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July - August 2011 Issue 44
INSIDE YOUR ISSUE OF THE NORTH EAST’S ONLY SELF DEVELOPMENT & ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE:
CASH IN HAND: COULD YOU BE THE NEXT COLDPLAY?
OPTIONS FOR ALL: HOW THE LATEST GOVERNMENT SCHEME TAKES US BACK TO THE 80’S
BUSINESS LINKS: DETAILS TO THE REGIONS VERY BEST NETWORKS
SARAH SAYS: TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND & LOOK ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS.
YOUR CAREER COUNTS: DISCOVER HOW TO PLAN THE FUTURE OF YOUR NEW CAREER.
THE BIG SOCIETY: HEARD ABOUT IT, CONFUSED ABOUT IT? WELL DON’T BE - AS WE EXPLAIN HOW YOU ARE THE BIG SOCIETY
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Visit www.informnorth.comus online at for advertising details, more help, advice and also downloads of all previous issues Contents
Editor Miles Crofton T: 0191 5866 010 E: [email protected] Executive editor Sarah Lee Please help us protect the environment by E: [email protected] recycling your copy of informnorth - but only after reading it cover to cover, digesting all the information and then taking the appropriate Staff writers action first. Katie Crofton, Mark Burton, David Hutton, Michael Keenan Managing Director SKILLS & EDUCATION Mike Storey T: 0191 5866 010 5 OPTIONS FOR ALL - OPEN TO ALL: Young people are always faced with E: [email protected] a barrage of decisions, so Informnorth looks at what exists and the decisions behind ending some of those options open to young people… Business Engagement & 18 CASH IN HAND: Miss Katie Crofton dons her best gig gear and explains Partnership Development how being in a band could actually make you lots of money, thanks to the David Henderson, Mark Storey Government’s latest legalisation. T: 0191 5866 040 E: [email protected] CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT E: [email protected] 22 EMPLOYABILITY: Are you taking two steps back before leaping forward with Design & production your career? We look at ways to help you plan for your career while moving Eric Lee, senior designer forward at all times… E: [email protected] 30 SARAH SAYS: Regular columnist, Sarah Lee discovers how to look on the Senior researcher bright side of life, even if things are falling down around you. Read about Michelle Ho how to get through hard times and get on with your life… E:[email protected] BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE Inserts & subscriptions E: [email protected] 35 THE APPRENTICESHIP CHALLENGE: It was always going to be a tough call, but we learn just how hard it’s been for the teams who entered our special NESA apprenticeship competition, in conjunction with Aimhigher. 45 ELSIE’S HOT WOK: We discover if you take a dash of inspiration, a good sprinkle of cookery know-how then add a hot wok and turn up the heat All content © informnorth. Informnorth magazine is published you then have all the ingredients for a mouth-watering new business idea. bi-monthly by informnorth and informnorth creative services and whilst the publisher has taken reasonable care to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, they can not accept COMMUNITY MATTERS responsibility for errors or omissions and no liability is accepted for omission or failure from any cause. 54 GROOMED FOR SUCCESS: There’s never a bad time to start a great The publisher welcomes contributions but opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of business, as Lindsey Douglas highlights with her award winning enterprise. informnorth. Additional professional advice should be sought before making any commitment to business transactions detailed within 60 THIS BIG SOCIETY: How Darren Lofthouse is climbing the peaks and informnorth magazine. All advertisements are accepted only on the doing something different for himself - whilst helping a great local cause. grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement of an advertiser or a product by the publisher, their employees or their agents. “"A ship in the harbour is safe, but try to remember, The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transactions between readers and advertisers. No material in this publication may that's not what ships are built for." be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. Printed by Potts Print (UK). informnorth
informnorth July 2011 3 x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:31 Page 4
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Informnorth magazine: monologue If you want to make a real difference today, read on... kay, so amongst the usual heavy streams that pay everybody’s salaries to change put in place the systems and support services round of emails and letters we receive the system for the better and build in, at every that would be crucial in aiding us in achieving Oeach month from readers, agencies, turn, activities that don’t just meet a national our focussed objective - and in this way, could business support organisations and education curriculum, but wipe the floor with it. At the drastically help to drive up basic skills and of providers and training establishments, I noticed same time, we would arm our young people course qualification levels far more effectively. we have had a number of interesting emails with the attributes, skills and aspirations they We could put in place all of the help that’s and a few comments regarding informnorth’s need to compete in a modern world. actually needed - when it’s needed - because stated objective to raise aspirations and change But that would just be the starting point. I know most of it already exists and is already being negative perceptions for the better. lot’s of people who aren’t just bright but are paid fo by the tax payer. We would use the support systems that already exist and what little It seems that lots of people agree with us and absolutely stellar when it comes to getting things funding we can muster to bolster support where the fact that this is something the North East done, so it’s very plain to see that the right it doesn’t exist but is required most. In this way, people exist at all levels that can really make could do with by the bucket load just now - at we could have a series of specifically structured a time of austerity, cut backs and never ending things happen and accomplish things. development programmes for every single bad news - it can be hard to spot many of Blimey, I know people in business and industry school aged person. Just imagine, a decent the good things that are actually happening. and the public, education and voluntary sector Connexions or nextstep careers service that It wasn’t so very long ago that I commented on that could do much of this just for the crack, would let individuals recognise the many One North East’s Regional Competitiveness never mind for the funding. opportunities that actually lay all around and Strategy and about how it would be a totally What we need to do though is to utilise the ahead of them at every turn. ambitious but very good ‘strategy’ to actually right talent for the task in hand, then position We’d highlight lots of the hurdles they are go all-out and put as much support and finan- as many talented people with vision, drive and definitely going to have to face along the way cial resources as were needed to really raise ambition to carry this through to Secondary and do it all in a no-nonsense