Learndirect has a database of learning opportunities
that can be accessed on the following link: http://www.learndirect.co.uk/
New Mentoring Website
Horsesmouth is a new website which allows users to receive informal mentoring. The website aims to provide young people with access to good, relevant support, and allows them to find appropriate mentors and role models. Topics up for discussion include careers, learning, student life, where to study, practical courses and business start up. The website can be accessed by visiting http://www.horsesmouth.co.uk
Go4SET
Go4SET is an Engineering and Development Trust (EDT) initiative which aims to get young people interested in Science, Engineering and Technology. The scheme is aimed at teams of Year 9 pupils who are offered links to companies and universities. They then get the chance to take part in a 10 week Science, Engineering and Technology experience. For more information visit http://www.go4set.org.uk
New Work Experience Website Set Up A new nationwide website named www.myworkexp.com has been set up to help students and businesses negotiate work experience placements. Employers who sign up for the service will be able to build links with local schools so that they can control when they accept students and which students they take on. Students will also be able to register and search online for placements that suit their needs and interests. It is hoped that with the introduction of the site, more businesses will be encouraged to offer placements to students. To find out more, Click here to visit the service’s website or call 0845 6034410 for more information.
Source: Kent Business, Oct 5th, 2007
Careersbox
Careersbox is a free national web based, careers film library and LMI resource aimed at IAG professionals, parents and students. The website contains over 70 films of people at work and can be accessed by visiting http://www.careersbox.co.uk
£140m
Available in Training Grants
Four-fifths of construction companies in the South
East have not been accessing training grants. Figures
released
by ConstructionSkills show that last year, 2,200 construction
companies accessed £12m in grants to train their
employees. However, an estimated 9,000 other companies
in the region did not. From August 2007, £140m
in Government grants will be available to improve the
skills of workers in the construction sector. This includes
grants that cover a several years to ensure a longer-term
approach. Funds for apprenticeships have also risen significantly
in line with the Government’s aim of having more
young people continuing in training and education until
they are 18.
For further information about training grants, visit
http://www.cskills.org/grant
Source: Brighton Argus, 17th July 2007
Laying Good Foundations?
Foundation Degree Forward’s
(fdf’s) primary
objective is to support the development of high quality
Foundation degrees. fdf works
in partnership with all relevant agencies, institutions,
organisations and
interest groups to ensure that the development of Foundation
degrees is driven by the needs of students and employers,
and satisfies the requirements of all stakeholders.
fdf is a ‘needs driven’ organisation
and where information or skill gaps emerge in Foundation
degree development, fdf will
endeavour to work with interested parties to fill them.
For more information
on Fds including a complete listing of available programmes
and case studies from the South East region, please
visit the Foundation Degree Forward website at http://www.fdf.ac.uk or contact the Regional Director, Helen Thomas, on
h.thomas@fdf.ac.uk.
Research has shown that it is difficult for Information,
Advice and Guidance (IAG) practitioners to keep up
to date with the plethora of new qualifications and
progression pathways that are available, including
Foundation Degrees, and that although good quality
information is available it is not always aimed at
practitioners' needs or the needs of particular groups
of clients.
fdf, Aimhigher, South East and GOSE are currently
supporting an initial scoping project to map provision
of IAG across the South East region, specifically in
the area of higher level skills. This project seeks
to build on other work that is ongoing in the region,
to support dissemination of existing good practice
and to identify gaps in provision that can then form
the focus of future work.
Preliminary work has identified this bulletin as a
key resource for practitioners and regional agencies.
The bulletin goes out to approximately 4000 (and growing!)
email addresses and appears to be forwarded to a much
wider audience through various networks. As you will
be aware, in its present form the bulletin is designed
to be primarily a source of information and updating.
Should we explore a more proactive role that it could
play in instigating real dialogue on IAG issues and
needs, and is this something you the users would support?
Bob Digby, who is conducting
the scoping of provision of IAG in the South East
region would like to hear
from you. Bob is particularly keen to explore if a
more interactive network of IAG practitioners can be
developed as a vehicle for identifying and addressing
current and future needs particularly around training.
Bob can be contacted at r.s.digby@btconnect.com
Computer Training
Best Computer Training in Milton Keynes offers employers
the opportunity to send their staff on Learndirect
courses to upgrade or learn new skills. Courses run
in areas such as business skills, coaching, communication
skills, customer care, finance and budgeting, IT, management
skills and project management. More information is
available on 01908 261204
Managerial Skills Now!
ESF and LSC Funded Managerial Skills Now! is available
to companies based in MKOB with 250 or fewer employees.
An accredited business adviser will analyse development
needs and prepare staff with individual learning plans. Telephone 01494 605201 for more details.
For information about grants for young adults, aged between
19 and 30, who are studying more than 12 hours per
week, see http://www.adultlearninggrant.com
EGAS
For signposting for disadvantaged students to charities
offering funding for learning, see the Educational
Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) website, http://www.egas-online.org/fwa/index.html
Money to Learn
For an online version of the Money to Learn booklet targeting
both individuals and advisers, see http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/moneytolearn/.
The website covers a range of financial help for students.
Students Unaware of Bursaries
Around 12,000 students from poorer backgrounds have not claimed bursaries because they were not aware they were entitled to £1,000 grants, the Office of Fair Access (Offa) has said. Students from homes with less than £25,000 income can claim a bursary from their university. Many universities have run bursary awareness campaigns, but Offa has written to others that have not been as proactive.
