Seven reasons you should start an apprenticeship

Seven reasons you should start an apprenticeship by Amber Rolfe Thinking about an apprenticeship?Whether you’ve recently finished school, or you’re just looking to start a new profession â€" an apprenticeship is a great way to expand on your skills and experience, whilst working towards an industry-specific qualification. But how can you tell if an apprenticeship is right for you?We’ve already covered how to get started with an apprenticeship, but to make you aware of the benefits, here are seven reasons you should start an apprenticeship:  You’ll get to pick from a range of opportunities   Although apprenticeships are commonly linked to fields like plumbing and construction â€" they’re actually available in almost every industry.Not only does this allow you to choose from a range of opportunities, it also makes it easier for you to start your dream role without committing to years of academic study.And it doesn’t matter how old you are either. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, and there’s no maximum limit to when you can get started.So whether you’re keen on pursuing a career in media or marketing, you’re interested in fashion and beauty, or your strengths lie in health and care â€" there’s an apprenticeship out there for everyone.Other popular industries for apprenticeship include:RetailHospitality cateringTechnologyPublic servicesEngineering manufacturingEducationAgriculture animal careFive apprenticeships you may not have consideredApprenticeships for school leavers  You’ll gain a qualification Although you’ll spend a lot of your apprenticeship on-the-job, that doesn’t mean you won’t get to learn.In fact, with most apprenticeships allocating at least one day a week to work towards gaining a qualification, they’re the perfect opportunity to build on your knowledge and prove your skillset to future employers.The type of qualification you’ll get will vary depending on the level of apprenticeship you take â€" with anything from GCSE equivalents t o degree-level certifications well within your reach.To find out more about what you could gain and their equivalents, here are the types of apprenticeships you could take.Advanced apprenticeships: What you need to knowHigher apprenticeships: What you need to knowLevels of education: What do they mean  You’ll earn while you learn Apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience.Not only will you avoid the usual costs of studying, you’ll also be earning a wage as an employee â€" making you eligible for other perks and benefits offered by the company.Minimum wage starts at £3.70 per hour for apprentices, but most will earn significantly more than this â€" with salaries varying depending on your industry and employer. And as your skills grow, so does your earning potential.By combining learning with an income â€" apprenticeships give you the best of both worlds.  You’ll get on-the-job experience Looking for work experience, but don’t know where to start?Don’t pan ic. An apprenticeship is the perfect way to start your career with a boost, allowing you to gain relevant work experience straight away (something you wouldn’t necessarily have time for if you studied for a qualification full-time).And as many employers consider work experience a prerequisite â€" the skills and abilities you gain from an apprenticeship will undoubtedly improve your employability.Applying for apprenticeships  You’ll get guidance and support Apprenticeships offer a high level of training and guidance.And although they emulate a full-time job in many ways, that doesn’t mean you’ll be thrown in at the deep end â€" or expected to know everything straight away. Not only will you be offered training schemes catered to you, you’ll also receive tailored help and guidance throughout.Many employers also provide support to help you with your career after your apprenticeship â€" whether it’s by offering CV advice or interview tips.  You’ll build a network of contac ts While you carry out your apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to network within your industry.By building relationships throughout your experience, you’ll be able to utilise your contacts to shape your career â€" both in the short and long term. To stand out, always demonstrate your determination clearly â€" whether it’s by being proactive with your workload or putting the most into your learning.Using this time wisely is essential, and making positive connections could even help guarantee you a job after your apprenticeship ends.What is networking?  You’ll improve your career prospects The bottom line is: an apprenticeship will improve your career options.Aside from teaching you a range of skills and abilities, it also helps you to build a career in the field you’re passionate about. In fact, as apprenticeships are geared towards a particular industry or role, they could lead directly into a job.And with the right attitude and dedication to the job, you’ll und oubtedly be able to progress within your field after your apprenticeship.What are the career prospects for apprenticeships?Apprenticeships: How to get startedStill searching for your perfect apprenticeship? View all available apprenticeships nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the What job suits me?

