CareersInc Ltd

CareersInc

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CareersInc awarded Matrix Standard for Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance services

CareersInc have been accredited to the Matrix Quality standard, again!

CareersInc are no strangers to the Matrix Quality Standard, having been previously awarded the standard back in 2017, but the team are ecstatic they have been reaccredited for their impartial careers education, information, advice, and guidance services (CEIAG).

CareersInc help schools nationwide to fulfil their responsibility to provide high quality, external, impartial careers information advice and guidance. Their team of highly qualified, specialist Careers Advisers are all Level 6 qualified in their respective fields and offer a service that is exceptional and effective. The team are dedicated to bridge the gap between schools, higher education, and the world of employment.

The CareersInc team approach is based on a 5-phase framework for action, the framework ensures that young people get the CEIAG most suited to their needs and careers aspirations. The flexible CEIAG solutions which CareersInc offers are not only effective, but they are helping students become interested in the future. From careers lunches to careers fairs, their services are tailored to the needs of each school and their students.

The careers advisory staff were indicated as the principal asset by the Matrix Standard. It appalled their motivation towards supporting young people and the schools in which they operate.

Matrix Standard Assessor, Steve Jackson said;

‘’CareersInc continue to have excellent relationships with its customers and the majority of these are operated by two Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). CareersInc make good use of their resources and its careers advisory staff are its principal asset.’’

He continued;

‘’Examples were provided of high-quality information provided to students through website referrals and the CareersInc Portal, particularly reputable organisations and careers advisers were able to give examples of where they had referred student to other career sector websites for progression information.’’

Following on from the receiving the accreditation, CareersInc CEO, James Madine, said;

‘’It is wonderful that we have been accredited with the Matrix Quality Standard for CEIAG once again, as our team work extremely hard to provide a service that is exceptional. We work closely with the schools in which we operate to deliver CEIAG solutions that are effective and support young people in their next steps following on from school.’’  

During lockdown the CareersInc team have been providing their virtual careers service alongside operating in schools where possible. Students, parents, and carers can access the free virtual sessions here.

For more information about their resources and services visit: www.careersinc.uk

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Attention all students – it’s National Careers Week!

National Careers Week (NCW) marks a weeklong campaign dedicated to providing information, insights, advice, and guidance on all thing’s careers.

Running from 1st March – 6th March, the annual campaign is a one-stop-shop for everything careers related. Drawing on expertise from industry professionals, businesses, universities, colleges and more, to inform and guide you on your career decisions. Whether your looking for some industry insights, information of pathways, or want to know more about a specific industry, NCW has got you covered. And with a bucket-load of events and activities to available, there is plenty to learn.

When it comes to making decisions about your future, it can be difficult to know where to start. Having the right careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) can help support you in making the right decisions for you. Whether you’re considering a career in the creatives industry or looking to become a financial wizz, it’s important you know which pathways will get you to where you want to be. 

At CareersInc, our Careers Advisers are here to support you in making those life changing decisions. We will work with you to identify where your interests and strengths lie, then will then use this to show you all the careers and pathways available to you. From Apprenticeships to 6th Forn the options are endless.

But why is getting the right career education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) so important? Because it can help empower you to make well-informed decisions about your future. Careers advice helps you discover avenues and pathways that help you build your future – no matter what your goals.

As part of the NCW campaign, we will be joining in the action and sharing some of our top tips, industry insights and more. We want to help you build the foundations for your future.    

To join in on the action, head over to Twitter and search #NCW2021 and #CICareersWeek for all the latest news and updates. You can also head over the NCW website where you will find industry profiles, guides, and podcasts.

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Calling all future Apprentices – it’s National Apprenticeship Week!

From the 8th February – 14th February, National Apprenticeship Week returns with a wealth of planned events and activities to help the apprentices of tomorrow make informed decisions about their futures.

The annual event is a one-stop-shop for everything apprenticeships. Whether you are looking for information, insights, or employer connections, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2021) has you covered.

Celebrating apprentices and their employers across all different sectors, the event offers a diverse collective of information and resources to use at your disposal. With new discussion topics each day, there is plenty to learn.

Let’s start of with the basics… What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job where you get experience, learn skills, and get paid. You will be employed and receive pay and holiday leave – just like any other employee. By the end of your apprenticeship you will have the skills and knowledge to embark on your chosen career path.

Depending on which apprenticeship you choose, and your level of previous experience, they can last between 1-6 years. Apprenticeships are funded by contributions from the Government and your employer.

