Careers Bulletin for U6th Students & Parents June 2020

Careers Bulletin for U6th Students & Parents June 2020
We hope you and your family are well and are managing to cope during these difficult and
uncertain times. It is normal for us all to feel a bit anxious when we are about to move on to
a new phase in our lives at the best of times, but we realise it is especially difficult for you all
in the current circumstances.

Below is some information from the Careers Team which we hope will answer questions or
worries you may have about your progression route after Godalming College. The Careers
Team are currently working remotely so if you have questions after reading this, please
email us at careers@godalming.ac.uk and one of the team will contact you.

The Careers Team will be available on Results Day (Thursday August 13th) and for a couple
of days after results are issued to provide help and advice to students. That help and
support may be in person or by phone, email and calls to students via Teams if we are still
working remotely. Whatever the situation please be assured that we will still be able to
offer you advice and guidance.

There are three sections to this bulletin:

       University what next?
       Apprenticeship and employment what next?
       Gap years what next?

University what next?

Haven’t applied yet but now think you might want to go to university this autumn after
all?

It’s not too late! Many courses still have vacancies at the moment (see the UCAS Course
Search https://digital.ucas.com/search and filter by courses with vacancies). If you can get
your application finalised VERY SOON then we have a chance of sending it to UCAS before
the 30 June cut-off point. If your application is sent to UCAS after 30 June then they will hold
onto it until Results Day but you will then be in a position to add a Clearing choice straight
away. If you wait until Results Day to complete your application then it will inevitably take
us a little while to check it for you and get a reference completed, so it’s far better to get an
application into the system now if possible. Instructions & info on the Careers Site of GOL.

How to apply for university to start in September 2021? Please read the Ex Student Guide
to Applying to University 2021.

 https://www.godalming.ac.uk/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ex-student-guide-to-
applying-to-university-2021-final-version-june-16th-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=7a05d8d1_0.

This guide is available in the Careers Guidance section of the Godalming College website and
gives you detailed information on completing your UCAS application. You may wish to print
it so you have a copy for future reference.

Please note: We will only supply a reference if you apply by choosing the ‘through my
school/college’ option and use the Godalming College buzzword 'tuesley21'.

We will not give you a reference if you choose to apply by making an ‘independent
application’, and nominate a teacher or personal tutor, or select the ‘reference only’
option.

Deadlines dates. You must submit your application to College by 16th Sept if you are an
Oxbridge/Medic/Vet/Dentist applicant & 16th Nov for all other UCAS applicants.

Wondering what your university experience may be like this autumn?

Click here for the latest updates: https://www.studentcrowd.com/article/university-
responses-to-covid-19.

How does Confirmation work?

If you are holding offers from universities, they will get your exam results before you do, so
they should be able to make a decision about whether or not to confirm your place before
Results Day. If your results meet the entry requirements for your Firm (first) choice then
your place will be confirmed and you will be able to see that when you log on to Track on
Results Day (after 8am). If your results are lower, then your Firm choice may still confirm
your place. If not, and you have met the requirements for your Insurance choice, then your
place there will be confirmed. Sometimes universities offer a place on an alternative course
instead if you haven’t quite got the right grades. We have been hearing from lots of
universities recently, and the message is that they plan to be really flexible this year as they
appreciate what a difficult time it has been for everyone and that you have not had a chance
to sit your exams. More information at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-
confirmation-and-clearing/ucas-undergraduate-results.

How does Clearing work?

If you are in the position that your place is not confirmed, then you are eligible for Clearing.
You can find out all more at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-confirmation-
and-clearing/what-clearing. We suggest you read through all of this in advance of Results
Day so that you know what to expect. Track will show if you are eligible for Clearing. You can
search for courses which have vacancies and then call them to see if they may be able to
offer you a place. You can talk to a number of universities and take time to research them
before adding a course on Track. You can see which courses still have vacancies from
Monday 6 July, so you will be able to get an idea of what might be available well in advance
of Results Day.

There is also something called 'Clearing Plus'. Track will show courses that you’ve been
matched to. You can follow the suggestions, but you don’t have to.

What if your place is confirmed but you’ve changed your mind and no longer want to go
there? If that is the case, then you can self-release into Clearing to enable you to find
something that’s a better fit for you. You do this by clicking on ‘Decline my place’ on Track.
Don’t rush into doing this, but take your time to research what’s available first. If you need
advice contact us at careers@godalming.ac.uk.

What is UCAS Adjustment?

UCAS Adjustment opens in August on results day and is for those students who have done
better than expected and achieved grades above those of their Firm choice. It allows a
student to ‘hold’ onto their firm choice, while applying for a university choice that was
originally above their grade boundary. For further details:
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/results/ucas-adjustment-if-
youve-done-better-expected.

What do I need to do about Student Finance?

If you are going to University in September 2020 then you need to apply for Student Finance
to cover Tuition Fees and for a Maintenance Loan. https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-
student-finance.

If you have deferred your place or are applying for 2021 entry you apply for Student Finance
in the year that you start university so you will need to apply in the Spring of next year.

How will I find out information regarding my university application?
UCAS and universities will communicate with students via email so it is extremely important
you stay on top of your emails and check them every day:

      UCAS will send you emails on any changes to deadlines and latest guidance for
       students from the government.
      UCAS Track – make sure you regularly check Track for offer updates and reply
       deadlines.

   Universities – your chosen universities will email you directly regarding booking
       student accommodation, online resources and to inform you of any changes that
       may affect you, for example course changes.

What can I be doing to get ready for studying at university?