Go Wales Graduate Academy University of Manchester Careers Blog

Go Wales Graduate Academy University of Manchester Careers Blog Attention unemployed graduates currently living in Wales! You might be interested in the GO Wales Graduate Academy a free 6 week training programme aiming to provide you with the skills needed to develop a graduate career. The Graduate Academy consists of a 2 week residential training course and a period of work experience. 2 Week Residential Training Course Held in Lampeter at the campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David. The focus of the course will be on the key skills required in the workplace. You’ll learn about the role of management, develop your leadership potential and gain an understanding of the importance of marketing within an organisation. The course compromises of both taught and independent study units You’ll also get the chance to work on case studies, team projects, presentations and reports. Work Experience Lasting for about 3 ½ weeks this period of work experience will help you to develop contacts and help to develop skills to enhance your CV. You’ll be fully supported by GO Wales in arranging this work experience and will be assigned a work experience officer for the duration. You have a say in the type of work experience you do and will be expected to provide suggestions of employers to be approached â€" Get your thinking caps on now! Interested? The good news is that GO Wales have just opened applications for the next Graduate Academy due to take place in 24th February â€" 4th April 2014. Applications close 7th January but places are limited so I would recommend getting your applications in ASAP! For more information and to register to attend the Graduate Academy please visit the GO Wales website. If you are a graduate living in   England or Scotland use our   schemes and help nationwide page to find out more about the schemes and help available where you live. All Graduate employability networking work experience

Resume Writers versus Certified Resume Writers - Can you tell the difference

Resume Writers versus Certified Resume Writers - Can you tell the difference Qualify a Resume Writer Before Engaging Services Conduct a Google search for resume writing in your area and you are sure to locate several dozen sites.  But buyer beware; there is a major  difference between ‘resume writers’ and professional resume writers with supporting credentials. How do you know who to trust? To start, separate out anyone offering general ‘resume writing’ and review their website and offerings very carefully.  If the sites offer resume writing but do not tell you WHO the writers are (there is no individual details on the About Us page) it is best to research further. Can you trust your job search to a person you know nothing about?!Next, analyze the resume writers training and involvement in the careers community. Some resume writers (big box shops or anonymous writers) have no formal training (certification) in employment, job search strategies, or resumes.   This begs the question about the standard of work. If individuals are not engaged in the resume writing industry AND pursuing ongoing professional development in the careers industry then how can they effectively support job seekers with the critical task of applying for jobs which is ever evolving? Other red flags to watch out for: Websites are sales focused, long winded, and include poor grammar or spelling.  Yikes. If the web site is packed with disjointed information, mistakes, or lack of value think about what your resume will look like! Prices  are  too good to be true.   Ever heard the expression you pay for what you get?  An inexpensive resume will be a hastily compiled template which will hurt and hinder your job search.  Top professionals charge for the expertise and hours they spend compiling customized career documents.  Jason Alba of JibberJobber  has said:  the difference you’ll get between a cheap resume and a professional resume are night and day.  and  resume writers are much more than typists.  Hes right! The  resume  samples are old-fashioned templates  that all look exactly the same (basic and boring). If you read resume samples online and you are not immediately intrigued or compelled  move along!   Avoid resumes that are task-focused.   Look for resume samples that include results-driven statements and unique value propositions…which are critical to job search success. The writer is nowhere to be found on social media including LinkedIn.  Todays resume writing professionals recognize the importance of social media (particularly LinkedIn) as part of a healthy job search approach.  Professional services should also include assistance with LinkedIn profiles and other current job search trends (like ATS). When approached, writers or shops speak unfavorably  about their competitors to try and win sales.  True professionals do not push down others to get ahead; they are proud to be a part of the industry, have established relationships with peers, and promote the value of others.    I myself enjoy recommending other top resume writers if  I am personally unable to assist. Ultimately your best investment is to search for resume writers with supporting  credentials and a reputable background in the careers or hiring industry.   Professional resume writers will advertise designations and specialized experience, including personalized biographies so that you get a good sense of their work style and their commitment  to the industry.  Top professionals can also support their expertise in the industry with awards, media contributions, publications, and ongoing professional development, continuous  learning, and  advancement. Learn more about “Who Can you Trust in the Resume Writing Industry?” by Sharon Graham, Executive Director of Career Professionals of Canada. Engaging with a true professional will almost certainly reduce your job search (a typical job search lasts 20+ weeks!), saving you missed salary and lost income.  Getting your resume done right with a certified resume writer, the first time, will save you both time and money. Although certified resume writers may charge more they offer the greatest return on investment!  Skye Berry-Burke breaks down the ROI on career services in a recent blog post  that  you should  A list of  prominent resume writing credentials include: MCRS (Master Certified Resume Strategist)  only 6 in Canada; myself included. CERM (Certified Executive Resume Master) skilled in writing for the executive market. CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) CRS (Certified Resume Strategist) CARW (Certified Advanced Resume Writer) NCRW (Nationally Certified Resume Writer) Each of the above certifications are offered through different associations, including: (CPC) Career Professionals of Canada(CDI) Career Directors International(PARW/CC) Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (NRWA) National Resume Writers Association Finally, the best tip of all.  Associations share their directories online where you can search for a credentialed resume writer in your immediate area. So save the Google searches for something else. Go to the source to seek out the very best!I regularly receive calls from desperate job seekers who are unhappy with the resumes they got completed at big box shops or writing experts. Please do your homework before hiring help.

