenticeship passionate about.
or school-leaver programme? EDUCATION 5 skills chemistry will give your child
What is the best piece of advice you got from your At 14: GCSE Choose GCSE chemistry or combined 1. Collating
At school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I didn’t
parents? science
want to get tied down to a career that I wasn’t 100% 2. Presentation
At 16: A-level / equivalent A-level/equivalent › Choose
sure was right. I went down the higher-education route 3. Investigation
On average, one third of your adult life is spent at work A-level chemistry (or equivalent) or a BTEC National
so I had the ability to choose a degree programme that
so it’s important to do something you enjoy. My parents in forensic and criminal investigation 4. Analysis
widened my prospects and gave me time to figure out
would always reinforce that I should work towards a job At 18: Choose a degree in chemistry, biology or
what was right for me. 5. Attention to detail
that I want to get up for every day. forensic science
OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER
One third of your What would you like your parents/carers to have done Biology, physics, maths
Jobs directly linked to chemistry:
differently?
adult life is spent at EMPLOYERS
• Pharmacologist
It would have been great if they had carried out a bit Common career paths for chemists:
work... do something more research into the higher education application Police & law enforcement › Scottish Police Authority
• Nuclear engineer
process i.e. applications and student loans. I found these Forensic Services, Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime
you enjoy. processes quite daunting to go through as a 17-year-old.
There are many webpages aimed at parents to provide
and Operations • Biotechnologist
Science › Cellmark Forensic Services, SOCOTEC UK, Career paths you might not have thought of:
guidance with these, and higher education providers have Eurofins Forensic Services
many resources aimed specially for parents so they can • Environmental consultant
fully support their children into higher education.
• Materials engineer28 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 29
Interview NAME: Chloe
Interview EMPLOYER: JP Morgan
Interview JOB TITLE: Software Engineer
Computer Science Interview APPRENTICESHIP TITLE:
Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Level 6
Computer science in the broadest sense relates to computing in our daily lives.
Some of the skills your child will learn are technical, such as programming and database
development. But there are plenty of transferable skills that set students up for a range
of jobs. These include problem solving, creativity and computational thinking. What does your role involve? What is the most important transferable skill you use in
your role?
Working with clients and company requirements to
JOB OF THE FUTURE
develop computer software for payment platforms. Problem-solving is a critical transferable skill for software
Typically, we analyse requirements, design, develop, test, development. A majority of the development process
AI engineers
to then deploy and maintain software. is problem-solving, by breaking down the problem into
AI is already playing a growing role in our world. smaller manageable components. This helps when facing
We’ve got virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa in our large new projects to defect bug fixing.
homes. This is also the technology being used to What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
develop self-driving cars. Computer scientists use their
programming skills to work on new forms of transport No day is the same and day-to-day tasks vary depending In your view, what is the best support parents and
or help maintain the automated systems that make on requirements. However, the day starts with a standup carers can give to young people as they prepare for
everything from food to computers. meeting with the team. From there, the majority of their career?
the day is spent coding new functionality and features
EXAMPLE CAREER PATH for various applications. There is also a meeting where Have a realistic talk about careers and suggest steps
requirements are analysed as a team and architecture to achieve career goals. Also, mention that not going
IT & the internet › Software tester and designs are reviewed. to university is OK and that there are a lot of great
Salary: £18,000 – £50,000 alternatives out there that provide qualifications too.
Career: Software testers test software and systems I think there is a lot of pressure on young people to
to find issues that need to be fixed before a product Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? go to university.
is launched. Understanding software and the various
testing methods is vital and software testers also need I wasn’t sure university was the right type of learning
communication skills to share their findings with other environment for me. I was specifically looking for a What is the best piece of advice you got from your
team members. 5 skills computer science will give your child scheme where I could gain qualifications and work parents and carers?
experience at the same time, which apprenticeships
EDUCATION 1. Problem solving facilitate. I also like the fact I could apply what I was To stay open-minded about careers. I only went to my
2. Mathematical skills learning directly to my role and workspace. college’s careers fair, where I learnt about the JP Morgan
At 14: GCSE Choose computer science and maths apprenticeship because my parents wanted to go with me.
At 16: A-level / equivalent Choose computer science 3. Data analysis
and maths A-level, or equivalent, or a BTEC National 4. Creativity How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
Diploma in IT (software development) What would you like your parents or carers to have done
At 18: A degree in computer science or IT prepares 5. Logical thinking JP Morgan was actually at my college careers fair differently?
students well, but degrees in maths, physics, electrical advertising their apprenticeship. This was the first I heard
engineering and chemistry can also lead to this job. about apprenticeships. 6 months later I applied for their To have introduced me to the idea of apprenticeships
Students can also apply for an apprenticeship as Jobs directly linked to computer science: apprenticeship scheme and started the interview process! as a viable career option at an earlier stage.
a software tester.
