CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK - Qdos Career Hub
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#NCW2021
THE PARENTS’
GUIDE TO
CAREERS
FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK
The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’
The Parents’ Guide
Guide to
to Careers
Careers for
for National
National Careers
Careers Week
Week 2021
2021
I ’m
Click interac
Contents
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The Parents’ Guide to provides parents with the information they
need to help their teenage children make the right choices to
create successful futures after GCSE and sixth form.
04 19
Our online guides are designed to inform, involve and guide parental
support. They include the most up to date information on topics
such as apprenticeships, universities and revision techniques.
Wherever we refer to ‘parents’ we mean ‘parents and carers.’ This includes Talking to your teen about Apprenticeships
grandparents, older siblings or any other person with significant caring
responsibilities for children. their future
This guide has been produced with NCW for National Careers Week 2021. We make
recommendations of what we believe to be reliable sources to help you find further
information but these organisations have not endorsed this guide. We’re happy for you
to use or share extracts of the guide, but don’t forget to credit The Parents’ Guide to
2020-2021 London ©
www.theparentsguideto.co.uk
www.nationalcareersweek.com 06
Virtual work experience
28
Other options
Find out what’s new
If you’re interested in regular updates about how you can help your
teenage children: www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/join-us
10
A summary of options
34
Starting your own
after GCSE and sixth form business
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Talking to your teen about
1
Accept their idea of success may be different to yours
their future
Their dreams and ambitions might not align with your dreams and ambitions
for them. This can be disappointing but let them walk their own path.
2
It’s OK if they’re not sure on a career route yet
It can be tricky to get teens to talk about This is even more relevant this year, with They don’t need to make that decision right now. They do need to develop
anything, especially what they might Covid-19 making us feel as if we have to skills that will help them progress, and that should be their focus.
want to do next. However, it is important wait until things get back to “normal”
Try not to make the decisions for them
3
they think about their future, what they before looking ahead – we mustn’t!
might like to achieve and what they need They have more options than when you were their age - whether that’s in
to do now so they can get themselves on To help you, here are ten tips on how to taking qualifications, where to study or what job to train for. Your guidance
the right track. talk to your teen about their future. is valuable, but the decision is theirs to make.
4
Encourage them to turn passions into money-makers
They’re more likely to be successful (and happier) pursuing a career in
BUILD A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT something they enjoy.
AND OPTIMISM ABOUT THEIR
5
Help them navigate their limitations
FUTURE Not being academic should not be a barrier to success and there is usually
more than one way to reach a destination.
Encourage them to explore careers that are interesting to them
6 Give them permission to explore careers that are interesting to them rather
than interesting to you. This is especially relevant if you have a family tradition
of all going into the same field of work or if you own a family business.
Encourage them to explore all their options
7 Help them plan out a route that focuses on their strengths. School leaver
programmes, traineeships, apprenticeships and higher education options
can often provide entry points into the same industry.
8
Help them if they are struggling to look far ahead
Setting short-term, achievable goals will help them strive towards a long-
term ambition.
9
It’s OK if they change their mind!
Reassure them that if they tell you they have their heart set on one
direction, then later change their minds, you won’t berate them for it.
10 Empower them: they have control over their future
The decisions they take and what they do matters.
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Virtual Work Experience
What is virtual work experience? What are the benefits??
Virtual work experience, also referred Think global!
to as online, remote or digital, provides Virtual work placements are open to
young people with the opportunity everyone and location does not need to be a
to gain experience in the workplace, limiting factor. This opens many possibilities
develop their skills, boost their for your child to explore new jobs and
employability and explore new industries industries in areas that may not have been
and job roles. possible under face to face arrangements.
It’s a broad term and can include any It’s free
opportunity which provides young The majority of virtual work experience
people with an insight into what it’s like placements are free and working from
to work in an industry or job role while home will also mean your child will not
at home. Most virtual work experiences incur any travel related costs.
range from half a day to one week, but
some may last longer depending on the Future proof
nature of the work experience and the Remote working is likely to be important
age of your child. to many businesses in the future and
learning how to conduct business and
Not all virtual work experience is the work online will develop extremely
same. Some are open to everyone valuable skills for the modern workplace.
and provide a platform for students
to discover more about the job, view Transferable skills
pre-recorded videos on what it’s like to It’s not always easy working from home
work with the organisation, go on virtual and taking part in virtual work experience
tours and possibly take part in some placements will help your child develop
live Q&A sessions. Others may require those soft skills that all employers are
your child to go through an application seeking, such as organisation, time-
process and offer regular online meetings management and self-motivation.
with a supervisor, individual project
work, networking sessions, training Knowing what’s right (or what isn’t)
opportunities and video tutorials. Understanding what a job or a career
entails might help your child make
decisions about whether or not that role is
right for them in the future.