The 36 Fundamentals of Email Etiquette - Classy Career Girl

The 36 Fundamentals of Email Etiquette So many different elements go into forging a successful career. While you’re busy working on your ideas, your tech skills, and your strategies, it can be easy to neglect the basic stuff. Communication is a major but underrated factor in most jobs. While face-to-face or phone interaction can seem intuitive, when it comes to sending a professional email, there is a whole new level of etiquette and technique of which you need to be sure. The 36 Fundamentals of Email Etiquette While you can trace many aspects of a professional email back to the traditional business letter, times are changing and creating an effective email is discipline in itself. You need to pay attention to the subject line, for example, which will pop up as just one of many in the recipient’s daily inbox. Trying to get to the top of the virtual pile by using the word ‘URGENT’ in your subject line is not advisable unless you and the recipient are likely to share that opinion. People today receive so many emails that they have to prioritize the order that they read and respond to them. It can be very annoying to put aside what they’re doing to read an email that isn’t, after all, urgent. [RELATED: The Three Crucial Steps of Business Etiquette] You can, however, work towards making the most of the reader’s attention once you’ve got it. Opening with the purpose of the message, using numbered points to make it seem actionable, and leaving plenty of white space all make reading an email a less arduous or uninviting task. Hopefully, the recipient might even make it all the way down to your signature! If you’re concerned that your work emails aren’t creating the impression they could, have a run through of this new infographic from The Business Backer. It contains 36 email fundamentals that you need to be aware of when you’re reaching out across with electronic mail.

Simple Steps Towards a Career in Chemistry

Simple Steps Towards a Career in Chemistry If you’re looking to pursue a career in chemistry, you have a wide variety of options on the table. Believe it or not, but not all chemists wear white coats and lock themselves away in labs; job options are much more diverse.There are roles in forensic science, medical research, human health and yes, laboratories. Chemistry is a broad, diverse subject with many paths to take â€" and here are some vital steps to go along with your efforts.Step 1: Think beyond a basic degreePhoto Credit â€" BlueDiamondGalleryIt’s good to have, but a basic 2-year degree in chemistry is the very least you should strive for. Chemistry professionals have endured years and years of studying and practice, so be prepared to sink in some time.evalIt would be far better to obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or join a course that contains one year of work experience. A lengthy degree like this can be used to further your academic career, leading you to join a specialist chemistry or medical school.In short, the more advanced you are, the better the role you will get. A full chemistry masters degree will allow you to operate machinery and handle chemicals. Be ready to give up a good few years if you want to see those results!Step 2: Extra-curricular practicePhoto Credit â€" PixabayChemistry is a subject that you’ll have to live and breathe when you’re studying. It’s so complex and so dense that it’ll require much extra-curricular work on your part. You’ll have to do a lot of reading and researching â€" Why Chemical Reactions Happen is a good place to start.On top of this, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tools of the trade. Learning how to operate and use equipment like cloning caps and reaction tubes will go a long way. The earlier you start, the better! Suppliers of Chemglass Life Sciences equipment can offer you the tools you need to become versed with the chemistry industry.Step 3: Consider relocatingPhoto Credit â€" FlickrJust as students of media wo uld be better off living near specific media cities, chemistry kids stand a better chance of a career in certain areas.If you’ve completed your degree and are ready to begin working, perhaps your location is holding you back. Research where exactly the biggest chemistry companies operate from, and make plans to head down there.If possible, you should be doing this when choosing a college too. If your college is near one of these chemistry companies, they may even run apprenticeships and open days. Chemistry is such a specialist subject that if you live in a small town you likely won’t be presented with many chances.Step 4: Don’t give up hope!evalBecause chances are, if you’ve worked that hard and obtained a degree, your college will help you find work.Starting a new job in any industry is tough, but there are a set of basic principles to abide by. If you know your stuff, stay honest and genuinely love the work you do, you’ll succeed.