fashion because aspirations and improve the skills and enterprise Schools, where the challenge of this sort of after all, kids don’t ask to be molly-coddled and agenda at all levels, right across the North East. work really becomes apparent. its a competitive world, so we need to face up to that and help arm the next generations much Basically, it’s because it’s at this stage so it My thinking was and still is, that as the public better, accordingly and this would involve seems to me, that too many young people purse pays for the majority of the infrastructure Probation Services and Youth Offending teams. that exists, then we should implement a whole really find their feet, get all hormonal and start to question just about everything around them, It wouldn’t cost us much more in terms of lot more ambition than we ever seem to and money over and above what we already get in pull together everybody that can and should which I vaguely recall myself seems to come with youth. Then, over too a short a period the form of financial assistance, grants, funding be making all the right things happen and of time they can go off the rails, mixing with and public sector investment and what’s more, create the conditions to make it a reality. different peer groups and become challenging it wouldn’t be beyond our gift to produce a I mean, if we can be sold the pup that we and then in turn, can become uninspired. successful, up-scaleable working model. should get rid of Economic Development and It’s obviously that’s not every young person but With the right self-belief, skills and outlook and above all else, by having access to school Enterprise staff in our councils and replace them it’s clear that that’s when too many can lose leavers with aspirations and knowledge that with a ‘hot desk’ network from a Business Link their really drive and ambition and things start matters, indigenous businesses and companies just because that’s the way the funding is going can to go awry with the consequences to us all everywhere would be unable to do anything to go, can’t we do something similar but much that follow. It’s something that over two short other than take advantage, grow and of course better, but for all the right reasons? decades has become more and more prevalent hopefully, in due course, prosper massively. With this thinking, if we started in Primary and more often than not, it’s sadly becoming Schools when our kids head up most of the the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. And everybody is a winner. national leagues and tables basically because So what’s the big idea? Well really it’s to up Okay so this is me, this is informnorth and this they are all aspiring little stars, with minds like our game and break out of the cycle and work is the sort of thinking we bring to the table, so sponges and we gave them an understanding in partnership and in a joined up fashion to come on then, what’s your A plan? of the wider world and a real ‘can do attitude’ inspire our kids, young people and adults alike. And ask yourself, is it a lack of money or a what’s the worse that can happen? We’d be producing a game plane and a blue- poverty of ambition that is actually stopping us? I mean, we’d drastically alter the funding print that can be followed and adapted and will [email protected]
BACK ISSUES: It’s not likely that we have back issues of previous copies of informnorth available because once they’ve been distributed and snapped up, they are out of print! Each copy is available to download after publication from our extensive library and this is a free service, just visit www.informnorth.com/archive
Mission Statement: Just like our readers, informnorth is totally unique - we exist as a partnership of private and public sector organisations working together with the third sector, including voluntary, charitable and community organisations as a social business. Informnorth bridges the gap between business and community and helps to raise aspirations, empowering individuals to greater levels of self-development, enterprise and entrepreneurship, publishing informnorth - the leading freely available regional magazine in order to promote and help achieve our collective goals and objectives.
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About
INFORMNORTH is unique to the North East of England. We OUR REGION-WIDE DISTRIBUTION IS ALSO UNIQUE: help to inform and inspire our readers of all ages, many are not 15,000 copies of each issue are distributed region-wide in reached by traditional media or other publications and would not Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Tees normally pick them up or read them anyway. Valley, giving an unrivalled reach and penetration for INFORMNORTH is printed and distributed 6 times each year promotional messages to over 60,000 average issue readers. which means that all promotional messages are seen for 1,880 copies are subscription copies, mailed first class to longer and read by far more people. It also means we don’t key decision makers, influencers and senior managers. have to rely on just ‘filling space’ with old press releases and redundant, or poor information. ONE THIRD of all copies are distributed to key education and training providers and our partners in schools, particularly INFORMNORTH is a social enterprise. We’re not a charity or the those with specialist designation status, local training companies ‘mouthpiece’ of any organisation - and we wouldn’t want to be - Jobcentre's and sign posting and guidance providers such but we continually support the key objectives of many. as Connexions and every single college and university. INFORMNORTH is totally passionate about raising aspirations ONE THIRD are distributed in to the North East business and encouraging people in to action. We offer unrivalled sign community. We target micro businesses as well as SMEs and posting and quality guidance throughout the entire magazine and the regions top 200 companies through the major business arm readers with everything they need to know in order to take support networks, local business centres and incubator that important next step in their life - whatever it may be. units, councils, individual Business Clubs and key support INFORMNORTH champions self development and the benefits organisations such as Government Office North East, of acquiring new skills or updating old ones. We flag the widest Inland Revenue and The Department for Business possible range of opportunities that are available and just as Enterprise, Inbiz, Entrepreneurs Forum. importantly, highlight where our readers can turn in order to take ONE THIRD of all copies of informnorth magazine are advantage of the help and support that exists locally. also distributed at a ‘grass roots level to local and regional INFORMNORTH is celebrating over seven successful years of community and voluntary sector organisations. This includes partnership work across all business, education and community McDonalds and ASDA, community groups and Youth sectors, time that has been spent helping to bridge many of the Clubs, even hospital waiting rooms, Doctors’ Surgeries gaps that can exist between business and community, promoting and places where people simply have more time and self development, skills, enterprise and business start up. opportunities to pick up and actually read the magazine. More to sing, dance and shout about
