Transcription

#NCW2021THE PARENTS’GUIDE TOCAREERSFOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’Parents’ GuideGuide toto CareersCareers forfor NationalNational CareersCareers WeekWeek 20212021TheI’mClick interactimto go e if you ve!to the cha wantpterContentsThe Parents’ Guide to provides parents with the information theyneed to help their teenage children make the right choices tocreate successful futures after GCSE and sixth form.Our online guides are designed to inform, involve and guide parentalsupport. They include the most up to date information on topicssuch as apprenticeships, universities and revision techniques.Wherever we refer to ‘parents’ we mean ‘parents and carers.’ This includesgrandparents, older siblings or any other person with significant caringresponsibilities for children.1904ApprenticeshipsTalking to your teen abouttheir futureThis guide has been produced with NCW for National Careers Week 2021. We makerecommendations of what we believe to be reliable sources to help you find furtherinformation but these organisations have not endorsed this guide. We’re happy for youto use or share extracts of the guide, but don’t forget to credit The Parents’ Guide to2020-2021 London .com06Virtual work experience28Other options10A summary of options34Starting your ownFind out what’s newIf you’re interested in regular updates about how you can help yourteenage children: www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/join-usafter GCSE and sixth formPage 2www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 3businesswww.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Talking to your teen abouttheir futureIt can be tricky to get teens to talk aboutanything, especially what they mightwant to do next. However, it is importantthey think about their future, what theymight like to achieve and what they needto do now so they can get themselves onthe right track.This is even more relevant this year, withCovid-19 making us feel as if we have towait until things get back to “normal”before looking ahead – we mustn’t!To help you, here are ten tips on how totalk to your teen about their future.123456BUILD A SENSE OF EXCITEMENTAND OPTIMISM ABOUT THEIRFUTURE78910Page 4www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 5Accept their idea of success may be different to yoursTheir dreams and ambitions might not align with your dreams and ambitionsfor them. This can be disappointing but let them walk their own path.It’s OK if they’re not sure on a career route yetThey don’t need to make that decision right now. They do need to developskills that will help them progress, and that should be their focus.Try not to make the decisions for themThey have more options than when you were their age - whether that’s intaking qualifications, where to study or what job to train for. Your guidanceis valuable, but the decision is theirs to make.Encourage them to turn passions into money-makersThey’re more likely to be successful (and happier) pursuing a career insomething they enjoy.Help them navigate their limitationsNot being academic should not be a barrier to success and there is usuallymore than one way to reach a destination.Encourage them to explore careers that are interesting to themGive them permission to explore careers that are interesting to them ratherthan interesting to you. This is especially relevant if you have a family traditionof all going into the same field of work or if you own a family business.Encourage them to explore all their optionsHelp them plan out a route that focuses on their strengths. School leaverprogrammes, traineeships, apprenticeships and higher education optionscan often provide entry points into the same industry.Help them if they are struggling to look far aheadSetting short-term, achievable goals will help them strive towards a longterm ambition.It’s OK if they change their mind!Reassure them that if they tell you they have their heart set on onedirection, then later change their minds, you won’t berate them for it.Empower them: they have control over their futureThe decisions they take and what they do matters.www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Virtual Work ExperienceWhat is virtual work experience?What are the benefits?Virtual work experience, also referredto as online, remote or digital, providesyoung people with the opportunityto gain experience in the workplace,develop their skills, boost theiremployability and explore new industriesand job roles.Think global!Virtual work placements are open toeveryone and location does not need to be alimiting factor. This opens many possibilitiesfor your child to explore new jobs andindustries in areas that may not have beenpossible under face to face arrangements.It’s a broad term and can include anyopportunity which provides youngpeople with an insight into what it’s liketo work in an industry or job role whileat home. Most virtual