Make A Good First Impression With Your Résumé - Sterling Career Concepts

Make A Good First Impression With Your Résumé Make A Good First Impression With Your Résumé At best, your résumé receives a 30-second review when first received by a prospective employer. It’s critical, therefore, that it makes a positive first impression and compels the reader to want to call you for an interview. You can increase your chances of getting that call by identifying areas to improve on your résumé so that it’s in line with today’s conventionally accepted résumé principles. It may be a cliché, but it’s true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Is your current résumé best showcasing your career history?   Consider the following four points: Is the length, format, and formality of tone appropriate for the position you’re targeting? Is the format “modern?” (Does it meet current standards?) Is the document free of errors, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and syntax? Are your data points easy to locate?  Email?   Phone number? Most current position?   Education? BONUS tip â€" You want your résumé to stand out from the others, but in a good way. Here are five suggestions to ensure your format is up to date: It’s obviously not a template. The page is visually appealing and easy to read. Sufficient white space is included. Appropriate font and sizes are used throughout. Design elements (lines, bolding, bullets, color) are appropriately incorporated. Does your résumé measure up to these standards? Does it tell the reader who you are (your unique value proposition) and what you can do for their company? If not, you may need to incorporate some of the tips listed above or call us and we’ll help you rewrite your resume to showcase your talents and skills so you can change jobs or get back to work faster!

How I used transitional identities to get to my full-time writing biz goal - When I Grow Up