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Virtual Work Experience
Which organisations offer virtual InsideSherpa Things to consider May not give a full reflection of the job
work experience? An excellent website which offers virtual
Online placements are not for everyone
There are limitations to what can be
work experience placements from a range experienced through virtual placements,
As social distancing seems set to remain Not everyone is suited to working behind
of companies, from banking to careers in so make sure your child is aware that this
for the foreseeable future, more and a screen or remotely; some may have their
tech. Most options last up to six hours and may only provide a partial glimpse of
more firms are beginning to provide heart set on a more creative or hands on
involve tutorials, videos and activities. what’s involved in the job.
virtual work experience opportunities to career option. If virtual work experience
students and young people. Placements is not right for your child, there’s lots of
InvestIn (paid) Safeguarding
are available across several sectors other things they can do while at home
Aimed at students between 14 and 18 Be sure to check the company’s
including accountancy, law, marketing
years old, InvestIn offers an impressive credentials and what information your
and the veterinary sciences. While this Opportunities are limited
array of virtual work placements child is giving to them. Most companies
is by no means an exhaustive list, here Virtual work placements and internships
involving real life work and contact with will have age guidelines for suitability,
are some companies and businesses are a new offering and places are likely to
professionals. This is a paid service, and but if not, do make sure it’s age
currently offering virtual work experience. be limited and only available in certain
placements range from one day to one appropriate.
industries, however, the list of companies
week. Prices start from £90.
Allied Healthcare Mentor (paid) offering them is growing.
A live Virtual Work Experience Programme
National Cyber Security Centre
created and delivered by healthcare
A website dedicated to helping the UK’s
professionals for those interested in a
next generation of cyber professionals
VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE
career in healthcare. Prices start from £10 a PROVIDES YOUNG PEOPLE WITH
through a variety of free courses for 11-17
day.
year olds and exciting competitions. THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE
Barclays LifeSkills
Speakers4Schools DIFFERENT CAREER OPTIONS
An excellent website to help young people
Recently launched, Speakers4schools
develop the skills they need for a better future.
aims to provide a level playing field by
connecting young people to high quality
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
virtual work placements. Register to stay
Suitable for those looking to apply
up to date with their latest developments.
to medical school, this virtual work
placement introduces students to the NHS
The Careers and Enterprise Company
before exploring the roles and skill sets of
six different medical specialists. A regularly updated and comprehensive
list of virtual opportunities containing links
Exploring the Veterinary profession to virtual work placements and training
A two week, six hour, course that enables opportunities for students in year 9-13.
students to learn more about what it takes
to become a vet and whether it’s the right Click here for a full list of virtual
career choice for them. work placements.
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to
to:Careers
Helpingfor National
your Careers
child know Week
what’s 2021
next
Vocational routes after GCSE
What your child chooses to do after Year Things they need to consider are the type
11 can have a big impact on their future. of qualification they are going to study;
The choices they make now will influence what type of learning suits them best
how easily they will be able to get a job (classroom or practical); and what they
or enter further education when they are enjoy. Here we’re focusing on vocational
older. The main options at this stage are choices (rather than gaining further
for them to go on to full time education academic qualifications by staying on at
or take an apprenticeship/ training. school or going to college).
Vocational BTEC
Other options
qualifications apprenticeship
City and Guilds; Advanced Level 3 Traineeship,
National Vocational (equivalent to x2 A volunteer (with
Qualification Qualifications levels) training), internship
type (NVQs) or
Tech Bac (similar to
Baccalaureate)
Dependent on the Work based Work based
Type of qualification, most including off-site
learning contain practical learning
on the job training
Qualifications x5 GCSE passes Depends on None
needed to sign employer, some
up require at least 3
GCSEs
Range of Range of vocational Range of vocational
Subject choices vocational subjects subjects, driven by subjects, driven by
the job offered the job offered
2 years (level 3) 1-2 years 6 weeks – 6 months
Commitment
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Vocational routes after sixth form
What your child chooses to do after sixth Important considerations include
form (or college) is exciting but can be whether they want to include some Internship Gap Year Start a business
nerve-racking. There are lots of options form of studying, how they will finance
available and understanding the pros living expenses and course fees (and None Could include a year None, but it’s
and cons between different choices can whether you can afford to help them) working for a charity important to
be confusing. If they’re not academic and and whether they’re happy to move away or other employer have drive,
want to get straight to work, there are from home or stay close by. Qualification to gain skills – not commitment and
lots of options available. type just about travelling. an idea of what
Can combine A level business idea to
Job without retakes in this year. pursue.
