The Easter Job Hunt
Easter - a glorious two weeks off and the quiet before the storm of exams and coursework hand-ins. While the pressure is on to get this work finished and get your revision timetables drawn up, this time-off should also be a period of relaxation and reflection on what you might want to do after this period of exams and deadlines has ended.
Obviously it is such a massive decision to make and not a decision that should be rushed, the pressures of making a decision too early could end up being a mistake.
Let me get this straight, you should be concentrating on your exams and coursework. Your future options are a lot more open when you've got the grades to get where you want. But there are so many options open for young people now so you don't necessarily have to join the factory line to university.
So take the opportunity this Easter, take the opportunity to have a think about what it is you really want for the next few years and the career ahead of you. University is a great option for school and college leavers yes, but it is no longer the only option. Here's a breakdown on what else is out there for you to have a think about during your time off.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer the chance to gain valuable skills, higher earning potential and improved life chances. They have seen unprecedented growth in recent years and now school and college leavers can enter a range of careers in this field. Previously, apprenticeships were limited to areas like construction, health and social care or mechanics. Now, apprentices can enter careers in Accountancy, Marketing, Media and much more!
What does this mean for school and college leavers? Well, the obvious answer is that a University degree is not essential for some careers where it might have been in the past. And with that it also means no debt.
Sometimes referred to as School Leaver programmes, Apprenticeships can allow school and college leavers to learn as they work and get a head start on a career. Other benefits include getting first-hand experience in the field.
Jobs
It has become far too cliché to list off people who have still become successful and didn't go to university, the Alan Sugar-Richard Branson approach to telling students to consider other options. However, you can go straight into employment without continueing education to a higher level.
One positive development more broadly is that leaving to start work instead of progressing to higher education no longer bears that stigma that it might have done fifteen years ago. This is because the options are there for prestigious careers and prosperous futures.
While you are enjoying your Easter holidays, you should take your time to see what's out there and consider other options. You might not change your mind, but it is always beneficial to know what's out there.
So take a look at the current apprenticeships available for school leavers and college leavers and get some applications sent out.
