Studying abroad

Did you know that there are 3.6 million students currently studying in a different country to the one where they were born?  However, fewer than 1% of these are from the U.K. 

The Student World website aims to change this.  It has details of degree opportunities where the teaching language is English across Europe and the world.  You can search for degree courses from across the globe, find out about costs and funding opportunities as well as read student blogs and their interactive magazine.  You might also find this list of websites useful in your research. 

Apprenticeships at John Lewis

The John Lewis Partnership ( which includes Waitrose ) is offering an Apprenticeship scheme for school leavers aged 18 and under.  No qualifications will be required and there are opportunities both locally as well as nation wide within the company.  John Lewis has described their programme as a 'long-term sustainable route for young people to secure employment with the retailer. As a key point of difference, the programme, which focuses on young people, has guaranteed that all secure employment when their training is complete.'  For further information, click here.

Teenagers are aiming for the wrong jobs ...

An article in the Financial Times reports that many teenagers' job ambitions are misguided.  The survey of over 11,000 13-16 year-olds revealed a mismatch between the careers young people hope to follow and the projected job prospects in these areas.  For example, one fifth of 15-16 year-olds surveyed were hoping to enter careers which are expected to comprise only 2.4% of new and replacement jobs available over the next 10 years.  Whereas growth areas such as jobs in administration and care work proved to be less popular in the young people's ambitions.  For the full article, click here.

National Apprenticeships Week

This week is National Apprenticeships Week with the theme 'Apprenticeships deliver'.  Apprenticeships lead to good careers with real progression.  There are over 250 skills and industries to choose from, representing 1,400 job roles.  National awards, competitions and celebration events will reward your success.  You get paid while also gaining official qualifications and work experience.  To find out information about Apprenticeships and local opportunities which combine employment and training, visit the Apprenticeships website where you can also download the new Apprenticeships app for Apple and Android smart phones. 

Interested in being an Estate Agent?

Ashtons are offering Year 12 students Work Experience opportunities this Summer for the weeks of August 5th and 12th with places in each of their offices at Redbourn, Harpenden, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City. In their own words, 'Each placement will provide an introduction to Estate Agency and allow the candidates to gain experience of general administration duties, including printing of documents and sending out mail shots. Time will also be spent out and about with our professional photographer and will include visiting properties, accompanied by one of our sales team.'  For further information or to apply, please contact koxley@ashtons.co.uk. The closing date for applications is 31st March 2013.

National Careers Week

This week is National Careers Week and as part of the event, a website has been created as a 'Celebration of Careers Guidance and Opportunities'.  As well as resources and information from a range of national and multi-national companies, there are six very useful short films covering 'Finding a Job', 'Writing a C.V.', 'Your Interview Checklist', 'A Guide to Work Experience', 'Careers Tips for Parents' and a 'Guide to National Careers Week'. 

You can find all six videos here.

Preparing for a College interview

If you are applying for a course at Oaklands or West Herts College, you'll be invited for an interview.  This is an important part of the application process so it's best to be well prepared.  Youth Connexions have prepared a very useful leaflet to help guide you though the interview.  It explains the questions you might be asked and also gives you ideas about the information you should find out.  You can get a copy of the leaflet from Mr Cross.  You can also arrange a meeting with Mrs Duffy, our Connexions Personal Adviser, to help you prepare for your interview.  Good luck!