Learndirect
has a database of learning opportunities that can
be accessed on the following link: www.learndirect.co.uk/
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
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 http://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.
Holiday Job-Match Site for Students
A new online "matchmaking" service has been launched offering students the chance to put their skills to work during the holidays. Studentgems allows anyone in full-time education to post a profile listing all their skills. Potential employers can then look at the profiles and find the student with the skills they need. The Studentgems founders, Joanna Ward and Sue Harrison, said they were surprised by the response from students. 500 signed up in the first month for the service which is currently free for both students and those posting a job and Studentgems hope to fund the site through advertising and sponsorship.
Source: Education Guardian Online, 19th December 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
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 fdfs 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
Finance for learners
Information about student finance is available by clicking here.
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
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
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
£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
Adult Education Courses for 2007/8
Information is now available online for Adult Education
Courses in Surrey for 2007/8. Visit http://www.surreycc.gov.uk
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 problem, who
are hoping to gain sustainable employment. We offer 13 courses in commercial,
technical and trade subjects and our holistic approach helps with confidence
building as well as the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised
qualifications (available on almost all courses). We begin with an assessment
and offer continued support throughout the training, 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 our open days are contained within our website,
otherwise contact Angela Webb on 01372 841152 or angela.webb@qetc.org
Epsom’s Adult Learning Centre
Epsom’s Adult Learning Centre is situated in Church Street and
was originally built as a Technical Institute in 1896. It has recently
been fitted with lift and wheelchair access. This was funded by the Learning
and Skills Council. The centre offers courses in arts, languages, crafts
and alternative therapies. On Saturdays there are a number of short course
programmes which offer a variety of courses. For more information about
the centre and available courses people can visit the centre at No. 1
Church Street or telephone 01372 832752
Horley Workers’ Education
Association
Horley
Workers’ Education
Association offers daytime courses at the Archway Theatre
in Horley and evening courses at Centenary Hall in Smallfield. For more information
about Horley Workers’ Education Association
visit http://www.weahorley.org.uk
This section is about learning opportunities and support for Higher
Education (HE) in the area.
For information on Higher Education Funding visit the DfES webpage
by clicking
here
Visit www.open.ac.uk for
the Open University’s web page, which
outlines everything you need to know about courses on offer.
For all opportunities in the country, by region and for Surrey click
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
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.
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
Specific higher education sites for Surrey include:
Many of the colleges also offer HE courses, see the
Post-16 section.
ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship
ConstructionSkills Scholarships are available to
people who are thinking of starting a construction
related degree in Autumn 2008. 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 work placement between the first and second year of university,
entrance to a competition which has a top prize of £1,000 as
well as great career prospects in the construction industry. The scholarship
is only open to UK Citizens. To find out more and to start an application
visit http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/scholarship
Higher Education Website
Push is a website/guide for prospective higher education students.
The site provided league tables on all higher education institutions
and much of the information has been created by students for students.
Ratings are provided on facilities available at institutions, course
requirements, student unions, cost of living and accommodation. To
view the website click
here
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
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.
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
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 click here
The Education Business Partnership (EBP)
works with industry and commerce to offer
schools complementary programmes each of
which, through a diverse range of activities,
enables schools to add an essential practical
and work related dimension to relevant
areas of the curriculum. For full details
of the work of the EBP, please see their
website.
Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership (SLLP) has the following main aims
(go the SLLP website for full explanation):
To advise county-wide planning bodies
on learner needs and issues
Ensure learner needs are addressed
by plans
Encourage collaboration
Develop communication to promote
a learning culture and widen participation
The learning partnership contains information about its work as well
as local area research and intelligence reports, good practice and
case studies. The SLLP has 10 Community Learning Partnerships each providing
the community voice.
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: 7 February 2009, 21 March 2009.
For full details visit http://www.epoc.org.uk
The following open days have been found in the area:
Brooklands College
Full Time Information Evening - Weybridge 29 April 2008 17:00 - 19:00
Farnham College
Information Evening: Wednesday 30 April 6pm - 8pm
Tours of the College are available every Wednesday. To book a tour please call 01252 716988.
