Your essential guide to Choosing education and career options 2016 – 2017

Your essential Thereguide to is choosing more thaneducation one and route career options to success Let’s get started... Endless possibilities

Are you finding it tricky knowing what you want to Hi there, do when you leave school, and how you can get there? That’s OK! There are a range of options available to you. You’re probably starting to think about your future, what subjects and qualifications you might need andWhat’s Next for you after GCSEs. This booklet will talk you through them. When I was 16 I was studying for my GCSEs at St Peter’s in Gloucester. Turn the page for a guide to this It then took me a while to figure out that local Politics was what I wanted document and your future. to do for a job. So I know this can be an overwhelming time, which is why we’ve created this booklet.

The most important thing is that you don’t panic when trying to decide what you want! You can use this booklet as a starting point on your journey. Talking to friends, teachers or even people in the area of work you are interested in will help you make your choices. It’s important that you know about all the choices out there and you take the path that is right for you.

I hope you will find this booklet helpful in your quest to figure out: What’s Next?

Best of luck!

Councillor Mark Hawthorne Leader of County Council

2 So, you’re doing your GCSEs... More info on p9

What can I do with NVQs Level 1-5 What can I do with 5 or more GCSEs A* – C? More info on p12 less than 5 GCSEs A* – C?

Level 2 Apprenticeships More info on p15

Apprenticeships Intermediate –Level 2 Advanced BTEC Level 3 Level 3 BTEC level 2 A-Levels (equivalent Traineeship More info on p15 = (GCSEs) More info on p13 to A-Levels) More info on p17 More info on p12 More info on p12

Looking ahead What are your options after you’re 18?

Degree / Earn and learn Gap Year Foundation Degree Higher Travel If you have Choosing course Apprenticeships Work (in UK or abroad) additional needs Moving away Level 4/5 HNC Volunteer (UK or abroad) or need support Staying at home Foundation Degree Retake exams to get into work Open University Level 6 – Degree Test a sector out More info on p17 More info on p22 More info on p23 More info on p25

Employment More info on page 26 Making choices There is lots of support, information and job opportunitites at: www.yes2jobs.co.uk Here are some things you need to know, do and think about...

What you need to know: • You now stay in education or training until the age of 18. • You pick GCSEs options in Year 8 or 9, depending on your school. • You usually pick your next step

in Year 11. INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES

What you need to do: • Ask as many questions as you need before you make your decisions – there’s no such thing as a stupid question! • Talk to a range of people; your parents, your teachers and other young people who are a bit older than you. This will help you get a variety of advice. What you need to think about: INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES INFORMATION • Talk to staff at your school. • What are you good at? (Quiz on page 5) • Research all of your options and write • What do you enjoy? down the pros and cons for each. • What might you want to do until • Try to get work experience in an area you are 18? (info on pages 11-17) you’re interested in – try it out first. • What might you want to do • Attend open evenings/days to get after you’re 18? (info on pages 21-25) a feel for sixth forms, colleges and • What jobs are available in your local area? universities. (info on page 29)

3 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 4 Type up homework/keep it neat? Convince people to do it your way? Learn about other cultures? Suggest a better way to do a task? Analyse, research or problem solve? Use a microscope? Play an instrument or sing? Fix electronic things? Want to start your own business? Lead a group? Cook? Design?

QUIZ Act in plays? Keep on going till you finish? Enjoy doing practical things? Research to find things out? Work with numbers or charts? Perform experiments? Read each statement below, and if you agree with Be kind and cooperative? Understand complicated ideas? it, put a tick in the coloured box to the right of it. Keep my work in ordered folders? Do voluntary work? Do you like to... Take charge (being a leader)? Fix your bicycle? Work outdoors? Teach others? INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES Do puzzles? Care for younger children? Work in an office? Get your school work done on time? Fix or mend things? Explore creative ideas? Work on Maths problems? Have a keen interest in music? Express your own style? Play a sport? Care for others? Make sure that everyone gets along? Work in a team? Keep detailed records? Draw or paint? Be your class representative? Organise things like school work? Make sure things get done? Give a speech or presentation? Be reliable and on time? Set goals for yourself? Take photographs? Build things? Be physically active? Read or write stories? Work with your hands? Have clear instructions to follow? Sing, dance or act?