Traineeship Job with training
training 1 month to 1 year n/a
To prepare students Training usually Going straight into Length of 6 months
for work or to funded by employer, a job offers work commitment But some up to a
go on to further but check that it is a experience but year.
Qualification education. national recognised not a qualification.
£0 £0 £-££
type qualification, such However, it is
Internships are about There are no tuition The Prince's
as NVQ possible to create
gaining practical costs unless retaking Trust, Local
a personal training
Tuition Costs work experience so examinations. Enterprise
plan if desired.
there are rarely any Partnership, and
6 weeks to n/a n/a formal qualifications New Enterprise
Length of undertaken. Allowance offer
6 months
commitment grants and
mentoring.
Tuition Costs £0 £0 £-££
Training fees are paid Training funded by Any training would £-££ £-£££ £
by the government. the employer. be self-funded. Legally interns should Gap years need not Lots of young
Living be paid although be expensive. Flights people start
£-££ £ £ expenses many aren’t. Some and accommodation their businesses
Living Not paid to work, Salary provided Salary provided (i.e. food, companies may cover is usually covered online, which
expenses but some expenses and jobs are usually and jobs are usually book, travel, travel expenses. for overseas means minimal
(i.e. food, (such as travel) may within commutable within commutable going out) Depending on the volunteering. start up costs and
book, travel, be provided. distance from home, distance from home, location, living and Personal travel can they can continue
going out) though travel can be though travel can be travel expenses could be funded by working living at home.
expensive. expensive. be costly. for part of the year.
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Level Qualification / educational routes
8
Levels of Education
Doctorate (PhD) NVQ 8
In England, Wales and
Northern Ireland there are 8
qualification levels (1 - 8) plus
7 Masters degree (MA) an entry level qualification for
those just starting. Generally,
the higher the level, the more
difficult the qualification is.
6 Bachelors degree
BA or BSc
Degree apprenticeship /
NVQ 5, 6, 7
Levels 1-3 are typically taught
in schools and colleges.
5
With so many different
Foundation degree Higher National Diploma
qualifications, it can be hard
FdA or FdSc (HND)
to know what they mean and
where they might lead to next.
4
To help you understand, we've
Higher National Higher
created a summary of what
Certificate (HNC) apprenticeship / NVQ 4
the levels mean highlighting
academic, vocational and
3
work-based routes to higher
A levels International BTEC (extended) diploma Advanced
T Levels education.
Grades A-E Baccalaureate BTEC certificate apprenticeship / NVQ 3
2 GCSE
Grades 4- 9 (C, B, A or A*)
BTEC first diploma
Intermediate
apprenticeship / NVQ 2
Keep up-to-date
Sign up to our parent
1 GCSE
Grades 1- 3 (D, E, F or G)
Foundation diploma /
entry level qualifications
Traineeship / NVQ 1 newsletter and receive free
support, advice and resources
on how you can help your
teenage children straight to
your inbox.
Academic route Vocational route Applied / work route Learn more
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You may also be interested in
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The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2020 - 2021 © The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Apprenticeships
What your child chooses to do after end qualification is the same as if your
GCSE or sixth form is both exciting and child had attended university full time,
daunting. There are lots of options the difference is that they will not have
available and understanding the pros incurred any debt in tuition fees and
and cons between different choices will finish their degree with robust and
can be challenging. Apprenticeships transferable workplace skills.
should not be over-looked; they offer the
opportunity to combine study with paid Taking an apprenticeship is not an easy
employment resulting in a professional option and competition can be fierce.
qualification. There are no tuition fees It takes organisation and dedication
(these are covered by the employer and to balance work, where your child will
the government) and the salary can cover be expected to contribute to the same
living expenses. standards as everyone else, and study.