Guildford College
Information and Advice Evening with Tours Wednesday 26th March 5.30pm to 8pm
Information and Advice Evening with Tours Wednesday 22nd May 5.30pm to 8pm
North East Surrey College of Technology
Open Day 28th June 11.00am to 2.00pm
Strodes College
Open Evening Thursday, 24 April 2008 – 5.30-9pm
University of Surrey
Tours of the campus are available every Wednesday at 1pm. Book a tour using the online website form. Dates for 2008 open days are below and further information will be on the university website later in the spring. http://www.surrey.ac.uk
Undergraduate Open Day, 2 July 2008
Undergraduate Open Day, 6 September 2008
Undergraduate Open Day, 4 October 2008
Undergraduate Open Day, 22 October 2008
The BBC website has a page dedicated to apprenticeships. It provides information for apprentices, employers and tutors. To access the webpage click here.
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.
The "creative industries" and their offshoots employ more than 1.8 million people, a higher share of the UK workforce than 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.
To see the report, visit http://www.employment-studies.co.uk/pdflibrary/444.pdf
Source: IES website, 7th February 2008
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
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.
Many local government authorities recruit trainees into their financial department. Contact your local authority.
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
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
Citroen
UK’s advanced
apprenticeship programme is endorsed by the Learning
Skills Council and provides training for school
leavers up to NVQ Level 3. Courses offered include
petrol and diesel injection and electrical diagnostics
and apprentices are given the chance to work on
the latest vehicles on the production line. To
find out more, click
here.
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 apprentices 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
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.
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
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
Optical Adviser Apprenticeships
Dolland and Aitcheson 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.
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/
The AA Advanced Apprenticeship
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 Technician 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
Engineering Connections http://www.apprentices.co.uk 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. The company recently finished runner-up
in the Employer of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards
2006. To find out about their current apprenticeship programme click here
British Gas Apprenticeship Scheme
British Gas currently employs 650 apprentices.
It has recently been named as an Employer of
the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards 2006. For
information about British Gas training schemes
and apprenticeships click here
Apprenticeship Placement Project (Surrey)
APP(S) - as the project is familiarly known,
is an ESF funded project with the role of bringing
young people in contact with Employers and Learning
Providers
with a view to the Learner gaining employment and entering the apprenticeship
training scheme. APP(S) gives both Employers and Learners advice and guidance
about the apprenticeship scheme, and through its marketing efforts meets over
400 employers every year.
APP(S) visits and makes
presentations in schools and attends
college careers evenings and, as a result, passes
details of over 1500 Learners every year
to Learning Providers in support of their
desire to become apprentices. APP(S)
produces an annual marketing plan to market the
Government Apprenticeship Scheme in Surrey.
The objectives of APP(S)
are to create awareness of the apprenticeship
scheme and to encourage Learner and Employer
participation in order to help the Learner
obtain vocational training and achieve
a recognised qualification.
Peter Yeates: Project Coordinator.
For more information about apprenticeships in SURREY phone 020 8394 8412
Surrey
Sport & Leisure
Apprenticeship
If you are aged between 16 -18 and are not currently
in full time education or have just finished year
11 and left school then you could complete The
Active Sport & Leisure Apprenticeship. As part
of the apprenticeship trainees can gain a free
qualification which is recognised by the sport & leisure
industry and receive on-the-job training with potential
employees. There is also the potential for paid
work whilst training.
The training given can be tailored to your individual
sport and leisure interests. For example coaching
young children, running fitness activities or using
sport to motivate people to do better things. Placements
are available at leisure centres, health clubs
in community coaching and in health and activity
schemes across Surrey. The apprenticeships can
start throughout the year. For more information
about the apprenticeship contact John Woodroffe
on 01483 518943 or email john.woodroffe@surreycc.gov.uk
TTC Training Programmes
The TTC website gives information on colleges and
providers that offer training and apprenticeships
in property, travel & tourism, retail and
logistics. For more information visit http://www.ttctraining.co.uk
Neighbour Training
Neighbour Training offers training and apprenticeships
across Surrey in a variety of work areas including
Administration, Customer Services, Estate Agency,
IT, Management as well as Dentistry and Veterinary
Nursing. For more information telephone 01737 842286.
BAe Systems Advanced Apprenticeship
The BAe Systems Advanced Apprenticeship programme
offers training schemes on Engineering, Business
Administration and Information Technical Apprenticeships
are aimed at individuals who have 3-5 GCSE grades
A-C in English, Maths and a Science and Craft
Apprenticeships are aimed at individuals with
3-5 GCSEs Grade A to E. For further information
click
here.
