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Inspiring decisions, unlocking potential targetcareers.co.uk 2020 A PARENT’S GUIDE
Discover your child’s potential Deloitte is the home of the curious. A place where innovative brains, inquisitive minds and creative thinkers can reach for the stars. It’s not always easy balancing work and study but if your child has got the drive and ambition to succeed, we can help them to UHDOLVHWKHLUSRWHQWLDO:HRHUOLIHFKDQJLQJFDUHHUV earning a real salary while working towards career- ERRVWLQJTXDOLȴFDWLRQV2XU%ULJKW6WDUW$SSUHQWLFHVKLS is the path to an incredible mix of career opportunities across our entire business, from Audit & Assurance and Cyber to Legal, Tax Consulting and Technology. deloitte.co.uk/careers What impact will you make? © 2020 Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is an equal opportunities employer.
Contents
Editor Siobhan Middleton
Proofreader Abigail Lewis
Advertising Jonathan Nicholl,
sales product champion; the
TARGETcareers sales team;
the TARGETcareers campaign
management team
Circulation Patty Shufflebotham
Commercial director Jon Mallott
Making decisions
Sales director Simon Rogers
Production director Jane Anderson Support your child on their career ladder ..................................2
Chief executive officer
Simon Martin
Career choices – taking the first steps..........................................4
Published by Steer through the school leaver opportunities ......................7
GTI Media Ltd, The Fountain
Building, Howbery Park, Is work or uni the best fit for my child?......................................10
Benson Lane, Wallingford,
Oxon OX10 8BA UK Thinking about their bank account ..............................................15
Tel +44 (0)1491 826262
www.groupgti.com
Printer
Stephens & George Planning and applying
ISBN: 978 1 912625 06 2
ISSN: 2516-4538 Getting backstage experience in the world of work ..............17
© GTI Media Ltd, February 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this Employers’ programmes: dig out the facts ............................20
publication may be reproduced by
any means including, but not limited Putting universities under the microscope ..................................23
to, photocopying or stored in a
retrieval system in any form without Mental health matters in the workplace and at uni ..............28
prior written consent of GTI. This is
subject to the single exception of The three degree myths – don’t be tricked ..................................33
photocopying by careers advisers or
lecturers for careers counselling. All
items so used should be fully
acknowledged. The views expressed
in articles are those of the authors
Routes into careers
and their publication does not
necessarily imply that such views are Spotlight on finance ..............................................................................36
shared by GTI. Whilst every care has
been taken in the compilation of this Spotlight on engineering ....................................................................39
publication, the publishers cannot
accept responsibility for any Spotlight on IT ............................................................................................40
inaccuracies, or for consequential
loss arising from such inaccuracies,
or for any other loss, direct or
consequential, arising in connection
with information in this publication.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
2
Support your child
on their career ladder
Tips for talking to your child
about their career journey.
‘Many school leavers have no
‘Support your child to investigate idea what career they want, so
potential avenues for their career don’t despair if your child is in
based on their interests. Encourage this camp. Encourage them to
them to be self-reflective as research research employers – to discover
indicates people are more successful early careers opportunities and
in careers that closely align to their whether they suit your child’s
interests and strengths. Be reflective values and skills. Don’t research
yourself to ensure you aren’t passing for them! Employers look for
your own biases on to their career drive; if you do the work, your
choice.’ child won’t be able to
demonstrate this convincingly.’
David Barnes, senior manager
of early careers, BDO Kim Hardman, UK apprentice
programme manager,
AstraZeneca
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
3
‘When you and your child are looking
into universities, don’t just focus on the
degree – go along to open days and get
a sense of life on campus. Ask about
mentoring programmes, international ‘As a mum to a strong-willed
exchange opportunities, internships, 14-year-old daughter, I’m lucky to
scholarships and awards. These work delivering school leaver
can improve their CV, build their opportunities. Without this
confidence and even lead to experience, I’d be following the
once-in-a-lifetime experiences!’ ‘go to university’ approach when
discussing next steps. So, my advice
Jane Scott, director of marketing and is: find out about the options
communications, Queen Margaret available together, don’t dismiss
University, Edinburgh anything and consider employers
alongside academic options.’
Kate Ross, apprentice foundation
manager, IBM
‘I would urge parents to consider apprenticeships for
their child. There is now a huge range of opportunities
combining valuable work experience with study for
a qualification. Many former apprentices gain
management roles and become a hugely important
part of a workforce.’
Cat McGurren, Europe early careers lead recruiter,
Fidelity International
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
4
Career choices –
taking the
first steps
Considering a wide range of
options will help ensure your child
is informed enough to begin
climbing their career ladder.
S ome people have their mind set
on a career as a doctor or a
journalist from an early age. But
what if your child isn’t sure? You
might find it helpful to work through the
following pointers with them.
1. Find their motivation
It’s important for your child to be motivated
by their career choice, both in terms of
working hard to get the grades they need
and progressing their career when it comes
to starting work.
