What Next 2022

VickiJones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

HeatherLarge heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

TracyBaker tracy.baker@expressandstar.co.uk

WELCOME

Pete

YOUR EXPERT GUIDETOPOST-16 OPPORTUNITIES,APPRENTICESHIPS, UNIVERSITYAND VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

At South StaffordshireCollege, our students areatthe heart of all that we do.

We’recommitted to providing you with an outstanding learning experience at South StaffordshireCollege along with the skills and qualifications that will set you up for afulfilling career

Our focus is ‘Careers not Courses’. This means we spend asignificant amount of time to support you with selecting the study or training options that will help you to reach your career aspirations.

We remain committed to enhancing the employability of our students and will provide you with high quality training from expert staff. Youwill undertake relevant work experience or industry placements with awide range of employers so that you gain real world experience and professional skills that employers demand.

Located in Tamworth,Lichfield, Rodbaston and Cannock, you will be able to study locally whilst having access to ahost of specialist

facilities. In our safe, supportive and inspiring

you will be able to

yourself, make new friends and work hardto reach your full potential.

Our friendly and helpful staffwill give you the best possible transition from school to college life and we very much look forwardtosupporting you as you work towards achieving your goals.

ClaireBoliver Chief Executive Principal South StaffordshireCollege

WHAT WILL YOUDONEXT AFTERYOUREXAMS?

IT’S never too early to start thinking about what you want to do when you’ve finished your GCSEs.

And with so many different opportunities depending on your skills, interests or chosen career path –the world really is your oyster

When it comes to considering the next chapter in your learning, look at the pros and cons of each of the options available to you.

Youmight decide to stay on to study A-levels in your school’ssixth form, go to college for vocational training or start an apprenticeship.

For some of you, the decision might be easy because perhaps you’ve always known that you want to be adoctor, plumber or architect. For the rest of you it might seem morethan alittle mindboggling deciding what it is you want to do.

But thereare ways to make it seem less daunting, which start with approaching it positively and with an open mind.

Considering what you aregood at and what you areinterested in can be a

good place to start. If you enjoy learning and want to continue your education in a familiar environment, then A-levels arethe most traditional route to university and take two years to complete.

These qualifications have recently been overhauled. The content for the new A-levels has been reviewed and updated, with universities playing amuchgreater role in this than they did previously

It is hoped that this will make A-levels better preparation for university study and

the move has been welcomed by higher education institutions.

A-levels areachieved after two years of study and thereare lotsofdifferent subjects to choose from. They can be done at aschool sixth form or afurther education college and you can also take them alongside vocational qualifications.

The combination of subjects you choose is very important as it will influence your chances of getting on to adegree course at university.It’simportant to research which A-levels arerequired for the subject you would like to study later or the career path you want to take.

Some courses, such as veterinary medicine, for example, will requireyou to have studied specific subjects. It’salways better to spend time finding out what the industry wants so you’renot disappointed later

If you fancy doing something alittle morevocational, then thereare plenty of other qualifications you can look into such as NVQs and BTECs.

They offer amorepractical approach than traditional academic courses and may be related to abroad employment

area such as business, engineering, IT, health and social careorthey might lead to specific jobs such as hairdressing, accounting, professional cookery or plumbing.

But if you think you’reready for the workplace, then taking an apprenticeship is agreat way to learnhands-on skills in areal world setting and you will be paid while you learn. Thereare morethan 280 types of apprenticeship for more than 1,500 job roles –anythingfrom engineering to boat-building, or veterinary nursing to accountancy

When it comes to looking at your options for when you’re18, higher education continues to be apopular choice for school-leavers, whether it’s university or morevocational courses such as Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

If you opt to work towards adegree, you can go down the academic routeor pick acourse moreclosely connected to your dream job.

Thereisevidence that graduates go on to have higher earning potential and have agreater choice of jobs.

University also helps you to develop life-long skills that will come in handy in all kinds of different jobs and industries. For some careers, higher education is a must, so don’tdiscount it without looking into what qualifications areexpected for your chosen profession because you don’t want to be disappointed later.Research is key

Vocational courses can give you morehands-on experience and can be a quicker routeinto work.

It’salso possible to do an

PUTSOMETHOUGHT INTO YOUR FUTURE CAREER AMBITIONS

There area wide rangeofsubjects to choose from.Ifyou think you want to study certain subjects at university,orifyou have acareer area in mind, it’s importanttocheck if they have anyparticularA-level entryrequirements.

Youmay notyet know what you want to do afterA-levels, so here’s a quickguide to making choices

Themost importantcriteriafor choosing A-levels subjects are:

1. What youare likely to enjoyand be good at?

2. Arethere anyparticularsubjects andgradesyou mayneed?Ifyou have aparticularcareer, jobor furtherstudy in mindyou mayneed to choose certain A-levels in order to meet entryrequirements.

3. Howopen youwanttokeepyour future study andcareerchoices?

Abilityand enjoyment –Think aboutthe subjects youare good at andlike. If youenjoy what you’re studyingyou arelikelytobemore motivated..

apprenticeship when you’re18. These are becoming moreand more popular with an increasing number of opportunities available every year –soare well worth some serious consideration.

They give you the chance to be paid while you aretrained on the job and areworking towards industry-specific qualifications so they might be amore direct routetothe career you want.

Employers arekeen to recruit apprentices who they can train to develop the necessary skills for their industry and in certain industries they areinhighdemand due to ageing workforces.

Higher and degree apprenticeships areavailable for morethan 100 different job rolesacross around 75 industries. So, thereare many paths to consider when you aredeciding what next.

Always aim to do something you will love because thereisnopoint wasting time and money on something you will not be passionate about.

Newsubjects –Schools and colleges mayoffer A-levels in subjects that youhavenot studied before–it’sreallyworth taking some time to find outwhat’s involved in newsubjects (talkto your teachers andtostaff at open days andopen evenings).

Subject combinations –Some subjects covercommonground –suchasgeographyand environmentalstudies,ormedia studiesand film studies. Youneed to checkthey’re not toosimilar as some colleges anduniversitiesmay not accept thecombination for entry to higher levelcourses

Some subjectcombinationsare complimentaryand fitwelltogether –suchasdoing physics as well as mathematicsoranotherscience. This canhelpyou in your studies andenableyou to meet entry requirementsinfuture.

TAKE ATOURTOFINDTHE RIGHTPLACE FORYOU

ATTENDING an open day is agreat chance to learnalot about the ethos and cultureofasixth form or college.

It’s an opportunity for you to tour the school and grounds and see everything from the classrooms and library to the dinner hall and sports facilities.

Attending an open day is the best way to get afeel for the place whereyou will be studying for the next couple of years.

It’salso an opportunity for you to speak to the staff, including the headteacher or principal, as well students, who will be able to give you an insight into what it’slike day to day

Beforethe open day,make sureto make alist of afew key questions to ask in order to get the most out of the visit.

Understanding how many students are in each class, as well as the structureof lessons, willgive you an idea about how you will be educated.

Other questions to ask could include topics such as who parents or carers would talk to if they had any concerns about their child’sprogress or wellbeing.

It’salso important to ask how the school or college challenges high achievers and supports those who require

extra help as well as what strategies they have to ensurethat children learnand achieve well.

If you have aspecial interest such as playing amusical instrument or enjoy a particular sport then asking about extracurricular activities is also key

Youcould also ask if therewould be any trips and events to develop and widen your interests and knowledge outside the classroom curriculum.

Often current pupils will be drafted in to show prospective students around their classrooms and this will give agood insight into what life is like at the school or college.

If they areenthusiastic and motivated

then this agoodsign that they are happy

If it’sasixthform, then asking about what support is available to help students decide what to do after leaving school is important.

Find out if they have any links with employers and organise work experience placements.

When the open day is finished, it should give you agoodfeel for the school. Think about how you felt when you listened to stafforsaw the classrooms.

Consider what you liked about the facilities and if you saw or heardanything that concerned you.

Colleges and sixth forms arealso turning to technology to help them showcase what they have to offer prospective pupils and their families.

Virtualopen days became popular during the pandemic as away of offering aglimpse into life in the classroom and showcasing the school’sfacilities.

Some will also arrange online question and answer sessions with key staff.

If you can’tmake an open day,then most will be able to organise an individual tour at aconvenient time for you.

COLLEGESWITH SPECIALFOCUS

SOME schools, academies and colleges specialise in vocational subjects and offer bespoke curriculums to help students on the way to their chosen careers.

Some have aSTEAM (Science, Technology,Engineering, Art and Maths) or health focus, while others specialise in the likes of music, dance and performing arts and broadcast media.

Students can choose arange of subjects that arerelevant to their chosen futurecareer and can take advantage of industry-standardfacilities.

These specialist schools, academies and colleges work in partnership with the industries so that students areable to apply their learning to the world of work.

This ensures that they arefully equipped to successfully compete for places in Further Education or the increasingly competitive job market.

Specialist vocational qualifications arehighly valued as they encourage and stimulate students’ achievement through practical learning and forms of assessment based on applied knowledge and understanding of the relevant subject area.

Level 3vocational courses arebroadly equivalent to 3A-levels in the National Qualification Framework and areaccepted

for university entry via the UCAS points system.

As well as astrong commitment to academic rigour and vocational excellence, they arealsodedicated to the personal development, support and wellbeing of students.

Thereare also Studio Schools, which seek to address the growing gap between the skills and knowledge that young people requiretosucceed, and those that the traditional education system provides.

They areusually small schools for 300 students; and with year roundopening and a9-5 working day,they feel morelike aworkplace than aschool.

Studio Schools will offer arange of academic and vocational qualifications. Students also get paid work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.

Many collaborate both with local businesses and the biggest corporations to ensurepupils get arealistic insight into the industries and give the chance to participate in work placements.

Students will gain abroad range of employability and life skills through the CREATE skills framework, and will have the option to go on to university,further training, and employment.

UTCBRIDGE GAP BETWEEN SCHOOL ANDWORKPLACE

UNIVERSITY Technical Colleges (UTCs) aregovernment-funded schools with aSTEM focus.

Throughtheir association with employersand universities,through project-basedlearning, andthrough afocus on technicalsubjects, UTCs bridge thegap betweenthe world of educationand theworld of work.

Today, thereare 48 UTCs open across England, educatingin theregionof17,500students, andsupportedbymorethan400 employersand universities

They aim to preparestudentsfor future careers in industries such as engineering, healthcare,social care andscience

They offerasecondary-age educationfor KeyStage 4and Key Stage5withsomestartingearlier at KeyStage 3.

UTCs aresaidtobemorethan just aschool. As well as providing astronggroundinginthe core subjects of English, Mathsand Science, each UTChas one or more technicalspecialism linked to their localindustrypartners.

Thecurriculumprovidesablend of academic andtechnicallearning, with balanceappropriate to each KeyStage

They aim to offeryoung people the educationtheyneed todaytoequip them fortomorrow’s careersand studentsare givenchances to gain real experiencethatisgenuinely relevant to theirfuture.

On leavingaUTC,studentshave alreadyestablished connections with localemployers,have appliedpractical skillsthrough project-basedlearningand are used to working in aprofessional environment.

This makesthemhighlyemployable andsetsthemupfor abroadchoice of pathways

EXCITING TIME WITH NEW ADVENTURES TO ENJOY

NELSON Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” and never has therebeen atruer word.

Whilst change can often be frightening, it can also be exciting, opening doors and awakening fresh opportunities and adventures upon which to embark.

For Year 11 students, that change is the next step on the journey to achieving your dreams and aspirations.

But, what does that change actually look like? There’slots to look forwardto when you step foot through the door as a new Year 12 student.

Studying subjects that will help youonyourpathtosuccess

As anewly enrolled post-16 student, the range of subjects available to you is vast and varied. Whether you choose to study traditional and facilitating A-levels such as Maths, English Literature, Biology, History,MFL and Law,creative subjects such as Music, Photography and Film Studies or practical BTECs such as Engineering, Sport or Science, you will be studying something that you have invested interest in or that sparks agenuine love or passion.

Unique opportunities

In addition to an exciting array of extra-curricular activities such as music,

MrsClaire Crick Associate Assistant Principal –Teaching& Learning St Peter’s Collegiate Academy

sports and Duke of Edinburgh, you’ll most likely get the opportunity to go on lots of interesting and inspiring trips and visits.

Not only will therebechances to visit universities and Higher Education providers, but you may also get to travel abroad to experience other countries and cultures and to learnabout things that will enrich your understanding of the subjects you arestudying.

Opportunitiestobecome youngleaders

If you arejoining asixth form which is part of aschool, then there’slots to get involved with to help the young people in your school to grow and flourish into fantastic post-16 students like yourselves.

Youmight choose to organise wholeschool charity events, run for Head Boy or Head Girl or lead extra-curricular activities

such as helping to direct the next school musical or coach the Year 7football team.

By getting involved, you arenot only enriching the lives of others, but you’ll also be able to talk about your leadership skills and experience when applying for university,apprenticeships or employment.

Beingindependentdrivers of your owneducation

As young adults, you arethe driving force of your own success.

Yes, it’strue that you might have moretime on your hands but, rather than watching Netflix or playing Uno in the common room,you’ll need to ensurethat you have the self-discipline to keep on top of your studies and push yourself to do the best that you can in all of your subjects.

It might be that you choose to work independently,oryou could also start up study groups with other students from your lessons to help and support each other as you preparefor those all important exams and assessments.

Either way,time management is key and will be an important life skill for you to master

So, what next? If you haven’tyet made adecision about the next step on your post-16 journey,then there’slotsofreally useful information in this magazine to get you started. Enjoy!

EXTRASUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WHONEED IT

FOR those of you who need extra support as you move onto the next stage of your education, thereare many different paths available.

Organisations and services providing support will work together to help you continue your education and training, or find ajob, and it gives you agreater say in the support you need and how it’s provided.

Thereare many options including staying on at school, going to afurther education or specialist college, applying for work-based training with an employer or training provider and voluntary work.

Your current teachers and those at the school or college you’reapplying to, will be able to give you information about educational support you can get.

It’sworth looking into specialist colleges as these offer extra facilities and one-to-one support you may not get at your local college or school. They

might be helpful if, for example, you have sight or hearing difficulties, need medical care, or requirespecial equipment.

Universities will have many on-campus support services available to disabled students. Most universities, institutions and colleges have disability co-ordinators and advisors that areonhandtohelp.

Supported internships areanother popular routefor students with learning

difficulties or impairments. To be eligible you need aStatement of SEND, a Learning Difficulty Assessment, or an Education Health and CarePlan.

Internships areoffered by further education colleges, sixth form and independent specialist providers. They are unpaid and last for at least six months with the aim of getting apaid job.

These study programmes areput together to give each student the training, support and work skills they need to help them get employment. Most of the learning is done in the workplace with hands-on experience. At the same time you will also have the chance to study for qualifications and other training or learning.

During the internship you will have atutor and expert job coach to work with you and the employer.You can find out more about supported internships from your school, local college, social worker,transition worker, or from Job CentrePlus.

MAKING REVISION ALESS OVERWHELMING TASK

STARTING revision can be more than alittle daunting and let’sbe honest, poring over piles of notes and textbooks, is probably the last thing you want to do.

But don’tforget it’sall for agood cause –your future–and thereare many ways to make the task moremanageable and less overwhelming.

Emily Allen, Senior Learning Coach at legal education experts BARBRI, has compiled her top learning techniques for students.

She says: “Research shows that cramming in revision, which is favoured by most students, is ineffective compared to other learning styles. So this list features techniques that have been scientifically proven to increase knowledge intake.”

Retrieval practice –One of the best ways to improve your learning is to try and recall information that you have previously obtained.

At the beginning of each study session, try to recall the topics from your previous session or online lesson by writing bullet points about the topic from memory and then double-checking that you have remembered correctly.This will get your brain working faster than if you just re-read your revision or lecturenotes.

Another option is to take an online quiz

or practice test so that you can identify areas that you arestronger in and the areas that you should prioritise in your next study session.

Many students find it incredibly effective to talk about the topic to afriend or family member.It’salsoagood idea to try and contact your fellow students to see if they would be willing to act as astudy partner over video call or email.

Youwillfind yourself remembering moreabout the topic as you verbally

describe and explain each concept or fact. Practice retrieval will reinforce your knowledge of the topic, especially if the person you aretalking to asks questions.

Practice testing –Taking practice tests helps familiarise you with the exam layout and question formats, and they will also highlight gaps in your knowledge that you can work on.

Taking regular practice tests can help to ease the stress and anxiety that accompanies the actual exams and help

you to consolidate your knowledge into answering actual questions.

Elaborative interrogation –This involves thinking of questions about the topics that you arestudyingsothat you can add background information. Youwill form your own interpretation of the topics rather than just absorbing what you are being told from other resources.

Youcan build on existing knowledge that you may already have. It’shelpful to form your own connections between topics or conduct further research into aparticularly complex area to gain an understanding of the bigger picture.

Summarisation –You areexposed to large volumes of information when you arestudyingfor exams. This can often get confusing as you try to remember it all at once. However,agoodlearning technique is to summarise the most important information and factors from each topic.

Tryreading apassage in atextbook or making notes in alectureand then pick out the essential facts and ideas. You should try to focus on the keywords and phrases to get abetter understanding of the principle factors of the topic.

This technique is best applied straight after alesson or study session so that you can summarise everything that you have learnt. It will also highlight any areas that you areunsureabout so that you can talk about them with your personal tutor Summarising topics will make it easier to revise nearer the exam as you can pick out the key components from each topic, rather than having to read through pages and pages of information.

Spaced practice –Students are notorious for trying to cram lots of studying into each day as they near an exam, but this technique can be very stressful and ineffective. It’sbetter to spread out your study time in the weeks and months leading up to an exam so that you can take the information in more manageable chunks, which will enable you to retain moreinformation in the long run. Although cramming sessions might seem effective beforeanexam, you arelikely to forget the information in the following weeks and months because you didn’tspend long enough on each section.

Collaborate –It’sgoodtotalkto your peers and tutors wherepossible so that you can get help with topics that you arestruggling with or expand your knowledge.

Youshould make anoteofyour tutors’ office hours so that you can arrange a meeting in advance. It’salsobeneficial to attend workshops so that you can discuss work with other students. It’slikely that you will have different strengths and weaknesses to your peers, which is a good reason to arrange study sessions.

Explaining topics to someone else can reinforce your knowledge, while afellow student could help you to see atopic from adifferent perspective.

Thereare so many learning techniques to try,which is why you should switch to a new one if you find acertain method isn’t working for you.

n For moretips,you can visit www barbri-prep.com/

DON’TPANIC!TRY TO STAY CALM ON EXAM RESULTSDAY

It’s only naturaltofeelnervouson exam resultsday,but stayingcalm will help you, whatever happens, as youtakeyournext steps.