Source: BBC Online, 24th January 2008
Hefce Wants Employers to Co-Fund Students
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) has launched an “employer engagement fund” of up to £105m over three years to encourage businesses to co-fund students. Overall, universities will receive around £7.5bn in Government funding this year, a rise of 3.3% on the previous year.
Source: The Guardian, 25th January 2008
Success of Educational Maintenance
Allowance
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced that
since the introduction of the EMA (Educational Maintenance
Allowance) in 2004, 89.1% of 16-year-olds now take part
in some form of learning. This is the highest the figure
has been since 1994. The aim of the EMA is to help remove
the financial barriers for staying on in education post-GCSE.
The allowance is based on combined household income which
must not be above £30,810. Young people who are
eligible can receive weekly payments of £30. £20
and £10. In Buckinghamshire 3,020 students receive
EMA and this figure is expected to rise as more people
become aware of its availability. Liz Whetton who is
deputy headteacher of the Beaconsfield School where 31
sixth formers receive EMA said: “It has been a
great success and gives students who may have had a bad
year 11 the incentive to stay on and mature and then
gain the qualifications necessary to secure jobs that
would have previously been beyond their reach.” For
more information visit http://ema.direct.gov.uk/ema.html
Source: Buckinghamshire Advertiser, 15th March 2007
Government Minister Visits Woughton Skills Ladder
John Denham – Secretary of State for the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills recently visited Milton Keynes to meet participants of the Wougthon Skills Ladder Project, which is run by Milton Keynes College. The project is aimed at upskilling local residents and is run at the outreach centre in Farthing Grove. So far the scheme has helped many local people who are often from deprived areas in the city, to gain basic qualifications which will help them enter full time study or gain qualifications and employment. The project is supported by the South East Development Agency (SEEDA). Click here for more details of the Woughton Skills Ladder or call 01908 236875.
Source: www.mkweb.co.uk, January 2008
Routes2Success
The Milton Keynes College’s Routes2Success scheme has been launched. The aim of the scheme is to help people who come from overseas to live and work in Milton Keynes, and is open to people who live in Milton Keynes and want to improve their English skills. For example participants learn how to make a 999 call, how to communicate with teachers and doctors and how to chat with their neighbours.
At Knowles Nursery, a number of Bangladeshi mothers have now learnt to speak English more confidently and are now going on to take an English Speaking and Listening exam at MK College. English speaking classes are run in Conniburrow and from September new classes will take place in Fishermead, Springfield and Eaglestone. For more information contact Liz Halfpenny on 01908 608581.
Source: www.miltonkeynes.co.uk, 15th August 2007
Free training for Adults under 25
From August 2007, adults aged less than 25 who have not
had education and training opportunities will be able
to get free tuition for a level 3 qualification. This
entitlement aims to help those who left education early
and want to improve their qualifications and prospects.
The entitlement is expected to benefit some 60,000
learners in 2007/08, enabling more young adults to
achieve higher level technical and professional qualifications.
From this August, free training under the scheme will
be available through colleges of further education and
other providers of high quality education and training
who have satisfied the Learning and Skills Council quality
assurance process. For further information on the Level
3 Entitlement contact Kevin Street by email: Kevin.Street@lsc.gov.uk
Source: GNN, 22nd May 2007
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Training
College
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Training College provides
work based residential training for adults with disabilities
or long term health problems, who are hoping to gain
sustainable employment. They offer 13 courses in commercial,
technical and trade subjects and use a holistic approach
which helps with confidence building. There is also the
opportunity to achieve nationally recognised qualifications
(available on almost all courses). The training begins
with an assessment and offers continued support, following
which there is the opportunity to undertake a period
of work experience in the person's home area. A limited
number of non-residential places are available. Application
is made via the Disability Employment Adviser at Job
Centre Plus and is available to those on Incapacity Benefit,
Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance living in the
UK. Further information, a prospectus and details of
open days can be found by clicking
here
otherwise contact Angela Webb on 01372 841152 or angela.webb@qetc.org
Search Engines
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire Information
For a search engine on the Milton Keynes website for adult education opportunities click
here
For information on Adult Education within Buckinghamshire
as a whole click
here
Courses
at skillscentre:mk
Skillscentre:mk is the dedicated training centre run
by thecentre:mk. The wide selection of subjects includes
retail, neurolinguistic programming, consumer law, motivational
techniques and assertiveness for managers. More information
on courses is available on 01908 608067.
IT Trainer in High Wycombe
Zenos is an IT training centre for 16-19 year olds in
High Wycombe. The company Zenos is Europe’s largest
Microsoft IT trainer and the training they provide aims
to give participants a fast track into industry and commerce.
Through an arrangement with the Government’s Learning
and Skills council Zenos will offer free training which
can result in a number of qualifications. The training
provided will offer more than just IT skills, but also
includes office skills such as how to hold meetings,
making phone calls and dealing with members of the public.
The first part of the course includes 5 months training.
Afterwards Zenos will help the trainees find work through
its links with the Connexions Service and companies such
as Fujitsu and Xerox.
For more information on Zenos visit http://www.zenos.com/
Stantonbury Campus
Stantonbury Campus in Milton Keynes runs a large number
of Adult Education Courses. More information is available
on 01908 324413
Oxfordshire Information
For information on adult education opportunities in
Oxfordshire click on: http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
then select Council Services, Education and Learning
then Adult Learning. The page also provides a list
of all the Adult Learning Centres in the county.
