Apprenticeships at Kwik Fit

Kwik Fit is offering a two year Apprenticeship scheme, leading to an NVQ qualification and employment within the company. In the words of Kwik Fit: 'Our Apprenticeships are the gold standard for work-based learning within our sector. Our programme allows us to select enthusiastic, committed people and offer them development in a way that meets the needs of both the business and the apprentice. A high number of our apprentice graduates progress to managerial positions and enjoy a successful career within the company.' You can start an Apprenticeship in April, August or October. The deadline for applying for entry in August is the end of June. For more information about careers at Kwik Fit , click here.

Jobs for school leavers

The Channel Mogo website lists a range of career opportunities for young people leaving education at 16 or 18.  They include areas such as the retail sector, construction and engineering, business and management, I.T. and Finance.  For more information, click here.

Get on the piste!

EA Ski & Snowboard are offering a scholarship opportunity which is open to school leavers with beginner through advanced ski and/or snowboard ability. EA offer Ski and Snowboard Instructor Programs at top ski resorts around the world. The program offers everything required to become a new instructor, including training, accommodation, certification and an opportunity to obtain paid employment at a top resort (if eligible). This is the second year EA Ski & Snowboard have offered a scholarship place and winner will receive a free place on an EA Instructor Program for the coming 2013/14 Winter season in Canada. For more information, click here.

Oaklands College Open Evenings

Oaklands College is hosting Open Evenings at its three sites next week: 

• Welwyn Garden City campus, Tuesday 23rd April;
• St Albans Campus, Wednesday 24th April;
• Alban Park Campus, Thursday 25th April.

If you're not sure about entering the Sixth Form or employment next year or you are considering a "back up" application, why not find out what opportunities are available.  For more information about Further Education courses, search this blog, book an appointment with Mrs Duffy (from Youth Connexions) or visit the Oaklands website.

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.