work experiencesrange from half a day to one week, butsome may last longer depending on thenature of the work experience and theage of your child.It’s freeThe majority of virtual work experienceplacements are free and working fromhome will also mean your child will notincur any travel related costs.Not all virtual work experience is thesame. Some are open to everyoneand provide a platform for studentsto discover more about the job, viewpre-recorded videos on what it’s like towork with the organisation, go on virtualtours and possibly take part in somelive Q&A sessions. Others may requireyour child to go through an applicationprocess and offer regular online meetingswith a supervisor, individual projectwork, networking sessions, trainingopportunities and video tutorials.Page 6Future proofRemote working is likely to be importantto many businesses in the future andlearning how to conduct business andwork online will develop extremelyvaluable skills for the modern workplace.Transferable skillsIt’s not always easy working from homeand taking part in virtual work experienceplacements will help your child developthose soft skills that all employers areseeking, such as organisation, timemanagement and self-motivation.Knowing what’s right (or what isn’t)Understanding what a job or a careerentails might help your child makedecisions about whether or not that role isright for them in the future.www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 7www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Virtual Work ExperienceWhich organisations offer virtualwork experience?As social distancing seems set to remainfor the foreseeable future, more andmore firms are beginning to providevirtual work experience opportunities tostudents and young people. Placementsare available across several sectorsincluding accountancy, law, marketingand the veterinary sciences. While thisis by no means an exhaustive list, hereare some companies and businessescurrently offering virtual work experience.Allied Healthcare Mentor (paid)A live Virtual Work Experience Programmecreated and delivered by healthcareprofessionals for those interested in acareer in healthcare. Prices start from 10 aday.Barclays LifeSkillsAn excellent website to help young peopledevelop the skills they need for a better future.Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolSuitable for those looking to applyto medical school, this virtual workplacement introduces students to the NHSbefore exploring the roles and skill sets ofsix different medical specialists.Exploring the Veterinary professionA two week, six hour, course that enablesstudents to learn more about what it takesto become a vet and whether it’s the rightcareer choice for them.Page 8InsideSherpaAn excellent website which offers virtualwork experience placements from a rangeof companies, from banking to careers intech. Most options last up to six hours andinvolve tutorials, videos and activities.InvestIn (paid)Aimed at students between 14 and 18years old, InvestIn offers an impressivearray of virtual work placementsinvolving real life work and contact withprofessionals. This is a paid service, andplacements range from one day to oneweek. Prices start from 90.National Cyber Security CentreA website dedicated to helping the UK’snext generation of cyber professionalsthrough a variety of free courses for 11-17year olds and exciting competitions.Speakers4SchoolsRecently launched, Speakers4schoolsaims to provide a level playing field byconnecting young people to high qualityvirtual work placements. Register to stayup to date with their latest developments.Things to considerOnline placements are not for everyoneNot everyone is suited to working behinda screen or remotely; some may have theirheart set on a more creative or hands oncareer option. If virtual work experienceis not right for your child, there’s lots ofother things they can do while at homeOpportunities are limitedVirtual work placements and internshipsare a new offering and places are likely tobe limited and only available in certainindustries, however, the list of companiesoffering them is growing.May not give a full reflection of the jobThere are limitations to what can beexperienced through virtual placements,so make sure your child is aware that thismay only provide a partial glimpse ofwhat’s involved in the job.SafeguardingBe sure to check the company’scredentials and what information yourchild is giving to them. Most companieswill have age guidelines for suitability,but if not, do make sure it’s ageappropriate.VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCEPROVIDES YOUNG PEOPLE WITHTHE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLOREDIFFERENT CAREER OPTIONSThe Careers and Enterprise CompanyA regularly updated and comprehensivelist of virtual opportunities containing linksto virtual work placements and trainingopportunities for students in year 