Not sure about what direction to take? Looking towards starting your working life, or seeking a fresh challenge? Creating a career development plan can help you take the first steps towards a successful future. A plan can be useful for anyone from school leavers to students, graduates to career changers. You can break it down into four stages: identify your skills and interests research ideas make your choice set achievable goals 1. Identify your skills and interests Think about your…
Today’s one of the most stressful dates for many learners. It may feel like a disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options. Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. There are plenty of healthcare fields outside medicine, where you can study to become a respected professional, combining patient care with science and technology. You could even move into medicine after studying something else…
Whatever your interests, there’s a career in eyecare that’s just right for you. From optometry to optical sales, frame design to practice manager, take a look at these ideas. Patient care There are lots of careers where you can make a difference to people’s health, from saving their sight to looking after those facing life-changing conditions. Ophthalmologist Optometrist Dispensing optician Orthoptist Ophthalmic nurse People skills Do you enjoy communicating and spending time your day interacting with other people? These roles…
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…
If you’re at school in Scotland, in S3 or S4, you need to think about choosing your Highers. Most people study four or five subjects in S5 – and you can go on to take Advanced Highers in S6. You will often need at least five National 5 qualifications (Nat 5s) at grades A–C to go on to Highers but this varies depending on your school or college. You can study Highers over one or two years, and will usually…
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…