Encourage them to think about what’s
important to them in life. Money? Helping
people? Being creative? This may help to
guide their research into careers.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
5
Their interests can be another useful professionals spend more time talking to
starting point. If your child is a Formula 1 fan, clients about their needs than they do writing
would they enjoy designing cars as an code. Lots of lawyers have jobs that don’t
automotive engineer? If their weekends are require them to defend people accused of
spent shopping, how about a career unpleasant crimes.
managing a store – or even a whole chain?
Also consider with your child which 4. Be wary of ‘safe’ choices
subjects they are good at and what other Take care if your child is considering an
skills they have. Perhaps they are good at option because they think it is a ‘safe choice’
speaking in front of large groups of people or or a ‘good job’, rather than out of intrinsic
working out and sticking to a budget. Keep interest. IT and law, for example, have a ‘solid’
these skills in mind when reading about image but it may be harder than you think
different jobs. for your child to get their first job and not all
roles will offer a high salary. Trading in an
2. Learn what’s required academic or vocational path your child will
Many careers are open to young people enjoy for assumptions about a ‘guaranteed
regardless of the subjects they’ve studied for good job’ may lead to disappointment.
their A levels, Scottish Highers or
undergraduate degree. This is often (but not 5. Take a closer look
always) the case in areas such as business, Got a shortlist? Find out more with online
finance, law and the media. So it’s fine if your research. Read information about different
child doesn’t feel ready to decide yet or career sectors at targetcareers.co.uk and
wants to change path later on. take a look at the websites of some
However, some careers do require a employers in these sectors. Then try
particular degree or vocational training path networking. You and your child can ask your
and often specific subject choices for A family and friends if they have any good
levels/Scottish Highers, too. This tends to be contacts, attend university open days and
the case in areas such as science, medicine school leaver job fairs, and look for employers
and engineering. So it’s a good idea for your who are willing to offer work experience.
child to start thinking about careers now, in
order to make subject choices that leave
open doors to careers that might appeal.
Encourage them to work through the More help from
careers that do require particular subjects TARGETcareers
and decide whether they are happy to rule
them out or they would prefer to keep these
options open.
• To get lots more help with choosing a
career, head to targetcareers.co.uk/
careers-advice/choosing-your-career.
3. Look beyond the stereotypes
Suggest that your child should take a quick
• Read overviews of careers in 14 key
areas at targetcareers.co.uk/career-
look at as many career areas as possible, sectors.
rather than instantly ruling any out on the
basis of stereotypes or assumptions. Plenty of
• Find out which careers need certain
degrees by visiting
engineers wear suits and go to business targetcareers.co.uk/uni/
meetings – and engineering employers are choices-about-uni.
very keen to hire more women. Many IT
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
Let’s put
smart
to work.
TM
School Leaver Opportunities
Nl
“I truly believe this is the best apprenticeship scheme in the UK.
It offers unparalleled training and opportunities.”
There is no other company like IBM and there is no business professional like the
)"- N7 Q ³ ³ N7
citizens of, and apply our expertise in, more than 170 countries. Yet we are united by a
single purpose: to be essential. We do that by creating the most advanced technology
to change how our clients work and run their businesses. And through them, IBMers
change how the world works.
Our school leaver opportunities
We offer Apprenticeships in various Business and Technical
roles, as well as Degree Apprenticeships! Apprenticeships
at IBM are all about picking up skills for the workplace and
embarking on a long and successful career.
Or, you might be uncertain about what to do after A-Levels,
if that’s you, the IBM Futures scheme is for you. This gap
year scheme offers you the opportunity to work with a
world- leading company for 12-months, broadening
your horizons and giving you a head start in your
career.
2 ³
roles open!
Scan me to register
your interest!
For more insights on social life at IBM, join us on:
@IBMCareersUKI @LifeAtIBM
7
Steer
through the school
leaver opportunities
We can help you and your child navigate
the world of work-based opportunities.
A pprenticeships, school leaver
programmes and sponsored
degrees usually involve
working for an employer and
studying for relevant qualifications,
although exactly how your child’s time is
split between the two will depend on the
scheme and the employer.
Bear in mind that different organisations
refer to their opportunities in slightly ›
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020
8
different ways, so it’s important to look there will be a job at the end of it but in
beyond the name of the opportunity and practice they are typically keen to keep
find out exactly what the employer is employees on.
offering, such as in terms of qualifications Some employers – particularly
and pay. You can find out more about what accountancy firms – refer to school leaver
to research with your child on page 20. programmes. These are generally similar to
higher and degree apprenticeships. However,
Apprenticeship levels explained the term ‘apprenticeship’ necessitates a level
There is an official national framework for and period (minimum of 12 months) of
apprenticeships that sets out four types of training that isn’t required if the term ‘school
apprenticeship, each offering qualifications leaver programme’ is used. So, it’s important
at different levels: to check that your child will gain the
• Intermediate (level 2) apprenticeships are qualifications and training they hope to.
equivalent to GCSEs.