9-13.Click here for a full list of virtualwork placements.www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 9www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide hild knowwhat’snextVocational routes after GCSEWhat your child chooses to do after Year11 can have a big impact on their future.The choices they make now will influencehow easily they will be able to get a jobor enter further education when they areolder. The main options at this stage arefor them to go on to full time educationor take an apprenticeship/ training.Things they need to consider are the typeof qualification they are going to study;what type of learning suits them best(classroom or practical); and what theyenjoy. Here we’re focusing on vocationalchoices (rather than gaining furtheracademic qualifications by staying on atschool or going to pOther optionsQualificationtypeCity and Guilds;National VocationalQualifications(NVQs) orTech Bac (similar toBaccalaureate)Advanced Level 3(equivalent to x2 Alevels)Traineeship,volunteer (withtraining), internshipType oflearningDependent on thequalification, mostcontain practicalon the job trainingWork basedincluding off-sitelearningWork basedx5 GCSE passesDepends onemployer, somerequire at least 3GCSEsNoneRange ofvocational subjectsRange of vocationalsubjects, driven bythe job offeredRange of vocationalsubjects, driven bythe job offered2 years (level 3)1-2 years6 weeks – 6 monthsQualificationsneeded to signupSubject choicesCommitmentPage 10www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPagePage 1111www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Vocational routes after sixth formImportant considerations includewhether they want to include someform of studying, how they will financeliving expenses and course fees (andwhether you can afford to help them)and whether they’re happy to move awayfrom home or stay close by.What your child chooses to do after sixthform (or college) is exciting but can benerve-racking. There are lots of optionsavailable and understanding the prosand cons between different choices canbe confusing. If they’re not academic andwant to get straight to work, there arelots of options available.TraineeshipJob withouttrainingJob with trainingTo prepare studentsfor work or togo on to furtherQualification education.typeTraining usuallyfunded by employer,but check that it is anational recognisedqualification, suchas NVQGoing straight intoa job offers workexperience butnot a qualification.However, it ispossible to createa personal trainingplan if desired.6 weeks toLength of6 monthscommitmentn/an/aTuition Costs 0Training fees are paidby the government. 0Training funded bythe employer. - Any training wouldbe self-funded. Salary providedand jobs are usuallywithin commutabledistance from home,though travel can beexpensive. Salary providedand jobs are usuallywithin commutabledistance from home,though travel can beexpensive.Livingexpenses(i.e. food,book, travel,going out)Page 12 - Not paid to work,but some expenses(such as travel) maybe provided.www.theparentsguideto.co.ukInternshipGap YearStart a businessCould include a yearworking for a charityor other employerto gain skills – notjust about travelling.Can combine A levelretakes in this year.None, but it’simportant tohave drive,commitment andan idea of whatbusiness idea topursue.1 month to6 monthsLength ofcommitment But some up to ayear.1 yearn/a 0Internships are aboutgaining practicalTuition Costs work experience sothere are rarely anyformal qualificationsundertaken. 0There are no tuitioncosts unless retakingexaminations. - The Prince'sTrust, LocalEnterprisePartnership, andNew EnterpriseAllowance offergrants andmentoring. - Gap years need notbe expensive. Flightsand accommodationis usually coveredfor overseasvolunteering.Personal travel canbe funded by workingfor part of the year. Lots of youngpeople starttheir businessesonline, whichmeans minimalstart up costs andthey can continueliving at home.NoneQualificationtypeLivingexpenses(i.e. food,book, travel,going out)Page 13 - Legally interns shouldbe paid althoughmany aren’t. Somecompanies may covertravel expenses.Depending on thelocation, living andtravel expenses couldbe costly.www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021LevelThe Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Qualification / educational routes8Doctorate (PhD)7Masters degree (MA)6Bachelors degreeBA or BSc5Foundation degreeFdA or FdScDegree apprenticeship /NVQ 5, 6, 7Higher National Diploma(HND)4Higher NationalCertificate (HNC)Higherapprenticeship / NVQ 4BTEC (extended) diplomaBTEC certificateAdvancedapprenticeship / NVQ 32GCSEGrades 4- 9 (C, B, A or A*)BTEC first diplomaIntermediateapprenticeship / NVQ 21GCSEGrades 1- 3 (D, E, F or G)Foundation diploma /entry level qualifications3A levelsGrades A-EInternationalBaccalaureateAcademic routePage 14NVQ 8T LevelsVocational routewww.theparentsguideto.co.ukTraineeship / NVQ 1Applied / work routePage 15Levels of EducationIn England, Wales andNorthern Ireland there are 8qualification levels (1 - 8) plusan entry level qualification forthose just starting. Generally,the higher the level, the moredifficult the qualification is.Levels 1-3 are typically taughtin schools and colleges.With so many differentqualifications, it can be hardto know what they mean andwhere they might lead to next.To help you understand, we'vecreated a summary of whatthe levels mean highlightingacademic, vocational andwork-based routes to highereducation.Keep up-to-dateSign up to our parentnewsletter and receive freesupport, advice and resourceson how you can help yourteenage children straight toyour inbox.Learn morewww.