NFORMATION FOR ALL AGES I NFORMATION Total up the number of ticks for each colour Think of ideas for events or activities? Persuade or influence others? and record the number in the coloured boxes. Do experiments or research things? Solve mechanical problems? Help others to learn? Talk to a range of people at a party? Read what they mean on the next page. Help people solve problems? Find the best deals on the internet? Take care of animals? Help your friends out? Have your day structured? Use the computer to type up work? Sell things or promote ideas? Explore? Do creative writing? Work out a budget for pocket money? Work on science projects? Keep up with the latest fashions? REALISTIC INVESTIGATIVE ARTISTIC SOCIAL ENTERPRISING CONVENTIONAL Take on new responsibilities? Work out a solution to a problem? The areas you scored highest are probably your strengths. Help people? Be creative? You might want to consider building on these in your career. Figure out how things work? Pay attention to detail?

5 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 6 7 INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES What’s Next? //Gloucestershire Grow Skills be assertiveand enthusiastic. They liketoleadandtend People wholiketoobserve, managing fororganisational evaluate orsolveproblems. Conventional persuading, performing,or learn, investigate,analyse, learn, The Organisers with people,influencing, goals oreconomicgain. People wholiketowork and Scienceenjoy They oftenliketowork to begoodatMaths The Do-ers Investigative independently, tend Realistic Enterprising analysing data. following instructions. They are organised, goodwithnumbers they canusetheirimagination unstructured situationswhere performing (theatre ormusic) intuitive. They liketoworkin and likestructured working. People wholikedetailand and creativity. They enjoy are artistic,innovativeor People whoseabilities data, andare goodat Conventional Investigative Enterprising and visualarts. The Persuaders The Thinkers Artistic They enjoytraining,instructing, be outdoors.Theyliketowork or mechanicalability, prefer to work withobjects,machines, tools, plantsoranimals,to People wholiketoworkwith counselling orcuringothers. people toenlighten,inform, They are oftengoodpublic with theirhands.Theyare People whohaveathletic empathetic personalities. or are skilledwithwords. help, train,orcure them, often practicaland good speakers withhelpful, at solvingproblems. Realistic Social The Creators The Helpers Artistic Social through it andthisistheirexperience: and takingexams.Lotsof people have gone It canbeastressful timechoosingoptions What now? Some tipsfordealingwithstress are onpage33. studies inschool.Hairdressing I eventuallywanttoownmybusinessandenjoyed newskills.Catering I lovelearning wasnotforme.Earlyyears Sixth form further.I knowthatneedtocontinueimproveandlearn Sixthformer because theyexpandmyknowledge.Catering partsofmycourse, I enjoythepracticalsessionsandtheory The mostenjoyablepartofmycourseismeetingnewpeople. Gloucestershire Grow Skills//What’s Next? Hairdressing

INFORMATION FOR YEARS 8 AND 9 AND 8 YEARS FOR INFORMATION // 8 NEXT WHAT’S GCSEs

GCSEs are your first opportunity to pick options and carry on studying the things you really enjoy … as well as some things you might not!

Everyone studies English, Maths and Science. You will need a grade 4 (equivalent of current grade C) in English and Maths for most options after GCSEs.

Your school will tell you what subjects you can choose. WHAT NOW // INFORMATION FOR YEARS 8 AND 9 Subjects might include: Art, Design & Technology, Geography, Drama, History and Music. What alternatives are available Not sure what to study after 16 or what job you to prepare for a job? want? Keep your options open and try and get a balance of subjects. New opportunities are opening up for young people to prepare for the world of work. These involve moving at the end of Year 9 or Year 11 to a University Technical College (UTC) or Studio School. UTCs and Studio Schools are GCSEs are changing designed for 14-19 year olds of all abilities to study subjects linked to vocational opportunities. They are more like a workplace than a school. They follow a 9-5 day The grading of GCSEs is changing from September 2016. and don’t have the same terms as schools. Working closely with local employers, New GCSEs will be graded 9 – 1, rather than A* – G. they will offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications including GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as work placements linked directly to The new grading is roughly aligned to the current grading. employment opportunities in the local area. They aim to prepare young people So where you would have got a ‘C’, you’ll now probably get a ‘4’. for a particular profession and give them the advantage of working with employers throughout their course of study. Currently there are no UTCs or Studio Schools Grade 5 is a good pass. Grade 9 is the highest and above the current A*. is Gloucestershire but some are already open in Bristol & Bath.

If you’re taking your GCSEs in June 2017 you’ll get numbers in English For further information visit: and Maths. All subjects will be graded with numbers from September 2017. www.studioschoolstrust.org and www.utcolleges.org

INFORMATION FOR YEARS 8 AND 9 NOW // INFORMATION WHAT There is a UTC opening in Berkeley in September 2017 specialising in Engineering, Manufacturing and Digital Technologies. For further information visit: www.berkeleygreenutc.org.uk/about

Are there other alternatives to school?