• Advanced (level 3) are equal to A levels. Sponsored degrees explained
• Higher (levels 4 and 5) lead to a There are two types of sponsored degrees.
qualification that is equivalent to a higher The first (known as a degree apprenticeship)
education certificate, higher education operates in a similar way to higher
diploma or a foundation degree. apprenticeships: your child will work for their
• Degree (levels 6 and 7) result in a employer, earn a wage, study for a degree
bachelors or masters degree. part time (either by attending a local
This framework is set by the government. university or through distance learning) and
An opportunity must meet specific criteria to have their tuition fees paid for them. Their
be able to call itself an apprenticeship. degree is typically chosen by the employer –
Higher and degree apprenticeships are and it may even be involved in designing the
typically open to applicants with A levels or content of the course.
equivalent qualifications (such as Scottish The second type is where an employer
Highers, an advanced apprenticeship or an offers partial financial support to students
NVQ level 3). who are attending university full time in
An apprentice will typically attend college the traditional way and are studying a
or university either one day a week (day subject that relates to the employer’s
release) or for a week or more at a time business. Typically, the student will
(block release). The cost of an apprenticeship complete paid work with the employer
(and any tuition fees) will be covered by the during university vacations. They may also
employer and the government. be required to work for the employer for a
Scheme lengths vary; the higher the minimum period after graduation. This
qualification involved, the longer the scheme form of sponsored degree is most
will be. Higher and degree apprenticeships frequently provided by engineering
typically last between three and five years. companies (find out more about how to
Employers don’t tend to guarantee that get into engineering on page 39).
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020ys .
wa ing
.
Al arn
Le
We are a leading UK communications infrastructure
company enabling a vibrant digital economy.
We’re the people behind the scenes who make
connections happen, helping millions of voices
to reach billions of eyes and ears through
TV, radio and mobile. We have Higher and
Degree Apprenticeship opportunities in
a range of engineering and technical
related roles across the UK.
targetcareers.co.uk/
employer-hubs/arqiva10
Is work or uni
the best fit for
my child?
Would your child prefer a traditional university experience or
earning while learning? Here are the main factors to consider.
W
hat is life on an house or flat with other students and be
apprenticeship like and how responsible for buying and cooking their
does it compare to going to own food, washing clothes and paying bills.
university full time? Once This introduces them to living
you and your child have got a sense of what independently, while allowing them to share
to expect from the different experiences on the experience with others in the same
offer, your child will be able to make the best position. However, moving away is not
choice for them. essential if your child attends a university
close enough to home for them to commute
Options for independent living on a daily basis.
If your child decides to go to university in the An apprenticeship might be too far away
traditional sense, they are likely to share a for your child to commute to, requiring them
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202011
to leave home. Even if it isn’t, there should Flexibility or structure?
still be the option for your child to move out Universities typically expect students to
if they want to, as they will probably be spend around 35 to 45 hours a week
earning enough to pay rent. They might be studying. Science subjects tend to have
able to share accommodation with other around 20 contact hours a week and arts
apprentices, but there’s no guarantee that subjects even fewer, meaning that most of
they will be living with people their own age. your child’s time will be spent in private
Does your child think they are ready for that study. It’s up to your child how much time
level of independence? they commit, as there is less direct
Some programmes include placements supervision than at school. Would your child
based in different locations or short be motivated to put in the hours by
overnight trips (find out more on page 21), themselves? Equally, they might value
while some university courses allow students having control over their schedule and the
to study abroad as part of their degree. flexibility to pop round to friends’ rooms for
a cuppa or stay up late without an early start
Academic freedom for work the next day.
or real-world results?
Most degrees give your child some freedom
to choose which topics they study. Many
courses also include a project or dissertation,
allowing them to focus on the aspects that
they are most passionate about. If your Would your
child’s apprenticeship includes a degree, the
topics they study will typically be chosen by child like their work
their employer and relate to their working to produce real-world
life. Would your child prefer the freedom to outcomes or would
learn about what they like?
At university, the main outcome of a piece grades and academic
of work will be a grade. Vocational courses, learning motivate
which may include laboratory sessions or them?
work placements, provide more opportunities
for students to apply what they’ve learned to
real-world situations, but even these aim to
develop a student’s understanding from an
academic or theoretical, rather than practical,
perspective. On an apprenticeship, however, Apprenticeships tend to have more of a
your child’s day-to-day work will have a clear nine-to-five structure. Your child may
purpose and help their employer work benefit from this, as their time is usually all
towards its business goals. They may see their theirs once each shift is finished and it offers
work have an impact on clients and possibly a clear distinction between work, study and
even on profits. Would your child like their other areas of their life. However, if the
work to produce real-world outcomes or programme involves working towards a
would grades and academic learning degree or professional qualification, they will
motivate them? attend sessions at college or university ›
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during work hours but may also need to careers service. Some courses incorporate a
study at home in their own time – especially year in industry, while others include work
as the exam period approaches. placements that students attend on certain
days each week. A lot of graduate jobs don’t
Opportunities to socialise require students to have studied a particular
As a full-time student your child would mix subject, so your child won’t be limited to one
largely with people of their own age. There career after graduating. However, some jobs
would be opportunities to socialise with do require a specific degree. Your child
people they live with, people on the same should find out whether this is the case if
course and those they meet through they have a strong interest in a particular
extracurricular activities. Universities allow career.
