Students have many options available to them including the following:

• Apprenticeships - BTEC's & Degree

• Graduate & Leadership programmes

• Internships & Placements

• Entrepreneurial avenues

• Further training

• Charitable projects & Travel

• Direct employment

 

So with so many choices available where do you start?  It is important to do your research

and find out what will suit you.  Whether you are at school, college or university you have decisions to make about your career path and Student Inspo is here to assist you.  For more information please carry on reading below or email us with your queries.

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Apprenticeships are a option which combines work with practical training 

and can be offered at a number of different levels and disciplines. 

Here are some examples:

- Higher Apprenticeships are a real alternative to a full-time degree

which offer a foundation degree or level 4 qualification eg in Engineering etc

- Advanced Apprenticeships offer level 3 qualifications

- Degree Apprenticeships offer a degree paid for by your employer which you can

complete whilst being in a salaried role and can be in varied industries

such as accounting and technology.

- Masters & MBA can enhance career development

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A wide variety of companies and industries offer apprenticeships so find out what suits you.

Graduate programmes should be structured and offer training and development, often

they also offer professional qualifications and are normally over two

or three years.

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Leadership programmes are similar to graduate programmes but usually

invest in fast-tracking students into senior roles more rapidly and will have senior

stakeholder support.

 

Both programmes provide a good platform of knowledge and training and give you a

good introduction into an industry or sector.  If additional professional training

qualifications are involved then it is worth understanding the commitment.  You may also

be expected to study in and around your workload but it can be extremely beneficial in the long run.

 

Leading companies offer varied programmes, so research what is on offer and plan which companies you feel suited to.

Insternships & Placements are a great way to find out if you like a company and

if they like you.  You will gain great first hand experience in the workplace and be

able to return to your studies with real life practical experience behind you.  

 

These programmes vary in length and are also a good route onto graduate programmes

if you perform well so can play a key part in your careers paths.  As such it is important

that you fully research your opportunities and invest time in your applications.  

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Check that they are paid roles and can give you structured experiences and insights into

the company to develop your employability skills.  

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Review websites can give you good recommendations into companies so that you can find a role that suits you.  

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Research roles and apply as soon as they open so that you don't miss out.  Applications can take time but understand what is involved an take time to prepare for the interviews and assessments.

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What do you do if you want to be your own boss?

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If you have a business idea or are developing one then you could consider the following:

- Create a business plan

- Do your research

- Think about funding

- Register your company

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Here are some useful websites:

www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

www.princes-trust.org.uk

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Getting a business mentor can also be really helpful and supportive.

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Good luck!

Alternative options to joining the workplace and learning more can include:

- Further education i.e. college 

- Open university

- Online courses

- Workshops i.e. Prince's Trust etc

- Government courses i.e. Jobcentre Plus

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Many more are available, some are free and others require funding but grants

may be available.  

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On the job training should also be considered and continuous learning will be key to your career development so keep your options open.  

UK and international experiences are readily available and if this is a focus for you,

support from many organisations are available. 

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Charitable projects and organisations include:

- Engineers without Borders

- Centre Point Homeless charity

- Doctors without Borders

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Travel opportunities are a great way to broaden your horizons:

- British Council offer English Language Assistance programmes etc

- Gap year programmes

- Back packing

 

We have only listed a few options and you can find something that you will enjoy and will add value to your life experiences so have fun!  

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Aside from structured programmes direct part time and full time employment may

be the direction you wish to go and suits some more than others.  Development and

progression is available either on the job or outside of the workplace.  

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So where can you find roles:

- Online job boards i.e. Indeed.com

- Job centres

- Company websites

- Local press

- Networking

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So many routes and paths are available so seek them out!

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