INFORMNORTH IS THE REGIONS ONLY SPECIALIST SELF DEVELOPMENT, SKILLS AND ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE If you are planning a media or advertising campaign and want your marketing budget to stretch further, then include informnorth magazine in the schedule - as the only specialist magazine of its kind, informnorth has been designed to help individuals and at the same time, support front line service providers, key agencies and the enterprise organisations who appear in each issue. We bring the very best support services together under the banner of a single publication covering the whole region. Get the most from your budget - and get in touch to see how we can work together. To find out how we can help you raise your profile effectively call 0191 5866 010 or email [email protected]
*Informnorth targets readers aged 14+ through to retirement age and beyond. Each issue is proof-read for those with a reading age of 14+. 66 July June2011 2010To find out more about informnorth and our objectives, to link to ourinform partnersnorth 6 Septemberor download 2009 back issues from the informnorth archive, just visit www.informnorth.cominform- x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:31 Page 7
North East school leavers and young people in general seem to face a plethora of decisions about where their options lie after compulsory education ends. But it’s not just young people who are faced with decisions; right now plenty of adults are having to review their options too. Informnorth takes a timely look at what exists right now and the main options that will help you gain the training and skills employers actually want… Long gone are the days when the by delivering a curriculum which gives learning and employment. newbie school leaver was faced them life and social skills and better • Engage and stretch all young people with just two main options open prepares them for seeking worthwhile • Re-engage the disaffected or so-called and rewarding employment. to them - to continue in the world ‘missing generation’. of education or go off and get The reform focuses on core skills such as All young people will be able to study themselves a job. English, mathematics and ICT but also the following as part of the brand new concentrates on life skills such as Although apprenticeships and work based secondary curriculum: learning programmes are still out there, teamwork and other personal skills, like • Key Stage 4 core curriculum: because of a lack of employers offering preparing young people for studying in English, maths, science placements, they were fast becoming few higher or further education or for the and far between. world of employment. It means that Local • Key Stage 4 foundation subjects: ICT, PE, Citizenship, as well as; We understand all too well that not every- Authorities, 14 -19 Partnerships, schools, Work-related learning and enterprise body is academic and some people are in colleges, employers and work based Religious education fact, much better suited to vocational learning providers all work in a joined-up Sex, drug, alcohol and tobacco work. But what happens to the young partnership to deliver the reform in order education and enhanced careers people who for what ever reason, can to allow young people to access an education or will not progress further in mainstream individual learning experience to suit their education - do they get a helping hand, own personal needs. • A course in at least one of the arts; or any support for that matter - to make Although there has been a big change in design and technology; the humanities; the best of their opportunities? Government and all that has come with it, modern foreign languages and all four areas, if they so wish to. The big options that remain… the 14-19 reform aims to: • Tackle low post-16 participation and In September 2008, the previous Instead of just the two main routes most increase participation at age 17 from people have been used to, learning for Government introduced the 14 to 19 75 per cent to 90 per cent over ten young people leads to qualifications from reform, which aimed to change the way years years. one of four distinct alternative routes: young people’s education was delivered • Ensure that every young person has a Apprenticeships - with an entitlement to and make it more relevant to today’s sound grounding in the basics of English modern work place and society. and maths and the skills they need for a place by 2013 for every single 16 year old that is suitably qualified. The changes set out were hailed as ‘the the workplace and employment. biggest changes in educational opportunity • Provide far better vocational routes Diplomas - with an entitlement by 2013 in a generation’ and hoped to raise the which equip young people with the for all 14-16 year olds to the education and skills levels of young knowledge and skills they need for first 14 Diplomas and for 16-18 people between 14 and 19 years of age progression, particularly through further year olds to all 17 Diplomas. > > > informnorth July 2011 7 x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:31 Page 8 skills training education qualifications
WBL involves actively using the workplace as a learning environment, so it is therefore more than just ‘being at work’ or ‘work experience
Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) - with an entitlement to study So far, the success of the 14-19 reform is obvious, there has been one of the progression pathways. FLT is the term being used to an increase in more young people participating in education and describe Entry level and Level 1 qualifications in the Qualifications training and gaining the knowledge and skills that they need to and Credit Framework (QCF), that operates in England. succeed in the world of employment. General Qualifications, such as well recognised GCSEs and A This progress in education and training has been matched by levels. Importantly though, young people will be able to study progress elsewhere with what is a 10 year Youth Strategy. qualifications that do not fall under these four routes where there But still more needs to be done, which is why the Government is a clear rationale to maintain them in learners’ interests and have pledged to raise the participation age to 17 by 2013 and some young people will study informal unaccredited provision to 18 by 2015, and stream lining the qualifications system, to where it is appropriate in order to help them re-engage. deliver more support to young people and ensure even greater All of this means that in an almost ever-changing landscape, collaboration at a local level to meet the needs of young there will be the right type of support for everybody, including: people, matched hopefully to those of employers too. • Excellent Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) and support Work Based Learning (WBL) to make the right choices at 14 and 16, something that many As the title states, WBL is learning which takes within a company feel has been amiss for generations now. or organisation. The expectation is that the work-based learner • A 14-19 Prospectus that will set out the courses and support has experience and expertise as a worker allowing work activity that is available. experience to be used as a starting point for their studies. • A Common Application Process linked to the 14-19 Prospectus WBL involves actively using the