I’ve had many different opinions about applying for uni. When I was in my final year of sixth form, I applied much like many other people in my year. After applying and receiving my offers I changed my mind and withdrew my application. I realised the courses I applied for just weren’t the ones I wanted to be doing and at the time uni just wasn’t for me. However, after working for a couple of years I completely changed my mind.
For the last few years I’ve toyed around with ideas of writing, creating little pieces here and there. I’ve run a blog where...
Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes but did you know that loads of famous people began their careers as apprentices?
Elvis Presley was an apprentice electrician, Sir Alex Ferguson was an apprentice tool worker and Ozzy Osbourne started out as an apprentice plumber. Admittedly they didn’t become famous in their chosen apprenticeship careers but the skills they learnt stood them in good stead.
These transferable skills are what employers rave about. They say that apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. They can communicate effectively, plan and think ahead and are helpful and trustworthy.
So don’t rule out the apprenticeship route, it could be the road to success. Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and Gary Rhodes all did apprenticeships in culinary skills. John Frieda in hairdressing and Ruth Badger from The Apprentice studied a business apprenticeship.
When I first received my unconditional offer I wasn’t as happy as you would imagine.
This year I am hoping to do English Literature BA as an undergraduate. I began my UCAS application in October last year and the offers started arriving within a week of submitting and my final offer arrived a month later. Disclaimer: don’t worry if your offers don’t arrive as quickly as mine, I was just lucky and you should remember that it can vary based on what course you apply for and the universities you choose to apply to. You should also note that the...
When starting university, you may be a little apprehensive as to whether or not you will make friends and fit in. It can be daunting leaving your comfort zone and starting somewhere new, regardless of who you are as a person. It can sometimes be difficult for LGBT students when starting somewhere new, as you have to go through the whole process of telling people who you are.
Thankfully, times are changing. It has become less of a taboo to be gay, and rightfully so people don’t treat you differently because of who you like. Yet starting somewhere new always brings in self doubt: what if I’m not accepted? ...
Work while you study – an apprenticeship is a way to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to get into many careers. They combine work, training, and study, letting you 'earn while you learn'.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, here are five things you should know:
1. Apprentices get paid
Apprentices are employed members of staff, and are paid a salary, a pension, and are entitled to other company benefits, just like everyone else.
2. You can get a full degree
All apprenticeships are fully certified by a university – this means you’ll receive a full degree at the end of your apprenticeship, and, in most cases, attend a graduation ceremony, much like a full-time university student.
3. You have to work and study – it can be tough
Unlike a full-time undergraduate university student, you’ll be in full-time employment, meaning you’ll be expected to work a full-time...
There are a lot of myths about apprenticeships. Here, we separate fact from fiction.
Fiction – Apprenticeships are not for everyone.
Fact – No matter your interests or how old you are, you can find an apprenticeship to suit you. There are apprenticeships available at all levels, in a huge range of sectors.
Apprenticeships start at Level 2, so you could study an apprenticeship instead of taking A levels. Equally, if you are already in full-time employment and want to change career, you...
Hello again! Welcome to my third EPQ Advice blog! So my last blogs took us through the basics – what an EPQ is, why you might consider it, how to choose a topic and title – but now we’re down to the tough stuff...research. Ever since Year 7 that word has sent shivers down my spine, but this blog will hopefully help reduce the fear. Here’s how I did it:
In my last advice blog, I mentioned that Google Scholar is a good research tool, but now I would like to reiterate: GOOGLE SCHOLAR IS A GOOD RESEARCH TOOL. Your EPQ essay is supposed to be written in an academic style, and that means academic research and references. Google Scholar will ONLY show you academic sources like journal articles or...
There is no shame in saying the Leadership Development Programme is a challenge. But you never get away from the fact that you are part of something a lot bigger, and I'm loving it. When you have difficult days, it's good to be part of a network of people who have experienced or are experiencing those difficult days as well, and often just hearing a story from those people about their day and the difference they're making is a really positive thing.
The social life does take a hit, especially during the first couple of months while you're getting used to the sheer volume of work you have to do. It has been difficult at points. But the best part about being a primary school teacher is that you get to build relationships...
Hello and welcome to my second EPQ advice blog! If you want to know what an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is and why you might consider doing one, please read my last blog here. In this installment I’m giving you the three main things you might want to consider to help you decide a topic and title for your project.
Before we start, I ought to tell you about my own project (which is now near completion). Drum roll please...my EPQ is on The Hunger Games!!! If you’re anything like the people I know,...
So you’ve sent off your university application, what now? Here’s four things that will help the long wait before uni seem a little a more bearable.
Visit Your University Options
Visiting your uni options may sounds stupid but it’s so so helpful, after all if you accept you’ll want to know where you’re going to be living and studying for the next few years of your life. Visiting your choice will help you get a better understanding of where things are on campus and other things like where the best places are for you to live. If you’re not able to visit all of your university options try to visit your first and second choices.
Sort Out Your Finance and Accommodation
It’s never too early to begin thinking about your finance and especially your...