Deciding if an apprenticeship is right for you is an important decision, after all it’s your future. First let’s look at the criteria to be eligible for an apprenticeship.

  • You must be 16 or over
  • Not already in full-time education
  • Live in England

Apprenticeships are suitable if you are just starting out with your career, want a career change, or if you need upskilling in your current job.

What does an apprenticeship entail?  
As an apprentice you will:

  • Learn and train for a specific job
  • Get paid and receive holiday leave
  • Get hands-on experience in a real job
  • Complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship (these include workbooks, essays, professional discussions and evidence-based work)
  • Study for at least 20% of your working hours, usually at college, university, or with a training provider
  • Be on a career path with lots of future potential

What are the different levels of an apprenticeship?
Each apprenticeship has a different level and an equivalent education level. The level you study depends on your previous experience and qualifications. Here is a breakdown of the levels and their education equivalents.

 LevelEquivalent education level
Intermediate2GCSE
Advanced3A-Level
Higher4, 5, 6, and 7Foundation Degree and above
Degree6 and 7Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

At the end of your apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally recognised qualification in the area you have studied your apprenticeship in.

Apprenticeships are the perfect way to get on the job ladder and gain experience whilst also working towards a recognised qualification. Apprenticeship are available across lots of different sectors, from Health and Social Care, to Construction – so there is something for everyone.

At CareersInc, the highly qualified Careers Advisers are on hand to guide you through the process of choosing an apprenticeship. Helping you determine if an apprenticeship is the right path for you. Through 1:1 careers sessions, your Careers Advisers can work with you to create a career path plan that helps you reach your goals.

Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship or want to learn more, you can arrange a virtual careers session with a CareersInc Careers Adviser. They will be able to talk you through everything apprenticeships, and work with you discover the best pathway to get you where you want to be. To book your virtual careers advice session, click here.

If you want to join in on the action, head over to social media and search #NAW2021 for all the latest news, videos, posts, and more.

www.careersinc.uk

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Top tips for writing the perfect CV

When it comes to writing a CV, you want to make sure it’s perfect, after all you only get one chance at making a first impression. A CV should be a representation of you and all your achievements to date – don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet!

There are no strict rules about what a CV should look like. CV styles can vary from industry to industry, if you are looking to secure a role in the Financial sector, you will be best sticking to writing formalities with a clearly structured CV. If you want to dive into the world of Graphic Design, why not design your CV to look like a cereal box, get creative and really showcase what you can do. There are some tips that apply for all CV writing, keep it clear and concise, make sure there are no spelling/ grammatical errors, and make sure you keep it honest.

Now we have established what the CV will look like, what about the contents? Knowing what information to include can be tricky, que the CareersInc team of CV specialists. Our team know a thing or two about writing a great CV, and they have shared their tops tips for what makes a CV pop and what makes it flop.

  1. A CV is your sales pitch
    We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to really showcase all your achievements, big or small, include them all. Your CV is your chance to show the employer what you have done and what you can contribute to their business.

  2. Make sure your CV is up to date
    Make sure all your latest and greatest achievements are on your CV, if you are submitting a CV that is a few months old it is likely you have a few more experiences and accomplishments since then. As best practice our CV specialists suggest updating your CV at least once a month.

  3. Adapt and customise
    For each job you apply for you should adapt and customise your CV based on the needs of the employer. Emphasise the skills employers are looking for that you have or focus on experiences that link to the specific job role. This will help increase your chances of being shortlisted for the interview stage.
    TOP TIP: If you are struggling to identify what skills and experiences an employer is looking for, refer to the job description or person specification provided.

  4. A CV is not enough!
    Most people think a CV alone will help them secure an interview, but covering letters are just as important. A covering letter is your space to communicate directly with the employer. Tell them why you want to work for them, what makes you the most suitable candidate for the role and what you can bring to the role that makes you different. A covering letter also shows you have taken the time to write personally to the employer and not just sent the same CV to everyone.

Our team of specialists have devised a CV template that will offer you guidance when creating your CV, you can use this as a starting point and build on the CV adding your own flare and creativity. If you need this, just ask your CareersInc adviser!

Ensuring you have a good CV takes you one step closer to landing your dream job, so remember to take the time to create a CV that is reflective of you and your accomplishments.

For more information on CV writing visit the CareersInc website.

