Apprenticeships and Employability Wednesday 1 st July 2015
Session 1: The facts
Apprenticeships: Why look for one?
Apprenticeships: What are they? What are they? They are the same as having a job except you are learning at the same time. As an apprentice, you will be working in a real job where you will be employed by a company, have a contract of employment, get paid a salary and be entitled to all of the statutory benefits such as holiday and sick pay. How are they different to other jobs? Unlike a normal job you will be working towards a package of qualifications alongside your job. These qualifications will be directly relevant to the job that you are doing, whatever role you are working in. There are different levels of apprenticeships: Higher and degree Advanced Intermediate An intermediate apprenticeship is normally the starting point for many students leaving school. The idea is that you can progress through levels as you advance your career and gain more experience. How do I know which level I will start at? It will depend on your qualifications and how much experience you have got as well as what the job role is. When searching for apprenticeships, it is advised that you do not search by level. The most important thing is that you secure the job with the employer, your training organisation will then work out which level is the right one for you.
Apprenticeships: Famous apprentices Alexander McQueen John Frieda This fashion designer did his Apprenticeship with a Savile Row tailors. Famous for: Low rise jeans, skull print scarves and Lady Gaga s lobster claw shoes. Jamie Oliver Michael Caine Karen Millen Fashion apprentice. She started her business with just 100 and sold it for 120 million 20 years later. Sir Alex Ferguson Elvis Presley Henry Ford Henry Ford of Ford Cars, started off as an apprentice machinist. His first invention was named The Ford Quadryical. 5 October 2012
Apprenticeships: Is it competitive? It is becoming increasingly more competitive to secure an apprenticeship. This is mainly because young adults are looking at all options available to them rather than paying large fees to go to university. It s also because even university graduates are seeing the benefit to apprenticeships and applying for them. Also because so many people do go to university, some degrees have lost their value and so many graduates still start at entry level in employment and may seek the apprenticeships that school leavers are pursuing. On average, there will be around 11 applicants for every apprenticeship job. Even if you are applying for part-time apprenticeships or a non-apprenticeship job, you would be up against a number of applicants. This means you have to submit CVs and cover letters that stand out and impress! What do employers look for when shortlisting applications? 1. Are there any spelling and grammar mistakes? 2. Have you made enough of an effort to complete all sections of the form with detailed answers? 3. Do you come across as passionate and interested in the job role available? 4. Have you matched you job application to the job advert? For example, if they have asked for someone with good communication skills, have you told them this and given them an example of how you can demonstrate this? 5. Do you meet essential/desirable criteria that they have asked for?
Session 2: Skills, CVs, & Cover Letters
Skills: Attractive and necessary transferable soft skills Skill Team Work Leadership Personal Motivation, Organisation and Time Management Listening Written Communication Verbal Communication Research and Analytical Skills Numeracy Skills Personal Development Information Technology (IT) What it involves Work effectively in a group or team to achieve goals. In many jobs you will be expected to work as part of a team. Demonstrating your ability to work with others will help to reassure employees that you will fit in and offer a valuable contribution. Show initiative and leadership abilities You may not be applying for a role that specifically requires leadership ability but you may well need to be able to demonstrate your capability to lead in certain situations. Manage and prioritise your workload and time effectively As well as being able to work effectively in a group situation, you are likely to be required to work alone and take responsibility for your time and work. Are you a good listener? Employers commonly complain about their staff s inability to listen effectively and Richard Branson rates effective listening as one of the most important skills we can develop. Do you actually take on board what is being said? Write accurately, clearly and concisely in variety of styles. Many job roles will require an element of writing skills. You may be required to adapt your writing style frequently, producing reports, press releases, marketing materials, letters or emails, and you may have to write for the web, for customers, shareholders and colleagues. Speak clearly and dynamically in a variety of situations. Employers often require staff with strong verbal communication skills. Can you communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of situations? Gather, interpret and analyse information. It may be appropriate to demonstrate your ability to research, analyse and critically evaluate information. There could be a variety of complex information that you are required to work with and make sense of, for example sales figures, new product and supplier specifications, technical reports and financial information. Accurately and effectively work with numbers You may not be applying for a job or pursuing a career in mathematics or statistics but it is likely that some basic understanding of numeracy will be useful. Most jobs will require some numeracy skills. Know yourself and find ways to develop. Personal development is an attractive quality to employers. By demonstrating that you are keen to learn and progress, you are likely to be seen as enthusiastic and willing to take on new challenges. Effectively use computers and technology. Many jobs will require that you use word processing, spreadsheet and web-based software on a daily basis. However, think beyond these basic IT skills. Are you confident using a computer? Can you learn how to use new software and new technology quickly? Can you troubleshoot basic computer problems and do you understand the importance of data security and privacy?