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to: Getting ahead during the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 You may also be interested inThe Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021lempase to agesmpkClic someWWW.THEPARENTSGUIDETO.CO.UKPage 16www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 2020 - 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021ApprenticeshipsWhat your child chooses to do afterGCSE or sixth form is both exciting anddaunting. There are lots of optionsavailable and understanding the prosand cons between different choicescan be challenging. Apprenticeshipsshould not be over-looked; they offer theopportunity to combine study with paidemployment resulting in a professionalqualification. There are no tuition fees(these are covered by the employer andthe government) and the salary can coverliving expenses.Apprenticeships used to be associatedwith trade industries (such as electricians,mechanics or plumbers). Nowadays,apprenticeships can be taken in awide range of industry sectors andprovide entry to all types of careers,including accountancy, banking, IT, law,management and television.Relatively new to the apprenticeshipsuite are “degree apprenticeships”,offering an earn while you learn routeto BSc or BA status. In other words, thePagePage 1818www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 19Taking an apprenticeship is not an easyoption and competition can be fierce.It takes organisation and dedicationto balance work, where your child willbe expected to contribute to the samestandards as everyone else, and study.Holidays are far fewer than at college oruniversity. However, if they have a morepractical, work-related bias towards learningthis will suit them well and they will obtainvaluable experience which will strengthenopportunities in finding rewarding workwhen the apprenticeship is over.Selecting the right apprenticeship willrequire your child to have reasonableconfidence in the type of career they wishto follow although there is some flexibility.So how do you help them decide? We’llguide you.I’mClick interactivmyou t e and I’l e!lo their web takesiteUseful linksGOV. UKOverviewend qualification is the same as if yourchild had attended university full time,the difference is that they will not haveincurred any debt in tuition fees andwill finish their degree with robust andtransferable workplace skills.UCASTheParents’Guide towww.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Apprenticeship levelsLEVEL 2LEVEL 4/5Typical lengthTypical length12-18 months3-5 yearsEntry requirements:Entry requirements:None or fewA levels or equivalentQualifications obtained:Qualifications obtained:GCSE, BTEC or equivalentHigher national diploma / foundation degreeWho’s it for?Who’s it for?Mostly for 16-year-olds with limited or noacademic qualifications.Mostly for those who want to qualify forprofessional career paths without attendinguniversity or college. Sometimes referred to as‘school leaver’ or ‘non-graduate’ programmes.LEVEL 3LEVEL 6/7Typical lengthTypical lengthIntermediate apprenticeshipsHigher apprenticeshipsDegree apprenticeshipAdvanced apprenticeships12-24 months3-7 yearsEntry requirements:Entry requirements:Usually 5 GCSEsAt least 2 A levels or equivalentQualifications obtained:Qualifications obtained:A levels or equivalentA BA or BSc degree or higherWho’s it for?Who’s it for?Mostly for those with excellent sixth formresults that want to study for a degree or similarwhilst working. Aimed at attracting high-calibrecandidates to bridge professional skills gaps.Mostly for 16-year-olds with reasonableacademic achievements but who don’twant to study in sixth form.Page 20www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 21www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide toNationalCareersWeek 2021to:CareersGetting foraheadduringthe summerholidays 2020 - 2021 Where to find the rightapprenticeshipThere’s a wide range of ways toseek out apprenticeships and werecommend using a selection ofoptions rather than relying on one.Government websiteMost apprenticeships are posted on theGovernment’s website and can be foundusing the ‘search’ function. By