• VFX artist
OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER Common career paths for computer scientists: What challenges did you face when adjusting to the
Electronics • Robotics engineer
working environment?
Not going to university
• PPC specialist Sometimes balancing work and university can be tricky
EMPLOYERS
and I found it’s best to keep on top of all work. A trick to is OK.
Career paths you might not have thought of: managing this is to create a to-do list of the day’s tasks
IT › IBM, Microsoft, Cisco
• User researcher and rank them by priority.
Media & marketing › mobile app developers, BBC,
Netflix • Supply chain manager30 HELPING YOUR CHILD BEGIN THEIR CAREER JOURNEY 31
NAME: Jack
Interview EMPLOYER: Defence Science and Technology
Interview Laboratory (Dstl)
Interview JOB TITLE: Software Development Apprentice
Design and Technology Interview APPRENTICESHIP TITLE: Level 6 Digital
& Technical Solutions Degree Apprenticeship
Design and technology teaches students about every element of the design process.
Specialist knowledge of the design, prototyping and manufacturing process is essential
for those wanting to go into design professions.
What does your role involve? How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
JOB OF THE FUTURE
Creating software solutions to complex problems. Gov.uk apprenticeship website.
Robot designer Plus, working as part of a development team to work
According to the latest Future of Jobs report from the collaboratively and effectively to ensure the solution
will be delivered on time in a good condition. Do you have any tips on working in a team?
World Economic Forum, up to 37% of companies plan
to invest in robots by 2022. These vary from humanoid Development team communication is vital in my role,
robots to stationary robots, and aerial or underwater so you must never shy away from challenging or showing
robots. Businesses in the oil and gas sector are investing What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
support for another team member’s ideas, or expressing
in the development of aerial and underwater robots, your own.
which will need to be designed for a variety of tasks. Every morning I check my email. On Mondays
Organisations in financial services are exploring and Wednesdays I work on a software project with
the introduction of humanoid robots. Design and a large team of people, and each morning we all have
a 10-15-minute meeting describing what our plans are What advice do you have for someone who wants to do
technology students could use their design skills your role?
to develop robots people enjoy interacting with. for the day. On Tuesdays I go to university for my digital
and technical solutions degree. On Thursdays and Fridays
I code solo on a much smaller software project, but still Having previous experience of coding is vital. If you
EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
have a non-development team to discuss any ideas haven’t taken computer science as an option, spend
and problems with. some time looking at online coding courses, particularly
Fashion & beauty › Textile designer
for the most-used coding languages (C#, Python,
Salary: £15,000 – £40,000 JavaScript). If you have the opportunity, get some work
Career: This job is all about creating designs for What subjects did you study at school? experience in either the defence or STEM sectors.
fabrics. Textile designers typically work on products
for the home, such as sofas, cushions and other soft 5 skills design and technology will give your child At college I studied mathematics, computer science
furnishings. Textile designers use their creativity as well and an extended certificate in engineering. In your view, what is the best support parents and
as the knowledge they’ve developed about textiles and
1. Problem solving
carers can give to young people as they prepare for
their properties. 2. Methodical thinking their career?
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
3. Creativity
EDUCATION Ask them what they are interested in, try to find college
4. IT Being able to work in industry whilst working towards a and university courses or apprenticeships and jobs that
At 14: GCSE Choose GCSE design and technology 5. Collaboration degree on the side, and getting paid seemed like a great offer a route into that path. Discuss these options
and specialise in fashion and textiles if that’s an option deal to me, much better than going to university and with them.
At 16: A-level / equivalent Choose A-level design and being in debt. It will probably make you more desirable to
technology and specialise in fashion and textiles Jobs directly linked to design and technology: other employers as well since you’ve been working whilst
At 18: Choose a degree in art and design, fashion getting your degree, which is very useful. What is the best piece of advice you got from your
or textiles, or look for an apprenticeship as a fashion • Exhibition designer parents/carers?
and textiles product technologist. Common career paths for design and
Apply for as many opportunities as possible. It is always
technology students:
OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS TO CONSIDER
• Graphic designer
Working towards a better to decline 5 offers, than have none to accept.
Art and design
EMPLOYERS
• Design engineer degree on the side and
Career paths you might not have thought of:
Fashion › Asos, Arcadia Group, River Island • Purchasing manager
getting paid seemed
Interior design › Tetrad, Ikea, Autumn Down • Automotive engineer like great deal to me.You can also read