Formany, it will be agreat experienceastheyreceive confirmationthatall of theirhard workhas beenworth it andthey’ve secured thegradesrequired for their first-choice university or college.

Butfor others it canbring disappointment anduncertainty aboutwhatliesahead

Notgetting theresultsyou were expectingcan feel like theend of theworld,but youshouldn’t panic because whateveryourgrades, therewillstill be greatoptions open to youand it mightbe you find your dreamcourseorplacement somewhereyou hadn’t previously considered

Trytoremaincalm, as youneed to stay focused to be able to consider your next stepsproperlyand you mayneed to make quickdecisions if youare offered alternative options.

Finally, put it allintoperspective. Youcould only do your best and as long as youdid that,family and friendswillbeproud of you, no matter what happenedonresults day.

Academy

THE Khalsa Academy Wolverhampton is aschooldriven by excellence.

It is led by Executive Principal/ CEO Mrs Anita Kaur Notta, her Senior Leadership Team and is part of the Khalsa Academies Trust.

The Academy welcomes all children from different faiths and backgrounds, ensuring that they can access ahigh quality education, knowledge, skills and values that they need to become asuccessful participant in the local community and beyond.

The school’sprinciples and values areuniversal and very much in line with British values. They arebased on the three principles of Sikhi:

n Kirat Karna which has been translated into: ‘Together As One, We Will Exceed Expectations’. This represents the values of service, courage and resilience.

n Naam Japna which has been translated into: ‘Together As One We Will

Discover New Paths’. This represents the values of truth and altruism.

n Vand Chakna which has been translated into: ‘Together As One, We Will Live in Harmony’. This represents the values of compassion and love.

TKAWisacentre of excellence for computer science and is the Computing at Schools (CAS) Community for delivering first class teacher training for computer science teachers for Wolverhampton and its surrounding areas.

TKAWlaunched its Sixth Form: Khalsa Sixth (KVI) in September 2020. The Sixth Form prides itself on the same principles, values and expectations as the rest of the school. Staffwant students to have the same foundations, but adifferent experience.

The additional experience such as abespoke careers programme, work placements, Level 1Teaching Assistant courses, EAL mentors, Sports Leadership Awards, EPQs etc will set students apart when they embark on their journey into further education. Links with external agencies such ared brick universities, Coach Bright etc allows the sixth form to link experiences through their support and guidance into further education.

If you would like to visit The Khalsa Academy email Sharon Nicholson, the Principal’sPA, at s.nicholson@tkaw.org to arrange avisit

Amethyst 6th

PROVIDING you with the best life chances, the Amethyst 6th offers afully collaborative and inspiring sixth form experience for individuals from across the city and county-wide.

Offering the independence of Further Education within the structureofahighly successful growing trust, the guiding principle is for you to succeed and enjoy every moment.

Through aknowledge-rich education; awealth of enrichment opportunities; and the support and skills to realise your full potential in life, the Amethyst 6th is truly focused on paving the way for your successful future.

The Amethyst 6th provides afantastic opportunity for you to develop on both an academic and apersonal level. With academic excellence at its core; it is rooted in the spirit of cooperation, trust and mutual respect and the life chances of all learners is enhanced.

Aspokesman for the Sixth Form said: “It is our belief that every student’slearning journey with us is not simply about an excellent set of exam results, but that every student is ready and excited for their futurelives and that every student is a leader.”

With an expanding multi-million-pound state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre, the Amethyst 6th is entering an exciting new academic year of transformation.

Offering over 28 courses of A-level, Vocational and Technical level qualifications, you aresupported to study the subjects that interest you and that are well suited to your futureambitions. From Creative Arts; Health; Law; Sciences; Business; Statistics; Performing Arts;

Engineering; Psychology and many more, therereally is alearningpathway suitable for all talents and ambitions.

The Amethyst 6th is run by a specialised team of staffwho will empower and support you to become awellrounded individual who loves learning and areconfident in your own abilities.

The spokesman added: “Weare fully committed to providing our young adults with all the support they need, helping them to reach and exceed their own expectations and dreams. Above all, we support all our students to discover who they can be and what they can achieve.”

Alongside academic choice, there is awealth of enrichment opportunities available. The Amethyst 6th houses its very own Football Academy,coached and

managed by professionals within the field. Abrand newPerforming Arts Academy is set to launch in September 2022, offering an opportunity to study Dance, Music, Music Technology,Musical Theatreand Drama, alongside amyriad of enrichment and industry-led experiences.

The ‘Discover Programme’ bridges the gap between school and university or the world of work with tailored study support, character development, life skills, as well as UCAS and careers guidance.

The Amethyst 6th curriculum, cocurriculum, pastoral careand high expectations areall shaped with your futureinmind; when you leave us, you are ready to make your impact in the wider world having made friends, memories that last alifetime and skills for life.

ACHIEVE –COLLABORATE–ENRICH:DISCOVER WHOYOU AREATASIXTH FORM THAT PROVIDES THESPRINGBOARD TOWARDSYOURBRIGHTAND EXCITING FUTURE

At AmethystSixth Form we areveryexcited to be launching our new Performing Arts Academyin2022.Aspartofthislaunch,inaddition to the courses we already offer in Dance,Drama,Musicand Music Technology, we areintroducingthe RSLLevel 3DiplomainMusical Theatre.

This will allowstudents to study across all three disciplines in the Performing Arts within one optionblock. Students will complete 7Units in total; some will focus specifically on Acting,Dance or Music in order to develop skills in the individual types of performance. Other Units such as ‘Performance Preparation’and ‘Musical TheatrePerformance’will draw all three disciplines together,allowing students toapply these skills to rehearsing and performing scenes from Musicals.

This is ahighly practical, vocational course thatwill provide AmethystSixth Form students with not only the opportunitytobetaughtby Performing Arts specialists

y exc 2. As par ce, Drama, M vel 3 Diploma in

withinschool,but to also interact with professionals in order togain knowledge of howreal-world careers operate in Musical Theatreand the wider Performing Arts industry.

This courseisthe perfect opportunityfor students do develop abroad base of performanceskills and ensurethatthey area ‘Triple Threat’when auditioning for professional roles

AmethystSixth Form Aldersley High School Barnhurst Lane,Wolverhampton, WV81RT Tel01902 556868 www.amethyst6th.aatrust.co.uk 01902 556868

St Peter’sSLAM! Basketball Academy

ACHIEVE THEIRDREAMS

ST Peter’sSLAM!BasketballAcademy is aunique partnership between St Peter’sCollegiate Academy Sixth Form and Team Wolverhampton SLAM! Basketball Club which provides an outstanding academic and athletic development programme like no other.

Whether it is to study or play at university level, gain scholarships in the UK/USA or play basketball to a professional standard, our students will have the teaching, coaching, mentoring and support to achieve their basketball dreams.

The St Peter’sSLAM! Basketball Academy is proud to offer:

n 10 –15hours of basketball training/ development every week

n Club-level league and cup competitions

n Participation in national and international camps, competitions and tournaments

n Strength and conditioning training

n Game film analysis

n Individual skill development programmes

n Recognised basketball and sports development qualifications

Our inclusive academy caters for

both elite and development level student athletes, ensuring all can succeed. Students will have the opportunity to compete in arange of leagues including the Academy Basketball League (ABL), U18 National Basketball League, Association of Colleges (AoC) and Youth Basketball League (YBL).

We arealsoproud to be hosting our own Central Venue League (CVL) from September 2022 whereour teams will compete against other schools and colleges in and around the city and Black Country

Students enrolled in our SLAM! Academy will receive expert coaching from our Director of Basketball and Head Coach, Mr Douaine Anderson. Mr Anderson has had an outstanding basketball career and is currently playing for Great Britain’sOver 40s Basketball Team having previously played for the British Basketball League.

Financial assistance is available for students who qualify for bursary support.

St Peter’s Collegiate Academy

ANDINNOVATIVEYOUNG

FOUNDED in 1884, St Peter’sCollegiate Academy has arich reputation for providing academic excellence within asupportive, friendly and caring environment.

We areproud of ourstrong Christian ethos and our vibrant and diverse community,both of which provide asolid foundation upon which our students can flourish and grow to become creative, forward-thinking and innovative young adults. Our superb team of talented, highly qualified and experienced staffare committed to providing inspiring teaching across awide rangeofsubjects including A-levels, BTECs and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

A-level subjects on offer include the full range of facilitating subjects such as Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology,Chemistry,Geography, History,French, Spanish and German as well as many other specialist courses including Music, Law,Psychology,

Sociology,Engineering, Performing Arts, Electronics, RE, Film Studies, Computer Science and many more.

Our academic and stimulating environment ensures our students continue to secureplaces at many of the UK’stop universities and apprenticeship providers.

Our curriculum is enhanced by expert careers guidance, mentoring, work experience, alifeskills programme and awidevariety of enrichment and extracurricular activities.

At St Peter’swesupport, guide, stretch and challenge our students to achieve their full academic and personal potential.

If you arelooking for acaring and supportive environment which will allow your child to thrive both academically and socially,then visit www.speters.org.uk to find out moreabout what makes our school truly unique.

We would be delighted to welcome you into our St. Peter’sfamily

CHANCE TO GETA TASTE OF WORLDOFWORK

WORK experience is avital introduction to the world of work for students, and has many benefits.

It can act as afuturecareer taster and teach you skills that areinvaluable to potential employers.

Thereare lots of different ways of obtaining work experience. Your school or college may have links with employers and be able to put you in touch with people who can help advise you on your application.

Many well-known large businesses operate their own work experience programmes. It can be agood idea to speak to the manager or owner,either in person or by phone, beforemaking a formal application.

Don’tlet the fact that abusiness does not advertise work experience opportunities put you offfromasking if they will take you on. If you areinterested in what abusiness does, it is worth contacting them to see if they would offer you work experience.

Another way to gain valuable, real life experience is through volunteering. Helping others is not just hugely satisfying,

it can also help you to make friends and learnnew skills.

As well as benefitting the wider community and making adifference to the organisation, it should also make you feel pretty good about yourself. Thereis awide range of charities and groups that arealways on the lookout for extra pairs of hands, of all ages, even if you can only spareacouple of hours aweek.

When considering wheretovolunteer, think about what you feel most strongly about and then research the different charities and groups in that area in the community.Depending on the organisation you choose, you could volunteer in the evenings, at weekends or in the holidays.

If you go to college or university,you may be able to fit time for volunteering around your studies or job.

Opportunities can include activities such as befriending, helping at events, fundraising, conservation activities, providing support to children and older people.

As well as volunteering close to home, you could also consider lending ahand

overseas. Thereare many charities on the lookout for extra help with projects abroad such as building schools for disadvantaged people.

Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the opportunity to try something new and build areal sense of achievement.

Through volunteering you can develop skills for the workplace from organisational and time management to communication and the ability to work with different age groups. It may also give you aroute to earnqualifications.

Alot of non-profit organisations will offer training to volunteers, which often leads to accreditation too.

Employers will be impressed that you’ve shown initiative by getting some hands-on experience.

As well as looking good on your UCAS personal statement, if you areconsidering going to university,itwillhelp your CV to stand out too because it proves you can think independently and that you’ve shown commitment by getting unpaid work.

n For moreinformation about volunteering visit www.ncvo.org.uk

MAKING AGOOD IMPRESSION

IT’S absolutely normal to be feeling both excited and nervous before attending your first job interview.

It may seem easier said than done, but it’simportant that you don’tlet those feelings disrupt your chance to shine.

Your mind is probably working over time dreaming up all kinds of best and worst case scenarios of how it might go.

To help, it’sworth remembering that a little preparation can go along way and will help you feel moreatease when the big day finally arrives.

You’ve probably heardyour parents talk about the importance of making a good first impression, and one of the best ways to help yourself feel moreconfident and in control is to be prepared. Research everything you can about the company and what the role you have applied for entails.

This may be something you’ve done already beforesubmittingyourapplication, but it’sworth spending moretime on this as you will be able to show at the interview that you fully understand what will be expected of you.

Your arrival is your first chance to demonstrate your confidence and professionalism so make sureyou allow plenty of time to get to the venue. If you areunsurehow long it will take you to get there, then do atrial run. Allow extra time in case of any traffic hold-ups or cancelled trains on the day.

Always dress smartly –remember you will be seen beforeyou areheardsomake surethe way you aredressed is businesslike even if the employee dress code is casual

Take amoment to relaxbeforeentering the premises or interview room.Even if your stomach is full of butterflies, make sureyou greet the interviewer confidently with abroad smile, strong handshake and an upright posture

When answering questions, be confident in your skills and abilities when you aretalking and make eye contact.

If you do find yourself getting flustered, take amoment to gather your thoughts beforecontinuing, they will expect you to be nervous. But whatever you do don’t answer any question with “I don’tknow”, instead ask the interviewer to repeat the question or phrase it differently if you didn’tunderstand.

Remember it is in both of your interests that you answer honestly and don’texaggerate your skills and experience as this could come back to haunt you later

Beforehand, prepareafew questions that you can ask about the role and the firm you arehopingtowork for as this demonstrates your interest in the position.

Finally,try to end theinterview on apositive note –thiscould be quickly summing up why you would be avaluable addition to the team.

TIPS TO CREATE A CV THAT WILL HELP YOUSTAND OUT

ACVisnot just arecord of your educationand work experience, but also the firstchancetomakeagood impression on apotentialemployer

Here aresome helpfulhints of what businesses andorganisationsare lookingfor in aCV.

Firstly, make sure to include your contactdetailsatthe top but do not include your ageora photograph unless specificallyasked to do so.

Youwantthe layout to be clear andconcise because toomuch informationcan be hard to take in so trytokeeptonomorethantwo pages. If youare still unsure then it canhelpto find aCVtemplate online to useasabasis

It needstoinclude your education andachievementsand employment history, such as anypart-time jobs, as well as anyworkorvolunteer experience, making sure to include detailsofyourrolesand responsibilities. Mentionany personal, technicalorspecialist skills youhave.

Also,you canadd afew linesabout hobbiesorpersonalprojects that mayberelevanttothe jobyou are applying for andinclude detailsof tworeferees. Thesecould be tutors or someonewho managedyou at your part-timejob or during work experience.

When youare finished,makesure to checkspellingand grammar andthatyou have no dateswhich conflictwithone another. Also, make sure theemail addressand phone number is correct.

Always includingacover letter. This should highlightthe most important things youwantaprospective employer to know aboutyou.Keep everythingrelevanttothe position andput themost emphasis on your skills andexperienceinthisarea.

Most of allit’simportant to be positive about your knowledge andtraining, andwhatyou could bringtothe company. This is your opportunity to sell yourself.

TAKE AGAP YEAR AND GAIN LIFE EXPERIENCE

TAKING agap year offers the chance to gain some life experience. Youmight choose to travel the world, learnanew skill or get ajob to pay for your studies.

But however you decide to spend the time, the benefits must outweigh the disadvantages of taking abreak from your education.

It’straditionally a12-month break from study taken by students beforethey start their degree or employment.

If you have finished your A-levels and you decide this is the right path for you, then you need to spend this time wisely and really make it count.

As fun as it might sound, it’snot going toimpress anyone if you spend 12 months lounging around at home binge-watching shows on Netflix because let’sbehonest you can’tput that on your CV

One beneficial way to spend agap year is to use it to build up some work experience –either relevant to the career you have in mind or to help you to develop general skills such as IT,language and communication.

Working for ayear can also be a way to earnmoney for university,taking

the pressureoff your finances. Work opportunities arenot just available at home as many companies run schemes allowing gap year students to work abroad on paid placements. These might include roles involving working with children or conservation work.

Many students use this time to travel, which can bring many benefits such as the chance to be independent, budgeting and learning other languages and cultures. It’sthe perfectopportunity to have new experiences while standing on your own two feet for the first time.

This can help make you better prepared for university,both academically

and socially.But make sureyou have a plan of action for when your year is up whether it’sfurther study or work.

If you don’tfeel ready to go on to university or higher education, then this break can also buy you some valuable thinking time beforefurther study especially if you don’tknowwhich course to choose.

Options include programmes such as Camp America, which provides achance to spend your summer living and working on asummer camp in the USA.

Thereare also volunteer programmes both hereinthe UK and overseas, working holiday packages, and adventuretours.

Trailfinders Travel Academy provides opportunities such as volunteering in one of Africa’snational parks and International Citizen Service (ICS) provides overseas volunteer placements for 18-25 year olds.

Experience you gain while on agap year can also make your CV stand out when you start applying for jobs.

The UCAS website can point you in the right direction of some of the opportunities available if you decide this is the right move for you.

HalesowenCollege

HALESOWEN College offers awide variety of opportunities for students making the transition from school to higher education or the career of their choice.

The campus has undergone extensive investments and renovations to ensure individuals can learninstate of-the art facilities.

Halesowen College has an exceptional learning environment and is committed to creating acaringand supportive community for its learners. Our outstanding pastoral caresystem is available to help students access any financial, learning, and emotional support they need. We also provide our students with afree, reliable bus service that covers over 24 routes.

Full-time

We offer adiverse range of A-level and vocational courses. Our new Esports and

Cyber Security labs have state-of-the-art facilities ensuring students have access to industry standardequipment.The new business school, and A-level hub offer specialised spaces wherestudents can learninenvironments fit for purpose.

Halesowen College has various partnerships with businesses and employers, including Aston Villa Foundation, Halesowen Town and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stu

Deeley’schef academy to give students opportunities to develop their skills.

Higher Education

For those wanting to progress into higher education, we have arange of HNC, HND and Foundation degrees in areas such as health and care, sciences, teaching and technology.Wealso partner with University of Worcester to offer courses. Halesowen College offers flexible study options to fit around your lifestyle, affordable fees, academic support from expert tutors and smaller class sizes.

Apprenticeships

Halesowen College offers apprenticeships from levels 2to5 across many different sectors including business and professional, healthcare sciences, education and digital. We have adedicated apprenticeship team to help deliver excellent apprenticeships.

WolverhamptonGrammar School

WOLVERHAMPTON Grammar School is an extraordinary school.

Founded in 1512, it’sone of the oldest schools in the country,within easy access of the wider West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshirethanks to flexible school bus links.

If you’ve never visited the stunning 25acrecampus, youcan register at any time for apersonal tour

Youonly have to step through the door to feel the tangible warmth –a warmth created by people who embody community.Your child will be given the best opportunity to leave this school with excellent exam results.

“The two years which make up the sixth form areprobably the most challenging of secondary education, but they also offer the greatest opportunities too,” said Mr Toby Hughes, Deputy Head and Head of Sixth Form.

Supporting you

As young adults, sixth formers at Wolverhampton Grammar School will notice areal difference in the interactions with staff, fellow students and peers.

