You did all the work, you’ve taken a break… now results day is approaching. What are your options if things don’t go as well as you hoped after GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, Nationals, Highers or T Levels? Key dates 5 August – SQA Highers and Nationals 14 August – A Levels 14 August – T Levels 14 August – BTEC Nationals 19 August – IGSCE (International GCSE) 21 August – BTEC First/Tech 12 August – GCSE If your results are…
Health and social care is one of the most popular career choices among Year 11 students, according to a survey from the national body for careers education in England. The NHS is the most desirable employer, coming ahead of Google, Apple and NASA, according to a questionnaire completed by 230,000 secondary students for the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC). There are over 350 career pathways available across health and social care, from dentistry to optometry, pharmacy to occupational therapy and…
Many employers use software called applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through CVs to find candidates for interview. Your application has to successfully get through the ATS before it even reaches the recruiter or hiring manager. So how do you get your CV through to the next stage, where it’s seen by a human being? The answer is keywords. The ATS scans hundreds of CVs and ranks candidates based on keywords chosen by the employer. These are specific words or…
Careers fairs are great opportunities for you to meet employers. They take place in person or online. They can also be called job fairs or recruitment events. Find out about local careers fairs through: school, college or university your local Jobcentre Plus social media posts about work in your area Preparing for a jobs fair will help you make the most of the opportunities available. Set a goal Think about a realistic target. What would you like to achieve at…
There’s a great future waiting for you in the growing field of optics. Almost 60% of people in the UK wear spectacles, among the highest percentages in Europe, and 9% wear contact lenses. Did you know dispensing opticians and optometrists can help to slow the progression of myopia (short sight) in children? Or help to manage conditions such as dry eye, often linked to screen use? Key roles Optometrists are health professionals who provide vision care. They are trained to…
When you finally finish your GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland) it’s time to celebrate – and enjoy a spot of relaxation. But it’s worth thinking about your next step and starting to prepare. Buy a diary Now you’re in sixth form or college you’ll have more work to do, deadlines to juggle and exam dates to remember. Get organised from day one and buy a diary to keep track of everything. Make sure you choose a school diary, otherwise…
Work experience isn't always advertised or may not be routinely available in your area of interest. To discover opportunities you'll often need to approach employers directly. Find hidden opportunities Uncovering hidden work experience opportunities isn’t easy, but perseverance pays off. First, talk to family, friends, fellow learners, teachers, tutors or anyone you know through hobbies or extracurricular activities to see if they know of anyone to approach. They might have links to a company of interest and pass on their…
A pioneering optical care course is opening career opportunities for Year 12 and 13 students. Aston University Sixth Form, in Birmingham, is the first college in the UK to have learners studying T Level optical care, says assistant principal Ruth Mercy. The two-year course, equivalent to an A Level, is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the sector. Ruth says: ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest…
Can you succeed at work if you face extra challenges? James, 24, works at Specsavers in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and has an anxiety disorder. He takes us through a typical day. What do you do every day? My main tasks include performing pre-screening tests for customers before their eye test, helping them choose and purchase frames and lenses for their glasses, and fitting their glasses when they come to pick them up. I also have mandatory learning time, training on the…
There’s a great future waiting for you in eyecare, with lots of choice whatever your interests and skills. Whether you are planning to go into employment straight from school, head to university, or you are already working and looking for a new career, there are plenty of reasons to go into this field. Enjoy flexible training and careers Whether you want to train or work full or part-time, weekends or weekdays, there’s a job for you. More and more high…