workplace as a learning that makes it easier to apply for education and training. environment, so it is therefore more than just ‘being at work’ or • The September Guarantee to ensure all 16 and 17 year olds ‘work experience’. Nevertheless WBL is not widely understood; have an offer of a suitable place in learning and targeted most people currently holding higher education qualifications are support to those who actually need it most. likely to have had a traditional education experience of lectures, The Government’s guarantee of a suitable place at college or seminars and tutorials written assessments or exams. school for every 16 and 17-year-old is an important move At higher education levels, WBL will include the development and towards achieving this goal. demonstration of critical and analytical skills, as well as more job-specific skills and competencies such as team working, Facts and Figures: Did you know? communication and problem solving. • Research shows that improving your aged from 16 to 24 increased by 1.0 Higher-level WBL is at the same level and skills can increase your salary on on the quarter to reach 20.3 per cent, standard as traditional higher education average, by up to £3,000 each year the highest figure since comparable and the learner will develop the same • Currently, 12 per cent of the UK records began back in 1992. higher-level skills. In work-based learning working age (16-59/64) population • The number of unemployed 16 to 24 the focus is on the many different kinds of possess NO recognised qualifications, year olds increased by 32,000 on the knowledge that are used in work and their application to work practice. It can involve, while 29 per cent have qualifications quarter to reach 951,000 which were thinking critically about changes in the at level 4 or above. the highest figure since comparable workplace, and being supported in • Employers say too many graduates records began in 1992. undertaking and reporting on a work- lack ‘soft skills’, such as team working. • In 2007, level 2 qualification based project. attainment at 19 years was 73.9 per • The unemployment rate for the three How is WBL Assessed? months to November 2010 was 7.9 cent and level 3 attainment at 19 Work-based learners need to provide per cent, up 0.2 on the quarter and years was 48 per cent. evidence to demonstrate they have met set to rise for the foreseeable future. • The proportion of young people aged the learning outcomes of their programme. • The total number of unemployed 16-18 taking part in education or They can have an input into designing and people increased dramatically by training rose from 77.1 per cent in agreeing the evidence they will present 49,000 over the Christmas quarter 2006 to 78 per cent in 2007, which arising out of their work activity too and to reach 2.5 million. is the highest rate ever. evidence may come from: • Practical projects focussed on work • Male unemployment levels increased • The proportion of 16-18 year olds • Problem solving by 43,000 on the quarter to reach not in education, employment or 1.48 million. Female unemployment • Personal and professional development training (NEET) fell by 1 percent, from planning increased by 6,000 in the same 10.4 per cent in 2006 to 9.4 per cent • Reflective logs and journals quarter to reach 1.02 million. in 2007 which is the latest period • Action learning sets - where small • The unemployment rate for those figures are available for. groups of learners work together to support each other in their learning and
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development on a task or area of to thousands of North East students to help Education Secretary Michael Gove defended interest/expertise them out with some of the basics and the the decision, saying the grant had been • Research investigations and their outcomes necessities such as getting to and from ‘poorly targeted’ and told MPs ‘you simply • Management and technical reports college or purchasing some of the kit and cannot spend money you do not have’. • Presentations equipment that they need for their studies. Many people countered this with the claim • Exhibitions Before it was announced the scheme that there’s always money for a bit of a • Portfolios was to be scraped, the weekly payment war and that money was now especially The tutor marking the work will check that breakdown was as follows: scarce after the money the country ‘didn’t evidence meets the learning outcomes and have’ went to the banks and financial assessment criteria and that it is also at the • £30 per week for those whose annual household income is under £20,817 institutions to reward them with handsome appropriate level. bonuses after they had made a hash of Unfortunately it’s not all up-beat news • £20 per week for those whose annual the whole economy in the first place. household income is between £20,818 though and due to funding cuts and A spokesman for the Department for and £25,521 Government changes - some of the Education (DfE) stated that EMA is was a options that have been open to young • £10 per week for those whose annual hugely expensive programme, costing over people are no longer around, as household income is between £25,522 £560m a year, with costs of administration informnorth finds out... and £30,810 amounting to £36 million. The DfE said Education Maintenance Allowance The money could be spent however the that research showed that 90 per cent of EMA was a financial scheme for young student choose, but it was thought it young people receiving the allowance people (16 - 19 years old) who are should be used to cover the cost of course would continue in education even if the undertaking unpaid work-based learning equipment, books and transport. grant was stopped. whose parents have a certain level of It was far from being a gravy-train however A replacement programme of targeted taxable income. and for those who missed lessons, except support for those most in need is likely to The scheme applied to those who are, in extenuating circumstances, payment was have a budget just a fraction of the size of or are applying to, at least 12 hours of not made for that entire week. EMA, as the Government seeks to save guided learning on further education £500 million of the total £574 million There has been an outcry since the Con- courses either in school sixth forms, sixth budget. Dem coalition government announced that form colleges and Further Education EMA was to be cancelled as part of their Chancellor George Osborne said, “We will colleges. Covering courses such as A crisis budget cuts. Labour recently lost its fund an increase in places for 16 to 19 levels, GCSEs, BTECS, NVQs and any attempt in the House of Commons to year olds, and that enables us to replace other vocational qualifications. reverse plans to scrap the EMA after it education maintenance allowances with Criticism of EMA has been wide spread, emerged the new Government thought the more much more targeted support, aimed with some better off students confessing scheme was ‘poorly targeted’ and that it especially to supporting disadvantaged the money they received was a great way could be done much better. individuals who actually need it most.” for them to have a few nights out or the Labour’s education spokesman, Andy Future Jobs Fund (FJF) odd pizza. Burnham responded by saying it ‘was an FJF was first announced in 2009, and was Of course things will sometimes be abused attack on the aspirations of young people aimed at 18-24 year olds who had been (Yes we remember MP’s fiddling their - and a total barrier to those who needed out of work for six months and claiming expenses) but as the North East’s leading help and support most, particularly areas jobseeker’s allowance. The fund allowed self development and skills publication, such as the North East of job seekers the opportunity to work in informnorth knows first-hand about community focused jobs for at least six England and it would be something that the fundamental benefit EMA has brought months, to gain experience and would have a dramatic effect if it were sign off receiving Job Seekers stopped almost overnight’. Allowance (JSA). > > >