Youwill receive pastoral careat Wolverhampton Grammar School like nowhereelse. Sixth formers have a dedicated tutor who they see twice a day –theyget to know you well and offer day-to-day support, from writing UCAS references to opening up aworld of possibilities for your future.

Choosingthe rightfitfor you

For some, choosing the three or four subjects to study for sixth form is a straight-forwardprocess.For others, the right pathway that will lead to achoice

of university degrees, apprenticeships and employment opportunities can feel overwhelming.

From your very first conversation with our admissions and sixth form team, help is at hand. Students areguided through our application process and have lots of opportunities to spend time at the school beforemaking their final decision.

Academic excellence

The staffare totally committed to providing the best teaching and learning experience for your child –something that continued in lockdown, thanks to high expertise in online delivery.WGS offers a very wide range of subjects, from sciences to humanities, creative arts to languages. Students grow up to be confident, curious and independent-minded, and their academic achievements speak for themselves. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, students wereawarded stellar results at GCSE and A-level.

Sixth form students arealsoable to

study towards Cambridge Technical and BTEC awards in arange of subjects. Sixth form students achieved the highest number of A*– Agrades for over 10 years, with 66% of entries receiving nothing but the top two grades, alongside, 165 A* –B grades awarded (85% of all students). Students in Years 11 and 13 enjoyed another exceptional year with 100% pass rate.

The school offers atailored and individual approach to UCAS and careers support and students can expect the very best preparation possible when it comes to life after school. The Class of 2021 have gone on to study at awide range of prestigious Russell Group universities.

Interested to learnmore?

Visit www.wgs.org.uk/schooltour to book aschool tour,alternatively please contact the Admissions team at Wolverhampton Grammar School telephone on 01902 422939 or email admissions@wgs-sch.net

SCHOOL’SSIXTH FORM AIMS TO HELP STUDENTS TO BECOMECONFIDENT,CURIOUS AND INDEPENDENT-MINDED,WITHACADEMICACHIEVEMENTSTHATSPEAK FORTHEMSELVES

TheRoyal School

THE Royal School offers adiverse andvibrant sixth form experience.

Not only do our students achieve excellent results in the most rigorous, facilitating academic subjects, but the requirement for them to take on roles of responsibility alongside the arrival of new faces in Year 12 brings an added dimension to sixth form life.

Most of our existing GCSE students stay with us to study A-levels and BTECs, but we arealso delighted to welcome students joining us from other schools in the region as well as sixth form boarders from the UK and overseas.

Sixth Form students areattracted to The Royal for several reasons. We combine aspecialism in the STEM subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with abroad range of A-level and BTEC subjects and students do particularly well in the

traditional facilitating subjects required by Russell Group universities.

The average class size is 15-20, allowing everyone to receive the individual attention they deserve, resulting in strong, positive relationships forming among peers and between students and teaching staff.

High academic achievement is only part of the story.Universities and employers areincreasingly drawn to applicants who can demonstrate leadership, determination, resilience

and flair.The Royal School excels in this style of ‘leadership education’ providing students with ample scope to thrive in cultural activities, competitive sports, and entrepreneurial endeavours, as well as opportunities to travel and make avalid contribution to the wider community

Every sixth former is expected to play an integral part in school life be it through our house system, by mentoring younger pupils, or by getting involved in charitable and communityminded activities. It’sabig ask forany teenager,especially when they arerequired to study hardinall subjects, but it is these high expectations that set us apart from other sixth form providers in preparing students for abright and prosperous future and it has been evidenced that universities and employers arelooking for rather more than good grades.

Individual

EXPECTATIONS

STUDENTS

ANDPROSPEROUSFUTURE

CodsallCommunity High School

‘ASPIRING for Excellence’ is the motto of students at Codsall Community High School’sSixth FormCentre and justifiably so as they areone of the highest achieving sixth forms in Staffordshire.

Results this year continue their high level of success with a100%pass rate for all A-level and BTEC Higher Level courses.

Codsall Sixth Form students areproud of their achievements and arecontinuously thriving to fulfil their potential, whether that is personally or academically.This comes through the many excellent opportunities for students to participate in, providing abroad balance of challenging and successful experiences which give crucial stepping stones for life beyond Key Stage 5.

Students benefit from an incredibly supportive learning environment from both peers and teachers, who arealways on standby to ensurethat our students’ potential is reached. Additionally,afurther support network of specialist sixth form staffare on hand to guide and support.

Vice Student President Leah believes the support she receives is one of the centre’sspecial qualities. She said: “Codsall High Sixth Form has always proved itself to be asafe space; aspace whereIcan feel accepted and understood. This sixth form creates asense of belonging and for me that is irreplaceable and hardtofind.”

Executive Headteacher Alun Harding is adedicated advocate of the centreand itsstudents. “At Codsall Sixth Form we aim to educate the whole person and the young people who come to our sixth form

arefantastic examples of the confident, selfless and hardworking people we aspire for them to be.”

Thereare always opportunities for students to take responsibility for their individual learning in order to increase their independence. This can be through enrichment wherestudents learnmore about their own capabilities within a different environment, or by taking responsibility in managing their time appropriately during free periods.

“The sixth form at Codsall provides many opportunities to take responsibility for our learning and development within asupportive environment. This approach enables us to increase our independence

and learnmoreabout our own capabilities,” says Vice President James McLachlan.

“From apersonal perspective, Ifound my time supporting open evening events, whereIengaged with year 13s, particularly rewarding as this has enabled me to create relationships and provide insights to both students and parents regarding our school.”

Student President Phoebe endorses the opportunities Codsall Sixth Form Centreoffers its students. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Codsall Sixth Form, especially in my role as Sixth Form Student President. Ihavedeveloped not only my academic skills, but also my personal skills, preparing me for the world ahead of me. ThereisnowhereIwould have rather spent my final years in formal education, and Ican only give credit to the staff, and the students Ihave spent my time with herefor that.”

Head of Sixth Form Mrs EMayor is proudofthe centre. “Life at Codsall Sixth Form is exciting, challenging, evolving and ultimately very rewarding. We offer a fantastic curriculum, teaching and support to our students and areproud of what we have to offer.”

If you arelooking for acommunity environmentwhere you can thrive, don’t hesitate to contact us for moreinformation on our courses and details on enrolment.

SUPPORTIVESIXTH FORM OFFERS ABROADBALANCE OF CHALLENGINGAND SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCESWHICH GIVE CRUCIAL STEPPING STONES FORLIFE BEYOND KEY STAGE5

BewdleySixth Form

BUILD your futurewith us! With over 28 Advanced level courses on offer,three specialist career

and over 90% of our students gaining their first choice university,further education or employment placement, so, students can create their unique educational experience within our newly refurbished centre.

adiverse range of weekly super curricular opportunities, our students areable to carve their own pathways. These include: live virtual lectures –hosted in our new lecture theatre, academic taster days and free online courses. The difference is …weseek these opportunities for our students to make surethey arethe best available.

Moreover,weencourage everyone to exploreand extend their knowledge of their curriculum by completing the Extended Project Qualification or Gold Crest Award. Our ‘Scholars’ programme hones students’ research skills that are

invaluable for post-18 education and allow students to develop their own questions and seek their own answers.

We host arange of post-18 providers at our annual on-site careers fair and are joined by representatives from universities from Oxbridge, Birmingham, Worcester and Newman University throughout the academic year

We understand the value and

importance of work experience. Through our subscription to Springpod, our students are encouraged to exploreall sector insights and apply for avaried range of work experience including: Airbus, Spotify,medicine, veterinary placements and Young Professionals.

It is vital that students also develop their interpersonal skills which they can do with us through: Young Enterprise, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, charity fundraising, student voice and the debating club.

As asmaller Sixth Form we areable to offer smaller class sizes and personalised mentor time. Within subjects and our study base students arewell known and supported. This allows us to provide targeted careers support with academic references which areindividual, to enable the interviewer or university to know the real applicant.

TheHartSchool

THE

School is

ahat-

only has it been revealed to be in the top five when it comes to being Year 6 parents’ first choice of secondary school for their children in Staffordshire, but, when it comes to setting their pupils up for life after high school, moreSixth Formers than ever beforeare goingoff to study at university,including at Oxford.

to top things off, the Rugeley school’ssuccess continued with great exam results at both GCSE and A-level once again last summer –including celebrating morestudents achieving top A* grades.

Just one of many Sixth Form highlights from last year was celebrating Anya Tregay securing aplace to study law at Oxford University

The Hart School’sSixth Form is renowned for its unique bespoke curriculum, which includes Level 3Dance and Public Services, that it creates around

each specific student intake’scareer goals and has won high praise from Ofsted, students and parents.

Over the last two years the Penkridge Bank Road school, which is part of Creative Education Trust,has invested £1.1million in its facilities.

This significant investment includes

refurbished Sixth Form areas, adedicated Sixth Form entrance, an all-weather leisure dome, anew ICT suite and refurbished library –and there’smoretocome.

Itsextensive extra-curricular programme has even been cited by students as helping set them up for university life and the world of work.

As well as morestudents goingto university,the school also guides students to other destinations post Sixth Form, like Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.

This year saw Sixth Formers achieve an average Grade B; over afifth achieve three grades at aBorabove,and nearly half its cohort achieving three grades at C or above.

The Hart School is still accepting applications for its Sixth Form. For an application form please email ben. brennan@hartschool.org.uk and for more on courses visit www.hartschool.org.uk/ sixth-form

The Hart SchoolSixthForm

OFFERS ABESPOKE CURRICULUMWITHTEACHERS WHOARE PASSIONATE ABOUTTHEIR SUBJECTS ANDPROVIDE HELP ANDSUPPORT TO ALLSTUDENTS

COULDONLINESTUDY WORK WELL FORYOU?

ONLINE distance learning offers the most flexible higher education option with students working remotely

It can be aconvenient option for those who want to work towards adegree, but also want to start earning by getting a full-time job. It puts the power directly in your hands because you aretotally free to organise how and when you study

Morethan 270,000 undergraduate students arecurrently taking their first degrees via distance learning.

Materials aresent directly to the student or accessed via the internet and tutorial support is provided via electronic means such as Skype and email.

This way of learning enables you to fit afull degree around your personal and work life.

It also doesn’tmatter whereyou live because you can gain adegree from anywhereinthe world.

Youcan study undergraduate, postgraduate and professional level courses all via distance learning.

One advantage is that adistance learning course often costs less than a full-time face-to-face degree course with students usually offered a‘pay as you

learn’ option rather than paying the full course fees at the start.

The majority of UK undergraduate students study with the Open University, with courses covering arange of subjects from arts to science and everything in between.

Students can use these to build arange of qualifications that include certificates of higher education, diplomas of higher education, foundation degrees or honours degrees.

Tutors mark assignments, provide detailed written feedback, and offer support to students by telephone, email, or computer conferencing.

But many universities up and down the country now offer distance learning programmes too.

They all work hardtoensurethey are of the same high quality as campus-based programmes.

StaffordshireUniversity,for example, says online distance learning students will be expected to spend two evenings per week and aweekend afternoon studying.

Officials say they have the same status as any student on campus, but there’sno need to come on to campus.

Also, they will be given deadlines like other students on campus, but are able to manage their time leading up to assessments to work around what suits them best.

Those enrolled can access lectures, recordings and course material online whenever it suits them and they can study wherever they are. Then, once they’ve finished, they can celebrate their graduation with everyone else.

At most universities online distance learning courses still follow the standard semester calendar with, usually,astart date in September

Applications need to be submitted directly to the university or college, rather than going through UCAS.

The downside to this style of learning is that some people can find it lonely and isolating because you arenot meeting your fellow course-mates regularly

However,the programmes often include day schools or residential weekends whereyou work with other students on aspecific project.

These can be followed by continued contact with the team as you work together,and result in another residential whereresults arepresented and assessed.

Bridgnorth SixthForm

BRIDGNORTH Sixth Form is athriving community built on firm foundations with students at the heart of what they do.

Director TomWilliams says: “We pride ourselves on being an inclusive Sixth Form and we support our students onto their next steps, be that Oxbridge, other universities, apprenticeships or employment.”

Bridgnorth Sixth Form offers abroad curriculum, and students can choose to study arange of A-levels, BTECs and OCR Nationals, including all the humanities and science ‘facilitating’ A-levels, creative arts courses plus sport, business, languages, health careand social sciences.

They have good class sizes, meaning an individual approach is at the centreof what they do. Each student’sindividual needs aremet to ensurethey arecorrectly placed on courses to maximise their successes.

Head of Sixth Form April Bishell adds: “Wemake sureweget to know our students very well, whether they come from our main school or another 11-16 school. This means we can understand their progress in sharp detail and understand their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities.

“Across the year,werun avariety of trips, social events, and charity events

to help our students engage with the community and broaden their learning, as well as develop key skills needed for post18 life. Our weekly CORE programme offers insight into post-18 opportunities through guest speakers, careers advice, and employability skills.”

To find out morevisit www. bridgnorthsixthform.com or call 01746 760505 to speak to the team.

WHICH OFFERS ABROADCURRICULUMAND THESUPPORT NEEDED TO HELP EACH STUDENTFULFIL THEIRFULLPOTENTIAL

ShirelandCollegiateAcademy

OVER the past 10 years, Shireland Sixth Form has steadily grown, becoming avibrant place to study,with over 26 A-level and BTEC subjects to choose from.

“The Sixth Form represents the final stage of formal education and as such is the passport to the future”, explains Mr Dave Irish, Principal for Shireland Collegiate Academy

“Therefore, our Sixth Form programme supports and develops not only our students’ academic progress but also gives many opportunities to develop new skills through our Futures programme, work experience and many other extracurricular programmes.

“Our Sixth Form will help to develop the levels of independence that are required. We helpstudents decide what the next steps will be whether that is university,apprenticeship or stepping into

the world of work.” Our results speak for themselves. In summer 2021 we attained 100% pass rate in all our main curriculum subjects, with one in every three of our students’ grades being either A* or A.

This meant many of our students progressed on to their first choice at university,reading awide range of subjects including Computer Science at King’s College London, mechanical engineering at Loughborough and history at UCL.

During these recent challenging times, Shireland Sixth Form continues to provide asecure, supportive working environment, whether that is face-to-face in lessons or remotely using online lessons. “Our

students receive their own laptop to use whilst they areinSixthForm, which gives them unrivalled access to tailor made online resources, designed by their teachers”, explains Mrs Denise Fox, Head of Sixth Form.

“Our reputation for this level of support and use of up-to-date technology arejust two of the reasons why we areseeing an increase in the number of applications being received by students from across the community.This is often from personal recommendation by family and friends. I am proud of the happy,vibrant Sixth Form we offer and would encourage anyone thinking of applying to do so, we would love to hear from you.”

If you want to be part of our next success story apply online via our school website at Shireland Collegiate Academy.

Follow us on twitter and Instagram @ shirelandsixth

AHAPPY,VIBRANT PLACETO STUDY THAT PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH ASECURE, SUPPORTIVE WORKINGENVIRONMENT ANDTHE USEOF UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY

Hereford SixthFormCollege

BOASTS STRONG EXAMINATION RESULTS, AWIDERANGE OF COURSESAND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES,ALONGSIDE OUTSTANDINGSUPPORT ANDGUIDANCE

HEREFORD Sixth Form College is morethan aplace to gain qualifications.

It is abridge between school and higher education or employment wherestudents aregiven the space to take hold of their learning and find their futures. As specialists in sixth form education, HerefordSixth Form College offers awide range of courses in almost any combination, providing aprogramme of study tailored to students’ interests and career goals.

The college has astrong national reputation for excellence as one of the top sixth form colleges in the country,an achievement that has been recognised as The Times Educational Supplement’s inaugural ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ in 2016. HerefordSixth Form College has retained its Ofsted Outstanding grade for the last 15 years; being the only sixth form college in the West Midlands to have achieved this.

“HerefordSixth Form College not only helps you to meet your potential, but it also constantly looks to better its students and guide them to exceed expectations. The relationships that students areable to build with the tutors really sets the college apart,” said Alex Lowden, former student.

HerefordSixth Form College prides itself on state-of-the-art facilities including: specialist classrooms, laboratories, a

professional standardtheatre, music studio, Sports Hall, 3G pitch and netball/tennis courts, aWell-Being Centre, acareers centreaswell as plenty of study and social spaces.

The college’sextensive enrichment programme is designed to underpin a foundation of excellent education with opportunities to enhance employability and enrich the college experience.

Students receive bespoke careers guidance to support their strengths and ambitions. Students benefit from strong links with top universities, opening them to expert advice and professional insight into their areas of interest.

With consistently strong examination results, awide range of courses and enrichment activities, alongside outstanding support and guidance, an excellent education is closer than you think.

Visit www.hereford.ac.uk for more information.

Find your future at Hereford Sixth Form College

Hereford Six Folly Lane

STAFF and pupils at Lichfield Cathedral School aredelighted to have achieved the highest inspection rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following the recent inspection in January.

For both pupils’ academic achievement and personal development, the ISI inspectors gave the school their highest rating of ‘excellent’. Pupils display “excellent attitudes to learning, demonstrating an intrinsic motivation and determination to do well”. The report commends the school for how well it cares for pupils and the wide range of co-curricular activities from which students benefit.

Headteacher Sue Hannam said: “This judgement recognises the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of students, staff, parents, governors and everyone associated with the Cathedral School. I am thrilled that the love we all have for the school shone through the inspection

process and so proud to serve as Headteacher to such wonderful children and an extraordinary group of staff.”

Chair of Governors, Nina Dawes OBE, added: “It’svery satisfying to hear such praise for the high quality of our teaching and the real sense of community throughout the school. We areaschool built on strong Christian values and it is rewarding to know that those values radiate through the attitudes, behaviours, actions and aspirations of our students. Looking to the future, we will take every

School

opportunity to raise standards further and continue to offer our pupils the very best educational experience.”

Lichfield Cathedral School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged from 2½ to 18 years, and currently has 522 students from nursery to sixth form. Younger pupils are accommodated at the Junior School based in the rural setting of Longdon village, while the senior school is located in the beautiful surroundings of the medieval Cathedral Close. Students benefit from abroad curriculum that includes sport, music, art, drama, Forest School, LAMDA, the Duke of Edinburgh’sAwardscheme, residential trips, educational visits and a wealth of visiting experts.

The full report can be read at www lichfieldcathedralschool.com

For moreinformation or to make an enquiry about admissions, call 01543 306168 or email admissions@ lichfieldcathedralschool.com

Dudley College

LEAVING school this year? What next?

Dudley College has arange of course types including vocational courses, A-levels, TLevels and apprenticeships.

Full-time vocational courses provide training and qualifications related to specific jobs and sectors. The college offers arange of course levels in variety of subjects, including: accountancy, admin, business, law,animal science, art &design, media, eSports, computer games design, music, performing arts, production arts, health, care&early years, construction, engineering, hair &beauty, hospitality &catering, information & technology,motor vehicle, public services, science, sport and travel &tourism.