Skills: TASK Turn to p.30 in your self-development pack Complete task 18 on p.30 (only tick what you can demonstrate) Complete the grid on p. 31
Skills: Confidence when interviewing your interviewer! When you are on interview you need to remember that the employer is on interview too. You need to ensure that you want the job that they are selling to you. Think about the questions below: 1. What are the most enjoyable and the least enjoyable aspects of the role? 2. You mentioned there will be a lot of presenting/researching/liaising; what do your most successful people find satisfying about this part of the role? 3. What types of training opportunities do you offer? 4. Is there scope for promotion in the future? 5. Can you tell me how the role relates to the overall structure of the organisation? 6. How would you describe the work culture here? 7. In what way is performance measured and reviewed? 8. What are the most important issues that you think your organisation will face? OR You have recently introduced a new product/service/division/project; how will this benefit the organisation? 9. May I tell you a little more about my particular interest in communicating with clients/developing new ideas/implementing better systems? 10. Do you have any doubts about whether I am suited to this position?
CVs: Five steps to the perfect CV 1. Tailor your CV and always keep it short (no more than 2 sides) 2. Create a consistent brand (don t contradict yourself) 3. Don t wait until you leave school: build your networks now 4. All work experience is relevant (enrichment, sports, volunteering, clubs) 5. Actions speak louder than words (use real examples)
CVs: example Example (emailed to you with number key AND separate template emailed so that you can edit) p. 1 p. 2
CVs: TASK Look at the example and template you have been given What would YOU include in yours? Jot it out (be specific to you)
Cover letter/loa: 5 Golden Rules There are five golden rules to writing an attention-grabbing cover letter/loa: 1. Write individual cover letters for every job you apply for. Even if the basics are the same you need to tailor it to each role to succeed. 2. Remind the recruiter what they're looking for 3. Tell them you are what they're looking for (and explain how you fit the job description) 4. Demonstrate why you are the best choice with examples 5. Keep it simple Employers will decide if you re suitable or not in a matter of seconds. They will use your cover letter to make sure you tick-off the job description must-haves and only move onto your CV for more details if you do. Before you even begin to think about your cover letter, you first need to study and understand the job ad you re interested in. It may help to print a copy off and highlight all the most important points.
Cover letter/loa: Include explicit reference to the job spec
Cover letter/loa: layout Cover letters /letters of application should follow a simple layout and be structured like a professional letter, despite the age of the email softening some of the hard-and-fast rules of letter writing. The key points to remember, are: Try and find out a contact name so you can personalise your letter or email. Use the first paragraph to briefly explain why you re writing to them. Over the next paragraph or two outline your qualifications and match them to the job spec. Use bullet points to get maximum impact with as few words as possible. Be enthusiastic and show them you ve done your research on the company. In the final paragraph, point the addressee to the CV you have attached or enclosed for further details, and thank that person for his time and consideration. It s a good idea to sign off with a positive statement to prompt the recruiter to take action. Be assertive and never apologetic. Keeping your cover letter short (about 250-300 words long), specific and upbeat will increase your chances of success.
Cover letter/loa: example Template (emailed to you so that you can edit) brief Example Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my [insert subject] A-Level course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one module, [insert module name], an understanding of the [insert area] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely
Session 3: Get on with it! 1 All: Register on the apprenticeships website You can search available apprenticeships AND when you hit start now click on sign in/create account in the top right-hand of the screen 2 Do you need to look at info on apprenticeships and necessary skills for employment? https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/# http://sacu-student.com/ http://www.cegnet.co.uk/ When searching for apprenticeships consider: 1. The weekly salary? 2. How many hours per week? 3. The apprenticeship duration? 4. Possible start date? 5. Where is it based? 6. Future prospects? 7. Qualifications required? http://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html 3 Do you need to look at CV info? http://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/school-leaversgraduates-how-to-write-first-cv http://www.theguardian.com/careers/cv-templates 4 Do you need to look at cover letter/loa info? http://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples http://www.totaljobs.com/browse-jobs http://www.theguardian.com/careers/questions-to-ask-at-interview
Session 3: Get on with it! 1 All: Register on the apprenticeships website You can search available apprenticeships AND when you hit start now click on sign in/create account in the top right-hand of the screen 2 Do you need to look at info on apprenticeships and necessary skills for employment? https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/# http://sacu-student.com/ http://www.cegnet.co.uk/ http://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html 3 Do you need to look at CV info? http://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/school-leaversgraduates-how-to-write-first-cv http://www.theguardian.com/careers/cv-templates 4 Do you need to look at cover letter/loa info? http://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples http://www.totaljobs.com/browse-jobs http://www.theguardian.com/careers/questions-to-ask-at-interview