HOW did you pick your career? Did you follow your parents, look online or ask for help from your school or college?
Getting great careers support at school is one of the most important factors in finding the right job.
Expert advice for finding the right job for you ahead of National Careers Week[/caption]
And the advice you receive can make a huge difference.
National body The Careers & Enterprise Company says the number of girls interested in working in science and law surged 83 per cent and 77 per cent respectively, for those who receive careers advice early in secondary school.
National Careers Week begins on Monday, with events in schools and colleges nationwide.
Oli de Botton, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Quality careers support is essential because it equips young people with the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to navigate their futures.”
The Government has pledged to deliver two weeks of work experience for every young person.
But with the world of work moving so fast and with the advent of AI, many parents struggle to keep up with new job roles.
To help, we’ve teamed up with Jo Carrington, of Morrisby.com, a careers specialist used in thousands of schools.
Advent of AI
Jo said: “Parents are the biggest influence on a young person’s career decisions, with 80 per cent of students saying their parents helped them make key career decisions.”
Here’s how you can help your child.
Understand your child’s options: The choices available will have definitely changed from when you left school. Check out talkingfutures.org.uk for a good overview.
Discover the support available at your child’s school or college: Schools in England should follow the Gatsby Benchmarks, which are a framework for careers provision. Contact your school to find out the support your child can access.
Starting the conversation: Give kids time to express what they want to do, to show that you are there to support them.
It’s OK for your child not to know what they want to do: The guidance Jo gives is to keep as many doors open as possible. Choose courses that won’t restrict their future career options. See if they can try work experience to test out career ideas, too.
Resist suggesting your child does a career like yours: By all means talk to them about your career but bear in mind we are all different.
Help them take control: The sooner they are able to contact employers themselves and understand career paths, the stronger their skills will be in negotiating the jobs market.
The schools career leader…
Viki Foster says ‘choosing a career is like parking in an empty car park – you won’t know the best space until you try’[/caption]
VIKI FOSTER is the careers leader at Withernsea High School, East Yorks.
She said: “Being based in a rural and coastal area can sometimes narrow aspirations, so I ask ‘Have you thought about XYZ?’, ensuring that every student is aware of every potential career path.
“I once had a student who asked, ‘Miss, how can I be an astronaut?’. We helped him build his own rocket. Today, he is an engineer in the RAF.
“We partner with the Hull and East Yorkshire Careers Hub to connect students with colleges, employers and apprenticeship providers.
“Choosing a career is like parking in an empty car park – you won’t know the best space until you try.”
The work experience expert
Jo Royce says her goal is to inspire and support talent[/caption]
JO ROYCE heads up ADventure, Brixton Finishing School’s nationwide outreach programme for pupils aged 11 to 14 to break into the competitive creative industries.
Jo said: “Where you live and the type of school you attend still have a significant influence on your opportunities. . .
“Our goal is to inspire and support talent by helping them find a role that excites them and giving them the guidance to upskill and prepare for the workforce.”
For more information, and to apply, visit careeradventures.org.
Jobspot
CEVA LOGISTICS has ten places on offer for its degree apprenticeship scheme. Roles are available in warehouse operations, ocean freight, air freight, and business development. See cevalogistics.com/en/careers.
SCOTTISH POWER is ready to recruit people on both craft and logistics apprenticeships. If you are interested, find out more and apply at scottishpower.com/pages/apprenticeships.aspx.
VICK’S HOPES FOR THE ARTS
Vick Hope is encouraging kids to consider a career in the creative industries[/caption]
RADIO and TV presenter Vick Hope is among stars visiting schools around the country to encourage pupils to consider a career in music and the creative industries.
The “Mic Drop Talks”, run by Mastercard ahead of tomorrow’s Brit Awards, also feature singer-songwriter Ella Eyre – a former Brit School pupil – plus specialists in music law and touring.
Studies show 48 per cent of young people aged 12 to 17 want to pursue a career in the creative industries, so the programme helps students understand the rich variety of roles available.
The creative industries are a major employer in the UK, generating £125billion for the UK economy in 2023.
Vick said: “The UK is bursting with creative talent. Inspiring the next generation is so important, and there is such power in really knowing your options.”
Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/hjybvwzx
IN FAST LANE TO SUCCESS
RAMADAN is expected to begin this evening and marks the start of a month of fasting for Muslims around the world.
But how does fasting all day affect workers’ health, and how can businesses support Muslim staff in their holy month?
Einaas Farooky from HR specialists Peninsula said: “Employers must understand what Ramadan is, and the ways in which fasting does and does not affect Muslim workers’ health.”
Here is her advice:
Understand your legal obligations: The Equality Act 2010 protects workers against discrimination based on religion, and Health and Safety at Work regulations require employers to ensure their employees’ wellbeing in the workplace, regardless of their race or religion. Employers must treat requests concerning religion equally.
Assess the impact of fasting: Fasting during Ramadan doesn’t pose a health risk to most people. The main risk is to those exposed to physical hazards, like heat stress and heavy manual work. In these cases, they will be more prone to dehydration.
Be flexible on both sides: Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments where health risks are involved. Employees have a part to play in looking after their own health and engaging with management procedures designed to protect them.
What works practically? Reasonable adjustments could be things like earlier starts to shifts, shorter lunch breaks, and earlier finishing times. A temporarily shortened working day makes it easier for the employee to get through a day without food and drink and maximises their productivity. Consider rescheduling breakfast or lunch meetings to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
What about safety? If fasting workers are responsible for safety-critical duties during Ramadan, extra support, supervision or even temporary reassignment may be necessary. Assess each worker on their specific duties and capabilities.