Vocational courses areaviable alternative to studying A-levels, enabling students to progress directly to their career choice or go on to university.Most universities accept vocational qualifications and students have an added advantage of at least two years’ experience studying a specific subject giving them ahead start on the competition both at university and in employment.

TLevels areanew qualification, equivalent to 3A-levels, which focus on vocational skills to support students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. TLevels suit students who want to work towards askilled occupation, prefer apractical approach to learning and want to get significant work experience as part of their learning experience. Each TLevel includes an indepth 45-day industry placement providing valuable experience in the workplace.

Apprenticeships

Dudley College also offers adiverse range of apprenticeships covering accountancy,hairdressing, construction,

engineering, early years, children and education, health and social care, hospitality and catering, motor vehicle, sports and leisureand many popular apprenticeships for business such as business administration, customer services, team leading and management. Apprentices earnasalary while working towards their career goal, developing skills and knowledge whilst in the workplace and studying for alevel 2or3qualification at the same time. An apprenticeship can also lead to adegree level qualification. Apprenticeships can be afast-track career option and often apprentices move up the career ladder quickly

A-levels at Dudley Sixth

Dudley Sixth offers over 30 A-levels including: Accounting, Biology,Business, Chemistry,Classics, Computer Science, Criminology (Applied), Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Extended Project

Qualification (EPQ), Film Studies, Fine Art, French, Geography,Geology,German, Graphic Communication, History,ICT (BTEC), Law,Mathematics, Media Studies, Philosophy,Photography,Physics, Politics, Product Design, Psychology,Religious Studies, Sociology,Sport, Statistics and Physical Education and Textile Design.

Dudley Sixth students celebrated their A-level results last year with an overall pass rate of 99.8% and 100% pass rate in 31 of the 32 subjects studied. The percentage of students achieving higher grades increased again from the previous year with 89.4% of students achieving grades A-C and the percentage of students receiving A*/A increasing by almost 2% on the previous year

To find out moreand apply online visit: dudleycol.ac.uk or for A-levels: dudleysixth.co.uk

Meet current students, talk to tutors and tour the facilities at the open events on October 15 and January 14, March 11 or June 7in2023.

COLLEGEHELPS TO PUTYOU ON THEPATHTOABRIGHTFUTUREWITHA RANGEOF ACADEMIC ANDVOCATIONAL COURSESAND ACHOICE OF APPRENTICESHIPS

HayesAcademy

AT Pool Hayes Academy,webelieve that all young people have the ability and opportunity to be successful.

Through this success, we unlock their potential and empower our students to make apositive contribution to the wider world. ‘Unlocking Your Potential Empowering Through Success’ is not just our vision, it is our purpose and guides our actions. Our post-16 students play a key role in our academy and shaping our student experience.

Our Sixth Form offers awide range of academic and vocational courses with opportunities for students to improve English and mathematics grades if necessary

Students arealso offered asuper curriculum including online courses and virtual work experience. Year 12 students participate in work experience in the summer term and areguided through UCAS and apprenticeship applications by our dedicated academic tutors.

Students meet with their tutor and form group daily,where they complete personal development tasks such as votes for schools, assemblies and news with current affairs.

Students benefit from an incredibly supportive learning environment from both peers and teachers, who arealways on standby to ensurethat students’ potential is unlocked. We host arange of post-18 visitors from avariety of different careers to present to our students,

these include local MPs, The Navy and NCS. Students will also get chance to develop their interpersonal skills through Duke of Edinburgh, student leadership, mentoring and ‘giving it back’ enrichment opportunities.

We value our student leadership team within our sixth form. They actively participate in events around our academy and within our local community.President, Cora-Talia Froggatt believes: “Pool Hayes Sixth Form makes every pupil feel valued and has been extremely useful in helping us decide the academic or work path we wish to take. We can happily say that we areproud to be part of PoolHayes Sixth Form and could not wish to study anywhereelse.”

By choosing to study at Pool Hayes Academy Sixth Form you will be opting to study in an environment with astrong sense of community,where everyone is valued, supported and encouraged to develop both academically and socially

PoolHayesAcademy

Colton HillsSixth Form

COLTON Hills Community School is a vibrant, inclusive community school offering young people the opportunity of the best education –with aHigh Performance edge.

As aHigh Performance Learning Pathway school, working with this prestigious international organisation towards world-class accreditation as a school is an exciting prospect for all at Colton Hills, including our sixth form.

Our sixth form aims to deliver highquality education, offering awiderange of academic and vocational subjects, developing agreater understanding of careers, life skills and PSHE. Students benefit from outstanding state-of-the-art facilities at our school which includes aswimming pool, theatre, outstanding grounds and sports opportunities and a residential facility in Wales.

We group our courses in four recommended pathways: Medicine and Health, Entrepreneurship, Sports Sciences

FACILITIES

QUALIFICATIONSYOU

and Social Studies. Students can mix and match their courses, but we recommend these pathways as strong combinations with clear routes into higher education and training. This year,weadd an exciting new qualification to our sixth form offer: eSports.

Leah McClure–our Post-16 Leader –says: “Our aim is not only to help our students reach their full academic potential, but also to teach employability skills to enable them to have more opportunities. As one of the top five schools in Wolverhampton for progress, our students consistently beat national averages. We areconfident that we will continue to make great strides forwardin the next few years and build on our school motto –ManyMinds,One Mission.”

For moreinformation, visit our website www.coltonhills.co.uk, email coltonhillsschool@wolverhampton.gov uk or call 01902 558420. Follow us on Twitter at @coltonhillscs

Colton Hills

St Thomas More Catholic School

THE Sixth Form is avibrant, exciting community which challenges students to realisetheir academic potential while offering new opportunities for leadership, endeavour and service.

Students areclosely monitored and supported so they can achieve the best A-level and Level 3qualifications, allowing them to progress to leading universities and long term job opportunities.

St Thomas Moreoffers awide range of academic and vocational courses with opportunities for students to improve their mathematics and English grades if necessary

Every day students meet with their form group and on aregular basis have one-to-one meetings with their form tutor to discuss both academic progress and personal development. Thereisalso a specialised team of staffdedicated to mentoring sixth formers who can help

those not realising their potential to get back on track. Students who have been with the school from Year 7benefit from already knowing their teachers and understanding the school’sexpectations and routines.

Thereare outstanding facilities with purpose-built study areas and state-ofthe-art ICT,withstaffalways on hand to help and advise. The school has recently opened BistroSix Café, adedicated onsite sixth form study area and café with Wi-Fi access.

Students areexpected to take on greater responsibility and accept leadership roleswithin the wider school community,making sure younger children feel secureand supportedand helping the vulnerable in the local area.

Sixth formers arethe school’s ambassadors and represent the school in awide range of community activities and in sports teams. They can also express themselves through the performing arts, growing in selfconfidence and learning new skills.

Many courses, including geography, technology,history and languages allow students to go on trips abroad. Exploration is also encouraged through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh AwardScheme.

All students engage in aprogramme of voluntary service both inside and outside school, and those who choose to can work with the sick on the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.

school

@STMWillenhall

Catholic School

AWIDERANGE OF ACADEMIC

THEOPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE

SixthForm

School

part of Emmaus Multi-Academy Company,Hagley Sixth Form runs on the principles of high academic achievement and progress, individualised and personalised pastoral care, enrichment programmes for all and acommitment through the values of faith, to serve one another and our wider community

Hagley Sixth Form is universal and unique, everyone is welcome, and all students can be sureofthe commitment they will receive from the school community to guide them on their path to afutureofsuccess and academic achievement.

Hagley has excellent transport links and is located on the main train line from

Worcester to Birmingham making it an ideal choice for the wider community

We have adedicated and specialised staffbody with anumber of post-16 specialists leading awide range of subjects and courses, from some of the moretraditional A-levels of English, maths, all three sciences, history and geography to art, business, psychology,sociology,

criminology,computer science, sports science, and music technology to name just afew.

Akey part of our offer is our enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons, and all students are encouraged to engage in this,

Students arealsooffered individual support when choosing their options post 18, whether it be further study at university or help applying for prestigious apprenticeship programmes.

September 2021 saw the opening of our new sixth form block which includes new student-focused facilities, new common room,study centre, and sixth form classrooms separate from the rest of the school community.

Moreinformation is available at www hagleyrc.worcs.sch.uk with links to our online application forms and open events. We lookforwardtowelcoming you into the Hagley family

HighSchool

King

College

you the option

EdwardVICollege, Stourbridge,

study

A-levels areseen as the academic next step helping prepareyou for higher education, apprenticeships and the world of work. We arethe Black Country’slargest A-level provider and the only sixth form college, which makes studying hereagreat choice.

So, what makes us different to a school sixth form or local college? That’s simple, we areexperts in our field, and what that means is we only teach A -levels, day in, day out. We have one of thelargest A-level offers, 38 subjects to be exact, and you can study any combination of three subjects. We really can make any programme work.

We understand that it can be daunting moving from school to college, but our experienced and dedicated pastoral staffsupport youwith unrivalled advice

and encouragement, throughout your academic journey with us.

To maximise learning potential, our average class size is 19. This allows efficient delivery of taught lessons and you can also take extra qualifications such as the EPQ. However,it’snot all about studying, we have an exciting enrichment programme which include activities such as DofE Gold Award, aMedical Society and awealth of music and sport opportunities.

Our mission is simple: we want to inspirethe next generation; we want them to grow and achieve academic and personal excellence, progressing on to their chosen next steps with confidence. It’sour students that make our college great.

If you areready to find out why King Ed’scould be your perfect choice, come along to one of our Open Events in October 2022. We look forwardto welcoming you on campus.

Newman University

OFFERING UNIQUE SUPPORTAND GUIDANCE THAT PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH PERSONAL ADVANCEMENT, ACADEMIC SUCCESSAND AGREAT PLACETOMAKE NEWFRIENDSHIPS

GOING to university is the start of an exciting and life-changing journey.

Through interactive teaching, a comprehensive range of student support services and astrong sense of community, Newman University offers the unique support and guidance that provides students with personal advancement, academic success and agreat place to make new friendships which last long after graduation.

WhystudyatNewman University?

Newman University is conveniently located between Birmingham and the Black Country,and with its transport links across the Black Country and the rest of the West Midlands you areable to easily get to the nearby attractions such as Birmingham city centre, whilst being able to concentrate on your studies within peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Many of our students live at home and commute to the campus. By living at home, keeping friends and routines, and often juggling other responsibilities or work, thereisstill the opportunity to enjoy university,to‘fit in’and have an immediate sense of belonging –learning new skills with new friends, people just like you.

The university also has arange of accommodation options, and on-campus halls give students the opportunity to feel a part of the active student body,aswell as providing easy access to on-site facilities.

With afantastic reputation for training teachers, Newman University

is proud to offer avariety of courses, including humanities, social sciences, sport, business, policing, nursing and psychotherapy

Newman University is afriendly community of staffand students, and small class sizes mean that academic staff can give personal careand attention to each student.

At Newman, you know your tutors and your tutors know you –they will challenge and stretch you to reach your potential and support your learning journey.You will be taught by academics who areexperts within their field, and arepassionate in sharing this knowledge with you.

Work-related learning opportunities arebuilt into the structurefor each course, which aim to give you the key life skills and experience needed for employment when you graduate. Thereare also plenty of opportunities to meet employers through our Careers Service or set up your own business with the support of our Enterprise Team.

Youcan immerseyourself in university life through societies, sports clubs or by becoming astudent ambassador or course representative. Whatever your passion, Newman University encourages you to get involved, and to take an active part in the Newman community

To find out more, visit the website www.newman.ac.uk to request a prospectus, or come along to an open day on campus.

Open days

Our Open Days areawonderful opportunity for you to experience the sense of belonging our students have, in being part of our university community Youwillbeable to meet lecturers and with current Newman students, have atourof the campus and see how Newman could be your university

Visit www.newman.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

n Wednesday,June9,4pm-8pm

n Saturday,July3,10am-2:30pm

Form

STAFF areimmensely proud of the sixth form at West Walsall as it not only prepares students academically for their future, but also supports them in developing skills that will enable them to continue their success in the next stage of their career.

The curriculum offered covers arange of subjects already and they arelooking at extending the curriculum into other subject areas. The curriculum enables students to go into avariety of professions such as medicine, engineering, law,health care sector,etc.

All the staffteaching the qualifications arespecialists in their subject and bring a high degree of knowledge and enthusiasm to their teaching to bring the subject to life and inspirestudents to continue to study their subject. Tutors and staff areexperienced in guiding students to complete applications for their education after sixth form, whether this be UCAS, apprenticeship or something else.

The centreisalso the proud base

for the Martin O’Connor Education and Footballing Academy.The Football Academy offers students the opportunity to continue to study for Level 2(GCSE level) and Level 3(A-level) qualifications in sport, coaching qualifications, fitness instructor as well as continuing to develop their football ability with professional coaching.

The sixth form is based in aseparate building to the rest of the school, providing its own identity and learning environment.

In the building areclassrooms, seating area for students to work independently, computers for research, small study rooms and acanteen run by students working with the school’scatering contractor.

During the two years of studies, students aregiven opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills by taking part in local projects organised through the National Citizenship Service. Students also attend the careers fair and access one-to-one support through various initiatives. Representatives from universities areinvited in to speak to students about university life, UCAS application support and the courses available.

“Whatever the futureholds,students at West Walsall aresupported all the way towards asuccessful future. We look forwardtoyou joiningus for the next stage of your education. Everyone has the right to be the best version of themselves that they can be. We all have the responsibility to get them there.”

Wrekin CollegeSixth Form

ONE of Shropshire’sleading independent schools, Wrekin College turned its most recent sixth form open event over to its pupils to organise and produce, to show how much its Sixth Form has changed and how much it has to offer.

Wrekin gave ateam of sixth formers complete control over the virtual open evening allowing them to co-ordinate content, market the event, and run it on the night. The move follows along-term campaign to not only drive high academic achievement, but also to enhance the Sixth Form facilities to help complement Wrekin’ssuccessful employability curriculum.

This year youngsters at the school also opened anew business after making apitch for funding. They launched the Wrekin Express-o, acoffee shop in a renovated horsebox that now opens regularly on campus.

Headteacher TimFirth said Wrekin was

always looking to improve its offering in an extensive plan which focuses on providing an all-inclusive education. He said the aim was to not only preparestudents to reach their full potential in exams, but also to teach real-life employability skills and open up other opportunities to youngsters.

“This was asignificant endeavour that has seen this group of pupils have to formulate their idea and business plan, pitch it to apanel for funding and then do

the actual hardgraft to bring it to life,” he added.

Wrekin College also runs one of the most successful school-based Duke of Edinburgh Awardschemes in the country and has amuch-envied international exchange programme for Year 11 and Sixth Formers which links up with aseries of top schools around the world.

The Upper Sixth arealso offered a20day Employability Bootcamp programme with industry leaders.

Mr Firth said the school maintained afullonlinetimetable during lockdowns and he had been impressed at how Sixth Formers had seized opportunities offered during such achallenging time.

“Wrekin College has invested significant resources in facilities which complement the traditional academic subjects and that has placed us in a particular position of strength to adapt and to offer opportunities in all kinds of circumstances,” added Mr Firth.

SouthStaffordshire College

FIND YOUR

WE have so many exciting opportunities and courses on offer at South StaffordshireCollege so whether you’replanningacareer in animal management, construction, cyber security,games design or uniformed public services, with us, you won’tjustfollow your passion –you’ll #CreateYourCareer in it.

Throughout your time at college, you’ll receive hands-on practical training in our fantastic facilities led by our industry expert tutors (otherwise known as our #CareerCreators).

Studylocally to where youlive

Start your journey to your dream career and study locally to whereyou live. At

our Tamworth and Torc Colleges you can study courses in business, construction, engineering, hairdressing and barbering, beauty,coding, cyber security,early years, electrical, health and social care, hospitality and catering, sport, travel and tourism and uniformed public services.

Rodbaston College is the perfect place to start your career in agriculture, animal care, animal nursing, countryside management, horticultureand equine.

But Rodbaston isn’tjust aland-based college, you can also start your career in trades such as plumbing and mechanics too!

Showcase your creative flair at Lichfield College with courses ranging from art and design, fashion, Esports,

journalism, music, performing arts and photography

At our Cannock College you can choose to start your career in accounting, business, digital, electrical, engineering, early years, health and social careand uniformed public services.

We are allabout careers

Our focus is to help you achieve afulfilling career,not just to help you complete acourse.

We work closely with employers to ensurewestayup-to-date with the skills they most demand in the workplace and pride ourselves on ensuring our students leave college with those skills.

We will support you with selecting

the study option that will help you reach your career aspirations. Offering awide range of full-time courses across avariety of levels, apprenticeships and higher education, we know you’ll find something to spark your passion.

Earn whileyou learn

With an apprenticeship you can combine practical on the job training alongside studying at college. This means you’ll get to work alongside experienced employers in the workplace putting into practice what you learnatcollege whilst earning awage.

At South StaffordshireCollege you can complete an apprenticeship in abroad range of areas such as agricultureand land-based, business, engineering, motor vehicle, construction and trades, care, leisure, digital, retail,commercial, and

many more. To see our apprenticeship vacancies visit: www.southstaffs.ac.uk/ apprenticeship-vacancies

Additional learning support andhighneeds

At each college, we have adedicated Learning Support team who will work with you ensureyour individual needs are supported to help you to reach your full potential with in-class support, medication needs, wellbeing and asafe place to discuss your support needs. Located at Rodbaston and Tamworth colleges, Futures is afacility offering sensory space designed to cater for students aged 16-25 with arange of complex learning needs.

Higher Education

Study auniversity level course with us and choose from avariety of

degrees in subjects including zoo animal management, education, film and TV, engineering, art and design and more.

Fees can be over £2,000 lower than study at university,meaning higher education has never been moreaccessible.

If you need help with funding your studies, the college’sdedicated support team areonhand to help you exploreyour options.

Why not take your first steps towards your futureand #CreateYourCareer? Visit www.southstaffs.ac.uk to see the full range of courses and apprenticeships on offer

n Follow us for regular updates. Facebook: SouthStaffordshireCollege Twitter: @southstaffs Instagram: South_Staffordshire_College YouTube: southstaffscollege

Thomas TelfordUTC SixthForm

JOIN Thomas TelfordUTC Sixth Form in September 2022.

If you areinYear 11 and exploring opportunities for your post-16 education, why not consider Thomas TelfordUTC?

This state-of-the-art school offers a range of A-level options and vocational courses. Thomas TelfordUTC aims to create the innovators, designers, architects and construction professionals of the futureaswellasoffering routes into other professional and technical fields.