How I used transitional identities to get to my “full-time writing biz” goal - When I Grow Up Tanya Gardner is a Clubhouse-r (I need to find a better name for my ClubhousersClubhouse Cuties? Clubhousians? Ill come up with something) who wanted to write about what helped her take The Giant Jump from full-time employee to full-time solopreneur. How could I refuse? (I couldnt, which is why her brilliant post is below. And did you see that chart?! She doesnt just tell you she shows you. Love it.) Trust It by Pinwheel Designs It’s a BIG jump from full-time employee to full-time entrepreneur Let’s start with a statement of “tell-it-like-it-is” fact, shall we?   It’s one hell of a giant jump to go from the sureness of a steady paycheque to the quicksand-uncertainty of full-time business ownership. Psychologically speaking, it’s an even bigger one to go from answering to someone else for ticking off jobs on a clearly defined tasklist to… well, being your own boss.   You know: from just being responsible for your individual role in someone else’s business, to being responsible for absolutely everything in your own. Now, you might be the kind of person who finds the idea of that kind of freedom â€" that kind of responsibility â€" intoxicating.   But can I confess something to you?   I’m not. I find it freaking terrifying!   Panic attack inducingly terrifying, in fact. So you’d think I’m just not cut out to be a business owner, right? My past definitely suggests I’m not a great fit for business ownership You see, once upon a time, five years back, I tried starting up my own business.   It was all about fitness and stress management: topics about which I knew much and was intensely passionate.   I wanted to help people. I wanted to share my knowledge. I wanted to make moolah. There was just one problem. I knew next to nothing about business.   I didn’t know how to get clients. I didn’t know how to get organised. And probably most importantly, I didn’t know how to get help. What I did was set up a web page, start writing a newsletter, and wait for people to come to me and tell me what they wanted. Kind of the way they’d done in my job. And who’da thunkit?   I wasn’t very successful. In fact, I wasn’t successful at all. So, after just a few months, I closed the biz and slunk away, tail between my legs. Evidently, I concluded, I just wasn’t cut out for this business stuff. Here’s what I’ve learned since then: entrepreneurship is as much about who I’m being as it is about what I do I didn’t realise back then, but even though I did everything I technically needed to in order to set up a business, I was still an employee on the inside.   I could make all the right noises about proactivity and independence and freedom… but deep down where it counted, I was still waiting for someone to tell me what to do.  And back then, it was just too big a jump to go from my identity as a secure, easy-to-work-with employee to someone brave enough to jump out on their own. So for the longest time, I simply tried to make the most of my job.   I was lucky â€" I had a pretty damn good one. I loved the people I worked with.   I mostly loved my work (how cool was it that they paid me to write full-time????) And I really loved my steady paycheque! Yes, sure, I longed for something more. Something that would let me make a direct difference. Something that would give me the freedom to travel and see the world. But I kept telling myself to be realistic.   Other people might manage to make a full-time living as entrepreneurs, but I’d tried it and I knew it wouldn’t work for me. Or so I kept telling myself until my Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer… and all my excuses for not going after what I wanted started to pale. Transitional identities to the rescue Something that really helped me get my head around making the jump from my self-image as an employee to one as entrepreneur was the concept of “transitional identities”.   I first heard the term from Motivation to Move coach Scott Smith (whom I used to listen to religiously). The idea is this: your identity â€" the image you have of yourself â€" is pretty much fixed at a subconscious level in any given moment. It’s like a snapshot of how you see yourself at that point in time.   If, in that moment, you try to do or become anything that dramatically clashes with your identity, it just doesn’t end up working.   You get too much pushback from your subconscious that says “Nuh uh! That ain’t me! I can’t do that!” And at that point in time, your subconscious is 100% right. But… what if you think of your identity as being something you can slowly, oh-so-gradually, change over time?   What if changing your identity was a long-term goal, and you could set up short-term “identity milestones” along the way to it (much like you would with any other goal)? What if instead of diving headfirst into the unknown waters of a completely new identity, you could ease your way into it   over time? A few of the transitional identities I went through That’s exactly what I did in my journey from an identity as a full-time employee to one as a full-time entrepreneur.   Going straight from being a secure employee to a confident business owner was just too big a leap. So here are a few of the baby-step transitional identities I chose to move into along the way, all summed up in a pretty graphic… You’ll notice the last identity transition is missing an arrow â€" and that’s not accidental.   Here’s the gods-honest truth: this whole “full-time entrepreneurship” thing is still crazy-new to me. I still find the idea of being responsible for everything and answerable to no-one but myself terrifying. But that’s OK.   My identity right now is someone who’s working on becoming a relaxed, confident entrepreneur.   And I know I’ll transition into it â€" just the way I have with all my other identities along the way. How about you? Are there things you’d like to do that just require TOO much of an identity change to be realistic at the moment? Who would you need to become to make them happen? What transitional identities could you set up along the way that would allow you to gradually move into being that person? Please to be hitting me up in the comments! Tanja Gardner is a professional copywriter, word weaver and story sculptor at Crystal Clarity Copywriting Ltd.     She helps difference-makers like you write with concise, creative clarity that your readers intuitively “get”.   That means they understand EXACTLY what you offer â€" so you can make more of a difference in their lives.   To connect with Tanja, say hello on Twitter or Facebook, or follow her blog.   Or, discover how write a scannable web page people that actually read with her Make Your Web Page Crystal Clear guide. It’s completely FREE when you sign up for her short-‘n’-sweet weekly writing tips. ************* Last day to join us until spring/summer-ish 2013 (can ya tell I dont have next year totally mapped out yet? But yeaharound/at least then.)