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College offers a 14-16 course combining GCSEs with practical and technical education.

Further details can be found on page 36.

9 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 10 What’s next?

Once you’ve finished your GCSEs

you will have more decisions to make. WHAT’S NEXT // INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 Here’s how some other students in the county are making decisions… BTECs NVQs

BTECs are specialist work-related NVQs are competence-based My course leader is my go-to person for advice… they are a great guide qualifications that can help you qualifications. They give you the and support me in finding new roles and experiences. Systems support get started in your chosen career. specific skills to do a particular job. They combine practical learning with They focus on the skills you will need I chose because the facilities were appealing subject and theory content. You can in the workplace and assessment and they had a lot to offer. Software development study at Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs) is usually by practical tasks and or Level 3 (a BTEC diploma is equivalent assignments. They are usually studied UCAS talks help me decide what I want to do next. Travel and Tourism to two A-Levels, the extended diploma is part-time alongside work and can be equivalent to three A-Levels). Sometimes taken as a stand-alone qualification, My tutor and family help me decide my next steps. Hairdressing providers will let you mix BTEC and or as part of an apprenticeship. A-Level courses. Myself, my employer and my lecturer help me decide NVQs are great because… my next steps. Catering BTECs are designed for young • You can test out whether you like people interested in a particular a job and get ready for working life. When making a decision it’s important sector or industry but who are not • Any experience is good experience for me to think whether I’ll enjoy it. yet sure what job they’d like to do. – even if you change your mind after Health and Social Care They involve more work experience your course. There will still be good and are vocational. Colleges have skills for you to put on your CV for the widest range of choices and the future. have good links to local employers in the sectors they offer BTECs in.

BTECs are great because… They give you the broad knowledge and skills to work in a range of jobs INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 NEXT // INFORMATION WHAT’S in a sector or industry.

Did you know? At Gloucestershire College, more people went to university after studying BTECs than A-Levels. Examples of BTEC courses are: Hospitality, Construction, Music and Technology.

11 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 12 Not sure what to study?

Choose subjects you are good at and you enjoy. Studying a broad range of subjects and ‘facilitating subjects’ will help you keep your options open. Facilitating subjects are sciences, WHAT’S NEXT // INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 English Literature, Geography, French, German AS and A-Levels and Maths.

AS and A-Levels are the ‘traditional’ qualification offered by schools and colleges for students If you have a career or university course aged 16-19. in mind, check the entry requirements because you may need specific subjects Most pupils take four AS subjects in Year 12. and grades at A-Level. There is After AS you usually drop one subject and continue an informed choices guide to what the other three subjects through Year 13. A-Levels you need for certain subjects: www.russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students Thinking about A-Levels? You should know… • A-Levels are a lot more work than GCSEs Not sure where to study? – be prepared! You don’t have to carry on studying • Most schools and colleges require As* or Bs* at your current school: in the subjects you want to study • You’ll need GCSE English and Maths • Make the choice that’s right for you at grade C* or above, whether or not you • Don’t just follow your friends and study them at A-Level (you can retake them choose what they choose at most schools and colleges if you need to). • Don’t put off going somewhere your friends aren’t going – you will make A-Levels are great because… new friends. • They are really well recognised by employers and universities. • You can continue subjects you enjoy and are good at, often in a school setting.

* GCSE grading is changing from September 2017 INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 NEXT // INFORMATION WHAT’S – more info can be found on page 9.

Top Tip – When you are thinking about post 16 study, you need to think about how you will get there. The council no longer provides Top Tip – Go to open days at schools and colleges you like the sound of automatic subsidised support for mainstream learners aged 16+. – you can ask the teachers and current students questions about what it http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/applyforabuspass is like to help you decide.

13 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 14 What’s next?

International Baccalaureate

An International Baccalaureate involves studying six subjects, Apprenticeships including languages. It’s an internationally recognised qualification. are great because…. WHAT’S NEXT // INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 However, it isn’t offered within any Gloucestershire state schools, so you would have to travel to Bristol, Bath or Swindon to study. • You earn while you learn • 85% of apprentices stay in employment See www.ibo.org for more information. once their training ends.