Ofsted has praised the UTC noting that: “Employers contribute impressively to many aspects of school life and are extensively involved in the school as patrons, partners and mentors.

“The school’swork to develop students’ employability skills is particularly successful. Through regular employer-led group projects students develop highorder communication skills and learnto work as part of ateam.”

Thomas TelfordUTC prides itself on offering a:

n Broadand balanced curriculum

n Placing astrong emphasis on

STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)

n Superb learning environment and stateof-the-art facilities

n Excellent enrichment opportunities

n First-class employer engagement

n Unrivalled academic and technical education

Aspokesperson said: “Therehas never been abetter time to secureyour child’s future.” Thomas TelfordUTC is recruiting now for Sixth Form for September 2022. To find out morevisit thomastelfordutc. com or call 01902 872180.

OPENED back in 2017 by Black Sabbath’sTony Iommi, BIMM Institute

Birmingham is located in Digbeth, the city’smost exciting and creative quarter.

Birmingham’sundeniable musical heritage meets the very best modern technology and equipment in our Floodgate Street facilities.

Birmingham is the birthplace of many musical legends; heavy metal titans Black Sabbath and Judas Priest and rock icons Electric Light Orchestra and in recent years Laura Mvula, Lady Leshurr and Jaykae have been paving the way for the next generation of musical talent. This musical heritage and dynamic local music scene is fuelled by some of the best new independent music venues and experimental artists that continue to push boundaries.

Birmingham is also home to the youngest population in Europe. With its unrivalled nightlife and clubs, world-class library facilities and programme of inner city festivals, this is acity that’smade for its students.

At BIMM Institute you will be surrounded by fellow music lovers, all supporting each other and collaborating as you navigate through the industry together

Whether you study performance, songwriting or amusic business focused course you’ll have the chance to perform and work at our end of term gigs, label showcases and other industry opportunities that featurethe best talent BIMM Institute offers –all organised by our dedicated careers team.

Our masterclasses areachance to get face-to-face with industry professionals and ask them all of your burning questions. BIMM Institute Birmingham has had Mabel, MNEK, and even Tito Jackson pass through its doors for amasterclass.

Our College Principal, Antony Greaves, is an established music figurehead and industry expert. He has worked as a technical manager at the world-famous Mayfair Recording Studios throughout his glowing career,working with artists such as U2, Travis,and Kylie Minogue.

Antony was also widely regarded for pioneering the UK’sfirstelectronic music production degree and as adevelopment consultant and author of the world’sfirst musicproduction graded syllabus, which is now delivered in 42 countries worldwide.

Youwillbesurrounded by state-ofthe-art facilities. These include fully-loaded Mac suites, multiple performance rooms with industry standardequipment, and agreen screen room.The studio Apple Mac Procomes equipped with industrystandardsoftwarepackages such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Native Instruments, Melodyne and hundreds of third-party plugins. This is alongside multi-million pound, professional recording studios. Our

The professional space features superior treatments such as ‘live end –dead end’ arrangement, adjustable acoustics, bass traps, absorption panels and reclaimed wood Schroeder diffusers. These turnthe studio’sliveroom into a versatile, high-quality environment for professional-level sound capture.

Our student support team is always on hand. We have adedicated team to help assist with your study skills, mental health, or student life. They arealways on hand to offer confidential support and guidance.

Finally,Talent Match is our new job matching service. It has been designed to help graduates find paid work in their chosen career.Wedothis by working with graduates in their final year to securethem roles within their chosen field in the music industry

SETINTHE HEARTOFAVIBRANT ANDCREATIVECITY, BIMM OFFERS PERFORMANCE, SONGWRITINGORMUSIC BUSINESSCOURSES USINGSTATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

studios weredesigned using the combined expertise of College Principal Antony Greaves, BIMM lecturers, The Studio People and Audient.

Performers College

LEADING professional training institute

Performers College has launched a new campus in Birmingham, offering specialist vocational courses in musical theatreand acting.

Aspiring actors, singers and dancers throughout the Midlands arebeing offered the opportunity to audition for professional performance training at one of the UK’s longest standing and most prestigious performing arts colleges.

Founded over 30 years ago within their purpose-built campus in Essex, Performers College has established an outstanding reputation, becoming known as aleading provider of exceptional training, and for nurturing fantastic graduates.

Performers College offers aBA(Hons) in MusicalTheatreand Dance, and aBA (Hons) in Acting for Stage, Screen &Digital Media, training students to be innovative and creative versatile performers. Students aretaught by the highest-level industry professionals and undertake an intensive vocational training in all disciplines.

Performers College alumni enjoy successful and varied careers in the performing arts industry,and can be seen regularly in West End musicals and plays, national tours, music videos, arena concerts, TV dramas and featurefilms.

This year the college underwent an exciting expansion, and welcomed its first cohort of students to its brand-new campus in Birmingham, creating anew and vibrant community in the heart of the city’screative quarter,Digbeth.

Performers College Birmingham’s Principal Adam Davenport said:“I am really proud to be heading up Performers College Birmingham, bringing our firstclass musical theatreand acting training to the heart of the Midlands.

“Birmingham is the perfect location for our second campus, as performing arts has long been astrong sector in the Midlands, hosting some of the country’s biggest regional theatres and venues.

“With our strong industry links coupled with Performers College’soutstanding reputation for producing multi-skilled graduates for over 30 years, I’m confident we will be an exciting addition to the Midlands performing arts scene.

“For those whose ambition is to train vocationally,but may be concerned about living costs in London, we hope this widens the opportunity for local aspirant performers, who may now be able to train professionally whilst living at home.”

All Performers College students hit the ground running with ayear focused on coretechnical skills.

For Musical Theatrestudents there is intensive training in ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary,alongside classes in musical theatre, acting and technical singing.

Acting students focus on fundamental techniques for stage and screen performance including improvisation, voice and text, plus specialist workshops in TV presenting, motion capturefor video games, andappearances on episodes of the college podcast.

Meanwhile industry professionals come to the college on aweekly basis to

build up students’ understanding of how the industry functions.

What Performers College also pride themselves on is that they careabout the development of students not just as performers, but also as individuals.

“The fundamental thing about our training cultureand ethos,” Davenport adds, “is that we believe you can have discipline, rigour and high-level professional expectations of people, alongside kindness and an atmosphere of collaboration, fun and laughter.Those things can coexist.

“Weexpect the highest standards from our students, but within an environment wherepeople feel valued, respect one another,feel safe to express themselves, to experiment and to create.”

In second year students begin to specialise according to their skills and interests, and the final year builds towards full productions and agent showcases.

“Life at Performers is incredibly fast-paced, and thereare a lot of intensive training hours,” continues Davenport. “All students work incredibly hardand by the time they’ve been through that evolution they arecompletely ready to immerse themselves in the professional environment of dance, theatre, film and TV.”

Applications for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre&Dance and BA (Hons) Acting for Stage, Screen & Digital Media arenow open. Please visit performerscollege.co.uk for moreinformation.

PROVIDINGFIRST-CLASS MUSICAL THEATREAND ACTING TRAINING TO CREATE INNOVATIVE ANDVERSATILEPERFORMERSWITHABRIGHTFUTUREONSTAGE ANDSCREEN

Screen andFilmSchoolBirmingham

SITTING at the very forefront of the filmmaking industry,Screen and Film School Birmingham is the latest dynamic hotspot for film, television and screen students in the Midlands.

The city’sfilm scene is rapidly expanding, with BBC, ITV and Netflix productions all set to take place here, and with aplanned studio expansion from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight in the pipeline, therehas never been abetter time to put yourself in the picturewith Screen and Film School Birmingham.

Our bespoke combination of practical courses, high-tech facilities, industry placements, Masterclasses, live project briefs and site visits help to kickstart the careers of our students into one of the most exciting and vibrant industries to be found anywhereinBirmingham.

As well as the iconic grittiness of Peaky Blinders, Birmingham has also been the filming location for several other highend productions over the past few years, including Mission: Impossible 7, Steven Spielberg’sReady PlayerOne,Kingsman: The Golden Circle, as well as Line of Duty, and Hustle. It’stime to seize the growing career opportunities out there, and herein Digbeth we put it all at your fingertips.

Alongside budgets for your films and industry professionals as your lecturers, we areunique in the following ways:

Masterclasses

In the last year our Masterclass expert guests have included Mark Mylod (Succession, Director), Scott Mann (Heist, Director) and RichardStewart (Cinematographer).

ReaStudios

Rea Studios is ashared home for Screen and Film School Birmingham and Performers College Birmingham. As the very first specialist film school in Birmingham, Rea Studios, which is located in the heart of Digbeth, provides our students with the professional standardfacilities and equipment to both film and study in.

OurPatrons

We areincredibly proud and honoured to have such high-calibreand prolific Screen and Film School Patrons; they are

all masters of their chosen craft and can call upon many years of experience in the industry when helping to nurtureour students. Our Birmingham Patrons include Adil Ray OBE, Big Narstie, actor Antonio Aakeel, and writer Kit De Waal.

Principal College Principal, Hannah Stevenson is aproducer with an abundance of industry experience spanning over 20 years.

Hannah started her career working at Granada TV working in live television beforefilming, producing, and directing. Most recently Hannah has produced several featurelength and short films that have been released theatrically in cinemas nationwide as well as winning anumber of high-profile international film festival awards.

Calling all aspiring filmmakers: by doing what you love, you can turnyour creative ambitions into areality.Apply now for courses beginning in September 2022 at Screen and Film School Birmingham and start your dream career in film.

n Visit www.screenfilmschool.ac.uk/ birmingham/

Open Days

Saturday,June4,2022

Saturday,July23, 2022

Book your space now: www screenfilmschool.ac.uk/open-days/

KICKSTARTYOURDREAM CAREER IN AN EXCITING ANDVIBRANT INDUSTRY WITH THE HELP OF HIGH-TECH FACILITIES,INDUSTRYEXPERTS ANDMASTERCLASSES

Thomas AdamsSixth Form

SET in 30 acres, Thomas Adams is asuccessfulschool, sixth form and boarding house in the centreofWem, North Shropshire.

At our sixth form site, we offer more than 25 subjects at A-level and BTEC combined with acommunity feel and excellent pastoral care.

Serving 16 to 19-year-olds, our welcoming sixth form stands alone in its Noble Street campus, offering agenuine feeling of independence.

Our caring environment provides small class sizes, daily access to atutor, supervised study sessions and excellent careers advice.

Self-study sessions take place in our attractive former grammar school buildings, supervised by our staffof committed and enthusiastic experts who help make learning rewarding every day We also offer excellent guidance and support with accessing financial bursaries.

Many students travel from awide catchment area on subsidised buses that run from Whitchurch, Shrewsbury,Market Drayton, Hodnet, Baschurch, Oswestry and Ellesmere. We have excellentraillinks on the Manchester to Cardiffline.

While targeting the best results, pastoral careisintegral to our ethos. We offer priceless life lessons of self-reliance, respect and self-confidence, with many opportunities for young people to learnto depend on themselves under the watchful eyes of qualified and experienced staff who genuinely understand the transition from GCSE to Level 3.

Students areknown andrespected

as individuals and have everyday access to their tutor,and we offerexpert post-18 advice to help find the best way through all the choices that lie ahead.

If you arelooking for afriendly sixth form that gives you awarm welcome and has aproven track recordofsuccess, please get in touch by visiting www thomasadams.net

Areyou seeking asixth form boarding place?

Adams House is an outstanding state boarding school for students aged 1118. Increasingly we find that parents are

choosing state boarding schoolsahead of boarding in the independent sector as they see they can obtain the education and pastoral carethey areseeking for a fraction of the cost.

Boarding schools areafantastic option for many families, providing ahome away from home that allows young people to focus full attention on their studies and extra-curricular activities. Giving young people achance to live independently will make them better prepared for their next steps in life, such as university

Parents pay only for boarding at Adams House, and the government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England and Wales.

By selectingAdams House, parents arechoosing top quality boarding care, with staffwho areabsolutely committed to the wellbeing of young people.

It’saunique setting that promotes common experience, friendship, trust and honesty between young people and adults. We celebrate diversity and arepleased to welcome students from avariety of cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The lessons in life learned at Adams House will lay asolid foundation for adulthood, and friendships aremade that last forever.For boarding enquiries, please contact Mrs NCooper nc@thomasadams. net

SIXTHFORMOFFERS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN ACARINGENVIRONMENT,WITH EXCELLENT PASTORAL CARE HELPINGSTUDENTSDEVELOP INDEPENDENCE

NorthShropshireCollege

NORTH ShropshireCollege is aleading provider of further education with campuses at Oswestry and Walford.

It offers an extensive range of programmes to suit all academic abilities.

North ShropshireCollege offers the very best in further education and training. We focus on success, helping each student to achieve their dreams. Whether this is progressing into higher education, accessing their career of choice, or learning for pleasure.

The Oswestry campus offers some of the best educational facilities in Shropshire. This includes The Scholars Restaurant, aprofessionalteaching and commercial restaurant, and Visage,the college’sdedicated hair and beauty salons. Some of the full-time vocational courses available on site areAccess to

Higher Education, Beauty,Business, Childcare, Health &Social Care, Science, Sport, and Travel &Tourism. WalfordCollege sits in abeautiful rural setting close to Shrewsbury.Itishome to our land-based courses; our motor vehicle programmes and our Foundation Learning Centre. The campus includes our Animal

CareCentrewith specialist facilities catering for 100 different species, and a large commercial farm with 220-hectares of arable land and pasturehostingour herd of 300 dairy cows and flock of ShropshireSheep.

The campus is also home to our Equestrian Centreincluding an indoor arena, an outdoor school, and stabling for 32 horses.

Rhianne Lee was an exceptional BTEC Applied Science student who left the college with adistinction and was the winner of the Science Student of the Year.She went on to the University of Warwick, part of the Russell Group, to study Biomedical Science.

n To attend our next open event, please visit www.nsc.ac.uk

Study with us: Vocational Foundation

North Shropshire College is aleading provider of further education in Shropshire. We are pleased to offer an extensive range of programmes to suit all academic abilities. Whether you prefer to work academically or vocationally, we have a course for you!

Attend our next Open Eventand see our fantastic facilities and learning resources. Book aplaceatwww.nsc.ac.uk.

Ludlow College

YOUR STUDIES

LUDLOW College offers an excellent choice of A-level and vocational courses.

Many of our students have gone on to achieve outstanding results at the some of the country’sbest universities.

Ludlow College is here to give you the very best chance of getting into your preferred university or career.Wespecialise in teaching A-levels and we offer awide range of courses, including ‘facilitating’ subjects favoured by the most competitive universities in the UK.

Small class sizes create an intimate and collaborative atmospherethat ensures all students receive ahigh level of individual support throughout their studies. Student-friendly timetables suit the demands of young people living in our rural community

Ludlow College has high standards and achieves excellent results. More than 99% of students regularly pass their qualifications during examined years.

Enrichment is akey part of the college’soffer,and it is designed to broaden our students’ horizons. Activities include sport, drama, and many other special interest groups and clubs.

We have three distinct sites in Ludlow town centrethat combine beautiful period buildings and modernteaching facilities.

These include professional art and design studios and dark rooms, purpose-built drama studio, well equipped science laboratories, and a fantastic indoor sports hall and fitness centre.

Dan Thomas studied A-level Maths, Physics and Computer Science. He is now completing a degree apprenticeship in Engineering with Dyson through the University of Warwick, part of the Russell Group. “I would highly recommend Ludlow College to students. My teachers always worked hardtoproduce quality teaching materials and werealways available or contactable when Ineeded them.”

n If you would like to know more about studying at Ludlow College, then please contact amemberof staffon0800 0321986.

A-Levels Vocational

Ludlow College is here to give you the best chances of getting into your preferred university or career. We offer excellent and rigorous academic education with ahigh level of individual support. Our class sizes are small and our timetable suits the demands of young people living in our rural community.

NATIONAL

INTO RAIL FORSTUDENTSAGED16AND ABOVE

THE National College for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure(NCATI) is astate-of-the-art training facility based on two campuses in Birmingham and Doncaster

Relaunched in 2021 as part of the University of Birmingham group, NCATI provides the specialist training, skills and qualifications required to deliver worldclass transformational rail projects like HS2. With work on these projects now underway,and almost 30% of rail workers due to retire by 2025, thereisalot of work available for people with backgrounds in science, technology,engineering and maths (STEM), as well as with creative and digital qualifications.

Up to 120,000 additional people will be required in the transport and infrastructureindustry over the next five to

ten years; this means rolesinrail arenow morein-demand and highly-paid than ever before.

The types of jobs arealsoreally varied, from hands-on rolestooffice-based, from creative to project management.

The rail industry needs: n Civil engineers n Data analysts n Project managers n Architects n Designers n Technicians

The college was set up to create the rail workforce of the future, drawn from lots of different backgrounds and with the specific skillset to progress into the above roles. Our curriculum can thereforebeaccessed at various different levels, ranging from school leaver vocational courses for 16+, to apprenticeships and Higher Education qualifications for 18+.

NCATI is different because it has been developed in partnership with businesses that already work in the industry.This means that our courses and our facilities have been designed specifically to give these businesses graduates with the indemand skills they need. Workingclosely with employers like HS2 and Alstom, the National College is heretogiveyou the qualifications and industry links you need to forge an exciting and in-demand career

StaffordCollege

HOPETOINSPIRE YOUWITHAMAZINGLEARNINGEXPERIENCES

DEVELOPTHE KNOWLEDGEAND SKILLS NEEDED FORUNIVERSITYORTHE

STAFFORD College, part of Newcastle and StaffordColleges Group (NSCG), is the college of first choice in Staffordshireand one of the top further

colleges in the country,rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Karen Dobson OBE, Principal and Chief Executive at NSCG, said: “Our expert lecturers arepassionate about their subjects and we hope to inspireyou with amazing learning experiences. Our achievement rates arehigher than the national average and we’recommitted to helping you dream big.

“Your happiness and wellbeing is our priority and our outstanding support team will be with you every step of the way Our teaching staffare here to ensureyou develop the knowledge and skills needed for university or the workplace.

“Getting the most out of college life is morethanjust an education. We areproud to offer avaried enrichment programme to

give you arounded college experience.

“If you can’tdecide whether to learnorearn, then we arehereto help you to choose the right path. Our two-year A-level or A+ programmes aregreat options if you arethinking of going to university or study for aHigher Apprenticeship.

“If you prefer coursework and gaining hands-on experience, then avocational pathway could be the perfect choice for you. We also offer arange of T-Levels,

exciting industry-led qualifications which give you the chance to gain ‘on-thejob’ experience with an extended work placement. Our apprenticeships are great if you want to jump straight into the world of work, earnawage and pick up technical and practical skills.”

Karen added: “In addition, we are pleased to offer higher education courses, so if you’rethinking of university-level study then our courses will enable you to study close to home, learnfromour industry experts and benefit from smaller class sizes.”

