When it comes to your career, there are so many possibilities. But where do you begin? My World of Work can guide you.

Do you need some tips for doing an online interview? Mel from Acciona can help.

Make your CV shine – have a look at My World of Work to find out about CVs and why we need one.

Modern Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships are an option that give young people the opportunity to work in paid employment at the same time as earning recognised work-based qualifications and skills. Here’s how they work:

• In most cases you apply for an apprenticeship the same way you apply for a job – either by
  completing an application form or sending the employer your CV
• You may get invited for an interview at this point, after which you will then hear whether or not you have the job
• Apprenticeships last between 2-4 years on average
• You will split your time between being at work, learning on the job and attending college. Sometimes, instead of going to college a trainer will meet with you at your workplace
• At the end of your apprenticeship you will get certificates for the qualifications you have completed, and will have invaluable work experience to add to your CV (as well as a job!)

Find and apply for a vacancy

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to gain qualifications and learn about the world of work whilst they are in school. They are currently available for pupils in S5 and 6, and last 1 or 2 years. The qualification gained is at level 6 (the same as a higher) and is accepted by employers, colleges, and universities. Here’s how they work:

• You choose the FA when you are doing your subject/course choice for S5 or S6. They will sit in the same columns as the other college link options
• You will then need to fill out an application form – this will be sent to you by your guidance teacher. This application form includes a personal statement
• If you take an FA in 5th year it will last 2 years. The first year will be college based, and the second year will incorporate a work placement relevant to the course you are taking
• If you take an FA in 6th year it will last 1 year. This means you will be out of school more days during the week, as you will be doing the college work and the work placement at the same time
• Not all FAs are available over 2 years – check on Apprenticeships.scot before you decide
• If you would like to discuss FAs please fill in the form on apprenticeships.scot which is then sent on to your careers adviser, or contact your careers adviser directly

Graduate Apprenticeships

Graduate Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to study towards a degree at the same time as working and earning money. They generally allow you to earn an honours degree but some can even go up to masters level.

Graduate Apprenticeships are a great way to carry on your education whilst also gaining real life work experience – you put the skills you are learning into practice right away, meaning that you develop job specific and technical skills much more quickly than by studying and then looking for a job. As you are working at the same time as studying you can avoid things like student debt, and have a job ready to go when you graduate. The work experience you gain through your job also counts towards your learning so it could even be possible to finish your degree faster than you would if you were studying full time!

To find a Graduate Apprenticeship you need to search for available vacancies in the area you are interested in – the best place to look is Apprenticeships.scot , although they can be advertised on other job searching sites as well. You apply to the employer, not the university – once you are taken on, your employer will support you to register with the correct university so that you can start your course. The funding for Graduate Apprenticeships comes from SAAS, so you will also need to apply to them once you know your course details. It is possible to complete a Graduate Apprenticeship if you are already in work – see if you can discuss the option with your employer.
See the range of Graduate Apprenticeships

If you want to know more about how COVID has impacted work and career choices, please look at COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update | My World of Work.

You can follow the latest information about COVID on the Aberdeen City Council website.

For more information visit Business Gateway