creatingan account, your child can set up alertsand filters to see opportunities thatare of most interest to them and to beemailed when new opportunities arise.Companies directAnother alternative is for them to identifycompanies that are of interest and checkthose websites for apprenticeships.Not all companies offer apprenticeships,but many do. Be warned apprenticeships offered by well knowncompanies such as BBC, Nestle, Virginor British Gas are likely to be incrediblycompetitive.APPRENTICESHIPS COMBINELEARNING WITH ON THE JOBTRAININGJob boardsNational job agencies will also advertiseapprenticeships and options canbe narrowed to review within localdistances from home or specific jobtypes. This might be a particularly goodway to seek out apprenticeships in level3-5 range.School careers advisorIf your child’s school has a careersdepartment, then getting them to speakwith their careers advisor is a goodmove. Careers advisors are often the firstto hear from companies advertising newapprenticeships.For more information onapprenticeships and how to help yourchild research, apply and preparefor one, you may be interested in TheParents’ Guide to Apprenticeships 20202021.Useful linksGOV. UKSearchPage 22ApprenticeshipSearchNot going toUniThe Parents’Guide towww.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 23www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Top 10 apprenticeship employers: 20201.6.2.7.3.8.4.9.5.10.Cliclear k me tonmoreAPPRENTICESHIPS WITHTOP EMPLOYERS WILL BEVERY COMPETITIVEBased on 4,000 reviews - statistics compiled by www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.ukFor a list of the top 100 apprenticeship employers click here.Page 24www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 25

The Parents’ Guide to: Getting ahead during the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 You may also be interested inThe Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021lempase to agesmpkClic someWWW.THEPARENTSGUIDETO.CO.UKPage 26www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 27

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careersfor NationalCareersWeek2021 2020 - 2021 Making themost of thesummerholidaysOther optionsIt is important to remember thatfurther education and academic studyisn’t for everyone. There are plenty ofother ways to continue learning, suchas apprenticeships, traineeships, paidor voluntary work or gap years.Getting a jobThe world of work can be an excitingoption and doesn’t necessarily need torule out further study at a later date. Ifyour child does plan to get a job afterschool or college, encourage them tothink carefully about the kind of workthey want to do and the reasons for doingit. Do they plan to start in an entry levelposition and gradually work their way upto a higher position as they begin to gainmore experience? Or do they want to startearning, and use this time to reflect onwhat they might like to do next?Page 28Some jobs may provide training, whichis usually funded by the employer.Encourage your child to check whatqualifications are being offered andwhether it is a nationally recognisedqualification, such as a NVQ.School leaver programmesSchool leaver programmes offeropportunities to join the workplacestraight after sixth form studies andcommence skills development andcareer progression through experienceas well as studying to obtain a nationallyrecognised qualification. Entryrequirements vary from employer toemployer.I’Clickm interactyou me and ive!Ito their w ’ll takeebsiteUseful linksPost 16optionssummaryJob with trainingNot Goingto UniPost 18optionssummarywww.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 29www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Traineeships andinternshipsTraineeshipsTraineeships are short-term workplacings lasting up to a maximum of sixmonths to help young people become“job ready”. The work experienceelement includes at least 100 hourson the job training to help provide thenecessary experience to undertakeapprenticeships or other employment.InternshipsWhilst internships can be useful,they should not be confused withapprenticeships. Internships are informalarrangements with an employer, there israrely a signed contract, they are usuallyshort-term (less than one year) and theydo not result in a formal qualification.They do offer an insight into business,networking opportunities, the possibilityUseful linksGov.ukTraineeshipsPage 30of job offers afterwards and the ability tolearn practical, transferable skills.They may be useful in giving astudent enough experience to start anapprenticeship.Supported internshipsSupported internships are for studentswith learning difficulties or impairmentswho want to get a job and need extrasupport to do this. They’re a good wayto get the training and experience yourchild needs to get into work.Key tip:These routes can be very helpful fornon-academic students who may