Young WorkPath update - February 2023

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Young WorkPath update - February 2023

Young happy Muslim woman and her friends communicating while studying together in the classroom.

What have we been up to?

Welcome to the February edition of the Young WorkPath e-newsletter.

We hope those in schools and colleges have had a good start to the Spring term and those starting an apprenticeship, training or other employment have had a positive start. We continue to offer face to face, virtual and telephone interview appointments for those young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Our Careers Advisers continue to work with pupils in schools and colleges across the borough to ensure they are well prepared for their next steps and fully aware of their options.

Feedback is important for us to understand how we are doing and the impact of our work. Here are a few recent quotes:

"I’ve really wanted this job while I was still at school, and I’ve finally reached the point where I’m doing the job I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The first time I applied I did it all on my own thinking I’ve got this but then I didn’t get past the interview stage. After speaking with you and all the interview prep you gave me, I passed the interview stage and got to do the course and now start the job, so I just wanted to say thank you for all the help you gave me to get the job I have today." - Young person, who was at risk of NEET.

"Helped me out a lot. I wasn't sure of what colleges and what I was going to do in the future and now I have a pathway of what to do in the future. Thank you very much!" Year 11 student. 

"Personally, I liked the career adviser as she made the choices easy for me to choose. Also, she was very kind and she made sure I understood what she said." Year 9 student. 

"Thank you all for the support you have provided to our students in the past year. I have seen many year 11’s referring to their action plans during my application support sessions. Put a huge smile on my face!" - School Careers Coordinator. 


Additional careers guidance for pupils in years 10-13, who are from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds and at risk of NEET (not in education, employment or training)

Maz Mullarkey, Careers Adviser at Careers Young WorkPath has been offering free one-to-one careers advice and guidance to pupils across all schools and colleges in Tower Hamlets in addition to the statutory service we provide. Please see below some examples of the At Risk of NEET indicators. 

Various images with risk of not in education, employment or training indicators

For further information about this service or to arrange careers interviews, please contact Maz directly on: Mary.Mullarkey@towerhamlets.gov.uk  


The second Tower Hamlets Careers Live event

Attendees at Careers Live Creative event January 2023

On Thursday 26th of January 2023, the Careers and Social Mobility Team held the second Tower Hamlets Careers Live Events for the academic year 2022/2023. In partnership with The London Metropolitan University at the Aldgate Campus. The event “Working in a Creative World” was themed around the creative industries and showcased the global opportunities in this market.

On the day there were a number of business stands from the creative industries, guest speaker sessions, drop in career advice (hosted by Young WorkPath) and a CV building workshop (The Switch) on offer for the young people. Feedback from young people, teachers and business indicate these events provide a valuable insight by offering the space and opportunities for young people, teachers and others to find out more about the sector and grow their understanding on next steps, pathways and possible career progression.

A huge thank you to the hosts at London Metropolitan University, the extended team and all the business providers. The next event 'Creating a Healthier Future & Shaping the Future - Public Services' is on Thursday 23rd March at Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, E1 4NS. If you would like to attend or are a business and would like to get involved, please email the team careersandsocialmobility@towerhamlets.gov.uk or book here


Latest news

Computer keyboard with symbols is showing search news

National Careers Week

On 6 - 11 March 2023, there will be a week-long celebration of careers through organisations and employers in UK, including schools, colleges and universities providing free guidance and resources. 

 Get involved >

Careers guidance and access for education and training providers

On 5 January 2023, the Department for Education released the latest statutory guidance for schools and colleges on providing careers guidance. Changes to the provider access legislation includes a minimum requirement to provide six encounters during year 8-13, for students to be given access to technical options, including apprenticeships and T Levels. To ensure these encounters are of high quality there will be parameters around the quality and duration. 

 Read the guidance >

Traineeships to be discontinued

In 2020/21, there were 15,500 traineeship starts, which is only 36% of the 43,300 target. As a result of low starts, traineeships will cease from 1 August 2023 and will be “integrated” in to 16-19 study programmes for young people.