New state-of-the-art facilities for 2023! –“If you’ve recently driven or walked past StaffordCollege, you may have seen work starting on our brand new £28M Skills and Innovation Centre, scheduled for completion in 2023.”

For information, call 01785 223800, email info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk or visit nscg.ac.uk

WHICHUNIVERSITYIS THERIGHT FITFOR YOU?

ONCE you’ve decided that university is right for you, the next step is to determine whereyou aregoing to spend the next three or four years of your life.

For most of you, choosing auniversity isn’tgoing to be aquick process as there arelots of factors to consider

When starting to look at the different options, it’sbetter to consider the course you want to study first beforelooking at whereit’soffered.

Thereisone thing that you should try to remember when choosing asubject –it should be something you enjoy and that you would be happy to study in-depth for the next few years.

Consider the subjects you enjoy the most at school and then research similar courses that you can study at university.

If you really don’thave aclue, then start by discounting the subjects you have absolutely no interest in to narrow down the search field.

Youalso need to think about whether you want acourse offering aclear career path or does your interest lie in one of the

moretraditional academic subjects? It may be that you have adream job in mind, making your choice obvious. For example, if you want to be avet, then aveterinary medicine/science degree course is amust.

Be awarethat the same title of course will not be taught in the same way or cover the same material at every university offering it. Make sureyou pay attention to the detail because even the way in which courses areassessed can differ

Another consideration, if you go for a morevocational course, is whether it is approved by aprofessional body,because this can give you ahead start when you apply for ajob in your chosen industry

The next step is to think about the location –there aremorethan 395 providers of undergraduate courses in the UK. Take time to consider carefully whether you want to move away from home or study nearby

Do you want auniversity in the middle of acity or town or asingle-site campus?

Look at the facilities provided by the university and what will be on the doorstep for leisureand nightlife activities.

Once you have narrowed your options down, then attend an open day as this is one of the best ways to find out if it’sthe rightfitfor you. Aglossy prospectus can sometimes be deceiving, showing only the best bits, and when you get thereyou could find the reality is rather different.

But remember that it’snot theend of the world if, after all your careful research, you end up beginning your studies and realising you’ve made amistake. Universities have guidance staffonhand to help first-year students who discover their course wasn’twhatthey were expecting and therewill still be plenty of options available to you.

THEIMPORTANT DATESYOU NEED TO CONSIDER

n October 15,2022: Deadline for applicationstoOxford, Cambridge, andmost medicine, dentistry, andveterinary medicine/science courses.

n January15, 2023:Deadline for the majority of undergraduatecourses

n February 25:Extra begins.

n April14: If youhavereceived all your university/collegedecisions by March16, reply byApril 14.

n May5:Ifyou have received all your university/college decisionsby March31, replybyMay 5.

n May6:Ifyou submitted your applications by January15and you’re still waitingtohearfrom them,universities/colleges will decide whetherthey’re making an offerbynow.

n June 4: If youreceived allyour university/college decisionsby May6,reply to anyoffersbynow or they’llbedeclined.

n June 18:Ifyou have receivedall your university/college decisions by June 4, replytoany offers by this date.

n June 30:Applicationsreceived afterthisdateare enteredinto Clearing

n July 5: Last date to applyinExtra

n July 6: Clearing opens.

n July 13:Ifyou submitted your applications by June 30, universities/collegeswilldecide whetherthey’re making an offer.

n July 14:Ifyou have received allof your university/college decisionsby July 9, replybythisdate.

n August 13:A-level resultsday.All Clearing vacanciesare displayed in thesearchtoolvia theUCAS websiteand Adjustment opensfor registration

n August 31: Thedeadlinefor any remainingconditions to be met otherwisethe university or college mightnot accept you. Adjustment ends

HOWTOAPPLY FORUNIVERSITY

APPLYING to university can seem confusing, daunting and even overwhelming. But it doesn’tneedto be. Youmay be worried about how to get started but the process has been designed to make it as easy as possible for you.

All applications to universities in the UK aremade through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admission Service. Although it might seem confusing at first, the system has been designed to be straightforwardand ensureyou can keep track of your application, choices and offers.

How to begin

Firstly,register for your Apply account at www.ucas.com/apply whereyou will need to enter your personal details, get ausername, create apassword, and set your security questions. Your school or college will also give you abuzzword which you will also be asked to enter

Next, you will be able to choose your courses –you select up to five but they won’tbeable to see whereelse you’ve applied and there’snopreference order.For medicine, dentistry,veterinary medicine, or veterinary science, you can only apply to amaximum of four courses in any one of these subjects. Youcan only apply to one course at either the University of Oxfordorthe University of Cambridge.

The next step is entering all your qualifications, whether you have the result

or arestill awaiting them. Youthenneed toadd in details of any paid jobs and include company names, addresses, job descriptions, and start and finish dates. Next, you will have to write apersonal statement –this is your chance to show universities or colleges why you want to study the course and why you would make agreat student.

Make suretocheck your application carefully beforemarking it as complete.

Get areference –thisisawritten recommendation normally from ateacher, adviser,orprofessional who knows you academically

After you’ve sent your application to UCAS –itwillbeprocessed and you will be sent awelcome email containing your Personal ID, which will enable you to track its progress.

Key terms

Extra is afreeservice and allows students to apply to one course at atime between February 25 and July 4. To be eligible, you need to have had no offers.

If you’ve done better than expected in your A-levels, Adjustment allows you to see what other courses areavailable.

If you’ve had no offers or your exams don’tgotoplan, there’salways Clearing It’show universities and colleges fill any places they still have. Youwillneed to contact the course providers directly if you see acourse that interests you.

PREPARINGTEENAGERS FORUNIVERSITYLIFE

MENTAL wellbeing is an important part of university life –sohow can parents and carers help?

Is thereateenager in your household heading to university later this year? For many,this will be their first time living away from home –and parents and carers are going to want to help them get ready

Beyond the obvious though (like kitting them out with pots and pans and hoping at least some of their student loan is spent on groceries), you might be thinking about how you can help them prepare psychologically and support their mental wellbeing at university

It’sdefinitely important to be aware of mental health at university.But Dr Gabrielle Pendlebury,chief medical officer at Onebright (onebright.com), the UK’s largest outpatient mental healthcare company,says it’simportant to “think about the positives” as well.

“This is going to be agreat time of their lives. Three years having fun, with abit of studying on the side!” says Pendlebury.“It’sabout going into it with

apositive outlook and realising therewill be challenges –but setting it up so they areready to problem-solve, rather than be overwhelmed by things.”

It’s“atime of big changes with many new things to navigate,” acknowledges Rebecca Bow,senior wellbeing adviser at Birmingham City University,who says it’s usual for students to experience “exciting” and “challenging” moments, so it can “sometimes feel like abit of abumpy ride”.

Rebecca says it’sagood idea to “have aplan about when and how they’ll be keeping in touch and what feels right for everybody involved”. Dr Pendlebury notes it can be a“very fine balance” between being supportive and knowing how intrusive to be (especially when ‘empty nest syndrome’ hits) and you will “want to think about how you’rechanging the communication with [them] so that it’s age-appropriate as they become adults”.

Discussing it together means you can keep connections up and have those regular check-ins in away that suits your family and your young person’sneeds. For

some it might be aWhatsApp group, says Rebecca. “It might be aweekly phone call, or amonthly visit, perhaps FaceTime with the family pets,” adds Dr Pendlebury

If they do reach out and tell you they’re having ahardtime, Rebecca says “the most important thing is to give them space to talk about it and to listen”.

Dr Pendlebury adds: “Listening sounds very easy,but if you think your child is distressed, it can be very hardtojust listen and not jump to conclusions. So you really want to be curious, non-judgemental and set up that line of communication.”

They can find out about wellbeing services at their university at open days and welcome events –but you might want to help them look it up in advance. Arethere specific services for autistic students, those with dyslexia and social anxiety,for example? Encourage them to register with aGPingoodtime too. They can also find resources online and access free counselling and helplines through organisations like Student Minds (studentminds.org.uk).

FOOTINGTHE BILL FOR FURTHEREDUCATION

WHILE going to university is great for many reasons, thereisnogetting away from the fact that it can cost quite alot of money.

Not only do you need to finance your education, but you also need to ensure you have enough money to live on.

Currently,universities in England, Wales, Scotland and NorthernIreland can charge up to £9,250 ayear for tuition to a student living in England.

Tuition fee loans areavailable as well as maintenance loans to help with living costs. Tuition fee loans arepaid directly to the university.Interest is charged on the loan from the day you take it out.

Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term and arere-paid in the same way as tuition fee loans.

How much you receive depends on your household income and other factors such as whereyou study,how long for and whereyou aregoing to be living.

When you arestudying, the interest on your loan is the UK Retail Price Index (RPI) plus three per cent. After you graduate, the rate depends on how much you earn. Youwill not have to start paying your loans back until you areearning above the repayment threshold.

The Student Loans Company uses your National Insurance number to keep track of your income. They will instruct HM Revenue &Customs (HMRC) to notify your employer when you start working, and payments will be deducted from your taxable earnings.

If your income falls below the starting threshold within acertain month, there won’tbea repayment deduction made for that month. Once the loan is paid offin full, HMRC notifies your employer and the repayments stop.

The student finance application process normally opens in February so it’s recommended that you apply for funding in plenty of time to ensureyour money is in place for the start of term.

Youdon’t have to have aconfirmed place at university beforeyou apply and it’sadvised that you should aim to apply for your loan by May 31 if your course starts between August 1and December 31. The final deadline for funding is nine

months after the start of the academic year for your course.

Additional financial support is available for students on alow income, students with children or dependent adults, disabled students, medical, social work and teacher training students and students studying abroad.

As soon as you have an offer for a place through UCAS, you can talk to the banks about opening an account. The advantage of this is that student bank accounts normally have an interest-free overdraft facility which is useful if you accidentally overspend. This will usually be activated once your first instalment of loan goes in.

Thereare websites that will allow you to comparethe different student bank accounts on offer as thereare often other perks such as railcards offered.

Make suretotake one or two forms of photo ID such as apassport or driver’s licence along to the bank with you along with proof of address, such as abank statement, and your offer letter from UCAS.

FINDINGSOMEWHERE SAFE TO CALL HOME

AFTER you’ve selected your university and course, it’stime to decide where you want to live for your first year of studies. Do you prefer to be in halls of residence or rent aroom in aprivate flat or house?

Having somewherecomfortable and safe to call home during your studies will impact on your happiness and enjoyment so it’scrucial to spend time finding the right place. From on-campus university halls to private houses, thereare plenty of options to consider.The cost nearly always comes into it, but it is afalse economy to cut corners when it comes to choosing your first accommodation.

Leaving home is abig move so you need to find somewhereyou know you’re going to be happy.While sharing aflat or house with others may be alittle scary,all first-year students areinthe same boat, so you shouldn’tlet this put you off. Most people who drop out of university do so in those first few months simply because they arelonely and feel isolated.

Sharing with others is agreat way to make new friends and if it’suniversityowned accommodation then support and guidance, should you need it, is always close to hand.

The types of accommodation on offer will vary depending on the location of your university,but most will provide places for first-year students in their own halls of residence. These areusually furnished flats that you will sharewithother students, it might be mixed or single-sex accommodation. Youwill morethan likely have your own bedroom, which may be en-suite, as well as ashared kitchen and lounge area.

Some halls have acatering service, but many areself-catering, leaving it up to the students to provide their own meals.

Some towns and cities will also have privately-owned halls which tend to be moreluxurious with en-suite flats and great views. They areoften located close

to all of the town or city amenities and university buildings. Often handy perks such as Wi-Fi can be part of the package.

Acheaper option can be renting a room in aprivate house, which gives you moreindependence. It also enables you to decide exactly whereyou live and also who you live with. Your university should have an approved list of landlords, so ask them for this beforeyou start your search. Always take someone with you to view accommodation and do not rush to sign on the dotted line for the first one you see.

With any of these options, make sure that you know when the rent needs to be paid so you can keep on top of bills.

If your chosen university is within commuting distance then it might make moresense to stay living at home. This can be significantly cheaper,but you need to take into consideration how much it will cost to travel to and from university beforeyou decide whether it’sthe right option for you. One downside to staying at home can be that you’reaway from many aspects of student life, so it will require moreeffort to meet people.

The UCAS website has other tips for choosing the right accommodation for you.

Sandwell College

SANDWELL College is celebrating 10 years of excellent resultsand lifechanging memories at its Central Campus in West Bromwich.

Thousands of young learners have gone on to positive destinations, with more than 95% of students progressing to paid employment, apprenticeships or higher level studies this year

Real-life learning

Options after your GCSEs will be guided by whereyour interests or talents lie. Employment opportunities, further training and education or auniversity degree arepotential destinations for all our subjects from health and social care, fashion design and beauty therapy to automotive engineering, computing and construction. Students can opt to take afasterroute to work with ahands-on course and industry-specific qualifications, applying their learning to real-life situations, or ensurethey areworkplace-ready with an apprenticeship.

Applying to Sandwell College will give you access to first class facilities including anewly launched gym, state-of-the-art esports studio, freshly revamped aircraft and Bliss hair and beauty salons. What we bring to young people is enriched by our experience outside education and our industry expertise from other sectors.

Individualsupport

The level of support Sandwell College offers to its students was recognised in the 2021 TesFEAwards. Our student support team made it to the final shortlist

for the wide variety of skills and knowledge they bring to the college, along with external organisations such as BEAM and Crunch, to provide apackage of support that develops each learner as awhole person and helps their mental, social and emotional wellbeing, whatever issues they face. Recently the hair and beauty team was presented with the Innovative Team Awardbythe Association of Hairdressers and Therapists for all the work they did to support their students during lockdowns.

Director of Student Services Angela Tombs explains that the college’saim is that “no student is ever left behind”. She added: “The range, the level and the amount of support that we offer is truly unique. Iamproud to work here,amproud

of my team and most of all proud of the work that we all do together as acollege to support every young person so that they areable to achieve.”

Mentors, student support officers, attendance officers, specialist tutors, ambassadors, work experience staffand programmeachievement managers play a key part in ensuring maximum support for students. Arange of strategies areput in place to help students who for example, may be anxious about attending classes, from meeting and taking them to classes, coaching and buddying.

Diversity

College canmake ahuge difference to your career and your life, from making afresh start after school to making new friends who’ll last forever.We’resoproud to be apart of such awonderfully diverse and vibrant college with asafe, friendly and inclusive environment, wherestudents are free to be themselves and whoever they aspiretobe.

To secureaplace at Sandwell College: n Take alook at our website sandwell. ac.uk and choose from 100+ courses

n Apply online 24/7 and select an interview slot that’sconvenient for you

n Come to an open day,ask all your questions and tour the campus

n If you need any help with your application call our friendly Admissions team on 0800 622 006. We’reexcited for you to join us and shareinour next decade of success.

COLLEGE’S STATE-OF-THE ARTFACILITIESAND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT HELPSSTUDENTSTO ACHIEVE EXCELLENT RESULTSAND MAKE LIFE-CHANGINGMEMORIES

BREAKING THEICE AND MAKING NEWFRIENDS

IT’S only natural to be worried about making new friends when you start university

Moving away from home and from the pals you’ve probably known for probably most of your life can be daunting, but the most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, and that means everyone is looking for anew friendship group.

If you areinuniversity accommodation, leave your door open while moving in. This will make it easier for people to approach you and will also mean you can see when everybody else arrives and be able to introduce yourself.

These arethe fellow students you will see every day,and while it’snot guaranteed they will automatically become firm friends, being friendly and approachable will make abig difference.

Making everyone in your flat acuppa or having some biscuits or chocolates to offer around can be agreat way to break the ice. Whatever you do don’tjust sit in your room by yourself, make sureyou aregiving yourself plenty of opportunities to make friends by attending activities

around the campus. Whether it’sthe kitchen or lounge, spend time in the common roomsinyouraccommodation. Having acommunalmeal is agreat way to get everyone out of their bedrooms and having fun together

Therewillbeplenty of chances to meet other people through any clubs or societies you join. Joining clubs and societies at the start of university means you will have lots of chances to meet other like-minded people.

Make suretoattend the Freshers’ Fair

whereall of the groups will be on hand to give you information about their activities. Youcan either continue with interests you already have, try something new or maybe even both.

When you go to your first lecturemake suretosay hello and introduce yourself to the people sat around you.

Come up with some general questions to get people talking, such as what course areyou doing or wheredoyou come from? It may be difficult to take the plunge and start aconversation, but the person next to you will no doubt be feeling just as nervous. Rather than sitting in silence, be brave and be the one to make the first move. If it doesn’tworkout, then sit somewheredifferent next time and try again.

But don’tbetoo hardonyourself if you haven’tmet your next best friend by the end of the first week, thereisnoset rule that says you have to make friends straight away.While alot of people say that university friends arefriends for life, this doesn’tmean they all met them during those first days. Give yourself time and friendships will slowly and naturally form.

GETCOOKING ANDEAT WELL

LIVING away from home means that your parents will no longer be providing you with tasty meals every night so you will need to cook for yourself.

Students have long had areputation for living on just Pot Noodles and beans on toast, but it doesn’thave to be that way.

No, we don’tmean ordering in takeaways or eating out at restaurants, we mean learning to cook healthy meals which will work out cheaper and better for you in the long run. This is something you can do while you’restill living at home so you’reready to fend for yourself.

When you get to university,make sure to stock up on basics such as pasta, rice, chopped tomatoes, tuna, flour and sugar.Knowing you have these in the cupboardwill make rustling something up each evening much easier and make a takeaway less tempting.

Don’tbeafraid to go for value brands as these can be just as good and all they might need is extra seasoning. It’sworth working out which sorts of spices and herbs you actually like as well, as you can add these to bring moreflavour to your dish.

To start with, get the hang of afew basic meals and leave the complicated stuffuntil you’ve gained moreconfidence. Thereare many websites and cookery books out therespecifically aimed at

students learning to cook for the first time.

Even top chefs like Jamie Oliver have tailor-made recipes for school-leavers.

Ask your parents for the recipes to some of your favourite family meals –you can even have agoat making these beforeyou leave home. They will also be happy to teach you some basic skills, from how to boil an egg and cook rice, to how to make an omelette.

Learnhow to make abasic tomato sauce which you can then turninto a number of different dishes such as chilli con carne and chicken stew.You can simply add whatever meat and vegetables you fancy to the sauce and serve it up with pasta, rice, potatoes or couscous depending on what you’reinthe mood for

One-pot meals arealsogood because they tend to be cheaper,can be frozen and don’tinvolve alot of washing up. You can cook together meat and your favourite vegetables, or just the veggies and make a great-tasting dish.

