How to make most of National Careers Week to find right profession for you
CHOOSING a profession is one of the most important decisions youngsters ever make.
Yet 36 per cent of state school pupils say they have not taken part in any careers-related activities.
The findings from social mobility charity The Sutton Trust reveal that, as a result, two in five do not feel confident in their next steps in education and training.
Running from March 4-9, National Careers Week aims to ensure all young people have access to great advice on jobs.
This year’s theme is My Career Journey, with schools, colleges and universities coming together to highlight both traditional and new employment paths and ways of learning.
One of the most sought-after career paths is advertising and media, yet few young people from disadvantaged backgrounds apply as they don’t feel they have the right connections and qualifications.
READ MORE MONEY NEWS
The Brixton Finishing School trains and places new talent — with a focus on multicultural, white working-class and neurodiverse people — into entry-level roles in top firms, including Diageo, Saatchi & Saatchi and Meta.
After deciding not to go to university, Rory Troughton joined the programme and it helped him land his dream job.
Rory, 24, from Lewisham, South London, saidcareer: “My time at BFS was incredible.
“I learnt foundational skills which I still use today, and met incredible people.
“Over the past three years I’ve worked my way up to be global data growth manager through the apprenticeship programme at media company VML.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “I see careers advice as the first rung on the ladder of opportunity.
"Too many people assume that university is the only way into a rewarding career, but it isn’t right for everyone and young people need to know about the fantastic range of options available to them, regardless of their background.
“We're witnessing a profound cultural shift powered by our skills reforms, with apprenticeships and technical qualifications transforming lives and providing in-demand skills.”
TECH is the top career choice for youngsters starting out on a career, with 31 per cent wanting to work in the sector.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Work on showing thanks
DO you feel valued at work? Today is Employee Appreciation Day, where bosses are meant to show their gratitude.
Here, Pete Cooper, from HR software firm Personio, shares his advice to get it right.
- NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY: Demotivation is not a problem that simply disappears when someone reaches the top of their salary band. Driving productivity hinges just as much on small day-to-day moments of encouragement.
- SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: In many cases, a little appreciation could have a bigger impact on productivity than the prospect of a promotion or pay rise. Positive feedback has been shown to motivate 42 per cent of staff.
- BUILD IT INTO THE CULTURE: Employee appreciation shouldn’t be a priority for just one day. People remain the most important asset of almost any business, and showing they are valued all year is key.
- CONSIDER WHAT YOU CAN DO: From discount schemes that reward employees to improved work-life balance, there are lots of options available for firms.
- PERSONALISE YOUR APPROACH: Today should also be an opportunity for bosses to reconsider what’s important to their employees and what will keep them motivated over the long-term.
Jobspot
FRESH food firm BAKKAVOR GROUP has 86 apprenticeship vacancies from engineering to supply chain management to business administration. Apply at .