Holidays are far fewer than at college or
Apprenticeships used to be associated university. However, if they have a more
with trade industries (such as electricians, practical, work-related bias towards learning
mechanics or plumbers). Nowadays, this will suit them well and they will obtain
apprenticeships can be taken in a valuable experience which will strengthen
wide range of industry sectors and opportunities in finding rewarding work
provide entry to all types of careers, when the apprenticeship is over.
including accountancy, banking, IT, law,
management and television. Selecting the right apprenticeship will
require your child to have reasonable
Relatively new to the apprenticeship confidence in the type of career they wish
suite are “degree apprenticeships”, to follow although there is some flexibility.
offering an earn while you learn route So how do you help them decide? We’ll
to BSc or BA status. In other words, the guide you.
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Page 18
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Apprenticeship levels
LEVEL 2 LEVEL 4/5
Intermediate apprenticeships Higher apprenticeships
Typical length Typical length
12-18 months 3-5 years
Entry requirements: Entry requirements:
None or few A levels or equivalent
Qualifications obtained: Qualifications obtained:
GCSE, BTEC or equivalent Higher national diploma / foundation degree
Who’s it for? Who’s it for?
Mostly for 16-year-olds with limited or no Mostly for those who want to qualify for
academic qualifications. professional career paths without attending
university or college. Sometimes referred to as
‘school leaver’ or ‘non-graduate’ programmes.
LEVEL 3 LEVEL 6/7
Advanced apprenticeships Degree apprenticeship
Typical length Typical length
12-24 months 3-7 years
Entry requirements: Entry requirements:
Usually 5 GCSEs At least 2 A levels or equivalent
Qualifications obtained: Qualifications obtained:
A levels or equivalent A BA or BSc degree or higher
Who’s it for? Who’s it for?
Mostly for 16-year-olds with reasonable Mostly for those with excellent sixth form
academic achievements but who don’t results that want to study for a degree or similar
want to study in sixth form. whilst working. Aimed at attracting high-calibre
candidates to bridge professional skills gaps.
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to:Careers
Getting for National
ahead duringCareers Week 2021
the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 ©
Where to find the right APPRENTICESHIPS COMBINE
LEARNING WITH ON THE JOB
apprenticeship TRAINING
There’s a wide range of ways to Job boards
seek out apprenticeships and we National job agencies will also advertise
recommend using a selection of apprenticeships and options can
options rather than relying on one. be narrowed to review within local
distances from home or specific job
Government website types. This might be a particularly good
Most apprenticeships are posted on the way to seek out apprenticeships in level
Government’s website and can be found 3-5 range.
using the ‘search’ function. By creating
an account, your child can set up alerts School careers advisor
and filters to see opportunities that If your child’s school has a careers
are of most interest to them and to be department, then getting them to speak
emailed when new opportunities arise. with their careers advisor is a good
move. Careers advisors are often the first
Companies direct to hear from companies advertising new
Another alternative is for them to identify apprenticeships.
companies that are of interest and check
those websites for apprenticeships. For more information on
Not all companies offer apprenticeships, apprenticeships and how to help your
but many do. Be warned - child research, apply and prepare
apprenticeships offered by well known for one, you may be interested in The
companies such as BBC, Nestle, Virgin Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2020-
or British Gas are likely to be incredibly 2021.
competitive.
Useful links
GOV. UK Apprenticeship Not going to The Parents’
Search Search Uni Guide to
Page 22 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 23 www.theparentsguideto.co.ukThe Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Top 10 apprenticeship employers: 2020 APPRENTICESHIPS WITH
TOP EMPLOYERS WILL BE
Clic
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nm
ore
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
Based on 4,000 reviews - statistics compiled by www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk
For a list of the top 100 apprenticeship employers click here.
Page 24 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 25You may also be interested in
The Parents’ Guide to: Getting ahead during the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 © The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
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Page 26 www.theparentsguideto.co.uk Page 27The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National
Making the Careers
most of the Week
summer 2021 2020 - 2021 ©
holidays
Other options
It is important to remember that Job with training
further education and academic study Some jobs may provide training, which
isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of is usually funded by the employer.
other ways to continue learning, such Encourage your child to check what
as apprenticeships, traineeships, paid qualifications are being offered and
or voluntary work or gap years. whether it is a nationally recognised
qualification, such as a NVQ.
Getting a job
The world of work can be an exciting School leaver programmes
option and doesn’t necessarily need to
rule out further study at a later date. If School leaver programmes offer
your child does plan to get a job after opportunities to join the workplace
school or college, encourage them to straight after sixth form studies and
think carefully about the kind of work commence skills development and
they want to do and the reasons for doing career progression through experience
it. Do they plan to start in an entry level as well as studying to obtain a nationally
position and gradually work their way up recognised qualification. Entry
to a higher position as they begin to gain requirements vary from employer to
more experience? Or do they want to start employer.
earning, and use this time to reflect on
what they might like to do next?