EMA was a boon for many as it allowed people the means to get to college or get books and equipment
informnorth July 2011 9 x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:31 Page 10 skills training education qualifications 50 per cent of those taking part were back on benefits. It sounds Louise Dickinson has been part of the CSV team simple enough but the backlash suggests that the FJF jobs were working with informnorth to benefit from never intended to provide permanent employment in the first gaining new skills and experience. place, in line with the example outlined by CSV and informnorth, they were to be transitional jobs to provide young people with motivation and increased levels of confidence, real work experience, a reference, new skills, that would therefore increasing their chances of finding a permanent post, compared to what their chances would be if they spent an additional six months just being unemployed. But What About the Adults? We all know that by and large, young people and school leavers are predominately the ones who are affected by the changes to their career opportunities and employment options just now. But adults are also being affected by the decisions to cut the number of options open to them too. At a time when recession has hit many businesses, many more mature adults are now finding themselves competing against young people - with or without the qualifications - for the jobs that are on the go, so it stands to reason that adults need to up their game in seeking the best education, skills, qualifications and Those on the scheme were entitled to be paid at least the training routes, so how can this be done? national minimum wage, could work for a minimum of 25 hours Informnorth has always promoted continually take stock no matter a week and could do so for at least six months. what age somebody is and to upskill wherever they see gaps Importantly, it enabled young people to gain valuable experience, appearing. We know that the route to continued success lies in increase their confidence, and develop lots of new skills while developing your existing skills and learning new ones, because as making a difference to their local communities in varied roles. well as enhancing employment prospectus, learning new skills can boost confidence and help gain new qualifications. For more than six months Mike Storey, informnorth’s managing Winston Churchill once said “Destiny is not a matter of chance, it director has been commuting to Blyth each week to work with and is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing support a group of FJF employees through a coordinated training to be achieved.” Improving your skills could be through two main programme with CSV, a leading training organisation. Over the routes; enrolling on a course to get more skills in the period the employees have been taught a number of marketing way of qualifications or taking up a new hobby to rules and disciplines and at the same time gained experience in gain skills through enjoyment. Which ever option you marketing and media in its broadest sense. > > > Mike says, “CSV are a well recognised education, training and employment organisation that have worked with informnorth here in the region for years. When we were approached to see if we could help them set up a media unit and support some of their FJF employees gain worthwhile transferable skills, it sounded as if it would be a great opportunity.” Mike said, “Ian Young, CSV’s training manager met with me to look more closely at where we could contribute and make a difference, adding real value to their programme. The employees would be undertaking a range of activities whilst with CSV, we helped them gain a much better understanding of the media sector and brush up on key skills. “We also organised a number of site visits that included Potts Print UK ltd in Cramlington and PPD our specialist large format and digital print partner based at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate. This helped the employees get a much better feel for how their skills could be used in the real world. The whole thing wasn’t just about the theory of marketing however and whilst they have been with CSV we have helped the employees produced a portfolio that includes lots of marketing resources and materials.“ Mike added. Ian Young, whose idea it was to engineer the partnership on behalf of CSV said, “The employees have gotten a great deal out of this approach. As well as the experience of producing our own in-house newsletters and marketing campaigns they also helped devise a welcome pack for new starters and they have produced some great work. Even though the programme is now ending, they have much more expertise and lot’s they can show to demonstrate to prospective employers what they have learned whilst they have been with CSV.” But as part of Government changes and budget cuts, it was announced last year that no further bids to the FJF were being accepted and the fund would be closed. Although budget cuts played a big part in the closure of the scheme, the Government claimed that it wasn’t working because it only lasted six months and within one month of finishing FTF
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Name: Katie Scott Age: 20 Contact details: 0191 529 4128 Where do you work? City of Sunderland ITEC
When did you start and how long Name the top three skills you need to have you been doing there? be successful in your role? I started with City of Sunderland ITeC as a You have to be confident, determined and Business Administration Assistant in October you also need to have lots of self motivation. 