This blog is designed to keep you up-to-date with Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) available locally, nationally and through the school. I’ll be posting information about employment and training opportunities available locally as well as details of open days and useful websites. The world of education, employment and training opportunities is changing rapidly so keep checking in for the latest information.

Mr Cross


Friday 29 June 2012

Herts Jobs 16-19 on Twitter

You can receive Tweets from Youth Connexions about job vacancies available locally.  Sign up here  Alternatively, you can search the Herts 16-19 Job-Search Database.

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Where are all the jobs?

Recently published statistics show how levels of young people Not in Education Employment or Training (NEETs) are distributed nationally.  Click here for details.

Youth Business Academy

The Hertfordshire Careers Service is holding Skoolz Out for Business events this Summer, aimed at young people in Years 6 to 8.  For dates, locations and more information, click here.

"So you want to be a doctor?"

West Hertforshire Hospitals are putting on a one day course at Watford General Hospital on Saturday 28th July as an introduction to life as a medical student, junior doctor and medicine as a career.  It will be an interactive day during which participants can 'try their hand at some clinical skills'!  Click on these links for further information, a schedule for the day and a booking form.

Careers in Finance

The Financial Skills Partnership has recently launched the Directions website which aims to offer up-to-date advice on careers in finance, accountancy and financial services.  There is information about entry into this sector at all levels and you can register for regular updates.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Your Careers Guidance "one stop shop"...

HertsChoices is a careers and advice website for Young People in Hertfordshire.  It brings together guidance and information about further and higher education courses, Apprenticeships and it also lists local 16-19 employment opportunities.

Looking for a University course?

UK Course Finder is a website you can use to search for university courses across the UK.  If you're not sure about the type of course you wish to study, there's also an on-line study interests questionnaire you can fill in.

Thursday 21 June 2012

The National Careers Service

The National Careers Service was launched in April 2012.  Its website has a wide range of careers tools and advice for you to explore.  Also Advisers are available to offer careers information, advice and support to 13-19 year olds between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.  You can contact them by phone ( 0800 number ), text and e-mail or take part in a 1:1 web-chat.  Click here for the contact options.

Going higher ...?

The school Careers Library is located to the right of the Librarian's desk.  It has prospectuses from a wide range of universities as well as guides on how to choose a university and apply for a degree course.  The 2012 HEAP Guide is a very good starting point ...

Opportunities in this Area

The Regional Training Prospectus is an interactive website where you can search for Apprenticeship, training, education courses and a range of career opportunities in this region.  Register on-line and you can receive regular e-mail updates.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

In need of Careers ideas?

If you want to find out more about the world of work, take a look at careersbox.  You can research a particular training or career pathway or just browse the wide range of videos on careersboxTV for inspiration ...

What are my work-related skills?

The Skills Explorer website asks you a few simple questions about your work-related skills and then suggests a range of possible careers for you.  Each one comes with a video, describing the type of work involved.  If you don't like the choice on offer, just re-assess your skills!

Choices at 16+

If you are not thinking of staying on to the Sixth Form but are not sure what to do, why not try the Oaklands College Careers Tool-Kit?  It will give you suggestions for courses you might like to consider.

How can Youth Connexions help?

If you are aged 13 to 19, you can get 1:1 information, advice and guidance for making some of the key decisions about your future.  A Youth Connexions Personal Adviser can talk to you in school or at the St Albans Youth Connexions centre based at Oaklands College City Campus.  Jackie Duffy is the school's Youth Connexions Personal Adviser.  If you are in Year 9 or above and would like a guidance meeting with Jackie, please see Mrs Darnell, Mr Cross or your Head of Year.

Thinking about an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a way of combining employment and training  -  you learn and earn at the same time!  You can start an Apprenticeship after taking GCSEs or 'A' levels.  For more information, click here.

Check Out ChannelMogo

ChannelMogo is a website run by Youth Connexions in Hertfordshire.  It has a wide range of information and advice for young people on topics including, coping with exams, jobs, health, travel and entertainment.

New version of Kudos released

CASCAID has launched a new version of the Kudos careers guidance software available here.  All Year 9 students have been provided with login information.  If you need help logging in or have forgotten your login details, please see Mr Cross.