You have to be 16 or over and not in full-time education to start an apprenticeship Apprenticeships but you can register and start to search for opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Apprenticeships are about working for an employer Vacancy Matching Service (NAVMS) at and earning as you learn. You get hands-on training www.apprenticeships.org.uk as early in the workplace. You study part time for an NVQ, as the spring term of Year 11. BTEC or both, with training at a local college or specialist training provider. At a higher level you can Employers do like you to have GCSEs when also study for a degree whilst doing an apprenticeship. you apply for apprenticeships, but if they go wrong don’t panic – you can often study for There are two types of apprenticeship that you can a Level 2 in English, Maths and IT. You can apply for at 16, depending on your GCSE grades: also study an apprenticeship after BTECs or A-Levels, entering as a higher level apprentice, Intermediate = Level 2 (equivalent to 5 x GCSEs) and going onto get a degree. Advanced = Level 3 (equivalent to 2 x A-Levels)

Some students start as an intermediate level apprentice but gradually progress to advanced or even higher level as they work. This can give you an edge over school or university leavers later because you have more work experience.

You can also do an apprenticeship after A-Levels. More info is on page 23. INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 NEXT // INFORMATION WHAT’S

Take a look at: www.apprenticeships.org.uk for information and advice; www.careersbox.co.uk for videos of apprentices talking about their experience; www.yes2jobs.co.uk to search for local opportunities.

15 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 16 What’s next? Case Study Traineeship Additional options for students Studying a Traineeship with special educational needs A traineeship is a tailor-made programme and making a difference to / disabilities of support for young people, aged accessibility in Gloucester

16-24, who want to work, but who WHAT’S NEXT // INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 Do you need extra support getting need extra help to gain an apprenticeship into training, work or education? or a job. This combines a structured, • Get in contact with Forwards meaningful and substantial work career service for advice about Christian Drewitt experience placement with training in getting a job or work experience an area of your choice, to get you ready • Speak to your education for a job or apprenticeship. It also gives link adviser Christian, 22, successfully completed The advice Christian would give you a chance to get your Maths and • Many colleges have support for a Level 2 Intermediate Diploma in students is: English skills up to a good standard students with additional needs Business and Administration in 2015. as well as developing the employment • You should be getting a He has now completed an traineeship, skills you need to progress with your Transformation Plan to help you working with Marketing Gloucestershire career. Traineeships are unpaid, though plan where you want to get to. to develop a Gloucester tourism employers can contribute to food and guide with a difference – a wheelchair My advice would travel costs. accessibility guide. be keep at it and For more information and “I go to different venues and check for keep searching or you to find a traineeship, visit: accessibility. Studying at Gloucestershire www.gov.uk/find-traineeship won’t find anything! College I approached my head of department with my idea and they put I didn’t know what me in touch with Marketing Gloucester. I was doing two

My next step is to get an apprenticeship years ago. I was in business administration. I already thinking what to do know about business and I enjoyed studying it. and couldn’t find any suitable areas. It’s a I’m most proud of doing the brochure and doing my best to make this city difficult job trying more accessible. I always want to to find a job – it’s make places more accessible. Some INFORMATION FOR PUPILS IN YEARS 10 AND 11 NEXT // INFORMATION WHAT’S a job in itself. areas are really difficult for wheelchair users, such as restaurants.”

17 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 18 Planning ahead Top Tip You can remove This calendar shows you key dates to look out for over the year! this chart and use throughout the year

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

National Talk to your friends, parents, carers and teachers. Ask questions Apprenticeship If you’re in Year 11 and above you can also about your options so you know what grades you need to aim for. Week! Every think about work experience all year round. ALL year in March.

You can apply for apprenticeships all year round. Lots of apprenticeships vacancies, usually April – September.

Deadline IB Results Day Attend University Open Days. for most A2 Results Day! Year 13 Year 1st Monday Apply for university – write personal university University offers come in and you 3rd Thursday in August. A2 Exams in July. statement – see www.ucas.com courses may need to attend interviews. University clearing BTEC Results applications process for some. Oxbridge applications close mid October. Mid July. mid Jan.

AS Results BTEC Attend university open days and research AS Exams & day! Third Results! what grades you need for different options. start A2 studying. Thursday Mid July. in August. Year 12 Year

Register and search for apprenticeships on the National Apprenticeship Can start an apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service (NAVMS) at www.apprenticeships.org.uk. from 4th Friday in June. GCSE Results Day! 4th Thursday in August.

You may need to talk to your college or sixth Year 11 Year School, college and sixth form Apply for College. BTEC form about your grades. open days – talk to individual Find out the deadline GCSE Exams Results! schools for dates. from individual colleges. Mid July.