Latest Citizenship Survey Results
Results from the latest Citizenship Survey are now available. In the survey period (April to June 2007) almost three quarters (73%) of all adults had volunteered, formally or informally, at least once in the last 12 months and almost half (48%) having volunteered at least once a month. Although overall levels of volunteering have not changed since 2001, there has been a move towards formal volunteering and away from informal. Women were more likely to volunteer (53%) than men (42%). Forty three percent of people from groups at risk of social exclusion had volunteered at least once a month which represented no statistically significant change from 2001 (41%). Click here to go through to our website for further details.
Source: Statistical Release Citizenship Survey: April-June 2007 Communities and Local Government, 4th October 2007
Volunteering and Charitable Donations are Growing in Popularity
A national survey has found that people are more than 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
National Links
Many of the national organisations listed below also have local networks and their websites allow volunteers to search for local opportunities to volunteer.
Volunteer England
Volunteer England - Website for organisations managing volunteers as well as those who wish to volunteer. The Volunteer England site also includes links to Volunteer Centres across the country who help match individual people to suitable volunteering opportunities. http://www.volunteering.org.uk/
Time Bank
TimeBank is a national charity which aims to inspire and connect people to volunteer in their communities, and enable charitable organisations and businesses to develop innovative and effective volunteer recruitment programmes. http://www.timebank.org.uk/
Reach
REACH aims to recruit and support people with managerial, professional, business and technical experience and match them with part-time voluntary roles throughout the UK, helping voluntary organisations gain access to these potential volunteers and benefit fully from their expertise. For more information see http://www.volwork.org.uk
CSV
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/
Direct.gov.uk Click here for information on Becoming a Volunteer, Your Employment Rights as a Volunteer, and search for volunteering opportunities.
Charity People
Recruitment agency for charity jobs gives advice, hints and tips for getting into not-for-profit sector, including advice about how to volunteer. http://www.charitypeople.co.uk
RSPCA
The RSPCA has volunteering opportunities available across the country. For further information see http://www.rspca.org.uk
Police
The Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police. 'Specials', as special constables are known, come from all walks of life - they are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries, or any number of other careers - and they all volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link between the regular (full-time) police and the local community. http://www.policecouldyou.co.uk/specials/overview.html
Ripley Police Station is looking for volunteers of good character who can offer a minimum of 2 hours a week to help staff the counter at the station. The role involves helping the public with general enquiries and documentation. Training and Police Staff uniform will be provided. Further information available on 0800 3287597.
Age Concern
National website also allows searching for local volunteering opportunities. http://www.ageconcern.org.uk
Help the Aged
National website also allows searching for local volunteering opportunities. http://www.helptheaged.org.uk
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 and local volunteering opportunities visit http://nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
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
Millennium Volunteers
For young people aged between 16 and 25 who want to support their local communities. MV is a national movement with 114 MV Projects established around England, mostly based in local volunteering centres, schools or colleges. MV certificates are awarded in recognition of the contribution that MV's make. For more information visit http://www.wearev.com
Community Service Volunteers
The CSV (Community Service Volunteers) Hotline is available for students who want to take a gap year. CSV offers UK based gap years lasting between 4 months to a year, where volunteers live away from home with free accommodation, food and travel expenses on top of a weekly allowance. More information is available on 0800 374 991 or http://www.csv.org.uk/Volunteer
Direct.gov.uk
Volunteering if you’re between 14 and 19. See Young People section at http://www.direct.gov.uk
WRVS
The WRVS are co-ordinating the government initiative to promote volunteering opportunities in later life. The Volunteering Initiative in the Third Age (VITA) is promoting the value and impact of older volunteers. Recent events include the VITA and Help the Aged Conference held in Westminster on 6th June bringing together voluntary sector representatives to discuss best practice and recruitment of older volunteers. The WRVS are particularly looking for older volunteers to get involved in WRVS activities - visit http://www.wrvs.org.uk for more information. A list of elder-friendly organisations is provided on the VITA website. http://www.wrvs.org.uk/vita/home.htm
REACH / VITA publication - 'A Golden Opportunity'
Volunteering in the Third Age (VITA) has teamed up with REACH to produce a publication with guidelines for voluntary organisations to help them recruit and retain older volunteers. The booklet entitled 'A Golden Opportunity' is available for download at http://www.volwork.org.uk
Direct.gov.uk
Guide to volunteering for over 50s. See Over 50s section at http://www.direct.gov.uk
Voluntary Service Overseas
Voluntary Service Overseas – no longer the preserve of school leavers, the average age for volunteers on the postings (usually 2 years) is 38.