This section is about learning opportunities and support
for HE in the area.
To help clients find a university degree course that matches their skills and interests, http://www.ukcoursefinder.com/ offers a study interests questionnaire, location search, information about types of universities and colleges and searches through more than 50,000 HE courses at 500 UK HE Institutions.
For information on Higher Education Funding visit
the DfES webpage by clicking
here
For profiles of UK universities and FE
colleges offering HE courses, see http://www.hero.ac.uk
For up to date information about the quality of higher
education in universities and colleges, see http://www.tqi.ac.uk
New Job Skills Website for Students
A new website, studentgems lets full-time students post a skills profile for themselves that employers can browse to find the skills they need. Many students are now looking for work alongside their courses to reduce the amount they need in student loans. More than 500 students signed up to the website in the first month.
The website is currently free, as the website will be funded through sponsorship and advertising. To visit the website click here.
Source: Education Guardian Online, 19th December 2007
Private Sector Company to Award UK Degrees
A subsidiary of the education company BPP has been allowed to award degrees for the first time. BPP College of Professional Studies will be able to award Masters degrees in commercial law and degrees in other business-related subjects from September 2008. Such private sector initiatives could help the government reach its target of 50% of young people engaging in higher or further education. For further information, visit http://www.bppuc.com/
Source: BBC Online; Montrose Reports, 24th September 2007
Aylesbury Vale University Centre
The Aylesbury Vale University Centre was recently launched at Aylesbury College by local dignitaries and members of the Vale’s business and educational communities. The new centre aims to bring together universities and training providers in order to deliver a range of university level, professional and vocational qualifications. The vision of the new facility is: “To be the local provider of affordable and relevant university education within Aylesbury Vale and in so doing, make a significant and social economic contribution to the region.”
Source: www.aylesburytoday.co.uk, 1st October 2007
Launch of University Podcast to Find out
More about Admissions
Oxford University admissions office is now communicating
to potential university applicants via podcasts. The
podcasts were launched by Oxford University’s admissions
office and they allow potential applicants to find out
more about the university and how to apply. The podcasts
can be downloaded from the internet via http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/
ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship
ConstructionSkills Scholarships are available to people who are thinking of starting a construction related degree. The scholarships are awarded to motivated and ambitious students who show the potential to succeed in the construction industry. The scholarship consists of a grant of up to £9,000 for support during a university course, a 10 week workplacement between the first and second year of university and great career prospects in the construction industry. The scholarship is only open to UK Citizens. To find out more visit http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/scholarship
Open Learn
Open Learn is an initiative from the Open University where selections of the University’s educational materials become free and available to anyone with internet access. Open Learn will provide access to modules from the Business and Management path of study, and will be of particular interest and use to those wishing to further their career progression or enhance existing skills. To access the website visit http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/home.php
Universities for Milton Keynes
Information on Full and Part Time Courses at Access,
Degree and Post Graduate Level are available on the
Universities
for Milton Keynes web page.
Universities for Milton Keynes (UMK) is a collaboration
of the Open University, De Montford University, University
of Luton, University College Northampton and Milton
Keynes College. The aim of UMK is to work towards
its vision of a high profile, high technology University
building in Central Milton Keynes to deliver local
Higher Education (HE) programmes and courses and
to provide the necessary infrastructure to underpin
the growth of the city and the development of its
economy over the next two decades.
Higher Education Website http://www.push.co.uk is a website/guide for prospective
higher education students. League tables and guides
can be found on all higher education institutions
and they have been created by students for students.
Ratings are provided on facilities available at institutions,
course requirements, student unions, cost of living
and accommodation.
Useful Web Links
Visit the following links for the web pages for the
Higher Education institutions in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
and Oxfordshire. These links outline everything you
need to know about courses, research opportunities,
and employment opportunities within the institutions.
Visit http://www.open.ac.uk for
the Open University’s
web page, which outlines everything you need to know
about courses, research and employment opportunities.
Visit http://bucks.ac.uk for the Bucks New University web page (Formally Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College).
Further Education Colleges offering HE courses
See the Post-16 section below for further education
colleges offering HE courses.
Aim Higher
Aim Higher South East promotes inclusion and access to
Higher Education. Follow the link to the South East
webpage for more information. Aim
Higher South East
For Aim Higher information for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire
and Buckinghamshire information click
here
A programme of summer schools to help young people experience
and prepare for university life is held each year at
various universities. Click
here
for details from Aim Higher South East about the programme.
The national website may be found through the following
link http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/home/index.cfm
Careers Conferences - Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Doctor
Careers Conferences which were held in Central London recently are to be repeated in 2009. These conferences may interest GCSE or A level students thinking of becoming a doctor. There will be opportunities to get practical advice about getting into university and the medical profession, specialist fields, academic options, alternative and related careers, and talk with qualified doctors and university students. Organisers Epoc are taking bookings already for the 2009 dates: 31st January 2009 and 14th March 2009
For full details visit http://www.epoc.org.uk
Careers Conferences - Improve Your Chances Becoming a Lawyer
Careers Conferences which were held in Central London recently are to be repeated in 2009. These conferences may interest GCSE or A level students thinking of becoming a lawyer. There will be opportunities to get practical advice about getting into university and the legal profession, specialist fields, academic options, alternative and related careers, and talk with qualified solicitors, barristers and university students. Organisers Epoc are taking bookings already for the 2009 dates: 7th February 2009, 21st March 2009.