Most schools GCSE Results Ask questions about your options so you offer work Day! 4th GCSE Exams know what grades you need to aim for. experience Thursday in July. in August. Year 10 Year

Think about GCSE options Pick your GCSE options. or talk to your school about Your school will tell you alternatives to GCSE. the exact deadline. Year 9 Year 21 LOOKING AHEAD // OPTIONS WHEN YOU ARE 17 AND OVER so Icangotouniversity. Catering I’m possiblydoingaLevel3BTECorchangingcourse I hopetofindajobwhenfinishstudying.Catering inSeptember.I’m startingafoundationdegree Earlyyears Sixthformer to work,gouniversityordoanapprenticeship. I amindecisiveaboutwhattodoafterA-Levels,whethergo I wouldratherwork.Sixthformer yearsofstudy...go touniversitybutI’mthinking...three Iwantto I amstrugglingwithwhattodoaftersixthform. I feltworkingwasthenextbeststepformetotake.Systemssupport in.Systemssupport I’minterested and getintotheindustry myknowledge University isthenextsteptohelpprogress people inthecounty doing? when you’re 18. What areother There aremore choices tomake Looking Ahead What’s Next? //Gloucestershire Grow Skills

•  •  •  Why chooseuniversity? University at yourownpace. – youdoyourownstudy, inyourownhome, You couldalwaysconsiderOpenUniversity •  • • • • Thinking aboutuniversity? what A-Levelsubjectsandgradesyouneed. some universityopendays–theywilltellyou qualifications youneedtogetthere. Checkout carefully about whatyouwanttodo,andthe If youwanttogouniversityneedthink grants iftheyare eligibleforcertain benefits,disabledorneed helpwithchildcare costs. covered byloansthatyouhavetopaybackas work.Somestudentscanapplyfor some degrees. You canexpecttopay£36,000 ormore for tuitionandmaintenancewhichare lifetime. Chooseyourcoursecarefully though,asrecent research saysthisonlyworksfor Graduates insomejobscanexpect tomakemore moneythannongraduatesovera visit www.gov.uk/student-finance. www.ucas.com. Ifyouwanttoknowmore aboutstudentfinanceandapplications Further info:There isahugechoiceofcoursesyoucantake–checkthemoutat learn from professionals andtravel. You getlots of opportunities tomeetnewpeople, from home, giving you independenceandconfidence. University canbeagood steptowards living away career inmind,asit helps tokeep your options open. (like beingadoctor) but also ifyou don’t have a It’s good ifyou have aspecific careerinmind before applying. Consider visitingtheuniversityatanopenday You mayhavetogoaninterview To applyyouwriteapersonalstatement You applyviaUCAS You needtoapplystudentfinanceforyourloan Gloucestershire Grow Skills//What’s Next?

OPTIONS WHEN YOU ARE 17 AND OVER AND 17 ARE YOU WHEN OPTIONS // 22 AHEAD LOOKING Advanced & Higher Level Apprenticeships Grow Gloucestershire An apprenticeship is a minimum of a year Apprentice of working and earning while you study. You work four days a week and you study of the Year 2015 at college one day a week. Apprenticeships Case study

come at different levels of difficulty and WHEN YOU ARE 17 AND OVER LOOKING AHEAD // OPTIONS are equivalent to different qualifications: Shannon Phillips

Name Level Equivalent educational level Intermediate 2 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C* Shannon is a Level 3 Business “My proudest moment on the Advanced 3 2 A-Level passes Administration apprentice at Keyway, apprenticeship was definitely winning Higher 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above a transport and nationwide hire plant the Grow Award. I’m also really proud Degree 6 and 7 Bachelors or Masters degree hire firm company based in Gloucester to have mastered the finance system and Bristol. we use at Keyway – I’m now in charge of running contracts and invoices for You can progress over several years from Level 2 Shannon got 9 GCSEs A-C but a whole section of the business!” to Level 4 and beyond, and most of the time your wasn’t sure what she wanted to do employer will fund your apprenticeship so you don’t when she left school. “It’s really hard have to worry about tuition fees. knowing what you want to do. I found it useful to talk to lots of people and Benefits of doing an apprenticeship look at all of my options.” • Earning a salary • Training in the skills employers want My advice to anyone Shannon went to college to study • Excellent progression opportunities, whether a Health and Social Care BTEC. figuring out what looking to study further or climb the ranks She passed it, but found that it really within the workplace to do is to talk to wasn’t right for her. “At college I had • Increased future earning potential a mentor who helped me work through as many people as • Learning at a pace suited to the you all my options. At first I was thinking • Only in a classroom one day a week! possible, go through of just changing course. But I decided • Gain practical, hands-on experience. I wanted to get work experience whilst all your available getting a qualification – which is why options, and find an apprenticeship is great for me.” LOOKING AHEAD // OPTIONS WHEN YOU ARE 17 AND OVER what’s right for you. “I’d definitely recommend an * GCSE grading is changing from September 2017 – more info on page 9. apprenticeship. You get so much experience from working. It’s important to manage your time to ensure you Top Tip – Go to open days at schools and colleges you like the get the most from the qualification.” sound of – you can ask the teachers and current students questions about what it is like to help you decide.

