Our Values - Building Careers for the future
To develop apprentices to reach their full potential in their chosen specialism.
To improve personal growth to allow apprentices to become the best version of themselves.
To develop apprentices professionally and provide the steps to further their career.
We offer confidential and impartial advice to our apprentices to ensure that you are on the right career path and support you to determine your next steps.
Career planning why is this so important?
A successful career doesn’t typically happen by chance. In order to build one and get all the benefits that come from it, you need to spend some time reflecting on what you want and how you will get there—that’s exactly what career planning does for you.
Career planning gives you a roadmap to your future
Career planning outlines how you’re going to get from Point A (where you are now) to Point B (your ultimate career goal). With an end goal in mind, you’ll be able to identify which actions you need to take to get there.
These actions may include things like assessing job descriptions to see what you need to do to qualify for them, attending events to make new connections and network, and exploring different companies and industries to see if they’re the right fit.
Career planning Identifies gaps you need to fill
Career planning helps you identify where you might have a little more learning to do. This might mean taking additional courses, becoming certified in a new skill, or progressing onto a higher apprenticeship/or education to accelerate your career path and meet your career goals. It gives you the opportunity to fill a variety of skill gaps at once, make professional connections that’ll support you for the rest of your career.
Career planning gives you space for ongoing personal reflection
How often do you actually sit down and think about your professional development other than during your annual appraisal or review. A good career plan takes into account your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what you like and need out of a career. So, this is your opportunity to reflect on what you have to offer to potential employer), how your career plan fits your life, and identify ways that you can grow personally and professionally.
Career planning provides much needed motivation and guidance
As much as you may want it to, your career path will not likely follow a straight line. Having a career plan will help you stay motivated during all the twists and turns your career path throws at you. And, most importantly, it will guide you during times when you are considering career or industry changes by helping you figure out whether your choice truly fits the plan.
So, where do you begin? The easiest way is to start writing everything down. Whether you use our career planning guide or you create your own, it is essential to document your thoughts.
Please remember a few things. Your career plan does not have to be set in stone. While it’s important to set goals, make it a habit to review your plan every few months to make sure it still matches what you want out of a career. Also, following your career plan won’t be a perfect process. Try not to be discouraged by the possible obstacles along the way. No matter what may change, your career plan is there to ground you and guide you on your path to success!
The apprenticeship team can support you with your career plan and next steps.
Use that attache plan and begin to write down you career hope and dreams for the future.
Try a careers quiz this may help you to generate ideas, if you are looking for a change of direction:
Buzz quiz: www.icould.com
Careers Wizard: www.icanbea.org.uk
Continuous professional Development
CPD can be in many forms from in-house training through your employer, to professionally accredited training programmes or to leisure learning activities. Any additional learning you decide to do has an impact on your specific skills and knowledge, it will set you apart form the competition.
Continuing to learn can improve your quality of life by providing you with the confidence and increased sense of personal achievement. It can be used to further your career, enhance your promotion opportunities, help improve your CV, employability. This can also maintain your interest in your profession and lead to a better understanding of current trend in your sector.
You do not have to rely on an employer sponsoring your training or even be employed to continue on with your learning, nor do you have to pay large sums of money to access training programmes.
Some Universities offer free programmes that attain attain credits and accreditation.
Below are free online courses:
University of Edinburgh
https://www.onlinecourses.ed.ac.uk/
Open learn - The open University
https://www.onlinecourses.ed.ac.uk/
NWSLC - North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College
https://www.nwslc.ac.uk/free-short-courses/
Why English and maths skills are so important for your career?
English and maths skills are essential building blocks for any career, and play an important roles in helping people both find and sustain employment.
To find out how maths and English is contextualised into your specific industry and workplace tasks, explore the links below:
English Level 1 & 2 Functional skills
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmqj2nb
Maths Level 1 & 2 Functional Skills