students to share and develop interests with Apprenticeships provide excellent work
other people through societies – such as experience in their particular field. Many will
sports, theatre and political societies. train your child for a specific job, but some
However, at busy times of the year your child will give them the chance to experience
may need to prioritise studying over these different areas of the business. If your child
activities. If your child is more engaged when doesn’t know what career they want, or has
they interact with others and share ideas, several different ideas, then an
they might be happier working with apprenticeship is probably not for them. If
colleagues every day on an apprenticeship, the programme includes a degree, then this
rather than spending a lot of time on will be transferable to other careers –
independent study. however, your child may be asked to explain
On an apprenticeship your child would why they chose to train in one career and
have colleagues of all ages. It’s likely that apply for jobs in another. Qualifications below
there will also be the chance to meet others degree level are less likely to help if your child
of the same age, though – both at work and wants to change career completely. It’s also
while studying for qualifications. Finding out worth checking whether your child is
how many apprentices the employer takes expected to work for the company for a set
on each year could give you an indication of period of time after finishing the programme
how many young people they may have to and whether this is something they are
socialise with. Some employers run clubs enthusiastic about.
and activities or, alternatively, your child
might be able to find a club in the local area
that interests them. More help from
TARGETcareers
Work experience and
keeping options open
Going to university in the traditional way
• See targetcareers.co.uk/uni/choices-
about-uni for which careers do and
allows your child to explore a wide variety don’t require a specific degree.
of career options before making a decision.
Students can get work experience during
• For more information on whether
university or work would suit your child
vacations, fit part-time jobs or volunteering best, go to targetcareers.co.uk/
around their studies, try career-related careers-advice/work-v-uni.
activities on campus and make use of the
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020AstraZeneca
Apprenticeships
AstraZeneca is one of the There are many career paths
world’s most exciting global and programmes available to
bio-pharmaceutical companies. you, whatever your level of
From Scientists to Supply study, in locations across the
Chain, IT to Engineering, we’re UK.
on a mission to turn ideas into
life-changing medicines that *][QVM[[IZMI[_MZMKZ]Q\QV\W
improve patients’ lives and include: laboratory science; IT;
JMVMߞ\[WKQM\a*I[MLQVW^MZ manufacturing; engineering;
100 countries, with over 64,000 supply chain and many more,
employees worldwide and _PMZM_MWߝMZIV]UJMZWN
7,400 in the UK. We need great apprenticeship opportunities
people who share our passion each year from Level 3 to Level
for science and have the drive 7 Master’s degree level.
and determination to meet the
unmet needs of patients around At AstraZeneca, we know
the world. that our continued success
depends on our ability to attract
Start a career that will help and retain motivated and
improve life for millions. passionate apprentices.
Take on real responsibility
in a supportive, dynamic For more information, please visit
environment that’s fuelled by careers.astrazeneca.com/students
innovation. Work with brilliant
minds to solve important
problems.15
Thinking about their
bank account
If your child
chooses an
apprenticeship
they will avoid
student debt,
T here’s no ‘one size fits all’
answer to the question of
whether school leavers will be
better off financially if they go
to university full time or join an employer at
18 on a higher apprenticeship. It depends on
the career they want to get into and the
but will they earn particular courses or programmes they are
considering.
as much as a
graduate overall? Earnings v. debt
If your child goes to university, they are likely
to leave with student debt, which will then ›
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202016
accrue interest. Student Finance, which is apprenticeship in leadership and
linked to the government, offers two types of management and PwC’s Flying Start degree
student loan: one for tuition fees, which is programmes. Examples in IT include CGI’s
paid directly to the university, and a and IBM’s degree apprenticeships.
maintenance loan to help cover living costs. However, not all apprenticeships are
The total amount your child repays will designed to put apprentices on a par with
depend on how quickly they pay it off and graduates. In these cases they might find
whether they have paid back all their debt 30 that in the long term they will earn less than
years after they graduate (at which point any those with a degree. Make sure your child’s
remaining debt is written off). research includes finding out about the
Repayment will be deducted from your qualifications they need to progress in the
child’s monthly wage once they’re earning long term. For example, in engineering, if
over a certain amount: currently £25,725 or they eventually want to become a chartered
more in England and Wales (expected to rise engineer (the highest level of qualification),
to £26,575 in April 2020) and £18,935 or more it’s easiest if they have a masters degree (see
in Scotland and Northern Ireland (expected page 39 for more on getting into
to rise to £19,390 in April 2020). They will not engineering). Also check whether any
need to pay anything while they’re earning professional qualifications offered to school
less than this. The more your child earns leavers are the same as those taken by the
during their working life, the more they’ll pay organisation’s graduate recruits.