For full details visit http://www.epoc.org.uk
Private Companies to Run National Qualification Schemes
The Government plans to allow private companies such as Network Rail, Flybe and McDonald’s to run national qualification schemes that could enable their staff to go to university. Network Rail has set up its own diplomas training staff in track engineering which will now be officially recognised.
Source: The Observer, 27th January 2008
Campaign to Encourage Vocational Learning
Edge is a campaign which is attempting to encourage people to re-think their views on practical and vocational learning. The campaign intends to make people more aware of the range of careers that are available by completing practical training and experience through routes such as work experience, apprenticeships and trainee schemes. Edge also aims to make vocational qualifications more valued by students, teachers, parents and employers. Vocational learning will also be promoted in schools, colleges and universities. To find out more about Edge visit http://www.edge.co.uk and to view the campaign website visit http://www.edgecampaign.co.uk
Languages Work
Languages Work is a website which provides information and advice on languages in the workplace. The website contains information on GCSE or A Level language options and college and university language courses. It also offers information on careers which require language skills. The website can be accessed on http://www.languageswork.org.uk
Heading for Success FA Sponsored Scheme
A learning programme run by Milton Keynes College, centred on football and the MK Dons has helped 17-year-old Tom Nixon get on the road to success. He has previously been expelled from 11 schools and left education with no qualifications. The learning programme called Heading for Success has allowed him to gain a Level 2 in literacy and Level 1 in maths. He is now due to enrol on a full-time Health and Fitness Sports Science course at MK College. More information on the scheme can be found by calling 01908 236875 or clicking here.
City & Guilds
On-Line Careers Portfolio
City & Guilds have launched an online careers portfolio
aimed at 16-18 year olds. Young people can complete 4
online tests on their personality and ambitions before
a range of careers are suggested. There is also advice
on qualifications. To access the online tool visit http://www.cityandguilds.com/myperfectjob
LSC Post 16 School Learner Support
Funds
Information on the LSC Post-16 School learner support
funds in Buckinghamshire can be found on the Buckinghamshire
County Council website click
here for information and
the Oxfordshire County Council website, click here
Construction Training
Aylesbury Vale Advantage have teamed up with Aylesbury
College and Sivatech Limited to address the demand for
skilled workers in the construction industry. Aylesbury
College are to increase training places by 50%, and offer
modules in painting and decorating, brickwork and carpentry
within Sivatech’s Gatehouse Close Industrial Unit.
Aylesbury Vale Advantage Managing Director, Steve Richards
noted: “We did not just roll over and accept that
we no longer had jobs, instead we have created a diverse
new company offering quality training. We believe this
partnership between Aylesbury College and Sivatech offers
a perfect solution to the need to build up skills in
construction trades.”
Source: The Vibe, September 2006
Colleges within Buckinghamshire
The
following links are to the Colleges within Buckinghamshire.
The
top
link
is
the
College Home Page, whilst the bottom
link will take you directly to the page dealing with
forthcoming events and open days. These pages often
contain information about
enrolment cut off points.
Chaffron Way Campus for: Access; Accounting; Administration & Business Studies; Childcare; Computing; English for International Students; GCSEs & A-Levels; Health & Social Care; Performing Arts; Skills; Travel & Tourism.
Chaffron Way Campus
Woughton Campus West
Leadenhall
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LP
Tel: 01908 684444
Oxford and Cherwell Valley College
OCVC Performance Engineering Centre Open Day at the Banbury Campus, Saturday 19th April 2008, 10am – 4pm. The event will feature guest speakers from the motorsport industry and former students.
Oxford City Centre Campus
Oxpens Road,
Oxford,
OX1 1SA
Undergraduate Open Days at University of Bedfordshire
For details of open day dates and times throughout 2008 at the University of Bedfordshire click here
University of Bedfordshire
Luton campus
Park Square
Luton
LU1 3JU
Tel. 01234 400400
Oxford University
For information on open days at Oxford University click here
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JD
Tel: 01865 270000
Oxford Brookes University
Open days are held for each academic school. For details of Undergraduate open days click here and for Postgraduate open days click here.
Abingdon and Witney College
Equine & Land-based Countryside Careers Day which will cover Animal Care, Floristry, Equine Studies and Horticulture. The event is held at Common Leys Campus on Saturday 10th May, 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Common Leys Farm Campus
Pitts Lane
Hailey
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 9UU
Amersham and Wycombe College
An open day is scheduled for Wednesday 18th June 2008. Events will be held between 4pm – 8pm at the Amersham. Chesham and High Wycombe campuses.
Amersham Campus & Sixth Form Centre
Stanley Hill
Amersham
HP7 9HN
Chesham Campus
Lycrome Road
Chesham
HP5 3LA
High Wycombe Campus & Sixth Form Centre
Spring Lane
Flackwell Heath
High Wycombe
HP10 9HE
Tel: 01494 585555
West Herts College
Open Evening: Monday 7 April - 6pm to 8.30pm at the Cassio Campus.
Cassio Campus
Langley Road
Watford
WD17 4YH
Tel: 01923 812000.
Barnfield College, Luton and Beds.
Open Evening: Monday 12th May 2008, 6.00pm – 8.30pm.
This section provides links to opportunities and case
studies of apprenticeships.
