Local apprenticeships

Latest list available here, some great opportunities to look out for.
If you want to apply, make your application the best it can be. Give yourself time, ask for help, and get someone you trust to run through it before you submit it.
Then when you are offered an interview, do plenty of preparation beforehand (again, ask for some help and there are lots of interview tips online).
All the vacancies are on http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/  There you can look up all the job details using the AV number shown on the list and send in your application.

Careers Event 3rd March St Albans

Your Future Fair at The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans.   2pm-8pm, free entry.  Meet a wide range of education and training providers, companies and organisations.  Suitable for 15+, parents and carers welcome.   Full information here.

Oaklands Open Events Spring 2014

See here for all the gen on the Oaklands College Open Events coming up in February.
More at their website.

Fashion Retail Academy, Open Day

On Wednesday 5^th February 2014 from 12:30pm - 5pm we are holding our Open Day at the Fashion Retail Academy. Our Open Day provides an excellent opportunity for students to meet tutors from  the Academy and also to have tours of our fantastic facilities here. 

 

The Fashion Retail Academy delivers a unique contemporary educational experience, with a range of vocational and work-orientated courses to successfully prepare learners, aged 16+ for employment in the fashion retail sector. An initial government-matched investment from the Arcadia Group, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Next and Experian has been followed by practical support from other retailers. We are now working with over 110 retail companies who provide meaningful work placements, master classes, and resources to aid teaching and equip FRA students for working life.

 

Located in a fantastic building just off London’s Oxford Street students will learn in an inspirational environment with the latest facilities including Lecture Theatre, IT suites and our very own mock shop. Lecturers at the FRA have diverse retail experience, offering a wealth of knowledge about the industry.

 

Our current course offering for 2014/15 entry includes:

 ·         Level 2 Fashion Retail Art & Design Diploma

·         Level 3 Business for Fashion Retail Diploma

·         Level 3 Art & Design – Fashion & Clothing Diploma

·         Level 3 Art & Design – Graphic Design for Fashion Retail Diploma

·         Level 4 Fashion Retail Diploma

·         Level 4 Fashion Retail Merchandising Diploma

·         Level 4 Fashion Retail Buying and Range Planning Diploma

·         Level 4 Fashion Garment Technology Diploma

·         Level 4 Visual Display& Retail Branding for Fashion Retail Diploma

 We also offer short courses and a representative from this area will be available to speak to on the day.

 To register your place please visit our website: http://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/joining-fra/open-days

Calling all year 12 students

Excellent presentation in 6th form yesterday from Andy Young of Youth Connexions, all about this great scheme for 16 and 17 year olds.  Have fun at half term, learn new skills, support your community, looks good on your CV and on your applications for beyond Sixth Form.
More about the programme at the NCS website or contact me via the usual routes.
(Year 11s - your chance for this great opportunity will be in the summer - look out for the information coming out later this term).

Talking of beyond Sixth Form, now would be a great time for year 12s to start to consider (if not started already) what their path will be beyond Sixth Form.  Don't forget this can include any or all of UCAS, uni overseas, Higher Apprenticeship, School Leaver Programme or employment (aim to have a back up plan, or several).  Don't know what some of these are?  Find out! Ask people, do some research. Look out for information on events, taster days, careers fairs and conventions, etc, then commit to go and make best use of them - no one will do it for you, it's your choice. 

You don't have to choose a career now (although you can).  All you need to decide on is what your next step from 6th Form could be, and being informed about your various options will help you make that decision, depending on your own priorities.

University taster courses for prospective undergraduate students

Message from the course organisers:

Choose from over a hundred courses in multiple subject areas at numerous universities in and around London.

The Taster Course Programme provides year 12 sixth form students with a taste of what life at a university in London is like.  Through your chosen taster course you will experience the different teaching methods used by university academics and gain an insight into the additional facilities available, whilst meeting students from across the UK.

All our taster courses are free to attend and you can choose a course from a variety of subjects taking place at the numerous participating universities. Courses range from voice and drama, to medicine and nursing, to computing and business.

We are pleased to offer over 160 FREE university taster courses in a variety of subjects taking place at numerous universities across London. 
Please note that students do not need to rush to apply straight away as we are giving everyone until 11am on Wednesday 15 January 2014 to initially apply. Full details available on our website www.london.ac.uk/tasters.

Transform your city!

Smart phones, smart meters, smart cars – the world is going smart!
You only have to look around to see that technology and innovation is everywhere.
Capgemini are sponsoring a competition open to 14-18 year olds to create a unique and innovative way to use technology.  Prize is up to £250 to spend on technology, via challenge experts MyKindaCrowd.  5 weeks left to enter.  More here.

Grammar rules for your CV: top tips

Excellent article on Guardian Careers on how to mind your p's and q's (and all that SPAG) on your CV.