Now is the ideal time to make sure you have the study skills needed to be ready to tackle
more independent study at university. The universities you have offers from may have
contacted you already with suggestions of things you can be doing. If not, have a look at
their websites which will probably have details of suggested pre-course reading.

The following websites may be helpful:

https://www.myheplus.com This has mini courses on a range of subjects, aimed at
bridging the gap between A level/BTEC and university level work

https://www.futurelearn.com A range of free on line courses, that take a few hours a
week to complete

https://www.ted.com Talks on a huge range of fascinating topics that you can search by
length, topic or date

https://www.unifrog.org/student/subjects The “Geek out” sections of the subject pages
on Unifrog will give you some ideas about wider reading or other research you can do as
preparation for studying your chosen degree subject

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/study-skills-guides UCAS have
produced a series of study skills guides to help you successfully make the transition to
higher education

Apprenticeships and Employment what next?

Now is a good time to update your CV. Log into your UNIFROG account to help you create a
CV and to explore job and apprenticeship options as well as university options. Check out
the Job Hunting & Apprenticeship section on the Careers site of GOL and use the links to the
National Careers Service to explore job ideas at https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk and
search for apprenticeships at https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. Hopefully as
lockdown eases employers will start recruiting again. Keep checking the Jobs Bulletin on the
Careers site of GOL
Not sure what career would suit you?
Try doing the 10 minute skills test on the National Careers Service website
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment to get an idea of what job roles
may suit you.

Create a winning CV

We recommend spending time on either creating or updating your CV now. Think of your CV
as your personal marketing document. A good CV will help you get to the next stage and
hopefully secure an invite to an interview or assessment centre.

Use your UNIFROG account to help you build your CV. Time spent now on your CV will
mean you are ready to apply, when companies are in a position to resume hiring.

For advice on jobs, apprenticeships, training and careers

       https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - The National Careers Service website.
        Advisers are available via webchat, free phone 0800 100 900 or the online
        messaging service.
       https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job - Advice for jobseekers from the
        Working, Jobs and Pensions section of GOV.UK, including details of Jobcentre Plus.
       https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch - find and
        apply for apprenticeships.
       https://amazingapprenticeships.com/live-broadcasts - Check out the ‘Amazing
        Apprenticeship’ website for live broadcasts from Apprenticeship providers in the UK.
        http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk – find apprenticeships, internships, jobs, college
        courses.
       www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk – find apprenticeships, jobs & careers advice for
        College leavers.
       www.milkround.com – popular job hunting website and careers advice used by
        students & graduates.

Key worker roles?

There has been a lot of talk about ‘key workers’ in the news during the last few weeks and
as you will appreciate these extend beyond front line medical staff. With the caveat that we

wish all students to stay safe and well during this time, you will find that companies will be
actively recruiting for staff in these roles. Positions include Supermarket Assistant, Delivery
Drivers, Couriers & Healthcare workers.

Staying safe when applying for jobs online

It is important to note that some companies will still be looking to recruit staff, albeit maybe
for ‘remote’ positions during this time. Please be aware that there are currently on-line
‘scams’ operating to encourage you to part with personal information when applying for
these fictitious positions, so if in doubt do your research and never part with personal
information to a source that you cannot verify. Further information on applying for
employment during this time and how to stay safe on-line can be found on the webinar
‘Navigating the Job Search’ on Indeed and also on the Prospects website.

Indeed: https://www.indeed.co.uk/career-advice/finding-a-job/facebook-live-navigating-
the-job-search

Prospects: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/getting-a-job/your-career-and-
covid-19

Other job search websites: https://www.gumtree.com/jobs; https://www.fish4.co.uk/jobs;
www.jobserve.co.uk; www.monster.co.uk; http://uk.jobrapido.com;
http://www.indeed.co.uk; http://www.e4s.co.uk

Considering further study? FE and Distance Learning Colleges:

      Guildford College: https://www.guildford.ac.uk tel: 01483 448500
      Brooklands College: http://www.brooklands.ac.uk tel: 01932 797700
      Farnborough College of Technology: http://www.farn-ct.ac.uk tel: 01252 405555
      Alton College: http://www.altoncollege.ac.uk tel: 01420 592200
      Havant & South Downs College: https://www.hsdc.ac.uk tel: 023 9387 9999
      Chichester College: https://chichester.ac.uk tel: 01243 786321
      National Extension College: https://www.nec.ac.uk tel: 0800 3892839
      Oxford Open Learning: http://www.ool.co.uk tel: 0800 9757575

Gap years, what next?

My travel plans have been affected by COVID-19, what else could I do in my gap year?

Due to the current crisis, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office is advising British nationals
against all but essential international travel, please check for updates via:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Here are some ideas of other productive ways to spend your gap year:

      Work – as well as earning money you will gain new skills which will enhance your CV.
       Think about key worker roles such as working in a supermarket, in healthcare, at a
       warehouse or call centre, search for jobs at https://www.indeed.co.uk.
      Volunteer – support a worthwhile cause and gain valuable experience, search for
       opportunities at https://www.varb.org.uk and https://do-it.org.
      Online courses – these could relate to the subject area you want to study or teach
       you some valuable skills for the future, for loads of free online courses, visit:
       https://www.futurelearn.com/courses. If you want to improve your digital skills,
       have a look at https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk.
      Have a look at the Gap Year section on the Careers Site of GOL. Visit
       https://yearoutgroup.org for advice and inspiration on planning your future travels.

Whatever your plans for the future we wish you well. If you need any help and advice please
contact us at careers@godalming.ac.uk.

Best wishes

The Careers Team