23 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 24 Gap Years Getting ready for work

Gap years can give you the opportunity to: You may feel ready to start full-time • Travel and see the world work when you are 18, or you may • Get a taste of independence want to work part time while you study.

• Volunteer and get some work experience GETTING READY FOR WORK // INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES • Work to fund future studies There are some things to think about to • Study for additional qualifications such improve your chances of getting a job: as an Art & Design Foundation Diploma • Gain experience in your chosen career Develop your employability skills Improve time-keeping, using your initiative and working in a team. If you choose to do some travelling you might want to go by For more info on what employers are looking for go to page 32. yourself, with a friend or with a gap year organisation/charity. Get some work experience The Year Out Group website www.yearoutgroup.org has Get a part-time or holiday job, volunteering or through your school or college. information to help you decide if a gap year is right for you.  Put together a CV Any work experience or volunteering looks good. Go to page 31 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD // OPTIONS WHEN YOU ARE 17 AND OVER

25 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 26 Work experience Volunteering

Work experience is a great way to test out Why Volunteer? whether you like a job/sector. It also shows • Gain skills that employers are looking for employers that you’ve thought about what • Develop confidence you want to do and have a realistic idea • Find out more about what you’re good at of what working life is like. • Feel valuable GETTING READY FOR WORK // INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES • Get work experience for your CV You’ll do work experience with most schools • Learn new skills and get extra qualifications and colleges. You can also arrange your • Support a good cause own experience during school holidays • Meet people or at weekends. • Have fun!

Part-time work while you study is also To find local volunteering opportunities visit: a great way to get experience and learn skills www.volunteerglos.org.uk – as long as it doesn’t affect your studies. INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES GETTING READY FOR WORK // INFORMATION

You can also register for National Citizen Service (NCS) www.ncsyes.co.uk. NCS is an opportunity for 15 to 17 year-olds to learn new skills, volunteer and have an adventure.

27 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 28

GETTING READYINFORMATION FOR WORK // FOR INFORMATION ALL AGES FOR ALL AGES 30 Mark OwenMark What’s Next? Skills // What’s Grow Gloucestershire My advice to any to any advice My young person looking you is what for work you in is what put you work If get out. hard, you’ll reap the benefits. Moose Marketing and PR are a small, local dynamic and award winning marketing and communications agency They currently based in Gloucester. offer 15 work placements to young people over the year. “Young people are great for business; for business; great people are “Young energy ideas, real they bring fresh problems and an ability to approach way. in a different When I’m employing a young person I want to see determination, a strong In work ethic and a sense of humour. practice, this means arriving on time, attention to detail, and having a great always going an extra mile for clients, and your colleagues. the company, On an application form I look for something ‘extra’; do they have a part time job, do sports out of school hours, visit or help grandma on the weekend, or climb mountains for fun? I want to and how get a sense of who they are they put into other things. much effort Managing young people makes focused and open minded me more They have different as a manager. training needs and may need more fantastic to watch them but it’s develop their skills and confidence. Moose Moose and PR Marketing study Case

Public sector admin, education and health Public sector admin, education and health numbers. – the biggest sector in terms of workforce hotels and restaurants Distribution (including retail), usually the largest individual employers. – supermarkets are employers Banking, finance and insurance – major companies). include Ageas and Endsleigh (insurance Safran Landing Systems Manufacturing and engineering – including Renishaw (hi-tech measuring specialists) and Unilever (aerospace), (consumer products).