back – so the amount they pay for their
degree will be more or less in line with the Ignoring ‘average’ salaries
financial benefit they gain from it. It’s wise not to get too fixated on statistics
See our advice on ‘University fees and relating to average salaries for all graduates
funding’ at targetcareers.co.uk/uni/ or school leavers. Media reports about how
choices-about-uni. much graduates earn often don’t give the
full story about their figures. Also, salaries
Thinking long term vary so much, particularly for graduates, that
Will your child be better or worse off averages aren’t much help in predicting
financially if they start full-time work sooner, what your child personally might earn.
instead of going to university? If they Take a look instead at our ‘How much will
manage to get a place on an apprenticeship I earn?’ articles for the career sectors of
that gets them to the same earning level as interest on targetcareers.co.uk, which will
graduates in the same length of time – and give you a feel for graduate and apprentice
that’s as good for their career in the long salaries in different industries.
term – then they will be better off not going Also, remember that school leavers start
to university. This is often the case with working at a younger age and may have had
employers who offer the chance to do a several pay rises by the time graduates of the
degree part time while working. Examples in same age join the company.
finance include Barclays’ higher
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202017
Getting backstage experience
in the world of work
How your child can take a look behind the curtain and find out
what different careers involve before committing to a role.
W
ork experience will help • experience what working life is like
your child learn about the • increase their confidence, independence
different careers that and professionalism
interest them and what • enhance their employability and boost
they do and don’t enjoy. their CV, university personal statement
It will also help them to: and job applications
• develop the skills that employers and • meet people who could help them in
universities value, such as communication, their future career – and perhaps find
teamwork and time management a potential future employer. ›
Formal work experience opportunities
• Work experience placements. Often
lasting up to a week at a company,
approached directly. If any of your family
members, friends or neighbours work in
arranged by your child’s school/college an area your child is interested in, you
could ask if they’d be willing to help.
•
or independently. Many large employers
advertise opportunities on their Employers’ insight days or weeks for
websites and targetcareers.co.uk. Your school leavers. Some employers offer
child (perhaps under your supervision) students the chance to spend a day or
could also approach smaller, local more seeing for themselves what
businesses over the phone or by email working for them would be like. Your
to say they’d be interested in work child may also get some handy tips on
experience, check if this is possible and how to apply for its apprenticeship
ask about the preferred way of applying. programme. You can find these at
You should follow your child’s targetcareers.co.uk and on employers’
careers websites.
•
school/college’s safeguarding
guidelines – they will also have a list of School leaver careers fairs and
approved employers. employer events. Careers fairs allow
• Work shadowing. Your child will
observe one person to gain insight into
students to meet lots of employers in
one go and ask questions. An event run
their job, usually just for a day. These by one employer will give your child a
opportunities aren’t advertised, so deeper insight into that organisation,
professionals will need to be for example via an open evening.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202018
V.I.P
.
Other activities that count as work experience
Beyond formal work experience opportunities, there are plenty of ways that your child can
develop useful skills and get a feel for what they enjoy. They may even be taking part in
some of these activities already.
• Volunteering and fundraising. Your
child could volunteer at a charity shop,
• Personal projects. If your child designs
and makes something themselves,
help with outdoor conservation projects, such as through a DIY project, website
become a volunteer police cadet or take or blog, they may well develop the
part in the National Citizen Service. Find problem-solving and creative skills that
out more about opportunities for young employers look for. Another option is
people at #iwill and vInspired. learning a language independently.
• Extracurricular activities. These include:
being part of a sports team or other club;
• Positions of responsibility. These could
include being a head boy or head girl,
taking part in a theatre production; sports captain, house captain, school
writing for a student newspaper; joining council member, peer mentor or
the school debating society; being a having a leadership or committee role
Scout or Guide; and completing the in a club.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. • Summer school. Several universities
• Competitions. Encourage your child to
research whether there are competitions
run these, usually for up to a week.
They can help your child build their
in areas that interest them, for example knowledge of a subject and decide
in design, creative writing, photography, whether they’d enjoy studying it full
maths or engineering. time – and whether they’d enjoy
• Part-time jobs. Your child could try their
hand at babysitting or a paper round, get
university life. Summer schools are
quite common for science, technology,
a part-time job in a supermarket or café engineering and maths (STEM)
at the weekend or look for a temporary subjects. You can find out more on
job in the holidays. Attractions such as universities’ websites and via The
zoos and garden centres often hire more Sutton Trust and Headstart.
staff for the summer.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202020
Employers’ programmes –
dig out the facts
Where can you and your child learn more about schemes
and what information should you unearth?
