CAREERS ADVICE

Progression

Progression is the route you plan to take through education and into employment.

At Nescot we encourage our students to think ahead, so that they can choose the right courses to fit them and their future.

Our Careers Engagement Officer visits tutorial groups at the beginning of the spring term to speak to students about planning their next steps, so that they are as prepared as possible. Students who want to move to the next level of their subject are made a conditional offer, based on entry requirements and a reference. Interviews are arranged for students thinking about studying a different subject at the college, and information and advice is offered to those who are undecided.

Students are offered support with their UCAS applications through the Careers Team and via their Subject Tutors. We also hold an annual careers fair aimed at helping our students to plan ahead.

Information for parents & carers

As a parent or guardian, you are incredibly influential when it comes to the decisions your young person makes in all areas of their lives, and that is especially true when it comes to their education and careers. We know that the choices which are open to your young person today may be very different from when you were in their position, and you may feel as if you’re unsure about what advice to offer.

Our young people may have more choice about their careers but less security. They will contribute to an economy that has changed from industry-based to services-based in recent decades, and meet the challenges of the impact of technology.

You know your young person’s strengths and interests best, and you can encourage them to think and talk about their future. There’s no point nudging them towards your career of accounting if their weakest subject is maths, and little point trying to persuade them into the family dog-grooming business if their passion is science. Talking to your young person about how they could apply their interests to a future career is a great starting point.

If you have a family member or friend whose career is of interest to your young person, ask them to meet and discuss their experiences. Most people are more than happy to help. Work experience can prove invaluable in either confirming your young person’s career choice, or showing them that a different path is needed.

What employers look for

Qualifications are important to your young person’s career, but successfully entering the world of work requires ‘soft’ or ‘life’ skills too. These are the things we know employers look for, and can make all the difference to your young person’s chances of success. These include:

• Self-confidence, with a willingness to learn from others
• Good communication skills, including not talking too much or too little
• Creative problem solving
• Adaptability and flexibility, with a good work ethic
• Assertiveness, with realistic expectations.

The specific skills needed to thrive in the workplace vary from job to job, but many of the basic ‘soft’ or ‘life’ skills remain the same. The notion of a ‘job for life’ is changing, and people tend to apply their skill sets in a variety of positions throughout their working life. If your young person speaks to someone who has had a lot of experience in their career they are likely to hear about a journey that has taken them on many twists and turns.

Working with employers

Nescot is keen to work with employers and non-profit organisations as a way of supporting the employability of our students. We aim to weave the engagement we provide into the fabric of our provision and make this an exciting prospect for our students, enhancing their employability and developments.

We are always looking for innovative ways of engaging with employers. This includes inviting employers to events at Nescot, such as careers fairs, visiting our students as a guest speaker or giving mock interviews. This all helps prepare them for the jobs market. We are keen for you to tell us about programmes that your organisation runs for students.

To find out more about working with us, please email careers@nescot.ac.uk