Gloucestershire Grow Skills Grow Next? // Gloucestershire What’s •  •  •  •  Most businesses in Gloucestershire are small and employ small and are Most businesses in Gloucestershire employers. also some very large are less than five people. There Gloucestershire is a great Gloucestershire is a great and work place to live Jobs in Gloucestershire in Gloucestershire Jobs You might want to take a look at Job Market Information You Service website: on the National Careers https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES ALL FOR INFORMATION // WORK FOR READY GETTING 29 Writing a CV and covering letter How to impress at interviews

CVs and covering letters are a great way to show your skills and experience. They are the first impression employers get of you. They can be daunting to write at first, but these tips are a good starting point: GETTING READY FOR WORK // INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES

CV Covering letters Make a good Employers want first impression to see that you can: CVs should be A covering letter should be no longer than two sides of A4. no longer than one page of A4. • Be on time or if you can, a bit early. • Work well in a team It shows you are keen. • Solve problems • If there’s a job description, read it • One line saying why you are writing • Dress appropriately for your interview. • Use IT • Write three sentences about your • A few lines about you and your skills • Turn your phone off. • Turn up on time skills and personality • A paragraph about your experience • Give a firm handshake. • Motivate yourself • List your education and qualifications and what you would bring to the • Take a deep breath, smile and speak • Stick with tasks or what you are studying organisation or role calmly and clearly. • List any work experience and • A paragraph about why you want • Research the role and company What are you like at these? Employers volunteering, and what you did to work for this organisation and – do you understand what they often say that it is your willingness • Include a bit of information about in this role do and what you’ll need to do? to work (your attitude) that is every your skills, hobbies and interests • A few sentences to summarise. • Be interested in your job – ask bit as important as your skills and • Have a smart and professional layout questions about what your employer qualifications. Are you ready for work? • Remember to include your expects of you. contact details. • Keep eye contact throughout INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES GETTING READY FOR WORK // INFORMATION the interview. • Ask the employer some questions at the end of the interview.

There’s more information at: You can download the Forwards job app, for quick tips on how to ace an https://www.how2become.com/resources/ultimate-guide-to-building-a-cv/ interview. For more tips, do’s and don’ts and questions that you might get asked, and at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs visit: https://nationalcareerservices.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/interviews

31 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 32 Tips for dealing with stress

Choosing options and taking exams is stressful

Need to relax? Feeling really stressed out?

These tips can help: These tips can help:

• Have a bath to relax • Take a break from revision • Do exercise – it’ll burn off stress • Talk to friends and family about and release endorphins how you’re feeling • Pop bubble wrap! It’ll help calm you • Talk to a range of people and

• Eat some dark chocolate teachers about your decision INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES – it releases endorphins • Don’t be embarrassed to ask • Take a break and get outside for help for some fresh air and hopefully • Try not to procrastinate sunshine – you’ll just feel worse afterwards • Spend time with animals – research shows they reduce stress

Finally:

Remember it’s okay to not INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES INFORMATION know what you want to do. If you’re really struggling and feel really down, talk to your GP immediately.

There’s aThere’s new website a new for websiteyoung people for young in Gloucestershire people to find out about mental health and wellbeing. Check out www.onyourmindglos.nhs.ukin Gloucestershire to find out about mental health and wellbeing:

33 What’s Next? // Gloucestershirewww.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 34 Contacts

Schools with sixth forms Sir Thomas Rich’s School Training Providers / sixth form centres 01451 820554 or 820938 01452 338400 in Gloucestershire www.cotswold.gloucs.sch.uk www.strschool.co.uk All Saints’ Academy Bridge Training St Peter’s RC High 01242 711200 Gloucester. 01452 411112 01452 530291 School & 6th Form www.asachelt.org www.bridgetrainingltd.co.uk www.cryptschool.org 01452 520594 www.stpetershighschool.org.uk Prospect Training Farmor’s School Gloucester. 01452 886888 WHAT’S NEXT // CONTACT INFORMATION 01453 763242 01285 712302 Stroud and Marling Sixth Form www.prospect-training.org.uk www.archwayschool.net www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk 01453 760156 www.stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.uk Military Preparation College (MPCT) 08442 438438 01242 515881 01452 428800 [email protected] www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk www.gloucesteracademy.com 01684 292152 www.tewkesburyschool.org Beaufort Co-operative Academy UTCs and Studio Schools The High School For Girls 01452 301381 (from page 10) 01452 543335 www.beaufort.coop www.hsfg.org & 6th Form Centre SGS Berkeley Green UTC 01291 625340 Cheltenham Bournside School in Gloucestershire, Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk & 6th Form Centre opens in September 2017 01453 842227 01242 235555 www.berkeleygreenutc.org.uk www.klbschool.org.uk www.bournside.gloucs.sch.uk Colleges in Bristol Technology and Engineering Newent Community Gloucestershire Academy, in South Gloucestershire School & 6th Form 01386 840216 www.bteacademy.co.uk 01531 820550 Cirencester 6th Form College www.chippingcampden.gloucs.sch.uk

