Skills Development Scotland Leaving School - What are my options?

1. Skills Development ScotlandLeaving School -What are my options? • Alison Rennie • Careers Adviser

2. Options • Go to College • Go to University • Get a Job • Modern Apprenticeship • Get Ready for Work • Volunteer • Take a Gap Year

3. Going to College • 3 local colleges – Ayr, Kilmarnock, James Watt (Kilwinning) • Wide range of courses related to work areas such as Art & Design, Computing, Construction, Engineering, Hairdressing • NC - HNC - HND - Degree • Continue with general education (Intermediate 1/2, Highers) • Different environment/more self discipline (not the “Easy” option) • Limited places so apply as early as you can Jan – Mar of the year of entry. • Sometimes January start courses – BUT not always available. • Get a prospectus and research courses!

4. Going to University • Degree / Hon Degree / Dip HE….Sandwich degree, etc. • How do I find out about courses? • Prospectuses…Higher Education Convention. www.ucas.com www.planitplus.net www.prospects.ac.uk • Attend open days….check on www.opendays.com or university websites • Choosing a course… • Degree for a particular job e.g. radiography, occupational therapy, primary teaching • Studying a subject you really want to study….exact job later

5. Going to University What qualifications do you need to get in? You will normally need: Three Highers for entry into a degree (but for some courses five Highers are essential) “Going Rates” for entry Check for specific subject requirements Some courses need much more than the minimum e.g. Veterinary Medicine Work experience/work shadowing

6. Going to University Important Points to Consider UCAS Deadlines- for most courses -15th January 2013 Exceptions:- Medicine, Vet Medicine and Dentistry; Oxford/Cambridge-15th October 2012 Music Colleges/Conservatoires- 1st October 2012 Admissions Tests-UKCAT/LNAT Personal Statement- chance to impress admissions tutors for your course

7. Getting a Job • Limited opportunities – many jobs require qualifications or experience you won’t have straight from school. • Many jobs are part-time. • Vacancies are advertised in Ayrshire Post, Jobcentreplus (www.direct.gov.uk) and other job websites e.g. www.S1jobs.com. • Use your network to find work – family, friends, other contacts. • Create a CV / covering letter and send to employers (Yellow pages – www.yell.com). • Try to get a job with training!

8. Getting a Modern Apprenticeship • Working towards nationally recognised qualifications. Study at college or in-house training – working towards SVQ levels 2 / 3 (up to HNC level). • Gaining experience of the workplace – grow in confidence. • Taking on board study and work at the same time – you need to be committed. • Some companies advertise in local press (Ayrshire Post) otherwise check individual company websites. • Useful websites: • www.apprenticeshipsinscotland.com • www.mappit.co.uk • www.sds.co.uk • Entry requirements vary – usually at least a set of Standard Grades at 4 or above including English & Maths or even some Highers. • “Earn • while you • Learn”

9. Aims to give young people essential skills and the confidence to find & cope with work. £55 per week allowance/travel expenses over £3. Helps 16-18 yr olds plug any basic skills gaps so they can enter the labour market and find employment. GRfW can help to build self-confidence and motivation. Try out “work tasters” through work placements – this helps you decide on the job that’s best for you. Training is tailored to meet individual needs. Get Ready for Work

10. Volunteering How do I volunteer? • How much time do you want to devote - a few hours per week / full-time for a period of months? • There are likely to be local organisations looking for volunteers – e.g. • Charities • Community groups/projects • Environmental agencies • Specialist interest groups • You may see adverts or articles in newspapers or directories. • www.projectscotland.co.uk • Volunteer Centre – 60 Kyle St, Ayr

11. Volunteering Why should I volunteer? • Realise your potential • Build up experience / develop skills / confidence / make friends / contacts • Add to your CV • Sense of giving something back

12. Volunteering • What could I do as a volunteer? • A wide range of different things (may be age restrictions for some activities): • clean up the local river • befriend people who are isolated • help a charity with fundraising • work in a community advice project • help out on a summer play scheme • work at home or abroad on conservation projects

13. Taking a Gap Year • What is it? • Many students take a year off before entering full-time Higher Education. • Some take a year off after their courses and increasing numbers of older adults are taking time out of their established career with the support of their employers. • A year out can be spent in different ways: • voluntary service - paid or unpaid • work camps - UK or abroad • summer (and winter) jobs – UK or abroad • adventure holidays • temporary, short-term or long-term jobs • study courses – UK or abroad • au pair work • travel / expeditions / working holidays

14. Taking a Gap Year • Suitable for you? • Depends on the type of person you are. • If time out is before a course of study, contact institutions early to find out their view. • They are more likely to encourage you if you have good plans for the use of your time. • Most colleges and universities may accept you for a course, but defer entry for a year, allowing you to make sure of your place before taking your year out.

15. Taking Control • Time to take responsibility for your future! • The secret to success is - RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH • Don’t bury your head in the sand! It won’t go away! • Who can help? • Family / friends • Guidance teacher / Subject teacher • College / University staff • Careers Adviser – ME –Contact Card

16. Taking ControlOnline Resources • SDS -- www.myworldofwork.co.uk • Careers A to Z can help you to understand careers and whether they will suit you. Job profiles and video clips. • Planitplus – www.planitplus.net • “Careerometer” - an interest guide which will suggest possible career matches. • “Careers and Courses” – Job profiles and courses at college / university.