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Planning for future job demand with CareersInc

As companies continue adapting to doing business in a COVID-19 world, the demand for jobs is changing and evolving all the time. Before the pandemic struck in March the job market look substantially different, fast forward to the present day and a very different picture is painted.

During the peak of the pandemic we saw our retail sector in need of extra staffing due to the increase customer demand and buying behaviour. After entering a second national lockdown it could mean the retail industry will remain near the top of the list for the most in-demand roles.

Research conducted by professional networking site, LinkedIn, identified exactly what job roles where most in demand during the months of June and July 2020. Surprisingly, Personal Shopper ranked top, Customer Service Assistant second and thirdly Pharmacy Manager. [1]

Specific jobs were not the only things in demand during the height of the pandemic, we also saw a shift in skills demand and what skills were considered the most important to employers. LinkedIn found that communication was the top sought after skill for employers globally, followed by business management and problem solving. [2] Unsurprisingly, communication is a skill that is considered vital in the current climate. It is more important than ever for employers to keep a line of communication open with their customers, employees, and partners.

Now we have seen the short-term effects of the pandemic on the job and skills demand but what about the long-term effects? How will the pandemic shape the future job landscape in the UK and what jobs will be the most in demand in years to come? We looked at some of the top predictions and what pathways are available to enter those professions.

Healthcare professions

We have seen longstanding issues regarding shortages of graduates in professions such as nursing, it is more than likely that the demand will remain highly probable in 10 years’ time. [3] What are the pathways to getting a job in the healthcare industry? Below we have listed what pathways are available and what to expect as your average salary.

Nurse
Pathways: University, Degree-level Apprenticeship  
£22,000 – £50,000

Paramedic
Pathways: University, Apprenticeship, Trainee Scheme
£25,000 – £38,000

Hospitality trades and food preparation

Recent research suggests that while Healthcare and Teaching professions remain the most probable to see increase in demand by 2030, closely following is hospitality trades and food preparation. [4] This could be down to the fact consumers value this type of industry when it comes to socialising with friends and family.

Chef
Pathways: University, College, Apprenticeship
£13,000 – £50,000

Construction

With the Government’s recent promise to inject money into construction in the UK, it is no surprise that construction jobs will remain in demand post-COVID.  

Project Manager
Pathways: College, Apprenticeship, University
£28,000 – £78,000

Teaching

Teaching is another profession where we see a continued demand, with a shortage of teachers across the UK. This type of profession offers excellent levels of job security, an advantage many are seeking in times like this.

Teacher
Pathways: University
£23,000 – £43,000

Whilst we can see some roles will remain in demand there is some unexpected results when we look at the future job demand. Whether its teaching, construction or healthcare were your passion lies, CareersInc can guide you through the process to your future.

Start planning today for a brighter tomorrow, visit www.careersinc.co.uk

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Don’t leave a generation behind: How careers advice and guidance is more important than ever

Author: James Madine, CEO, CareersInc

During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we support our young people, ensuring that they are not left behind when the world returns to a pre-covid state. In times like this, it is easy to lose sight of our ambitions and goals, but by being able to access the right careers education, information advice, and guidance, young people can still be supported to lay the foundations for a brighter future. As careers professionals, it is our job to work closely with young people to help them navigate the rapidly changing landscape.

Young people have been subject to the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic, being the worst hit age group by unemployment rates. Between May – July 2020, unemployment rates for young people increased to 13.4%, numbers that are huge in comparison to the national unemployment average of 4.1% [1].

Through impartial careers advice and guidance, we can make those connections at the earliest possible stage and help prepare young people for what is to come. We can help identify strengths of the young people we support, and what job sectors those fit in to. We can highlight what industries are most in demand and help young people to reach their desired goals. Whether it is a hairdresser or an engineer, our specialist team will help a young person to find the right fit.

At CareersInc we support students, and in turn parents and teachers across the 64 schools where we currently work, by offering impartial, careers, education, information advice and guidance.  

Despite the incredible challenges that face the labour market for the foreseeable future as a result of the pandemic, our Careers Advisers are there to ensure that every young person is guided to raise their aspirations and ambitions to their highest possible level. Our young people will be the future in a post-COVID world; it’s our job to ensure they are well prepared to rise to the challenge.

To find out more about our careers services, visit: https://www.careersinc.uk

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Midwife congratulates CareersInc on their successful delivery of careers guidance

With challenges and barriers in the way of fulling your dream career, do you simply quit, or do you face these challenges head-on with some support?