2010, so I’ve been here about six months What motivates you - how far are you or so and really love it. willing to go to succeed? I’m quite easily motivated really and once What do you do - what does your role I have a goal to aim for I try my hardest to actually involve Katie? succeed in it, so I set myself lots of small I mainly deal with the marketing side of things goals to achieve. so most of the time I’m contacting businesses What’s you worst habit or weakness? direct to discuss their training needs. I get to Probably trying to do too much at once which know them and what it is they actually want, can mean I’m not as focussed as I can or I then highlight all the benefits that recruiting should be in trying to get businesses to recruit apprentices can bring to their business. apprentices. What has been your biggest challenge If I’m not on the telephone then I am usually and what hurdles have you overcome? out working door-to-door and meeting new I’m not naturally confident so my biggest businesses to find out their requirements, challenge would be overcoming my shyness. explain how we can help them get the right The more I help local businesses and person for their needs and their organisation employers with their training needs the more and how we will take the strain out of I learn, which leads to more confidence. having an apprentice. If you had the chance to start your How did you get in to this role - what career over again, what would you do differently? had you done before? I think I would have definitely tried to have I had completed a 3 year knuckled down and done a little bit better apprentice in Hairdressing whilst I was at school. which I can always go back What’s the best advice you could give to, but wanted a change somebody wanting to do a similar role of career, and had always or follow in your footsteps? been interested in To make sure you are very well organised and business and sales and that you can work well as part of a team or marketing. on your own as an individual. What’s the best Who has helped you or inspired you? When I was completing my apprenticeship thing about your I realised how important it was to run things job? properly and that’s why I got involved with I enjoy everything business administration, all my friends and really, especially family have supported and helped me. being out and about What’s next for you? meeting businesses, I want to try to work my way up higher in getting to know the organisation and see where I end up. them and how Do you have any advice that you can give Sunderland ITeC our readers? Always give 100 percent in whatever you do, can actually help even if you are not getting anywhere at least them. you know you are trying your best.
informnorth July 2011 11 x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:32 Page 12 skills training education qualifications employability chances, boost your confidence and of course, help you to develop your social and personal skills too. Right now, we want to hear of any instances where What we say… you feel you have been supported above and beyond High levels of unemployment, unfortunately is now a big part of our society and it will be for quite a while , so whilst informnorth the call of duty - it does happen and who knows, can and will offer lots of informative advice and signposting to all you could feature in a future issue of our special the best places you can go to get help and gain new skills, or “magazine. Get in touch with us today and how you can go about enrolling on training and seeking out job email [email protected] opportunities whilst things are tight, unfortunately we can’t make these opportunities happen for you in isolation. Right now, as services alter or become axed we want to hear from take, skills are your new best friend and enrolling on a course is anybody that receives absolutely exceptional service and support easy - the hard part is actually deciding what to do and nowa- whilst times are tight (no PR agencies please) in any part of the days, considering if you can afford it. So, if you want to enrol on North East. We want to hear about any instances where you feel a course to enhance employability then you need to determine: you have been supported above and beyond the call of duty. • Just exactly how it is that you want to learn - do you It does happen and who knows, you could feature in a future want to online or in a classroom environment? issue of informnorth, so email [email protected] today. • What type of qualification it is that you want - do you Just now, it pays to be much better informed, far more savvy and want a Diploma, an A level or even a degree? a lot more determined than the next person. Remember, it’s a fact • How will you fund your learning - with your own finances that nobody ever fails until they quit, so whether you are a school or will you apply for a grant or a loan? leaver, young person looking to get ahead or an an adult that’s But whatever stage you’re at in your life, whether you have sick of job searching and wanting to take that all-important next recently been made redundant and have your redundancy pay step - there are opportunities out there for you - but it’s up to you tucked away in the bank, seeking new employment or have just to seek them out and make the very most of them. left higher education then learning new skills could improve your career prospects no end and can do so even during an www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk economic downturn. Useful websites: www.skill.org.uk If you feel you have all the skills you need and don’t need to www.geton.direct.gov.uk train, but simply want to find a new job and employment - there www.direct.gov.uk/pcdl www.ukonlinecentres.com are still plenty of options open to you and most give you the www.getonnortheast.co.uk www.skillsnortheast.co.uk opportunity to learn while you’re doing so. www.informnorth.com www.skills4une.co.uk Gaining new skills through a hobby is much less stressful but www.nesacademy.org.uk www.onenortheast.co.uk equally as important, as any new skill you learn will help your
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FOR THE REAL WORLD Special Feature: Development Training North East
When competition for jobs is fierce we give individuals the skills to get ahead
In 1995 Andy Merrill started work at In 2008 John Bennett, the current Cruddas Park Community Trust in the Managing Director, became a partner West End of Newcastle, to run a in DTNE and Andy increasingly took number of projects developed to give a back seat, away from the day local people jobs and develop social to day running of the company. enterprise. The programme which Andy remains totally committed to John Bennett, Managing Director formed the core of their youth strategy helping local communities and he is was The Prince’s Trust Volunteers still actively involved in community programme - an innovative programme enterprise activity in the Fawdon area The history and that was designed to help enable of Newcastle, where he is developing young people to work in a team in opportunities for local people to be background of DTNE their local community and enable involved in the running of social Development Training North East them to gain confidence in themselves enterprises. (DTNE) started life more than twenty while doing something that was As experts in the field of self years ago in Newcastle and over the worthwhile. development and training, DTNE are past two decades, we have grown our widely recognised as being leaders in expertise and built on our experience. the design and delivery of self Under the direction of John Bennett development programmes and supported by a strong team, DTNE that deliver great is still based in the heart of the North experiences. But that’s not East and is well recognised as a leading all - we also arm young deliverer of personal development and our people with many training opportunites. of the skills that DTNE now organises and delivers a employers recognise wide range of self development and and want - skills that training regimes that meet a wide range set them apart in a of needs. This work is undertaken on crowded pool of behalf of local authorities, schools, talent that are colleges and education providers, as transferable and well as other training organisations who of real value. rely on the skillfulness and professionalism of their staff.