I
f your child is thinking of joining an • Ask friends or family members if they
employer to ‘earn and learn’, it’s a have any contacts working at a potential
good idea for both of you to research employer.
the opportunities they are • Visit careers fairs or open days attended/
considering. Before getting started, make held by employers your child is interested in
sure your child knows what career they want, (see the box on the next page).
so they can assess whether the programmes
available are appropriate routes. What to research: qualifications
Find out what qualifications your child would
Where to research gain. Use targetcareers.co.uk to assess
Using a range of sources will give you the whether these would get your child into the
best chance of gaining answers to all your right career at the right level – go to ‘Career
questions and thereby help your child to sectors’, then choose the relevant area.
make well-informed decisions. Below are There is a national framework for
some options to consider. apprenticeships that defines the level of
• Take a look at targetcareers.co.uk and qualifications on offer (see page 8). However,
employers’ websites for the basic details of there is no such framework for other school
programmes. leaver programmes. Some employers offer
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202021
school leavers the chance to study for the an LGBTQ+ group or a women’s network?
same professional qualifications as their Take a look at page 28 for information on
graduate recruits, such as the ACA wellbeing and support during apprenticeships.
qualification from ICAEW. Professional
qualifications certify that you have the What to research: the travel required
training and skills needed to do your job to a Depending on their role, your child may
high standard; in some industries such as travel frequently. They might visit different
accounting they are essential to progress offices or clients while maintaining a regular
your career. Check the detail of what is on base, or move around different parts of the
offer carefully. country. Make sure your child is happy with
If a degree is mentioned, check whether it the amount of travel involved and the
is a full bachelors degree or a foundation logistics of combining this with time at
degree (the equivalent of two thirds of a college or university. Check also whether the
standard university degree), if this is costs of travel are met by the employer. This
important to your child. is information that you’re likely to have to
gather in person.
What to research: the contract
Typically, recruiters do not guarantee that What to research: as good as a graduate?
employees will be kept on at the end of the It’s worth asking how, once your child has
programme; however, in practice they often finished the programme, their career
want to keep them. Be aware of whether prospects would compare with those of a
your child would be offered a permanent or graduate recruit. Would they be doing the
fixed-term contract initially but don’t reject same kind of work? How would their salary
opportunities on this basis. Try to find out compare with that of a graduate of the same
how many apprentices the employer kept on age? Would your child’s prospects for career
last year – perhaps by asking at careers fairs progression and promotion be the same as a
and open days. graduate’s? Once again, this may involve
Take note of whether there is a ‘tie-in’ discussing at careers fairs or open days.
period after training has ended. You may also
want to investigate what would happen if
your child dropped out of the scheme part-
way through – for example, whether they
would have to repay any training costs. Careers fairs
What to research: support available There are lots of careers fairs held around
Think about the types of support your child the country. The following will help you
might benefit from. Would they have a buddy get started.
or mentor? Would there be help with finding • www.worldskillsuk.org.
accommodation? Does the employer have • www.nationalapprenticeshipshow.org.
groups or activities through which your child
could make friends, such as social events,
• www.prospectsevents.co.uk.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020Apprenticeships with WSP
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ENGINEERING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • QUANTITY SURVEYING
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There’s no such thing as a typical day at WSP. Our apprentice roles are varied and learning will
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opportunity to learn new skills using specialist software suited to the area of the business they are
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creating software drawings and designs and, where possible, getting the opportunity to visit site
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subject
•23
Putting universities
under the microscope
Considering the following questions will help your child
choose the most suitable degree courses to apply for.
O
nce your child knows what • How many hours of study are students
degree subject they would like recommended to do by themselves each
to study, it’s worth drawing up a week? If your child is planning to work part
shortlist of universities that they time, could they fit this in?
are interested in. You can then do some • Are students assessed by coursework, exams
further research with your child to narrow or both, and what proportion of their final
this list down. They can apply to a maximum grade does each element count for?
of five courses via UCAS. Degrees in the • What are the student satisfaction ratings
same subject can differ between universities, for the course?
so it’s important to look into each course in • What jobs have past students gone on to do?
as much detail as possible. • How much are the tuition fees and are
You might not be able to find all of the there any extra costs?
following information on the university’s • What are the relevant department’s
website. If you can’t, you or your child could ratings for research and teaching quality?
contact the relevant course admissions tutor • Is the course taught at one of the
or ask in person at an open day. university’s main locations or further afield?
• Are there any opportunities to study
Researching courses abroad for part of their degree?
• What content is covered? Does this match
your child’s interests? Questions about vocational degrees
• Do the lecturers’ backgrounds and • Is the course accredited by a relevant
research areas tie in with the topics your professional body?
child wants to learn about? • Which employers do past students now
• How many hours of contact time are there work for?
each week and how is this divided up (eg • What percentage of graduates find work
into lectures, tutorials and/or lab sessions)? in the relevant industry? ›
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202024
• What links does the course have to and what the atmosphere is like. Head
employers? Are there opportunities for further afield to explore the local area. Would
students to meet them, get sponsored by your child feel at home?
them or do work placements with them?
• What modules are included? Do these Impressing graduate recruiters
relate to your child’s career interests? Knowing what employers like in their
• Have any of the lecturers worked in the graduate recruits could also help your child to
relevant industry? make a decision.