5,000 Cultural Apprenticeships Created
By 2013, 5,000 apprenticeship places will be made available in the arts and media at institutions such as the Tate Liverpool, the Royal Opera House, Universal Music, EMI and Aardman Animations. Government will put forward £70.5m funding for the initiative, which will also give opportunities at the National Trust, Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Other cultural schemes include:
A Find Your Talent pilot initiative offering young people five hours of culture per week inside and outside of school
A £500,000 pilot scheme to provide young musicians in deprived areas with opportunities to practise and perform live, as well as 10 new spaces for rehearsals
A global conference for the “creative economy” in the mould of the annual World Economic Forum meeting
An academic hub to encourage schools and further and higher education institutions to collaborate and share contacts and facilities
Currently, the “creative industries” in the UK employ over 1.8 million staff, which is a higher proportion of the workforce than in other countries.
Source: BBC Online, 22nd February 2008
Report about Young Apprenticeships Programme Published
A report commissioned by DCSF about the Young Apprenticeship (YA) programme has been published by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES). In light of the Government’s ambitious target of 90% post-16 participation, the research aimed to find out more about Young Apprenticeships and training and careers opportunities, through case studies, workshops and the development of information about YAs with sector skills councils. Findings included: the need to set more recruitment targets, especially for minority groups for non-traditional subjects for boys and girls; raising awareness of YA, and embedding IAG within recruitment processes; models of support; and ways to encourage wider choices by young people.
Hair and Beauty
Habia is the standard setting agency for hair, beauty,
nails, spa therapy, barbering and African-Caribbean
hair. The standards it sets form the basis of all qualifications
including NVQ, SVQ, Apprenticeships and codes of practice.
The agency provides information on careers, business
development and training and skills. To visit the website
click here
Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Apprenticeships
Saks Education is an approved training provider where individuals can be trained to government recognised qualifications in any hairdressing or beauty salon. Participants will be able to work towards NVQs in Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy Levels 2 and 3, and key skills. For more details click here
JTL Training Provider
JTL is a training provider that manages apprenticeships
in electrical installation, plumbing, engineering
maintenance and heating and ventilation. For more
information visit http://www.jtltraining.com or call
0800 085 2308.
Optical Adviser Apprenticeships
Dolland and Aitchison is accredited with Optical Retailing NVQs. They offer Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships for Optical Advisers which includes the completion of an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service and then an NVQ Level 3. For more information click here
The BBC website has a page dedicated to apprenticeships. It provides information for apprentices, employers and tutors. To access the webpage click here.
Young Merchant Training Scheme with Jewson
Jewson building suppliers run a Young Merchant Training Scheme. This is targeted at young people aged 17 to 20 years who are looking for an alternative to university. The programme provides structured training in a sales and service environment along with the chance to gain qualifications. For more details click here
Southern Electric
Southern Electric have a number of apprenticeship opportunities. For full details click here
Npower Apprenticeship Programme
Npower run advanced apprenticeships on electrical, control & instrumentation and mechanical engineering. In order to apply candidates need at least five GCSEs, grade A-C, including Maths, English Language and a Science or Technology subject. For more details and to apply click here.
E.ON-UK Apprenticeship Schemes
E.ON-UK offers gas, energy and electrical apprenticeship schemes. For more details and to apply click here
Apprenticeships with BT
BT runs an apprenticeship scheme, candidates must have 3 or more GCSEs grade C or above including Maths and English Language. The next national recruitment campaign begins in February 2008. For more information click here
HSBC
HSBC has a Management Academy Programme for non-graduates in addition to their Graduate entry scheme, visit http://www.jobs.hsbc.co.uk/
BAA
World leading aviation company BAA offer advanced engineering apprenticeships to young people wishing to find a practical alternative to studying for A Levels or going to university. E-mail paulspence@baa.com for more information.
Network Rail offers up to 250 people a year the chance to undertake their three year apprenticeships leading up to qualification as a maintenance engineering technician. Applicants must have a minimum of four GCSEs grades A to C and the first year will be residential at their training centre near Portsmouth. The second two years are built around gaining practical skills near to the apprentice’s home area and they are paid throughout their entire period of training. Visit the following url for more information: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/117.aspx Retail Apprenticeships With Tesco
Tesco offer a retail apprenticeship for workers in
their stores. The programme starts every September
in selected stores and participants work towards NVQ
qualifications in retail. For more information on the
scheme and to find out if your local Tesco store is
running the apprenticeship click
here
Toyota Advanced Apprenticeship
Toyota offer an Advanced Apprenticeship scheme in the following areas: Vehicle Technician, Parts Advisor, Body Technician, Paint Technician, Service Advisor and Maintenance Engineering. For more information and to apply visit http://www.toyota-apprenticeship.co.uk/toyotaapprentice
Ford Motor Company Apprenticeship
Ford Motor Company offers Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Engineering. The Apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognised qualification which is equivalent to two A Levels. For more information and to apply visit http://www.ford.co.uk/apprenticeships#
Training Opportunities with Carillion
Carillion plc is one of the UK's leading support services and construction companies. Every year the company recruits 800 school leavers through their two training schemes – Carillion Training and Modern Apprenticeship Scheme. For entry requirements and more information visit http://www.carillionplc.com/careers/careers_apprenticeships.asp
John Lewis Retail Skills Training Programme
John Lewis offers a retail skills training programme
at their stores. Participants first complete a Personal
Development Programme (PDP) and then they have the
opportunity to gain an NVQ in the following areas:
Customer Service, Visual Merchandising and Display,
Security Guarding, Distribution and Warehousing and
Business Administration. For more information click
here
Sainsbury’s
Bakery Apprenticeship
Sainsbury’s runs a Bakery Apprenticeship scheme
where you can gain a retail apprenticeship qualification.