Further reading >

Apprenticeships and UCAS 

On 6 February 2023, the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and UCAS announced new plans that UCAS will expand their service, so that young people will be able to search and apply for apprenticeships alongside undergraduate degrees. This will be live from this autumn for 2024 applicants to use. 

Find out more >

Careers boost for primary school young people

A new careers programme for primary school pupils will allow them to explore the world of future job possibilities from a younger age, to also inspire and challenge stereotypes. 

 Read more here >

National Career Guidance Show 2023

The Career Development Institute (CDI) will be hosting the annual National Career Guidance Show, which is a free careers convention for school, college and career guidance professionals. This will be held on 8 March 2023 at the ILEC Conference Centre, SW6 1UD Centre, 9:30 - 4 pm. 

Book your free place on the waiting list > 


Next steps

Three folders with stickers, on which plan a, b or c is written.

National Apprenticeship Week 2023 

The government-led National Apprenticeship Week was held during 6 - 12 February and UK organisations and employers from various industries came together to provide information, advice and guidance on apprenticeships through events and activities. Find out more here

The Council also launched a series of YouTube videos from WorkPath with local apprentices, who work in roles including IT, plumbing, electrical installation and more. Watch these videos here. Tower Hamlets residents who would like to register with WorkPath for apprenticeship vacancies with their partner employers and get application support click here and click here to view vacancies. 

Here are also a few successful apprenticeships young people have secured through our support:

  • Level 3 Estate Management Apprenticeship at Morgan Randell.
  • Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Apprentice at Happy Nest Nursery. 
  • Level 2 Nursery Assistant Apprentice at Rainbow.
  • Level 2 Nursery Assistant at N Family.

Post-16 providers 

Application deadlines for some sixth forms, colleges and other providers have now passed for courses starting in September 2023, well done to those offered a place. However, some are still open or do not have a deadline. For details, check the website or social media accounts of the relevant provider, also you can find a list of providers in the 'Progressing to Post-16 in Tower Hamlets in 2023' booklet and on our webpage. Applicants should check and if necessary respond to correspondence, as some may require additional information and/or an interview. 

UCAS undergraduate university applications

The deadline for the majority of university undergraduate courses to start in September/October 2023 was 25 January. Congratulations to those that met the deadline and may have already started to receive offers/interviews. Applicants should keep checking correspondence through UCAS track and emails about offers and next steps. Find out more here UCAS - after you apply.

There are still various courses that applications are open for and can search using UCAS - course search but also check with universities directly.

Here are some organisations that provide information, advice and guidance on a range of careers, options and next steps. There are also short quizzes if young people are not sure what career or next step they are interested in.

If students in school or college need help, please encourage them to talk to their Careers Coordinator. If they are not in education, employment and/or training, do encourage young people to contact us directly.


Opportunities for young people

Young people can also continue to engage in a range of careers, personal development and fun activities. See below for some ideas, do check for any criteria.

Let's Work SEND job fair poster
  • 'Rich Mix New Creatives' is a programme for young people aged 16-24 who live in East London and are not in full time employment or education. There are various programmes starting from 28 February. 
  • 'A Team Arts Education' support young people with their creativity and wellbeing through providing opportunities to aspire and achieve. There are programmes starting in February on Saturdays (11-19 years old) and April half term (14-18 years old) at Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU. For further information about these programmes and for the registration forms, contact Sarbjit Natt on 07956377537 and ateamartseducation@gmail.com 
  • 'FuturesUP' - on 10 March 12-5pm at the J.P. Morgan offices at EC4Y 0JP. This is an interactive careers event for sixth form/college students (aged up to 21) with variety of top employers from the following industries: law, finance, insurance brokering, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and technology.
  • 'Let’s Work' - on 4 May 2023 9:30am-3:00pm at The Art Pavilion, E3 4QY. This is a unique event designed, developed and operated by young people with SEND. The event focuses on stimulating greater engagement between employers and young people. For more info email events@letswork.org.uk
  • Tower Hamlets Young People's Service (formally the Youth Service) provides a range of fun and personal development activities for young people who live, work or study in the borough.
  • Tower Hamlets Local Offer find out what is available for all families, children and young people up to 25 years old.
  • Tower Hamlets Arts The arts section of the Council website is put together by the arts and events team for you to get the best out of the borough in the way of arts and culture. 
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park have a range of opportunities and events. East Bank is a hub for creativity, learning and innovation on the park. 
  • Uptree Springpod  Student Ladder and Young Professionals connect young people and employers with work experience and employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.
  • Success at School have a range of careers webinars with top companies about their opportunities, including apprenticeships. 
  • Microsoft ongoing virtual workshops or training.
  • UniTasterDays various university events for students, parents/carers and school staff.
  • Future Learn EdX Open Learn UpTree and Coursera various online courses with universities and industry experts worldwide.