bebetter at picking up practical skills.I’Clickm interactyou me and ive!Ito their w ’ll o.ukPagePage3131www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Starting a businessKey transferable skills when starting a businessCovid 19 has had a devastating impacton job opportunities and it’s harderthan ever for young people to getjobs, especially students seeking parttime work to fit around their studies.However, for those teenagers withan entrepreneurial flair, there are stillways that they can gain experienceand perhaps even make money in theprocess.If your teen has the enthusiasm andability, starting a small business needn’tbe costly and could give them an edgeover others when it comes to interviews.This doesn’t mean full-time commitment– it’s something they could fit aroundstudies or focus on only during schoolholidays. If things go really well, they mayeven have the beginnings of a careerworking for themselves.Page 32We often mention transferable skills, andthat’s because they’re desirable. Whetherfor further education opportunities or to filljob roles, interviewers are trying to ensurethey take on someone who is the rightfit. There may be a minimum standard ofqualifications needed, but they’ll also belooking for personality and skillset.Transferable skills are vital in everybusiness, irrespective of the industry. Isyour child a great communicator, wellorganized, able to work on their owninitiative, responsive and innovative? Canthey prove it? Starting their own businessgives your child first-hand experiencethat will teach them many skills that theywouldn’t hone so quickly (or at all) throughacademic studies alone. It demonstratesthey can apply their learning and characterin real-life situations – and gives them avehicle to prove their capabilities.Initiative - having good ideas andacting upon themListening – being responsive toothers’ needsDemonstrable experience - workingon real-life projects, not justtheoretical scenariosLeadership -inspiring and motivatingothers (by getting clients or followers)Ability to communicate – probablythe most important, running their ownbusiness shows they can communicatewell with clients and people they don’tknow, both verbally and in writingTeamwork - collaborating withothers to achieve positive outcomesAbility to meet deadlines – toproduce high quality work withinlimited time-framesConsistency – delivering high qualityon a regular basisCommitment and reliability – evengrowing a small business requiresdedication over a period of timeTime management and balance –crucial in successfully maintaining abusiness alongside their studiesProblem solving -recognizingchallenges and finding solutionsI’Clickm interactyou me and ive!Ito their w ’ll takeebsiteUseful linksLocalEnterpriseNetworkDeveloping transferable skillsPrince’s TrustThe Parents’Guide towww.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 33www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Parents’ Guide to Making the most of the summer holidays 2020 - 2021 The Parents’ Guide to Careers for National Careers Week 2021Gap YearsONE IN TEN STUDENTSWILL TAKE A GAP YEARAFTER FINISHING SCHOOLTaking a year out after school can bebeneficial, certainly in terms of the skillsand experiences that can be developed,but your child will need to determinewhether it’s the right choice for them.What does a gap year involve?Traditionally, this is a year spenttravelling overseas, but it needn’tfocus exclusively on that. Volunteeringand work experience can also beincorporated and inform your child’slikes and dislikes, as well as giving themvaluable first-hand experience in avariety of areas they may not have hadchance to try out. Gap years don’t haveto be expensive, and if finances are tight,your child can self fund their travels bygetting a job first.Page 34www.theparentsguideto.co.ukPage 35If your child is considering taking a yearout after school, it’s important to spendsome time together and identify whatit is your child wants to achieve. Gapyears can be an excellent choice forstudents wanting to gain news skills andexperience, earn money, spend timedeciding what career path they want totake or have a break from work and study.However, for some a gap year can bedistracting and, if not well-planned,could prove somewhat directionless,which is unlikely to be beneficial. Beforecommitting to a gap year, make sure yourchild has clear goals to make their timeout from work or study a productive andfulfilling one.I’Clickm interactyou me and ive!Ito their w ’ll takeebsiteUseful linksGOV. UKForeign TravelAdviceIs a gap year right for my child?Gap 360www.theparentsguideto.co.uk

The Par

to become a vet and whether it’s the right career choice for them. InsideSherpa An excellent website which offers virtual work experience placements from a range of companies, from banking to careers in tech. Most options last up to six hours and involve tutorials, videos and activi