For more information visit http://www.schoolsoutforsainsburys.co.uk/earn.php
BMW Apprenticeships
BMW offer a number of apprenticeships. Trainees need
to have or expect to have four GCSEs or equivalent
including English, Maths and a Science subject. For
more information click here
Kwik-Fit Apprenticeship
Kwik-Fit are currently recruiting for their new intake
of apprentices. They offer a two year apprenticeship
scheme for young people aged 16-18 with an interest
in cars. For more information visit http://www.kwik-fit.com/apprenticeships.asp or call 0845 601 1888.
SEAT Advanced Apprenticeship
SEAT offer an Advanced Apprenticeship Programme which
takes three years and is aimed at 16-19 year olds.
Each year apprentices spend up to seven weeks at
the Volkswagen Group Apprentice Training Centre.
For more information click here
Construction Apprenticeships
Bcontructive.co.uk offers information on careers within
the construction industry. For information on a ConstructionSkills
Apprenticeship visit http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/apprenticeships/
Apprenticeship in Animal Care
St Tiggywinkles wild animal hospital offers apprenticeships
to students who want to study Animal Care. The course
is a one year training course and consists of NVQ
levels 1 and 2 Animal Care, including key skills
level 1. Each student who takes part in the apprenticeship
spends their time working on a rota in different
areas of the hospital. Other time will be spent in
the classroom learning about Animal Care. For more
information click
here.
THE AA Apprenticeship Scheme
The AA offer Advanced Apprenticeships to those interested
in a career in the motor industry. They are looking
for people ideally aged between 16 and 19 years old
who have a good interest in motor vehicles, at least
three good GCSEs and the ability to work in a team.
For more information on how to apply visit http://www.aa-academy.com/who.html
Royal Mail Apprenticeship Scheme
For details of The Royal Mail Apprenticeship scheme
click
here
Renault Apprenticeship
Renault has a three year apprenticeship scheme to develop
technicians who are needed for the future of the
Renault Dealer Network. The scheme is aimed at school
leavers who are interested in becoming Renault Technical
Experts, Parts Consultants or Paint and Vehicle Body
Repair Specialists. For further information visit
http://www.renault.co.uk/apprentice_ApprenticeshipProgramme.aspx
Motor Industry Apprenticeships
To apply online for an apprenticeship in the motor
industry visit http://www.motorapprentice.co.uk
Engineering Connections http://www.apprentices.co.uk/home.html is a website for
engineering apprentice recruitment. It gives general information
on engineering apprentices as well as allowing you to search
and apply for engineering apprenticeships in your region.
Landrover Apprenticeships
Landrover is currently one of the largest employers
of apprentices in the automotive industry. To find out about
their current apprenticeship programme visit http://www.landroverapprenticeships.com/
Horticulture Apprenticeships
Aylesbury College are offering apprenticeships in
Horticulture, for more information contact:
Sharon Callow - scallow@aylesbury.ac.uk -
01296 588639
Engineering Young Apprenticeship Scheme
The Engineering Young Apprenticeship Scheme has been
running for two years, and currently the MKOB Learning
Skills Council provides funding for schools in Oxfordshire.
The programme allows pupils aged 14 to 16 years of
age who have expressed an interest in pursuing a
career in the engineering industry to attend Oxford
and Cherwell College one day a week to undertake
basic engineering skills training. More information
is available on 01993 882008.
ISIS Training
ISIS Training Services Ltd, an organisation contracted
by the Learning Skills Council to provide national
training qualifications in engineering, has extended
its services from Oxfordshire, into Buckinghamshire
and Milton Keynes. Evidence suggests that local companies
have been quick to appreciate ISIS’s expertise
in discovering and training recruits to national standards.
David Wilson, Operations Manager at Foundation Technology
noted, “Isis takes so much of the work and pressure
off us yet we remain closely involved in our apprentices
progress and training.” Companies interested
in finding out more on engineering apprenticeships
should contact ISIS Training Services on 01908 847062
Apprenticeship Scheme at successful
Naphill Company
Gaskin Toolmakers from Naphill have developed very strong
links with Japanese car manufacturers due to the precision
moulds they supply. Heavy investment in not only machinery,
but staff, has resulted in the company offering an Apprenticeship
Training Scheme with Buckinghamshire Chilterns University.
Source: http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk
The following section provides details on some of the
local organisations offering work based learning.
Year In Industry
Year In Industry helps young people with paid, degree
relevant work placements in the year out before or
during their university course. To visit the website
click here
Oxford & Cherwell Valley
College (OCVC)
OCVC offers apprenticeships programmes in a wide range
of occupational areas from its four campuses in Oxford,
Banbury, Bicester and Blackbird Leys. There are currently
over 600 apprentices in training through OCVC. More
information can be accessed on http://www.ocvc.ac.uk under the employer services section of the website.
