What Work Derbyshire 2015/16 for Young People | Page 22

What Work Derbyshire 2015 / 2016 • Sandwich course A sandwich course, offered by many universities basically adds another year to your degree in which you experience working in industry or working or studying abroad. Students who work in industry (usually paid) gain invaluable work experience and those studying abroad can also use their experience to add to their CV. • Year in Industry This programme arranges paid placements for students during their gap year before starting their degree course. www.yini.org.uk Other options include studying abroad, work shadowing at a higher level or for a different position while already working and volunteering on a regular basis. Try www.do-it.org Gap year A gap year usually means taking a year before starting higher education to do something else. This could be travelling, working, doing voluntary work or learning new skills and you would need to fund this yourself. Many people take a gap year before starting at university. A gap year could help you to: • • • meet new people learn new skills • • improve your confidence learn a language experience different cultures Top tip You can apply to university or college before your gap year and defer for a year. Talk to a careers adviser or sixth form / college tutor about the best option for you. Don’t just think in terms of ‘What will I do with my gap year’, but also ‘What will I do when I come back’? Use your year wisely. Skills Festivals get work experience for your chosen careers • improve your grades Many employers, universities and colleges value candidates with gap year experience, especially if the experience is relevant to the job or course applied for. As well as gaining extra skills and experience your year out will give you the chance to think carefully about your future career. The secret to a successful gap year? Plan it well and make the most of the time you have! Employers and universities won’t be impressed if you’ve spent the year working in your local pub but want to become a geoscientist. Look out for local skills shows which aim to give 15-24 year olds the chance to get a taste of a wide variety of work skills and to chat to employers and training providers. Wheels to Work • Prince’s Trust There are a number of programmes run by the Prince’s Trust across Derbyshire. These include helping people to build confidence and skills for work. If you’re keen on a job but don’t know how you’re going to get there, could the Wheels to Work moped scheme help you? Find out if you qualify at www.wheelstowork.org. 20