CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021

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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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           THE PARENTS’
           GUIDE TO

           CAREERS
           FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK
CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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

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                                                                                                                                                                                    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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
You 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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WWW.THEPARENTSGUIDETO.CO.UK
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CAREERS THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO - FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2021
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.

                                                                                                                                                 I’m
                                                                                                                                             Click interact
                                                                                                                                                   m          iv
                                                                                                                                             you t e and I’l e!
                                                                                    Useful links                                                   o thei      l
                                                                                                                                                          r web take
                                                                                                                                                               site

                                                                                        GOV. UK
                                                                                                                                                     The
                                                                                        Overview
                                                                                                                      UCAS                         Parents’
                                                                                                                                                   Guide to

Page
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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021                                           The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021

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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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021                                           The Parents’ Guide to
                                                                                                                          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

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The 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
                                                                            lear k me to     VERY COMPETITIVE
                                                                                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.

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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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WWW.THEPARENTSGUIDETO.CO.UK
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The 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
                               to Uni                       options
    summary                                                summary

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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021                                           The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021

 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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       Gov.uk                    GOV.uk
    Traineeships               Internships

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The 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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The Parents’ Guide to Making the most of the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 ©                           The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021

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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                                                                                                          GOV. UK
                                                                                                       Foreign Travel                Gap 360
                                                                                                           Advice

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The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021                                 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021

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