Aylesbury Training Group
Aylesbury Training Group (ATG) has been in operation
for over 40 years and develops employed people in line
with organisations business goals. ATG currently works
with over 400 companies. Futher information is available
on 01296 481818, or on http://www.atg-training.co.uk/
Nortec Training Limited
Nortec Training Ltd is a provider of training and consultancy
with 21 years experience in the public and private
sectors. Further information is available on Banbury
01295 270080 or ttp://www.nortectraining.com/
Volunteering and Charitable Donations are Growing in Popularity
A national survey has found that more and more people are likely to volunteer or give money to charity. ‘Helping Out: A National Survey of Volunteering and Charitable Giving’ found that more than half of people in England had both volunteered and donated to charity in the last twelve months, and over 80% had given to charity within the last four weeks.
The study of 2,705 people in England revealed that the most common reasons for volunteering were 'to improve things or help people' (53%), 'because the cause was important' (41%) or 'because they had spare time' (41%).
Source: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk, 5th September 2007
Volunteers Needed for The Bucks Activity Project
The Bucks Activity Project is looking for volunteers
to help disabled children in Aylesbury. NCH, the children’s
charity runs the scheme which helps children take part
in activities during the school holidays. They are currently
looking for anyone who can provide support and friendship
to children and young people. For further details contact
Karen Clark on 01296 336942
Mentoring Scheme for Young Offenders
Young Offenders from the Aylesbury Young Offenders Institute
are waiting to be matched with a number of volunteer
mentors who will work with them to try and stop them
re-offending. The scheme is called Trail-Blazers and
it is a mentoring charity. The charity is currently
looking to recruit new potential mentors. Volunteer
mentors must be able to make a weekly commitment for
at least one year. The Chief Executive for Trail-Blazers
said: “With all the talk about bulging prison
populations, here is a real opportunity to do something
positive! Our lads at Aylesbury benefit hugely from
the one-to-one relationship mentors offer. For many
it is the first time in their lives that anyone is
taking a real interest in them! Mentors listen, challenge
and advise and do an incredibly worthwhile job. It
isn’t always easy, but neither is trying to re-build
your life after a spell in prison. These young men
are given another chance in life, but they do need
support in order to succeed!” For information
on becoming a mentor call 020 8844 5206 or email mentoring@trail-blazers.org.uk
Source: www.aylesburytoday.co.uk, 27th February 2007
Volunteers Needed for Community Transport Service
Chiltern and Bucks Dial-A-Ride community transport system
is appealing for new volunteer drivers. The service
is based at the Latimer Park Farm Estate in Latimer.
Dial-A- Ride currently has seven vehicles and it provides
transport to members of the community for shopping
trips, appointments, meetings and events. To become
a volunteer, contact Mr Richards on 01494 766032.
CRUSE, the
Aylesbury based charity that helps people cope with
the death of a loved one is currently looking
for volunteers. Further information is available on
07710 544476 from Dorothy Howlett.
Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary
There are around 340 special constables with the Thames Valley Police, who volunteer to give at least 18 hours service per month. Special constables have the same powers as regular police. Click here for more information about joining the Special Constabulary.
BTCV
BTCV is an environmental charity which uses volunteers
for conservation activities. There are a number of
opportunities in Buckinghamshire to work with the group.
Opportunities include volunteering at a green gym,
employee volunteering, school work, youth work, community
work and training. For more information on BTVC visit
http://www2.btcv.org.uk and to contact the Buckinghamshire
office call 01296 330 033.
Volunteers Required for Contact the Elderly
A new group to help support the elderly has been set
up in Beaconsfield. The charity group, Contact the
Elderly is funded by Buckinghamshire County Council.
The group take elderly people out for tea one Sunday
afternoon a month. The group also operates in Marlow
and other areas of Wycombe. The group is looking to
recruit volunteer drivers and hosts. To volunteer or
join the group call Terry Gibson on 01276 502611 or
email terry.gibson@contact-the-elderly.org.uk The Bletchley Community Mediation Project
The Bletchley Community Mediation Project (BMCP) are
looking for young adults in the Bletchley/Fenny Stratford
area of Milton Keynes to become Volunteer Mediators.
BMCP will be accessible to all residents of the Bletchley
area irrespective of race, age, gender, ability or religion
with the aim of resolving situations between individuals,
neighbours or groups. Further information can be accessed
on 01908 662744.
Voluntary Conservation Work
Earthworks is a conservation voluntary group which meets
every three or four weeks, generally on Saturdays. They
work on practical conservation projects such as building
stiles, footbridges, coppicing and hedge laying. The
group members also often meet up for social events. For
more information contact Joy Johns at the Volunteer Centre
on 01895 837545 or email vb@vacsb.org.uk
Buckingham Canal Society-Nature Reserve Restoration
Project
The Buckingham Canal Society are looking for volunteers
aged 16-75 to help restore a local nature reserve. More
information can be accessed on http://www.mkheritage.co.uk/bcs/
WRVS Tea and Coffee Bar
A team at Amersham hospital is looking for friendly people
to help serve refreshments. Volunteers work on a rota
of two Thursdays per month from 2.15 – 4.45pm.
For more information contact the Chiltern and South
Bucks Volunteer Centre on 01895 837545 or email office@vacsb.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers
The Community Service Volunteers (CSV) also have schemes
to encourage all types of members of the community to
volunteer, including a Retired and Seniors Volunteer
Programme (RSVP) for older people. For more information,
go to http://www.csv.org.uk/Volunteer/Senior+Volunteers/
Reach
Reach matches the skills of individuals to local community
volunteering opportunities. For more information see
http://www.volwork.org.uk
i-to-i
i-to-i offers a variety of volunteer projects and training
to teach abroad as well as working holidays. For further
details, go to http://www.i-to-i.com/
V
V is an independent charity which was launched to champion
youth volunteering in England. Their aim is to inspire
a million 16–25 year olds to volunteer and create
a lasting change in the quality, quantity and diversity
of youth volunteering. For more information visit http://www.wearev.com
Vinspired is a volunteering website for young people in England aged 16 to 25 offering advice and guidance on how to volunteer. It also has a search engine covering nationwide volunteering opportunities. Visit http://www.vinspired.com for more details.