Pictured left: Julie Raine, Director of Basic Education, City of Sunderland College, presented Prince’s Trust certificates to DTNE students
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Development Training North East
A DTNE PROGRAMME OFFERS MORE TO STUDENTS Many of the young people we work with may work in a certain area and this is where we fit in. have left school or college and be looking to Development Training North East have years of take their next important experience in designing and delivering bespoke step in life, but they programmes and special activities that bring might lack some out the best in young people and adults of the key skills alike. We are recognised as leaders in or confidence this field and have built our reputation needed to by providing activities that are as gain engaging as they are rewarding.
“I took part in all of the activities on offer and quickly found that by doing new things I was learning which has helped me with my skills and my confidence.” This is just an example of the sort of thing we We offer much more than just another course as are told by young people who chose to become everything is designed to help bring out all of involved with us through one of our special your talents and each of your abilities. development programmes. You will find that there are lots of benefits to be Each year we help hundreds of people who all had from becoming involved and at first many come from a wide range of backgrounds and of them may not be aparent - but if you do have siezed the opportunity to join us in order to choose to take your next important steps with us, gain the important new skills and much-needed you are taking a positive leap forward to a experience that employers actually want. much brighter and better future.
A Big Note of Thanks from Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service “Development Training North East (DTNE) recently helped us with a major exercise that involved having live
You can learn to do lots of new casulaties. Their capable staff were very supportive with things and help inspire others the organisation and logistics and each of the team members who attended were a credit to themselves and at the same time to DTNE.
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Development Training North East
More than three quarters of all the people we work with say they have benefitted hugely from what gained as a direct result
with DTNE, "After finishing a degree at University I found that I was struggling to get a job and decided to join DTNE and ended up discovering that I was enjoying the challenges that I faced. I soon found that I had a positive 18 year old Newcastle new direction in my life and then managed to resident Johnny Saunders progress into full time work helping other young says, "I had been unemployed people, which is what I am doing now." she said. for over two years when I decided to join The Prince's Trust programme at DTNE. I wanted to boost my confidence and also enhance my employment prospects. On DTNE allows you to gain the completion of the course I was successful in foundations to achieve more getting a job working with young adults on in life... training programmes. I have now worked with over 500 young people, helping them to develop. Lucy Thompson, 20, from Gateshead explained how she got involved, "I attended the Prince's Trust at DTNE after my employer agreed that it would be a good opportunity to develop my confidence, motivation and leadership skills. After completing the programme, I had enough confidence to change career path, and I now work with young people helping them realise their own potential." Natasha Bell was 22 when she became involved Youth Support Pays Off For Centre Phillip Champion and Stuart Wake, pictured withwere amongst a recent group of young people who took part “This was an important joint exercise that involved in a special development programme run by DTNE, on Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service behalf of Prince’s Trust. and without the help of community partners such as Working closely together, the group of students helped to plan, organise and then hold a special community fete in DTNE, the Emergency Services would not be able to order to raise much-needed funds for Newcastle Deaf train for and respond to critical incidents as well as Centre. we are able just now. Pictured above are Phillip and Stuart, presenting Iris Luke David Curtis, with a cheque for £400 on behalf of the Centre which will go towards the Centre’s running costs. From their base in Tyne and Wear Summerhill Square, Newcastle Deaf Centre helps deaf Fire & Rescue Service people of all ages and those who are connected with them to meet, socialise and keep informed about the issues that directly affect them.
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Development Training North East
Personal Development That Works Based in the heart of the North links with Job Centres, Connexions East, DTNE is recognised as a and Colleges, as well as lots of other leading deliverer of personal support organisations. This enables development training opportunites. young people to access all of our We work with around 650 learners, programmes as quickly and easily students and volunteers per year, as possible. providing a range of courses and We also have opportunities for young programmes for 16 - 26 year olds. people that are employed in local DTNE offers qualifications through companies to take part in our City and Guilds, NCFE, ASDAN and programmes as part of their own other awarding bodies. You can take training and development and help part in any of our programmes and at them grow in confidence, learn to the same time, can keep receiving communicate better and develop your benefits. leadership and management skills. We have close working links with The skills developed are transferable businesses supporting young people in directly back into the workplace. A the North East and we maintain close recent survey of HM Revenue & Customs employees who took part in one of our programmes and their managers, revealed that over 97% of I felt a great participants had developed all of their sense of achievement competencies to some degree as a from the course and direct result of their participation thought to myself, if and their managers reported 91% I can try this then I of programme participants were also now much more effective in their can try anything. workplace as a direct result.
TO FIND OUT MORE OR JOIN OUR WAITING LIST, GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY AND FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU...
For more information call DTNE on 0191 230 3033 or email [email protected] You can also visit us at www.dtne.org.uk and text TRUST to 0785 454 4524
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WORKWORK
TWEBLO is primarily responsible for promoting work related learning to our young people at school and this includes the key aspect of their work experience placement. This helps them to develop their understanding of the world of work and improve the skill sets that are essential to future employment prospects.