CONTACT INFORMATION NEXT // CONTACT WHAT’S 01285 640994 www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk UTC Swindon www.cirencester.ac.uk www.utcswindon.co.uk Pate’s Grammar School 01452 713488 Gloucestershire College 01242 523169 Digitech Studio School Bristol www.chosen-hill.gloucs.sch.uk 0845 1552020 www.patesgs.org www.digitechstudioschool.co.uk www.gloscol.ac.uk Churchdown School Academy 01452 713340 01453 543618 Hartpury College www.churchdown.gloucs.sch.uk www.rednockschool.org.uk 01452 702345 www.hartpury.ac.uk 01242 672546 01452 382249 South Gloucestershire www.cleeveschool.net www.ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk and Stroud College 01453 763424 www.sgscol.ac.uk

35 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills Gloucestershire Grow Skills // What’s Next? 36 Gloucestershire Open Evenings

Sixth Form / College Open Days / Evenings Sixth Form / College Open Days / Evenings

All Saints Check with the school The High School for Girls Wed 30 November 2016 – Check time with school

Archway Check with the school Katherine Lady Berkeley’s Wednesday 16th November 2016, 7pm – 9pm

Balcarras January 2017 – Check time with school Marling & Stroud High Thursday 10 November 2016, 5pm – 8pm School Sixth Form

Beaufort Thursday 24 November 2016, 6.30pm – 8.30pm WHAT’S NEXT // CONTACT INFORMATION Newent Thursday 17 November 2016, 6pm – 8pm Bournside Check with the school Pates Grammar Tuesday 24 January 2017 – Check time with school Chipping Campden Check with the school Rednock Thursday 17 November 2016, 6pm – 8pm Chosen Hill Tuesday 8 November 2016 – Check time with school Ribston Hall Check with the school Churchdown Check with the school Sir Thomas Rich’s Tuesday 31 January 2017, 6pm – 9pm Saturday 15 October 2016, 10am – 3pm Cirencester 6th Form College Thursday 19 January 2017, 5pm – 8pm Saturday 1 October 2016, 10am – 1pm Saturday 5 November 2016, 10am – 2pm Cleeve Monday 23 January 2017 from 6.30pm South Gloucestershire Thursday 1 December 2016, 5.30pm – 8pm The Cotswold Thursday 10 November 2016 – Check time with school & Stroud College Saturday 28 January 2017, 10am – 1pm Stroud/Filton Thursday 9 March 2017, 5.30pm – 8pm The Crypt School Wednesday 9 November 2016, 6pm – 8pm Thursday 27 April 2017, 5.30pm – 8pm Farmors Check with the school Thursday 8 June 2017, 5.30pm – 8pm

Gloucester Academy Check with the school St Peter’s Wed 30 November 2016 – Check time with school WHAT’S NEXT // CONTACT INFORMATION NEXT // CONTACT WHAT’S

Gloucestershire College Check with the school Tewkesbury Thursday 17 November 2016, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Saturday 17 September 2016, 8am – 3pm Wyedean Thursday 1 December 2016, from 6pm Saturday 15 October 2016, 8am – 3pm Saturday 26 November 2016, 8am – 3pm Hartpury College Saturday 14 January 2017, 8am – 3pm Saturday 25 February 2017, 8am – 3pm Saturday 25 March 2017, 8am – 3pm

Please note, these dates may change so it’s Please turn the page to reveal more open evenings best to check directly with the school or college.

37 What’s Next? // Gloucestershire Grow Skills 38 For career information Notepad and inspiration: As you work through this booklet, use this space to make notes about What’s Next for you.

Yes2Jobs www.yes2jobs.co.uk Careers support and listing of employment opportunities for young people in Gloucestershire.

Plotr www.plotr.co.uk Careers advice website including career videos, quizzes and advice.

National Apprenticeship site www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship For detailed information and vacancy searching.

National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk For everyone over the age of 13.

South West Apprenticeship Company www.theswac.org.uk For a local flavour of apprenticeships, including vacancy searching.

UCAS www.ucas.com Is the starting point for all research about higher education.

UCAS Progress www.ucasprogress.com Lists hundreds of courses in Gloucestershire.

On Your Mind www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk For advice and support on mental health and wellbeing. traveline www.traveline.info Plan your journey when considering your post-16 options.

Gloucestershire Youth Suppport Team www.youthsupportteam.co.uk For additional support.

Care to learn www.gov.uk/care-to-learn If you’re a young parent you can get help with childcare costs.

Young Gloucestershire www.youngglos.org.uk Can support young people who are facing challenge in their lives. If you require a plain formatted version, please contact: [email protected]

This is an exciting time in your life Think about what you enjoy and make the right choice