Free career advice for young people

[Bernice101]

Hello,

I went to a careers fair at Wembley Stadium with my daughter a couple of weeks ago hosted by the company that produce this brilliant magazine offering a huge amount of free advice on careers, university applications and apprenticeships.

I heard of them through their parents paper they produce offering advice to parents regarding their children's future careers.

getsmaart.com/national101/ is the link.

I highly recommend.

Regards,

Bernice

I think I love you!

My DS is Year 10 so doing GCSEs.

He has no idea what he wants to do. He is very bright but hates it. School are "assuming" and "pushing" that he will do A Levels/Uni but he says "no way".

I think that is fair enough but I have told him he is not leaving school unless he has a job (I mean a proper one, not his paper-round) or is on a training course for a proper job.

There seems to be no support for this kind of choice!

As his parent, I get a bit stressed wondering what will happen to him. I know I can't make decisions for him but I just wish I could see into the future a bit!

I will research this - thank you so much for sharing.

Hi Ooopsadaisy, you're so welcome!

My daughter is in an absolute pickle regarding her future, she is 16- yr 11. For us, the finacing issue is a huge factor in making decisions unfortunately.

Her school recommended the fair we went to and it was so helpful. She's seriously considering a degree with the Open Uni and taking on a part time job or an apprenticeship alongside her studies.

There ARE alot of opportunities out there for students who dont want to go to uni, it's just a matter of seeking them out!

Good Luck to you both!

Bernice

there is also another website called 'not going to uni' lots of info on there as well about options other than uni.

tell your DC's to request an interview with the schools connexions adviser. they are impartial and will be able to tell your DC's about other options other than 6th form / uni. they will also be able to make the referrals and give them application forms, do their CV's etc etc.

Connexions is under threat from the govmt cuts and in some areas of the country they have already gone. If you find this then write to your director of edcuation stating that as the LA is required to currently contract these services then they are failing to educate. This should get you the service which your children are entitled to.

Connexions got right up my DS's nose.

All they wanted to talk to him about was choosing the best A-Levels for Uni.

Thanks for the suggestion though.