Volunteering

A great way to understand a business, explore career area/s, develop skills and meet new people. It can also look great on your CV and could contribute to a Duke of Edinburgh Award. Here are a few websites to search for opportunities but you can also look at company websites and/or social media directly:

Follow us on social media

Please follow us on Twitter where we share great opportunities and information. 


Illustration banner on the topic: "Apprenticeship" with symbols.

Apprenticeships

There are lots of apprenticeship vacancies around at the moment. We have listed some of our top picks in London. Please note that vacancies can close before the listed closing date.       

  • Pharmacy Assistant Apprenticeship - (level 2) at Day Lewis PCL. Closing date: 11 March 2023.
  • Chef - (level 2) at Hilton. Closing date: 21 March 2023
  • Nursery Practitioner - (level 2) at Happy Nest Nursery. Closing date: 15 April 2023. 
  • Art Department - (level 3) at Christie's. Closing date: 5 March 2023.
  • Personal Training - (level 3) at The Fitness Trust Limited. Closing date: 28 March 2023
  • Information Control - (level 3) at Skanska. Closing date: 31 March 2023.
  • Data Analyst - (level 4/higher) at Bloomberg. Closing date: 31 March 2023.
  • Marketing Executive - (level 4/higher) at Amazon Services UK Limited. Closing date: 1 April 2023.  
  • Acoustics - (level 4/higher) at WSP UK Limited. Closing date: 26 May 2023.
  • Solicitor - (degree) at The Premier League. Closing date: 6 March 2023
  • Management - (degree) at McDonald's. Closing date: 7 March 2023
  • Network Engineer- (degree) at Vodafone. Closing date: 28 March 2023.  

You can find more vacancies by searching on these websites, as well as the company and/or university websites/social media/LinkedIn:


Traineeship concept with icons and signs.

Traineeships

  • Plumber at The Appliance Centre Ltd. Closing date: 6 March 2023
  • PR and Sales at Neema Food Ltd. Closing date: 6 March 2023
  • Talent Assistant at Nva Sports Limited. Closing date: 6 March 2023
  • Retail Fashion at Peacocks. Closing date: 14 April 2023
  • Retail at Manson Pharmacy. Closing date: 17 July 2023

You can find more vacancies by searching on the Find A Traineeship website until 15 July 2023, then search directly from colleges and training providers.

Also, remember that NEET young people can get help with applications and interview preparation from our team.


Contact us icon or logo in modern line style.

Update

Young WorkPath is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and working from the WorkPath office, 55 Upper Bank St, London E14 5GR on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment only. Our team is continuing to provide careers interviews face to face, over the phone and by video for NEET young people. For young people, parents or carers wishing to book a telephone, video or face to face appointment, please contact us at youngworkpath@towerhamlets.gov.uk or on 0800 3581 2410 (free phone) or 0207 364 1401.


We hope you've enjoyed reading our Young WorkPath bulletin, please find further information on our webpageWe would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback or suggestions of what we should cover, simply email us. Share this with your family and friends to ensure they have the latest information, anyone can sign up using this link. Tower Hamlets Council offers a range of e-newsletters to keep you up to date on a variety of topics