Cooking with friends and flatmates is areally good way to improve your skills in the kitchen. Youcan shareyour own family recipes or adapt them depending on each other’sdifferent tastes.

When planning meals, make sureyou check sell-by dates and don’tbuy more than you can use when it comes to foods with alimited shelf life. And remember,the more you cook, the better you’ll be at it.

TASTYMEALS FROM THENATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS

Sausage &Sweet Potato

Frittata (serves 4)

Ingredients:

454g pack of sausages

1sweet potato thinlysliced

1mediumred onion,sliced

50gbabyspinach leaves

8large eggs

Method: Frysausagesuntil cooked andcut into slices.Stir frysweet potato andred onion for 10-12 minutesand then stir in thespinach for afew seconds. Return sausages to panand preheatthe grill. Beat eggs,seasonand pour into pan. Cookfor five minutes, then place panunder grilluntil thetop is lightlybrowned.

Honey Roasted Vegetable Risotto (serves 4)

Ingredients:

420g carrots

500g parsnips

1tblsp honey

1onion,chopped 300g risottorice

1vegetable stockcube

2tblsp chopped rosemary

40gParmesancheese

Method: Preheatovento220ºC. Cutcarrots andparsnipsand toss with 1tblsp of oliveoil and honey. Roastfor 20-30minutes. Meanwhile, frythe onioninalarge deep frying panuntil soft.Add rice andstir well to coatinthe onion mixture. Make up one litreofstock andgradually ladleintothe rice

Allowthe rice to absorb each ladle, stirring continuouslyoveramedium heat.Whenall thestock hasbeen added, fold thecookedvegetables into therisotto with rosemary and Parmesan cheese

TIPS TO KEEP YOURSELF –AND YOUR STUFF–SAFE

YOU’RE away from home for the first time with the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.

But it also means that now you alone areresponsible for your own safety and welfare. It’salso on you to ensurethat all of your belongings aresecureand not at any risk.

Thereissomuch going on at university and it can be easy to forget about staying safe –especially during those first hectic weeks whereyou’refocused on settling into anew chapter of your life. But simple precautions don’tcost much time or money and can help prevent your newfound freedom from being ruined.

n Firstly,whenever you leave your room, even if it’sjust for afew minutes, always lock your room door.You don’t want your belongings tempting an opportunist thief and it’sbetter to be safe than sorry so insurance is agood investment. Youcan make one payment a year to ensureeverything in your room is covered.

n When out and about, keep valuables, such as phones, purses and wallets, in an inside coat or bag pocket wherethey can be secured. Take advantage of on-campus lockers when using leisureand sports facilities.

n Be careful at cash machines, check for signs of interference beforeusing it and never accept astranger’shelp.

n If youever feel threatened while out and about, set offa personal alarm –these arenormally readily available at universities for either no or little cost. Then scream and shout beforegetting away as quickly as possible. Once you’reinasafe place, always call the police immediately

n When out jogging, try to go in pairs and in the daylight hours. It’sadvisable to pick aroute that is familiar to you, and stick to main roadswith well-lit pavements.

n On anight out, keep an eye on how much you aredrinking. The moreyou drink, the less awareyou aregoing to be about what’sgoing on around you. It will also become harder to react properly to situations that become risky or dangerous. Eating beforeyou go out and drinking plenty of water will also help you not to get too drunk.

Thereisabsolutely no need to feel embarrassed about ordering asoft drink or water when you’reinapub. Keep your wits about you and don’tfall victim to peer pressure.

Make suretowatch your drink at all times, never leave it unattended when you go to the toilet or to dance. If you suspect you’ve had your drink spiked, tell abouncer or the bar staffsoyou can get help.

n Always plan how you’regoing to get to and from the bar or club. Do not get in the first cab you see –use the taxi services that arerecommended to you by the university or Students’ Union because you know they will be licensed and safe.

When the taxi arrives, check it is the one you called. Many universities will offer free shuttle buses back from popular venues after hours.

n Don’tlet anyone walk home by themselves if you can help it, always stick together –the saying ‘there’ssafety in numbers’ isn’ta myth. Going out in a group reduces the risk of any personal attack.

If an incident does happen, report it to the police straight away and also let your university security team and welfare officers know,asthey aretheretohelp.

n Above everything, trust your instincts because they will usually be accurate. If something doesn’tfeel right, then walk away

WHAT IF UNIVERSITY ISN’TRIGHT FORYOU?

IF you’ve decided that university isn’t the right choice for you but you’restill keen to continue in education then thereare other options available.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) can boost your career prospects and earning potential. They arealso agreat way to preparefor acareer in aspecific industry and lead directly to the workplace.

Many students use the qualification as asteppingstone to an honours degree while they decide what to do next. These courses tend to focus on ‘learning by doing’ and aredesigned to meet the needs of employers. Both qualifications areprovided by further and higher education colleges. HNCs take about one year to complete full-time and two years part-time. It is equivalent to the first year of adegree.

HNDs take two years full-time and can also be taken part-time, which takes longer.This is the equivalent to two years of adegree. Both HNCs and HNDs can be very practical qualifications, so they do not just involve theory.Thereisalso afinancial advantage because the tuition fees are generally lower than degree courses. They also enable you to keep your options open as they allow you to start your degree at college, and then if you decide you like it, carry on to university

HNCs and HNDs tend to be assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course. Both can be ‘topped up’ with extra studies at alater date in order to convert them to afull Bachelor’sdegree. Some of the most popular HND courses available include accounting, business and finance, business management, civil engineering, construction, electrical engineering, graphic design, management, nursing, mechanical engineering and photography

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency,17per cent of recent HND graduates studied business studies, while nine per cent studied computer science and eight per cent electrical and electronic engineering.

Hospitality,leisure, sport, tourism and transport and general engineering were also popular choices.

Students often have many opportunities to impress potential future employers. If you’recarrying out work experience alongside your studies, not only will you develop and hone the skills employers arelooking for,but you’ll build contacts that could be useful in

your job hunt. HND graduates have the advantage of gaining practical, specialised experience.

Thereare also foundation degrees which areaqualification in their own right, but can be ‘topped up’ to afull degree. They aregreat for students who areunsureifadegree is for them. They can be agoodstepping stone for people unsureofuniversityand those who want to study part-time while working. They areequivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. Most arecreated with the help of employers to ensurethey are teaching the relevantskillsfor the local area and arenormally designed with and validated by aspecific university

While the course will still involve academic study,there will also be practical work-related learning. Students can then complete the final year of the degree at the partner university

SwanseaUniversity

WHEN it comes to choosing a university,weknowthere’salot to think about. But at Swansea University we’ve had morethan acentury of experience when it comes to helping students make the most of their studies.

As aSwansea student, we want you to feel supported, both personally and academically,and our award-winning teaching, facilities, and support services areall ready to help you settle quickly into university life.

Easytorelax

If you choose Swansea, you’ll be living in acity renowned for its warm welcome and its outstanding scenery.Justa three-hour train journey from Birmingham, Swansea University spans two stunning campuses at each end of Swansea’s waterfront. The location of both campuses makes it easy to relax at the beach or explorebeautiful Gower while being just minutes away from the lively city centre.

But don’ttake our wordfor it. Our research-led teaching and dedicated support services create awelcoming and inspiring environment for students –so much so that Swansea was awarded Second Place for Diversity and Inclusion in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards in 2021.

Here’swhat some of our students said:

“It was and still is an amazing choice to come and study at this wonderful university,which offers you great quality studies with staffwho arevery supportive and well mannered. It is in an interesting and beautiful city and Idon’tknow if Iwill ever be able to leave this delightful place.” Vaida, BSc Psychology (Whatuni 2021)

“I absolutely love this uni and am so happy that Ichose to study here. My course is very fitting to me and the

lecturers make the content fun and enjoyable as well as providing lots of help if you areever stuck. Everyone is very friendly and always around to help you out.” Shannon, BSc Geography (Whatuni 2021)

Incrediblysupportive

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Swansea university.Teaching, both online and in person, has been great and I’ve always felt well supported by both the uni and the lecturers.” Rebecca, BA Modern Languages (Whatuni 2021)

“My course has always been incredibly supportive with lecturers going the extra mile. The SU is incredibly vocal about student voices and puts on lots of activities.” Ffion, BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (Whatuni 2021)

Comments like this arewhy we were ranked 27th for Teaching Quality* by the prestigious Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 and ranked 6th in the UK for Course Satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2022.

Prepare forthe future

We achieved agoldrating in the national Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) and were12thinthe UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey for 2021**

After emerging from the pandemic and the challenges it posed, you have already proved your resilience and adaptability. Now we want to invite you to preparefor the futurewith us.

As part of the class of 2022, we look forwardtowelcoming you to our friendly and supportive university community

Why not make Swansea University part of your success story? Find out more at www.swansea.ac.uk/study

*Based on alistof132 institutions that appear in the Times Good University Guide 2022.

**Based on alistof131 institutions that appear in the Times Good University Guide 2021.

UNIVERSITYOFFERS AWARD-WINNING TEACHING,FACILITIES, ANDSUPPORT SERVICES TO HELP STUDENTS FEEL SUPPORTED, BOTH PERSONALLY ANDACADEMICALLY

THEBENEFITSOF SIGNINGUPFOR AN APPRENTICESHIP

Some of thereasons to choosean apprenticeship:

n Earn whileyou learnand getpaid acompetitive salary

n Your training is free

n Youcan choose from hundreds of different apprentice jobs in thousandsoforganisations.

n Gethigh-qualitytrainingpaid for by your employer andthe Government

n It’s agreat waytoget back into theworkplace afteracareerbreak, or to re-train in anew area

n Youcan boost your future earnings potential.

n It enablesyou to develop the skills youneed forarange of excitingjobsorcareers.

Howmuchcan youearn?

n Your salary will dependupon theindustry, location andtypeof apprenticeship youchoose.

n If you’re aged 16 to 18 or in the firstyearofyourapprenticeship, you’re entitled to theapprentice hourly rate,which from April2022 is £4.81

n If you’re 19 or over andhave completedthe firstyearofyour apprenticeship,you’reentitled to theNational Minimum Wage, which, from April2022, is £6.83 for18-20-year-olds, £9.18for those aged 21 and22and £9.50for people aged 23 andover.

n This is theminimumyou will earn,but many employerspay alot more.

What will my apprenticeship cost me?

n When youbecome an apprentice, you’ll need to coverthe cost of your day-to-day expenses.

n If you’re acareleaveraged16to 24,you’llreceivea£1,000bursary paymenttosupportyou in the first year of your apprenticeship.

APPRENTICES EARN ANDLEARN

IT’S areal job, with hands-on experience, asalary and the chance to train while you work. You’retreated just like all the other employees, with acontract of employment and holiday leave.

If you’re16orover, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50 per cent of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and you arenot in full-time education.

Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it’sat, and your previous experience.

From engineering to nursing and from law to design –thousands of apprenticeships areavailable every year in avast range of industries and careers. Apprenticeships areoften apopular option for people who don’twant to have the worry of student debt hanging over them in the future–and want to geta head start on their futurecareer

Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. To be accepted you should have five GCSEs or more. Higher apprenticeships range between Level 4, which is the equivalent of one year of higher education study, to Level 6, which is the equivalent of a Bachelor’sdegree. They cover around 75 industries and morethan100 different job roles, ranging from legal services to banking and engineering.

Higher and degree apprentices typically split their time between college or university and the workplace.

An apprenticeship can lead to a long-term job after the initial contract is completed. Youcan also pick up life-long skills that will be useful and adaptable to any industry

As well as having many benefits for apprentices, the scheme is also popular with employers. Many see it as an investment because they can guide and train their recruits to have the specific skills required forthe industry and ensurethey arereliable members of the workforce.

Employers want an apprentice who is polite, punctual and reliable.They also want aquick learner who can follow instructions and advice and someone who can think on their feet.

n For moreinformation visit apprenticeships.gov.uk and follow Apprenticeships Twitter and Apprenticeships LinkedIn for updates.

CASE STUDY: BUILDING CAREER WITH COUNCIL

AN apprenticeship is areal job combined with studying, allowing you to gain nationally-recognised qualifications and competencies whilst earning awage.

Apprentices earnand learnatthe same time and gain valuable handson experience along with new skills and knowledge in the workplace. You will usually be at work for four days a week, and at college one day aweek to complete the necessary theory and skills development for your qualification although some apprenticeships are delivered entirely in the workplace and others may be block release to college.

Apprenticeships not only lead to afulfilling career,but also funded pathways to higher education and career progression is the natural routefor an apprentice.

When Annie Guy left school she didn’t want to go to university and get in to debt for studying. She wanted to continue learning while earning awage, so an apprenticeship was the obvious choice for her

She began her career as an Early Years Apprentice working in anursery, but after afew years she decided that she wanted achange of career and knew that the apprenticeship routewas the path she would take again.

Annie secured aBusiness Admin Apprenticeship in the Children’sServices Business Support department at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) and she hasn’tlooked back!

She achieved her Level 2inBusiness Administration Apprenticeship, followed by Level 3with Dudley College of Technology, which resulted in Annie being promoted to Business Admin Assistant and employed as apermanent member of staffatthe council.

She hasn’tstopped thereeither! She’snow progressing her career with the council, undertaking aTeam Leader Apprenticeship supported by Dudley College, which will give Annie the platform to advance her career to management level.

Annie said: “Undertaking an apprenticeship has given me the pivotal skills that Ineed to get me started in my

career and Iget to earnwhile Ilearn, getting qualified and being paid to do it!

“Working in the busy offices of Children’sServices within Dudley MBC has enabled me to learnmany new skills, create relationships with professionals, and understand the challenges that workers face every day through first-hand experience.

“The support Ihave been given has been incredible. From my managers, colleagues and my tutor at Dudley College.

“I’m happy that Ichose an Apprenticeship and Iam proudofmyachievements so far –Iachieved aDistinction at Level 3 Business Administration –and it has given me opportunities Icould never imagine myself doing.”

Annie’sManager at DMBC, Caroline Phillips, said: “An apprenticeship is an

excellent way of building the essential skills needed to advance your career.Technical knowledge and practical experience required forimmediate and future careers can be gained whilst in employment. They not only benefit the individual, but the council as well, providing it with aworkforce that has the skills to deliver ahighquality service.

“Annie started with us as an apprentice in 2018 and has since completed two apprenticeships and has started her third. Through her dedication and commitment, she has secured apermanent position with Dudley Council.”

Dudley College of Technology excel in delivering apprenticeships across avariety of industries and job roles so whatever career sector you’relooking at, start it with an apprenticeship and Dudley College.

Annie Guy

HELP TO GETONLADDER

THE Ladder for the Black Country is the leading multi-organisation champion for apprenticeships in the Black Country

Since its launch in 2014 and working with employers, training providers and individuals, it promotes the apprenticeship brand while improving skills and employment opportunities across the region.

Launched in 2014, the Ladder for the Black Country has helped thousands of people into work, got hundreds of employers engaged with apprenticeships and provided expert support for training providers, as well as schools and colleges.

The Ladder is able to offer advice to young people who arelooking to take their first step onto the Ladder with an apprenticeship. Working with employers and anetwork of approved training providers, which include independent training providers, colleges and universities, it is able to offer impartial advice and support to help you make an informed decision about what to do next.

Throughout the Black Country thereare currently thousands of apprenticeship vacancies giving you the opportunity to work in many different types of companies such as engineering, healthcare, administration, accounting, IT, construction, plumbing, electrical, leather and many more…

n If you would like help and support securing you future career,emailapprenticeships@ ladderfortheblackcountry.co.uk ,call 03332 409 699 or go to the website at www.ladderfortheblackcountry.co.uk

Award-winning apprentice

Walsall-bornHannah Scoffham, who works for Ideal &WRS Company, recently won YoungLeather Craftsperson of the Year

She completed aLevel 2Leather Craftmanship apprenticeship and loved the mix of work experience, developing new skills and meeting new people.

She said: “I loved being able to go to the training provider each week and talk to people my own age.”

When she left school, she started to go into the factory whereher grandfather Alf, amaster saddler,worked on his own making the military saddles for the Household Cavalry.

She became fascinated by the work and the tools and Alf encouraged her interest. Ideal asked her if she would like to work in the workshop and she jumped at the chance. She now makes the military saddles alongside her grandfather

Her employers wanted her to have some formal recognition of her learning and so Hannah became the first Walsall apprentice enrolled on the Leather Craftsperson apprenticeship standard. She juggles work with caring for her younger brother and has recently passed her driving test.

The Ideal &WRS Company is one of the largest manufacturers of all leather saddles on wooden saddle trees in the world, offering an extensive range of dressage, show jumping, eventing and

showing styles. It has been based in Walsall for 30 years.

The Leather Skills CentreatThe Bridge is open to year 10 and 11 pupils from schools to try leatherwork and learnabout apprenticeships and career opportunities available in the sector. The training workshop offers awide range of saddlery and leather-goods courses including the Level 2Leather Craftsperson and the Level 3Bespoke Saddler apprenticeships.

The centreaimstobuild on the leather heritage of the town by offering training to help create jobs and supporting the high-quality leather businesses upon which Walsall’s reputation has been based for centuries.

n If you areinterested in learning moreabout apprenticeship career opportunities in the leather industry,contact apprenticeships@ ladderfortheblackcountry.co.uk or call 03332 409 699

SPVSpecial Projects Ltd

AFAMILYBUSINESSSPECIALISINGINROOFING

OPPORTUNITIESFOR YOUNGPEOPLE LOOKINGFOR ACAREER IN CONSTRUCTION

SPV Special Projects Ltd is afamily business based in Walsall that specialises in refurbishing roofing andcladding in the industrial and commercial sectors and is in three-year frameworks with organisations such as the Co-op, Jones Lang Lasalle, the NHS and Iceland Foods.

It employs over 100 staff–10ofthem apprentices.

As roofing contractors, SPV arewell awareofthe current skills shortage and the difficulties in attracting new entrants to our industry

This was the main reason behind creating the Training Hub to look to assist with this and encourage moreyoung people to consider acareer in construction –roofing especially

With this in mind, SPV have partnered with Juniper Training to offer afreebespoke offer that will equip

young people aged 16-18 with everything they need to be construction site ready to progress into employment or onto an apprenticeship.

The Building Futures course is delivered half from our purpose-built workshop in Walsallwhich has been created to offer asafe and controlled environment and half from the Juniper Training centreinWalsall. Upon completion students will have gained aCSCS Card,

Level 1Introduction to Construction, Manual Handling, Firesafety,Asbestos Awareness and Manual Handling Training as well as hands-on industry specific practical training in all areas of the roofing industry.Whereneeded,students can also do GCSE retakes and/or English and maths Functional Skills qualifications.