The National Trust
There are a number of volunteering opportunities available
with the national trust. To find out more information
about volunteering for the National Trust local volunteering
opportunities click
here
Vale Volunteers
Vale Volunteers is a local volunteer development agency
which can match would be volunteers to organisations
that are looking for voluntary help. The organisation
covers Aylesbury and the surrounding area. It will place
people who are looking for a one off opportunity or those
who are looking to make a regular commitment. Further
details about Vale Volunteers can be found by contacting
01296 337456, emailing volunteering@valevolunteers.org.uk or visiting http://www.valevolunteers.org.uk
Homestart MK
Volunteers are required by Homestart MK, a voluntary
organisation that promotes the welfare of families with
at least one child under five years of age. At present
volunteers are required to support families in their
own homes for a few hours each week.
Aylesbury Development Education Centre
Aylesbury Development Education Centre is looking for
volunteers to help with its work. The charity is based
at Hampden Hall Aylesbury and it educates people locally
about global justice and equality. Workers often visit
schools to talk to young people about world issues such
as the environment and human rights. The charity also
has an extensive resource library. Volunteering opportunities
are both office and home based and work ranges from helping
out in the library, helping with publicity, fundraising
and general administrative support. Interested parties
should contact Vale Volunteers on 01296 337456, email
volunteering@valevolunteers.org.uk or visit their website
at http://www.valevolunteers.org.uk
Volunteers Needed
A charity shop in Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes that
help raise funds for Relate and the City Counselling
Centre are looking for volunteers with good communication
skills and who are confident with dealing with the general
public. Volunteers are needed on a weekly basis between
the hours 09.30 to 15.30, and on a Saturday between 09.00
to 13.00 or 13.00 to 15.30. Further details can be accessed
on telephone 01908 662744 or email enquiries@volunteermk.org.uk
Euroguidance
The Euroguidance network helps guidance professionals
and others to understand opportunities for learning
and careers in Europe. For more information, visit
http://www.euroguidance.net/En/Welcome.htm
PLOTEUS
The PLOTEUS portal provides information about life-long
learning in Europe, supplying information about studying
in Europe to students, job seekers and guidance professionals
http://europa.eu.int/ploteus/portal/home.jsp
EVTA
European Vocational Training
Association (EVTA) aims to promote pan-European training.
For further
information, visit: http://www.evta.net
Socrates
The Socrates programme
offers a range of projects for adult learners, teachers
and trainers. For further
information, visit http://www2.britishcouncil.org/Socrates
The Leonardo da Vinci project
The Leonardo da Vinci project offers vocational work
placements across Europe for people of all ages. Placements
are a minimum of 3 weeks. For more details, see http://www.leonardo.org.uk
Careers Europe
Careers Europe provides help and advice to guidance
professionals. For more information, visit http://www.careerseurope.co.uk
Eurodesk
Eurodesk provides information about European opportunities
and funding for people under 30. For further details,
visit: http://www.eurodesk.org
For learning opportunities beyond Europe:
VSO’s overseas development youth programme, Global Xchange, is open for applications until Friday 28th March. The programme consists of a six month exchange programme for young people aged 18 to 25, partnering them with a young person from a developing country. The volunteers live and work together on community projects for three months in the UK and three months in the partner country. Volunteers will receive support to raise funds for the experience. To find out more, email Vivienne.Nwabuzo@vso.org.uk or call her on 020 8780 7344
Payaway is a comprehensive site covering paid employment suitable for funding a Gap Year. For more information, visit http://www.payaway.co.uk/
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office site gives travel advice, country profiles and information about visa requirements. For further information, visit: http://www.fco.gov.uk/
Gap Year Placements
Based on the Gap Year Guidebook http://www.gap-year.com gives advice and links to work, volunteer placements and study in the UK and abroad.
http://www.yearoutgroup.org.uk/ is an association of organisations providing gap year placements, with links to these organisation and information for students, advisers and parents/carers.
Raleigh International
Raleigh International is a charity which organises
overseas and UK programmes which are designed to
help young people develop skills and self-confidence
in a fun and challenging environment. For more information
click here
Association of Commonwealth Universities
The Association of Commonwealth Universities has a
large collection of information about study in Commonwealth
countries. For further information, visit http://www.acu.ac.uk
Fulbright Commission
The Fulbright Commission is the first point of contact
for those wishing to study in the USA. For further
details, visit http://www.fulbright.co.uk/eas
The British Council Education and
Training Group
The British Council Education and
Training Group has information about international
education and training
on: http://www.britishcouncil.org/education
Ski Resorts http://www.natives.co.uk/ is a website
that covers seasonal working at ski resorts. There
is a section on finding jobs and the site gives information
about winter and summer work.
BUTEX
British Universities Transatlantic
Exchange (BUTEX) supports exchange programmes between
the UK and US,
please click here
NARIC
UK NARIC – The National
Academic Recognition Information Centre gives details
about the compatibility
of British and overseas qualifications, see http://www.naric.org.uk/