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Post 16 Post 18
options
Not Going
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summary summary
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Traineeships and
internships
Traineeships of job offers afterwards and the ability to
Traineeships are short-term work learn practical, transferable skills.
placings lasting up to a maximum of six They may be useful in giving a
months to help young people become student enough experience to start an
“job ready”. The work experience apprenticeship.
element includes at least 100 hours
on the job training to help provide the Supported internships
necessary experience to undertake Supported internships are for students
apprenticeships or other employment. with learning difficulties or impairments
who want to get a job and need extra
Internships support to do this. They’re a good way
Whilst internships can be useful, to get the training and experience your
they should not be confused with child needs to get into work.
apprenticeships. Internships are informal
arrangements with an employer, there is Key tip:
rarely a signed contract, they are usually
short-term (less than one year) and they These routes can be very helpful for
do not result in a formal qualification. non-academic students who may be
They do offer an insight into business, better at picking up practical skills.
networking opportunities, the possibility
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Traineeships Internships
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31 www.theparentsguideto.co.ukThe Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021
Starting a business
Key transferable skills when starting a business
Covid 19 has had a devastating impact Developing transferable skills Initiative - having good ideas and Listening – being responsive to
on job opportunities and it’s harder We often mention transferable skills, and acting upon them others’ needs
than ever for young people to get that’s because they’re desirable. Whether
jobs, especially students seeking part- Demonstrable experience - working Leadership -inspiring and motivating
for further education opportunities or to fill
time work to fit around their studies. on real-life projects, not just others (by getting clients or followers)
job roles, interviewers are trying to ensure
However, for those teenagers with theoretical scenarios Consistency – delivering high quality
they take on someone who is the right
an entrepreneurial flair, there are still fit. There may be a minimum standard of Ability to communicate – probably on a regular basis
ways that they can gain experience qualifications needed, but they’ll also be the most important, running their own
and perhaps even make money in the Commitment and reliability – even
looking for personality and skillset. business shows they can communicate
process. growing a small business requires
well with clients and people they don’t
dedication over a period of time
Transferable skills are vital in every know, both verbally and in writing
If your teen has the enthusiasm and business, irrespective of the industry. Is Time management and balance –
ability, starting a small business needn’t Teamwork - collaborating with
your child a great communicator, well- crucial in successfully maintaining a
be costly and could give them an edge others to achieve positive outcomes
organized, able to work on their own business alongside their studies
over others when it comes to interviews. initiative, responsive and innovative? Can Ability to meet deadlines – to
Problem solving -recognizing
This doesn’t mean full-time commitment they prove it? Starting their own business produce high quality work within
challenges and finding solutions
– it’s something they could fit around gives your child first-hand experience limited time-frames
studies or focus on only during school that will teach them many skills that they
holidays. If things go really well, they may wouldn’t hone so quickly (or at all) through
even have the beginnings of a career academic studies alone. It demonstrates
working for themselves. they can apply their learning and character
in real-life situations – and gives them a
vehicle to prove their capabilities.
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Local The Parents’
Enterprise Prince’s Trust Guide to
Network
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ONE IN TEN STUDENTS Gap Years
WILL TAKE A GAP YEAR
AFTER FINISHING SCHOOL Taking a year out after school can be Is a gap year right for my child?
beneficial, certainly in terms of the skills
If your child is considering taking a year
and experiences that can be developed,
out after school, it’s important to spend
but your child will need to determine
some time together and identify what
whether it’s the right choice for them.
it is your child wants to achieve. Gap
years can be an excellent choice for
What does a gap year involve? students wanting to gain news skills and
Traditionally, this is a year spent experience, earn money, spend time
travelling overseas, but it needn’t deciding what career path they want to
focus exclusively on that. Volunteering take or have a break from work and study.
and work experience can also be
incorporated and inform your child’s
However, for some a gap year can be
likes and dislikes, as well as giving them
distracting and, if not well-planned,
valuable first-hand experience in a
could prove somewhat directionless,
variety of areas they may not have had
which is unlikely to be beneficial. Before
chance to try out. Gap years don’t have
committing to a gap year, make sure your
to be expensive, and if finances are tight,
child has clear goals to make their time
your child can self fund their travels by
out from work or study a productive and
getting a job first.
fulfilling one.
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Foreign Travel Gap 360
Advice
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