• Some recruiters prefer prestigious
Researching universities universities. So investigate higher-ranked
• How highly ranked is the university overall? institutions if your child is predicted good
• How employable are its students? What grades, but find one where they will feel
facilities and initiatives does it have to help inspired and supported.
them become more employable? • Almost all recruiters want graduates to
• Where is it located? How much would it have taken part in activities outside of
cost to live there and would the university their degree. So consider whether a
provide accommodation? university has clubs or volunteering
• How long would it take your child to get programmes that your child would like to
home for a visit or to commute if they plan join. If they plan to live at home they might
to live at home? be best at a university that doesn’t require
• Does the university have clubs and a long daily commute so they have time
societies that relate to your child’s outside for other interests.
interests – or could they find these
elsewhere locally?
• Does the local area offer the facilities and More help from
opportunities to carry out the activities TARGETcareers
they want?
Go to targetcareers.co.uk/uni where
Visiting universities you’ll find:
Encourage your child to visit universities and • information about university rankings
departments to meet or listen to the • a university course search
academics who would be teaching them and • university profiles
current students. Are people welcoming? Do • city guides
they sound passionate about their subject? • help on applying to university via UCAS
Open days and taster courses are a good • degree subject guides
chance to do this. You can find out more
about taster courses on the UCAS website
• university reviews – find out what
current students think about their
(www.ucas.com). Parents can usually attend universities
open days with their children, but take a step
back and encourage your child to speak and
• a Degree Explorer tool to help your
child discover which subjects they
ask questions themselves. might enjoy studying.
Have a good wander round to see the
facilities – labs, lecture halls, libraries etc –
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020In the company of We’re one of the world’s most respected design and engineering consultancies, working across everything from transportation to defence, energy and infrastructure. We ask questions and dare to see things differently as we search for new ways to answer the world’s biggest challenges. With the Atkins Apprenticeship Scheme, you’re in great company. Search ‘Atkins Apprenticeships’ to find out more.
Industry led, funded by the CITB levy
CONSTRUCTION:
A CAREER
LIKE NO OTHER
There’s so much more to the construction industry
than simply working on building sites. While the
bricklayers and the tilers are still vital, there’s a huge
range of exciting and varied roles in construction.
Whether you prefer an active job where you’re out and about, or an
office-based role that relies more on planning and paperwork, you’ll
surely find something engaging and exciting in construction. As well
as house building, there’s commercial building — which covers everything
from offices to football stadiums — and infrastructure, which includes
roads, bridges, water, electricity and more. There’s also off-site manufacture,
which is concerned with components and parts that are built in factories
and then transported to the relevant site.
HOW TO GET INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
There are many different entry why not try to organise some work
points into the industry. experience alongside your studies?
Some first-hand experience might
Apprenticeships: If you’re aged help you to find out if the reality
16 or over and live in England, matches the expectations. It’ll be
Scotland or Wales, you can apply good for your CV and offer an
for thousands of apprentice invaluable opportunity to shadow
positions online. You’ll need to experienced professionals.
successfully undertake an interview
and an induction, but this is a Applying for jobs: If you’re
brilliant way to get started straight looking to go straight into the
from school. Find out more in the world of work by going for existing
‘Spotlight’ section. full-time roles, make sure your CV
is up to scratch before you start
Traineeships: If you find academic applying. Alternatively, if you need
work difficult or don’t think to fill in an application form, make
you will leave school with good sure you read it very carefully and
qualifications, a traineeship could ensure the right information goes
be the ideal solution. Ranging from in the right places.
a couple of weeks to six months
in length, a traineeship will help Whatever your skills and
to build your skills to prepare you aspirations, you’re sure to find
for a job or an apprenticeship. a role within the construction
industry that plays to your
Work experience: If you think strengths and helps to develop
construction could be right for you you on both a professional and
but you want to ‘try before you buy’, a personal level.SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICESHIPS
Many construction professionals National Apprenticeship Week
started their careers as apprentices. NAW is an annual week-long
Apprenticeships can be a route celebration of apprenticeships
into Higher Education or university, across England. Apprentices across
and you can study for Higher/Degree the country will be celebrated
Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are throughout the week, with
a great way to start in the industry engagement and events in schools
if you want to earn while you learn. and colleges nationwide.
Apprenticeship facts To find an event near you, check
• Length of study depends on the out the website nawevents.co.uk
level of apprenticeship. They will — it could be your first step into
be from one to five years, usually an exciting and rewarding career!
at a local training provider;
• They focus on a specific job If you want to learn more,
role, where you’ll learn the the GoConstruct website
skills required; (goconstruct.org) has a huge
• There are approximately 100 amount more information about
roles in the construction sector how to pursue a career in
which can be accessed through the construction industry.
apprenticeships — with more
being added GOCONSTRUCT.ORG
• As an apprentice you’ll earn
as you learn, so there are no
tuition fees and you’re on a
wage throughout the course.
OPEN DOORS WEEK:
REAL SITES, REAL PEOPLE, REAL CAREERS.
Ever wondered what happens on a construction site? and builders use state-of-the-art tech to protect our
This is your ticket to go behind the scenes. Annually every planet, speak to the crane operators that construct
March, hundreds of sites across England, Scotland and from 265 feet off the ground, and learn how history
Wales are opening their doors to the next generation of and archaeology play a huge part in our industry.
construction workers.