Learners will complete the 24-week course competent in all aspects of roofing including carpentry,slatingand tiling, cladding and waterproofing, ready and able to work in the construction industry

Throughout the course potential employers areconnected with the learners in the expectation that they then progress into employment in the industry

Our main objective is for students to secureapprenticeships upon completion of the course and we work closely with local roofing companies to introduce them to our new trainees and ask for them to give the students opportunities to enter the industry

Apprentices bring fresh ideas and thoughts, embrace technology and are an integral part of our business both now and in the future.

Progression rates from our Building futures 24 week construction pathway course arefantastic

Level 1:

60% progression from Building Futures into Roofing apprenticeships

90% Progression into the wider construction industry-Carpentry. Electricals, Labour,Further Education for construction Qualifications.

Level 2

36 Apprentices on boardover 3disciplines

We also have the first roofers who will be qualifying in the new Trailblazer standards in the coming months

Furthermore, our standout students include Mo Farhan who won the 2020 NFRC Roofer of the Year and Apprentice of the Year at the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards and also Brandon McGrail who recently won the highly regards BMI Apprentice of the year competition

MidlandMetro Alliance

THETRACKSHAVEBEENLAID

TRANSPORTfor West Midlands (TfWM) continues to deliver an ambitious plan to improve public transport across the region.

The expansion of the Metronetwork is amajor part of the massive infrastructure plan. The Midland MetroAlliance (MMA), which is delivering tramway extensions on behalf of TfWM, brought together a collection of construction and design specialists to carry out the work to “tramsform” the region in 2016.

Ground-Breaking Apprenticeships

Akey aim of the expansion project is to boost regeneration through employment and supply chain benefits, helping to recharge the region’seconomy –astrategy that is ever moreimportant with the impact of Covid-19.

It’sanapproachthat MMA acts on with some authority with almost adozen apprentices starting their construction

careers within the last six months alone.

Led by the Midland MetroAlliance, employers from the UK’sLight Rail industry designed alevel two apprenticeship specifically for the sector, aimed at those individuals who want to develop acareer in the tramway construction environment.

Stuart Fowkes, from Cradley Heath, atrack operativefor theMMA, was one of the first apprentices to complete the

new and award-winning apprenticeship scheme in light rail. He said: “It was afantastic opportunity to be working towards aqualification and learning the different aspects involved in building a tramway.Ithelped me to take my career in this industry even further.”

ConnectingFutures

Supporting this activity,the MMA launched an online platform, called Connecting Futures, to inspirethe next generation of youngsters in the West Midlands to consider careers in construction and railway engineering.

The platform has short videos from employees at the alliance that capture personal insights into their job roles and career journeys. The testimonials cover apprenticeships, graduate schemes and how to progress in the sector

n To access Connecting Futures, visit: www.metroalliance.co.uk/connectingfutures.

What is it likeworking in construction?

Futures

Have you considered a career in the construction industry?

Our new Connecting Futures platform features videos of staff fromacross the alliance sharing their experiences of the industry.

metroalliance.co.uk/ connecting-futures

Keep checking back as new

a

Nova Training

STUDENTS finishing school may think that staying on at sixth form or joining college aretheir only choices, or that results mean the routefirst planned may not be an option. Think again!

At Nova thereare awide variety of options for young people aged 16 to 18 regardless of exam results. Join our new 16 to 18 Pre-Apprenticeship programme and you will have an individual learning plan, matched to your futureaspirations which allows you to learn, earn, gain qualifications and progress to employment in your chosen career.Bursaries are available.

Nova is an Ofsted outstanding provider making us officially one of the highest performing training providers in the country! Our success has allowed us to operate anumber of youth and adult training programmes from centres in Bilston, Birmingham, Brownhills, Cannock, Dudley,Hereford, Kidderminster,Oldbury, Redditch, Stourbridge Telford, Walsall,

Wellington, West Bromwich, Willenhall and Wolverhampton.

With Nova’suniquenew PreApprenticeship Academy,young people will be supported to identify a career,perfect their skills, gain essential qualifications and explorethe world of work, right the way through to afull Apprenticeship. Pre-Apprenticeship learners benefit from agreat range of vocational subjects including motor vehicle, business administration, customer service, retail, warehousing

and much more. Apprenticeships areavailable in Warehousing, Retail, Business Admin, Customer Service, Team Leading, Management and of course our well-known range of Automotive Apprenticeships that include: Service and Maintenance Technician (light and heavy), Auto-CareTechnician and Accident Repair Technician. All courses include Functional Skills and high-quality work placements.

Nova works with hundreds of employers including Howdens, Mr Tyre, Farmfoods, LWCdrinks, Eurofit, NHS and Local Councils. We have hundreds of vacancies for you to take advantage of to progress your career,gain qualifications and skills whilst earning awage.

To join our Pre-Apprenticeship Academy or Apprenticeship programme, take alook at our website, apply online, email info@novatraining.co.uk, call 01902 716100 or WhatsApp 07467 606453. We look forwardtohelping you to abrighter future.

HELPINGYOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN, EARN,GAINQUALIFICATIONSAND PROGRESS TO EMPLOYMENT IN THEIRCHOSENCAREER,REGARDLESSOFEXAMRESULTS

PTPTraining

Performance Through People is an award-winning training provider which has been established for over 40 years. Staffhaveawealthofexperience in providingapprenticeship training and as part of the BCTG Group, PTP is able to offer agreater variety of apprenticeships.

We work with awide range of employers in anumberofdifferent industries, from large multi-national companies to small family-run businesses and our apprenticeship team areonhand to support you through the application and interviewing process.

Trainee Honey reveals how PTP Training has helped her

“At 16 Iwasn’tinterested in enrolling at college and didn’tfeel comfortable being in such alarge and busy environment, but thought it was my only option if Iwanted to achieve my maths and English.

“I found avacancy for adental nurse apprenticeship through PTP Training. I’d never thought of becoming adental

nurse before. PTP told me about their Traineeship programme, and Isaw this as agreat way for me to find out if this was the best career path for me.

“I had an interview with alovely member of staff, and Istarted my traineeship within afew weeks. Iwas enrolled on ashort customer service and employability course to build up my confidence, communication and interview skills. Iwas supportedtocreate aCVand got the support Ineeded to undertakemy maths and English at level 2.

“Following an interview Istarted ashort

trial at adental practice, which Ireally enjoyed, but soon realised this was not the career path for me. Having spent time on reception at the dental practice Ifound I enjoyed admin work immensely

“I informed PTP,and they supported me to get another traineeship in admin. Everyone at PTP was so helpful. Following this Isecured ajob and have now been employed for five months.

“I enjoy my work so much and have alot of responsibility at the young age of 17. Iamnow on alevel 2customer service practitioner apprenticeship and have agreat manager and atutor who are incredibly helpful and support me.

“Through doing my traineeship, I gained alot of experience, and Iamso thankful for that. If you’releaving school or college this year,comeand talk to PTP They helped kickstart my career and they will help you to kickstart yours!”

n For help and advice contact the Search and Select team on 03332 408302 or email info@ptp-training.co.uk

JuniperTraining

THESKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE THEY NEED TO PROGRESS IN THEIRCHOSENCAREER

JUNIPER Training provides students with apprenticeships, GCSE retakes, traineeships and further education.

Juniper Training is an Ofsted registered ‘Good’ independent training provider which offers free courses focused on supporting students/apprentices to achieve the skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience they need to progress in their chosen career

It offers pre-apprenticeship pathways such as 16-18 vocational pathways, study programmes, traineeships and apprenticeships. All enable students to have access to real life, quality work experience placements working with an employer,atthe same time as accessing tutor-led provisions.

Aspokesman said: “Our focus is for students to develop the required skillset, achieve relevant qualifications –including English and Maths GCSE

re-sits wherenecessary –and importantly the experience employers arelooking for in their workforce. These pathways support students to progress onto an apprenticeship, into employment or further education.”

Youcan progress onto acareer in customer service, business administration, hairdressing and more. The award-winning

construction provision offers roofing and bricklaying at the company’s Walsall centrethroughout the year Roofing apprentice and BMI apprentice of the year awardwinner Brandon McGrail stated: “I chose an apprenticeship to gain qualifications while working and earning at the same time.”

The spokesman added: “Supporting over 2,000 students per year,we’reconfident we can help you too. Offering asuitable pathway for all, one of which is to embark on taking up one of our amazing apprenticeship opportunities.

“Weare privileged to work alongside leading employers such as GreenSquareAccord, Endless Possibilities, Swish Building Products and UK Doors Ltd.”

Visit the website www.junipertraining. co.uk or TEXT ‘ENROL’to07761525609 to enroll or to find out more.

TheBlack CountryLEP

THE Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) helps to lead both economic growth and job creation in the region by removing barriers for business.

The LEP’sevents and rescources include:

n Inspiring the Black Country –career and skills event, June 29, Wolverhampton Racecourse

Inspiring the Black Country is an interactive careers event aimed at inspiring and informing young people. The event will showcase businesses who arebased and producing things locally.The event will:

–Inspireyoung people to make informed decisions about their futureand how subjects relate to the workplace and ‘real’ roles within business

–Provide an insight into the world of work, engagement with local employers through hands-on interactive activities

The event is aimed at years 9, 10 and

12 to inspireand supportthose who may be unemployed or seeking something different.

n LearnLive –SupportingYoung People’sChoices for the Future(www learnliveuk.com)

Our LearnLive channel provides interactive virtual learning with local businesses that can be accessed at any time. The Black Country LEP recognises the importance of employer engagement with students, parents, career leaders

and teachers. The events hosted on our channel support school leavers, parents and teachers in having agood understanding of current and futurejob role covering awidesector spectrum. Recent broadcasts provide insight into the world of engineering, manufacturing, construction, creative and support for young people with additional needs.

n Black Country Careers Expo Black Country Careers Expo (blackcountrycareers-expo.co.uk)

The expo is an online careers fair providing students, parents and teachers with access to awide range of careers advice and information. Students can visit all of the online exhibitors and watch pre-recorded videos and ask questions.

n To learnmoreabout us and the work we do with The Careers and Enterprise Company visit www blackcountrylep.co.uk

Inspiring the Black Country

WHATiswork experience like at Aico? Student Charlotte reveals her experiences.

Hello everyone! My name is Charlotte and I’ve been at Aico for five full days to gain some work experience. Iam seventeen years old and study at The Marches Sixth Form, in Year 13.

Seeing the Aico building and having initial awareness of the company came with my daily travels to school each day,passing the building. Ifirst spoke to members of the Aico team personally at acareers fair hosted at The Marches School. My initial impressions were incredibly positive. Italked with Jane Pritchard(CommunityLiaison), which I didn’tfully realise was the first step into opening the doors of work experience and opportunity at the time.

When Icame for atourafew weeks prior to my work experience placement, Inoticed avery welcoming ambience and was blown away by the facilities and modernoffice working environment. The attention to detail, cooperation and collaboration is undoubtedly evident.

As for my time at Aico, having a hands-on workload has been incredibly beneficial on multiple levels. Ihave been fortunate to participate in atriple-header of internal events including tasks such as meeting clients, helping events run smoothly,hospitality and educating customers on what Aico do to create safer homes and benefit the community

Ithink that the reason why Aico stood out to me was because of the keenness that they shared with me to take opportunities as they come. Additionally, Isharesimilar views towards their apprenticeships programmes and have talked to new and past apprentices about their journeys, which has been one of the most influential parts of my experience at Aico. Iwas even able to discuss the external aspects of the company through meetings with Regional Specification Managers, which helped lots and is definitely something that I’ll be looking for when planning my futurecareer path.

Ihave had multiple one-to-one sessions with almost every colleague at Aico, having atrial run in each department, as well as discussing their job roles, ambitions and past experiences which has boosted my knowledge of what is available to me.

Thereissomuch freedom and

flexibility to find which area stands out to you. Just afew sectors I’ve experienced arethe warehouse, sustainability,sales, finance, product design, IT,technical and CSR. Ihave also had the privilege of working with Marketing which has helped me to see that this is the sector Ifeel most likely to succeed in and can envision myself pursuing acareer in.

For example, the Marketing team have given me research tasks regarding upcoming TV advert releases and social media posts.

Imentioned my passion for media and film, and this meant Iwas given complete access to the fully equipped filming studio, with tutorials and advice from Marketing Executive Matt Powell which has been incredibly useful and something that I can apply to both my current and future studies and work.

Featuring with Jane on Aico TV has undoubtably been one of the many highlights of my work experience, as Igot to experience being in front of the camera lens instead of behind it which was completely new and Ithoroughly enjoyed it!

One of the main things that I’ve taken away from this experience is the amount of variety that Iwouldn’thave had otherwise at other work experience placements.

Iwould highly recommend students get involved with Aico and their work experience programme if possible.

STUDENTS GIVENATASTE OF THEWORLD OF WORK WITH PLACEMENTS ACROSS MANY DEPARTMENTSATTHE MARKET-LEADER IN HOME-LIFE SAFETY

Become an Apprentice and be part of ourstory

BC Impact Walsall

BC Impact Walsall is adedicated employability programme, designed to help 16–29-year-olds in Walsall and the wider Black Country with their career aspirations.

Based across the borough, BC Impact Walsall offers auniqueway for young people to reach their full potential. Delivered across the four Black Country Local Authorities of Dudley,Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall, the programme aims to address the barriers faced by young people who arenot in employment, education or training by supporting them into positive outcomes that lead to abrighter future.

BC Impact Advisors offer one-to-one career support for participants, which is used to gain afull understanding of the participant aspirations and barriers to reaching their goals. Once identified, advisors work with the participant to offer atailored learning experience and flexible support based upon their needs, utilizing

the resources the programme provides.

The programme has access to a diverse range of training courses and work placements all fully funded by the programme itself, as well as being able to source and fund unique courses that fit a participant’sneeds.

BC Impact staffalsoworkwithlocal employers and businesses, being able to place participants in front of employers that matter.Those with ambitions of starting their own business or becoming self-employed can also access support

with BC Impact, with the programme offering expert guidance from industry professionals in the borough.

With this support, BC Impact Walsall alone has successfully helped over 150 participants achieve asuccessful outcome throughout 2021 and you could be next!

This project is receiving up to £43.6 million of funding made up of £21.8 million from theEuropean Social Fund and £21.8 million from the Youth Employment Initiative, plus match funding of up to £21.8 million from the National Lottery Community Fund and partners.

If you areleaving school this summer or arelooking for the next step in your career and need guidance to achieve your goals, get in touch with Black Country Impact Walsall on go.walsall.gov.uk/ alsallcom/Walsall-Impact, call us on 01922 654364, or visit our Impact Hub located at The Crossing at St Pauls, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1DA.

PEOPLE WHOARE NOTINEMPLOYMENT, EDUCATIONORTRAININGBY SUPPORTING THEM INTOPOSITIVEOUTCOMES LEADINGTOA BRIGHTERFUTURE

Busy Bees Educationand Training

BEGIN your career with an apprenticeship.

So you’refinishing school soon. What’snextonthe horizon? Anthony Bromirski, Chief Operating Officer at Busy Bees Education and Training, takes alook at how apprenticeships have the potential to launch your own exciting career

School leavers have so many options available to them that it can be hardtodetermine what the next step should be. Nearly two-thirds of young people surveyed by Which? said they didn’tknow enough about apprenticeships!

An apprenticeship is apaid job where you can earnwhile youlearn, gaining valuable hands-on experience through a combination of work and study.Not only areyou paid from day one, but you also avoid picking up any student debt.

will pick up on-the-job

training, developing skills that will allow them to progress in their chosen careers. This is combined with off-the-job training which may include theory and classroom learning.

Apprenticeships arebest suited for someone who is clear about what type of job they want to move into after leaving school but would prefer to pick up morepractical learning than by purely

Finishing schoolsoon?

academic means. Completing an apprenticeship can also open doors to other careers and increase your earning potential, and potentially move into afull-time job straight from your apprenticeship.

At Busy Bees Education and Training, we offer avariety of different apprenticeship pathways in care, early years, education, catering and hospitality,aswellasshort courses such as first aid. What’smore, we arelooking to fill 700 early years and catering apprenticeships across the country.School leavers who begin aBusy Bees apprenticeship receive asalary of £6.50 per hour –which is £1.69 per hour above the minimum wage for apprentices.

So, if you’reinterested in taking on an apprenticeship, visit our website to look at our available apprenticeship vacancies: www.busybeestraining.co.uk/ apprenticeships

IN

AS WELL AS SHORTCOURSES SUCH AS FIRSTAID

BlackCountry Impact

BLACK Country Impact has already helped over 5,000 people aged 16 to 29 years old progress into employment, education or gain aqualification, and thefigurecontinues to rise.

Since the launch of Black Country Impact in 2016, it has assisted just over 14,000 young adults. Providing employment advice, support and opportunities to help them get offtoa flying start towards employment.

Workingwithbusinesses to help thousandsoflocal people

Black Country Impact supports 16 to 29 year olds living in the Black Country who arenot in employment, education or training. It provides one-to-one help for people to take the next steps towards training or ajob

The service also has along track recordofforging close links with many local businesses and training providers. As result, it can boast that it has already helped thousands of local people towards their goal of employment or gaining lifelong skills and trades.

Overcomingbarriersand supporting

The service is uniquely placed to provide awide range of help to young adults, overcome barriers to employment by providing atailored programme. A

programme that is designed to help the individual build afutureinaway that suits their circumstances.

Black Country Impact provides a key worker,oramentor,tosupport the young adult through their journey towards employment and skills, providing advice and guidance. Support can also include help with travel, childcareand equipment making it simple to start ajob or training. The support provided by Black

Country Impact is bespoke to the individual and as such can help with overcoming awide range of barriers, including those faced by people with disabilities, ex-offenders and the homeless.

Personalisedtothe individual

The project’sstrength is its individualised approach and alternative delivery,which simply put gives young adults across the Black Country the most flexible, personalised learning and support possible.

Support that is helping young adults address arange of personal and skills needs, in readiness for them to take the employment opportunities they want.

At the heart of the approach from Black Country Impact is the ability to tailor apackage of support and opportunities, this could be through traineeships, apprenticeships, coaching, work placements, self-employment advice, including social enterprises, customised training or moredepending on what works best for the individual.

Aboostfor employmentand training

The project is receiving up to £43.6 million of funding, made up of £21.8 million from theEuropean Social Fund and £21.8 million from theYouth Employment Initiative. It also receives match funding of up to £21.8 million from the National Lottery Community Fund and other partners, ensuring people across the region get aboost towards jobs.

n To get2022 offtoaflying start contact your local Black Country Impact team and start taking those next steps towards employment, visit www.dudley gov.uk/residents/black-country-impact/ contact-us

ORGANISATION PROVIDES ONE-TO-ONE HELP FORPEOPLE ACROSS THEREGION TO TAKE THENEXTSTEPS TOWARDSEMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR GAIN AQUALIFICATION