Outwood Grange Academy student, Nafeesa, decided that no matter what, she would stay focused on fulfilling her dream career of becoming a Midwife. Helping her overcome these barriers, Nafeesa received support not only from the school, but additionally from her CareersInc Adviser.

Nafeesa came across CareersInc via her sister, who had recommended their services and highly praised the support she had received. Nafeesa always wanted to be a Midwife and lacked confidence in achieving her career goal. She knew it was a competitive career to get into, and it would be unlikely that she would have a smooth progression route.However, her Careers Adviser, John, pulled out all of the stops to ensure that Nafeesa would reach her full potential in her dream career.

During her sessions with John, they discussed the various options that Nafeesa could consider to enhance her CV and boost her University application. Together, they searched and uncovered a number of work experience opportunities that would assist Nafeesa on her career journey.

Thanks to the support Nafeesa received from CareersInc, she is currently awaiting her start date in October 2020 to join her local hospital as a Midwife. She recently contacted CareersInc to share her success. She said:

“Mr Paley was very supportive and believed in me. For my own reassurance, he even set-up a back-up plan if things didn’t go accordingly. I felt I was able to relieve my personal stress relating to Sixth Form and he was always friendly, understanding and empathetic.

“I believe he is a great asset to the team at CareersInc who goes above and beyond for his students and I am forever grateful for his support. I couldn’t have done it without him!”

John and the CareersInc team were delighted to hear the great news from Nafeesa. They are passionate about helping students achieve their goals and map out their future in terms of careers.

CEO at CareersInc, James Madine, was delighted with the kind words from Nafeesa regarding her experience, He said,

“Everyone in the team works extremely hard and they all share the same passion and commitment as John. They are all prepared to go the extra mile, to support their students, which has been particularly evident during the lockdown when advisers have worked evenings and even weekends to support students when needed. But when a student takes the time to get back in touch and share their incredible success with such kind words about a member of your team, I couldn’t be prouder.

“Nafeesa is just one example of the amazing work from my team and the impact of Careers Education in schools. We all wish her the best of luck in her new career!”

CareersInc are Matrix accredited provider of independent and impartial Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in schools and colleges, supporting young people, like Nafeesa, to make decisions about their future.

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Careers Advice helping to map the way in to the medical industry

Choosing a career can be a challenge at any age, but as a young student where anything seems possible, how do you narrow it down to one particular industry or specific job role?

Student ‘A’ from Outwood Academy Valley had dreams from a young age of becoming a doctor. She had confidence that she would achieve the grades to help her progress into this role. The challenge for her was not choosing what career her future would hold, it was choosing the right path to make her dreams come true.

CareersInc provides impartial careers advice and guidance within the academy for several students. After spending a lot of time in a Professional Learning Community (PLC), ‘A’ missed a large part of Year 10 and called upon her CareersInc Adviser, Rachel Jones, for extra support. They started sessions that took place throughout the year where they would meet up every quarter to discuss the different educational routes and pathways that would best suit her.  During one of the sessions, ‘A’ had informed Rachel that she preferred not to study both Biology and Chemistry at A-Level, so they researched all of the medical schools in the UK to find out the entry requirements.

Successfully achieving her grades in 2019, ‘A’ went on to study Biology, Psychology and English Literature at Thomas Rotherham College and plans to do a foundation year in Biomedicine in the future. Careers Adviser Rachel recently contacted ‘A’ to see how she was getting on at college. She responded,

“I want to thank you again for all of your help honestly, even at college there is nobody like you. They expect you to make your own plans and go to them when you’ve decided but that’s awful for such an indecisive person like me! Nothing tops the support you gave me.”

As the designated Careers Adviser for Outwood Academy Valley, Rachel regularly stays in contact with students to check on their progress. She said,

“My job has to be up there within the top ten most rewarding job roles! Helping young people to map out their career journey and see how their skills can link to the various job roles available to them gives me the greatest feeling of job satisfaction. I can remember how hard it was being that age and not having a clue what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” 

Student ‘A’ is only one example of many young people that CareersInc has supported nationally to visualise their career journey. Careers Advisers can assist school leavers with their next steps after Year 11, discuss the various routes into higher education and help with CV writing and interview tips, as well as providing careers advice and guidance. Furthermore, due to the pandemic, CareersInc is now offering this service online, so students can book a one-to-one online session with an Adviser.