TWEBLO works in partnership with a variety of organisations across Tyne and Wear to enable young people to broaden their horizons raising their aspirations and improve their career prospects.
We operate throughout the North East, running a wide variety of programmes from raising achievement levels and motivation to work experience placements and mentoring schemes. These allow young people to gain invaluable experience and develop important key skills, essential for life, the work place and further education.
Recently, we have expanded our horizons to engage with the heritage education sector, helping young people to understand the volume and quality of work roles that are available across Tyne and Wear in this vibrant sector of our local economy.
Our work makes a real difference to young people and we are engaging with schools and local businesses to support much needed traineeships and apprenticeships and the proper expansion of jobs within this key sector as we move forward.
Contact: Graeme Miller Telephone: 0191 5166 166 or Web: www.tweblo.org x101417_Inform_p2_cg_x101417_Inform_p2_cg 20/07/2011 10:35 Page 18 skills training education qualifications ideas and be sure to write them down. • Are you going to cover existing artists’ CASH IN HAND: music or write your own? If you are going New Legislation for a Music License to write your own, get the band together and start working on ideas. • Start advertising, either through word of Have you ever pretended to play the air drums to music or sang in front of the mirror mouth, social media, enter battle of bands competition, audition for the X factor, play using a hairbrush as a microphone? Well, if you have the X factor to succeed then at a friends birthday bash - get out and let Katie Crofton looks at new legislation that could mean that forming a band and people hear you and what you can offer. performing could make it a whole lot easier to earn some extra cash... • When you have got some good music together, whether it’s your own or covers, Other measures in the Bill will make it easier record your tunes and publish it on social for venues with an existing licence - such as media or play it in the office, school or pubs - to put on live music events without college common room. any restrictions. Finally continue to practice and don’t stop This only covers music performed indoors rehearsing, as it really does make perfect. from 8am-11pm, so if you wanted to play So you’ve got the band now how do outdoors or late at night you would still need you make the money? approval from the local license authority. Well firstly, your music must truly stand out Lord Clement-Jones, the Liberal Democrat in some significant, original, dynamic, and said: “Live musicians performing in small creative way, and then give out samples of venues across the country have been hit hard your music (remember you have to speculate by the licensing restrictions, and the simple to accumulate) and if people love something cost of applying for a licence to play has put they let other people know about it. many small venues off putting events on And secondly, play live often. You can Great news for music and gig fans alike… altogether.” always tell the difference between a musician the Government has proposed to exempt who is in it for the money, and a musician So there’s the good news for those already in performances for small audiences from music who is in it for the music. If you really think a band, but what happens if you’ve always licensing requirements, which means many that you can make your living solely as a wanted to set up a band but have been put venues will now be able to put on more live musician in the first three to four years of off by license fees, venues restrictions and the events, at no extra cost at all. your career, then you are probably headed shear cost of indulging in a past time? Great, and how exactly does this affect for disappointment and a breakdown. Well here are our top tips for forming the me, I hear you ask? Well music fans and By going out there and playing on the streets, North East’s very own Coldplay or U2: potential performers could benefit hugely at schools, fairs, festivals and charity do’s - from this because if you perform then you’ll • First things first, find some talented people even for free initially - means that people be able to play smaller more intimate venues or a person to make some music with! will hear you, and if they like you may ask without the need to pay for a music license. Think of the talent that you have and the you to play at their event and that’s when And if you’re in a band that means you could sound and the instruments you will need. you can really start charging. be quid’s in when it comes to playing, • Buy, rent or borrow the musical instruments. Make sure you register any songs you write because you’ll be able to charge venues and • Decide on the style of music you want to for copyright protection. entrance fees and not have to use the money perform, will it be dance, blues, rock or If you really intend to work hard and develop to pay for a license….it’s that simple. indie? Usually the genre of music will be your career as a musician that writes their Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the determined by the music the band like. own songs, don’t wait too long to take care Incorporated Society of Musicians, said; You can’t be playing pop if you only really of this simple, but essential task. Just go to “So many musicians rely on performing live love rock, can you? www.copyright.gov to find out more. during their career and in these testing • Practice makes perfect, so find a place to Think about the labels you wish to be signed economic times, removing the cost of practice, especially if you’re doing covers. to, and begin researching the ways they sign licensing can only help musicians.” Are you going to fork out for a proper acts, what they offer you as a band, what is The Live Music Bill will: studio or will you sound proof your parents their reputation like and could they really • Make it easier for musicians to perform front room or garage? Can you practice make or break your career? • Allow small venues like schools, colleges at our school or at a local youth centre? As an avid band fan, I certainly can’t wait and village halls to hold concerts without • Start playing music together - or jamming to enjoy smaller gigs thanks to the new needing a costly licence - if there is an as the hip kids call it! Use your first few legalisation… And hey, maybe I’ll even see audience of fewer than 200 people. get-together to come up with some song you and your new band performing at one!
Newcastle Science City TWEBLO North East Higher Skills T: 0191 211 2578 T: 0191 516 6166 Network W:www.newcastlesciencecity.com W: www.tweblo.org T: 01642 342963 W: www.iwant2b.org.uk
Sunderland University If we can you can Informnorth School of Computing T: 0191 226 7491 T: 0191 586 6010 T: 0191 515 2752 W: www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk W: www.informnorth.com W: www.cat.sunderland.ac.uk
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