Volunteers can be aged between 20 and 75 years old and must have a formal qualification and some work experience. Volunteers are provided with accommodation and a local level allowance as well as air fares and insurance.
See the website for more information http://www.vso.org.uk/
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
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/
Worldwide Volunteering
Searchable database of volunteering opportunities which aims make it easier for people of all ages to volunteer by providing access to information about, and a matching service for, a wide range of volunteering opportunities throughout the UK and worldwide. http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk
Surrey Volunteering Links
Many of the national organisations listed below have local networks and their websites allow volunteers to search for local opportunities to volunteer. See also National Links on this web page.
Volunteer England
There are 15 Volunteer Centres across Surrey. They can match individual people to suitable volunteering opportunities. To find your nearest Surrey centre visit http://www.volunteering.org.uk/
Active Surrey
Active Surrey – has a section on its website for volunteering opportunities and schemes related to sporting activities http://www.activesurrey.com/content-1150
Epsom and Ewell Volunteer Centre
The Epsom and Ewell Volunteer Centre has a number of trained advisors who can tell you about the many local volunteering opportunities available and help you to get started with volunteering.
Guildford Volunteering Centre
Guildford Volunteering Centre - For general information and advice about volunteering in the Guildford area please contact Kate Peters on 01483 565456 or email: k.peters@gavs.org.uk
Surrey Wildlife Trust
Surrey Wildlife Trust is looking for conservation volunteers. The organisation is also looking for people who can help with general office duties as well as support staff who can help at their educational department.
Conservation Volunteer Team
Guildford Borough Council’s conservation volunteer team is recruiting new members. On offer is the opportunity to keep fit, learn new skills and do your bit for conservation. The group will meet mid-week twice a month, and work in the borough's woodland, wetland, grassland and heathland sites. Volunteers will get involved in coppicing, scrub clearance work and creating woodland glades – all of which will contribute to important habitat improvements for wildlife and visitors alike. All tools will be provided to volunteers, so participants just need to wear suitable outdoor clothing, take along a packed lunch, a drink and some sturdy boots. For more information please contact the Countryside Team on 01483 444718 or email: countryside@guildford.gov.uk
Source: Guildford Borough Council website, 1st October 2007
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Epsom High Street is looking for local people to volunteer for the charity. Elkie Woodbridge who is area manager for the shop said: “Volunteering is extremely sociable and offers people a great opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills. There are no age restrictions – enthusiasm and a desire to help are all that is required.” For more details about volunteering in the British Heart Foundation shop in Epsom call 01372 749472.
Source: http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk, 7th June 2007
Volunteering in Surrey Museums
Museums in Surrey are currently looking for volunteers with keyboard skills, marketing skills or design skills. Guides and shop staff are often needed. All museums provide on-the-job training, and funding is often available for outside courses. Either get in touch with your local museum, or contact Pat Reynolds, the Museums Development Officer on 01483 518754, Mobile: 07770 326270 or Email: patricia.reynolds@surreycc.gov.uk
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
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
European Vocational Training Association (EVTA)
aims to promote pan-European training. For further
information, visit: http://www.evta.net
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 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 provides help and advice to guidance
professionals. For more information, visit http://www.careerseurope.co.uk
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:
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
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
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
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/
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.
UK 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/
International Volunteering
Voluntary Service Overseas
Voluntary Service Overseas – no longer the preserve of school leavers, the average age for volunteers on the postings (usually 2 years) is 38.
Volunteers can be aged between 20 and 75 years old and must have a formal qualification and some work experience. Volunteers are provided with accommodation and a local level allowance as well as air fares and insurance.
See the website for more information http://www.vso.org.uk/
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
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/
Worldwide Volunteering
Searchable database of volunteering opportunities which aims make it easier for people of all ages to volunteer by providing access to information about, and a matching service for, a wide range of volunteering opportunities throughout the UK and worldwide. http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk
For gap year opportunities:
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.