With over 158,000 new jobs happening
From skyscrapers to underground projects, the industry’s in construction over the next five years, you could
professionals are ready to show you around. There’s a become one of 2.7 million people in the industry.
diverse range of career paths in the construction industry, And, best of all, all the opportunities provided through
so come and see people at work and get a taste of what Open Doors Week are completely free of charge!
they get up to on a normal workday.
Construction isn’t just a job, it’s a career: and it’s one Visit
where you can specialise in the areas you’re passionate opendoors.construction
about. Watch as environmentally conscious designers to find out more.28
I
f your child is dealing with – or has to manage work and to respond to their
previously had – a mental health questions? Is an employee assistance
problem, you might be worried about programme in place (see page 32) or does
their transition into the workplace or HR offer equivalent policies/initiatives?
university. Ultimately, whether this is the Universities. Take a look at the university
right step is a personal decision for you and website to find out what’s offered. Your child
your child, but this article offers some topics may benefit from letting the university know
and services to consider. about a mental health problem before they
start – or early on when they do. This will help
What to talk about them to get support during the first few
Your initial discussion can be vague to avoid weeks, which can be a crucial time. Caroline
putting pressure on, but discussing the four Dower, head of counselling at Durham
points below could help you to make sure University, recommends declaring a mental
your child has thought about mental health health problem on the UCAS form. Reassure
associated with work or higher education. your child that it won’t impact offer decisions
but will help the university to prepare to
1) What support is offered? provide support.
Apprenticeships. When looking over the
careers section of the employer’s website or 2) Spending spare time
speaking to representatives at careers fairs, Apprenticeships. Think about the things
find out how apprentices are supported. Will your child enjoys doing and that has led
a buddy or mentor be on hand to help them them to make friends, build confidence or
Mental health matters in
the workplace and at uni
Suggestions for helping your child if they
struggle with their mental health – before and
during an apprenticeship and university degree.
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 202029
gain interests in the past – such as sports
clubs or volunteering. Does the employer or
local area provide the chance to continue
these in some capacity? Alternatively, your
child might see a new activity or group on
offer that they’re keen to try out. ›
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020Avai
targe lable online
tcare at
ers.c
o.uk31
Universities. Most universities offer up now – think about how these might come
numerous societies and clubs, so encourage up at work or university and what your child
your child to take a look. ‘Volunteering, might do to avoid a lapse or relapse.
community activities and part-time work can Apprenticeships. ‘The challenges faced
push students’ heads out of the bubble,’ says by the move into employment can include
Caroline. These might help your child to gain feeling isolated from friends, the pressure to
perspective if and when they find university be successful in a new role, and worries
stressful. about money and job security’, says Claire
Davies, interim head of operations for the
3) Communicating problems access to work mental health support service
Who are the people your child can talk to? at Remploy. You may want to discuss with
This list will probably include family and/or your child how they might prepare to
friends. Consider also how your child best manage some of these.
communicates their problems. Are they If triggers include stress or bullying,
more comfortable using email or text, or the ‘How to be mentally healthy at work’
would face-to-face communication be document by the Scottish Association of
better? This could help you too, as it might Mental Health (SAMH) provides really useful
be the best way to ‘check-in’ with them. advice for coping with these problems in the
Apprenticeships. Think about who they workplace. Go to www.samh.org.uk/
might talk to in their workplace, such as a documents/HowToBeMentallyHealthy
line manager or buddy. As well as providing AtWork.pdf.
support with the work itself, a manager will Universities. Caroline suggests that
often be able to help your child to reduce living away from home for the first time
stress (eg through time management sometimes causes problems: ‘At a
techniques) and to access support. university like Durham, many of our
Universities. Your child should have a students have been very high-achieving at
supervisor who will be available to discuss school. Higher education is a step up and
any problems with academic work. Most you are likely to be one of many
universities also have a mental health adviser academically-able students in your cohort,
(or equivalent) to give advice on finding the so you might feel that there’s a challenge to
appropriate support. If your child is feeling your identity’. Again, you could your child
nervous about making new friends or discuss how might work through these
leaving old ones, Caroline suggests starting potential difficulties.
to build relationships early on: ‘Facebook
messenger might be a good way to do this. Where to direct your child
However, keep in mind that people If you think your child might be reaching a
sometimes only share upbeat feelings; if time of crisis in their mental health, make
you’re nervous, you’re not the only one.’ them aware of the services available.
Mental health charity Mind provides a list
4) Avoiding triggers and magnifiers of services on their website about what to do
Consider what could cause or worsen in a crisis: www.mind.org.uk/information-
problems, along with how your child might support/guides-to-support-and-services/
avoid this. If there are aspects of life or crisis-services/getting-help-in-a-crisis. This
education that have contributed to issues in even includes what to do if you feel you can’t
the past – and you feel it’s OK to bring them get the help you need. ›
TARGETcareers Paths to Professional Careers – a Parent’s Guide 2020You can also read
