Young WorkPath update - June 2024

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Young WorkPath update - June 2024

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What have we been up to?

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

We hope everyone had a lovely half-term break and good luck to those students who have started or due to start their exams.

The team have been busy continuing to deliver careers guidance interviews to pupils in schools and colleges and supporting NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) young people to move into education, employment and training. We have also been busy delivering careers guidance at borough careers events organised by the Careers and Social Mobility Team. 

To book an appointment, please contact us at youngworkpath@towerhamlets.gov.uk or on 0800 3581 2410 (free phone) or 0207 364 1401.

Brokerage and Tracking team 

Our Brokerage and Tracking Advisers have been busy supporting young people who are NEET with progressing onto their next steps. Here are some of their recent successful placings; 

  • Exam Invigilator position at University College London (UCL)

  • Communication Officer at The Electoral Commission

  • Security Guard at Showsec

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship at Matchbox. 


Feedback 

Obtaining feedback from young people is really important to us and helps us to identify what we are doing well and areas for development. Here is some recent feedback:

"Thank you so much for making this all happen as all my success is thanks to you for getting me started with all my applications and for boosting my confidence you really helped me a lot thanks." Young person, who was NEET. 

"Thank you so much for attending our year 9 option evening yesterday. It was a great success with an excellent turnout. Your advice and support to students and parents were greatly appreciated." School Careers Adviser and Parental Engagement Officer. 

"I just want to thank you for all your help and support for literally building my confidence and not giving up on me. You honestly made the best impact on my life and I will never forget everything you've done for me. I don't think I've said this enough to you but I honestly appreciate you so much, when I was literally giving up you literally pushed me. The one person who constantly supported me and I will always be forever grateful, I never forget the people who have helped me. I don't know if the people you work with say this but you make such an impact as an advisor as well as a friend." Young person, who was NEET. 

"The service was very good. I felt like I was being treated like a real adult, not just a school kid. It was a very good experience." Year 12 student. 

"The service was very eye opening and learned many things that I was unaware of before the interview." Year 11 student.  

"I liked how everything was explained in detail, it cleared up my decisions." Year 10 student. 


Latest news

Careers events

People at a careers event

Careers Live - Tower Hamlets Exploring Pathways Careers Fair Wednesday 22nd May 2024

On 22nd May 2024, The Careers and Social Mobility Team hosted Careers Live at The East London Mosque. Tower Hamlets students from Years 6 to 12 attended to find out more about careers and pathways, including apprenticeships in finance, PR, healthcare, public service, the built environment and more! Exhibitors included Berkeley Group plc, PwC, Tower Hamlets Council, the University of Sunderland in London, Barclays, and the Metropolitan Police.

Students had the opportunity to find out more about a range of careers and study options, engage in creative activities, have a one-to-one careers interview with Young WorkPath Careers Advisers, and heard from inspiring speakers from NoTurningBack2020 who spoke about their career journeys and gave valuable advice.

Let’s Work! SEND Careers Fair Wednesday 8th May 2024

Over 350 Tower Hamlets young people with SEND joined us with their teachers for a memorable and sunny day at the stunning Art Pavilion in Mile End Park for tailored careers information, guidance and support from a range of employers, both local and national. Exhibitors included Marriott Hotel chain, Canary Wharf Group, London Fire Brigade and our very own Tower Hamlets Council.

Students could speak to employers, find out more about pathways into different careers, and sign up for more information and support from the WorkPath and Young WorkPath teams. The event was organised by Tower Hamlets Tower Project JET service, East London’s leading provider of specialist supported employment services for young people and adults with a learning disability or autism.

Uptree

Uptree will help you take the first steps into professional life and help you boost your careers knowledge and skills. They will support you to get connected and meet industry professionals that can give you first-hand insights into career pathways you're interested in.

Enhance your CV by completing their free online courses which will boost your confidence and knowledge on careers, skills and pathways. Find your next step at one of their work experience events and through apprenticeships with leading employers. Expand your potential. It’s all about you, your skills, talents and motivations.

"Uptree has changed the trajectory of my career so far. The Application Masterclass helped demystify the application process and gave me the confidence to apply to the competitive programme. I was accepted and completed the two-year intensive programme, so I'm in contact with a Magic Circle Law firm, and plan to apply for their university SPARK scheme. I genuinely do not think I would have gotten onto the programme without that Uptree online event that broke down the application process including the interview. I always recommend Uptree to people because it helped me so much." Cherish, Uptree student

Uptree website >

 

The Switch

People at event

The Switch stands at the forefront of supporting young individuals as they navigate the critical transition from education to employment. Central to this mission is the Switch Alumni Programme, an initiative designed for 16-25 year olds to offer a lifeline of resources, connections, opportunities and guidance. Through tailored workshops, networking events, and one-to-one mentoring sessions, participants are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to thrive in the professional world. The alumni portal serves as a gateway to these services, including exclusive job opportunities, internships, and work experience, ensuring that every member has the support they need to pursue their aspirations.

As testament to the impact of the Switch Alumni Programme, Sayful, an Alumni ambassador shares his experience: "I look forward to networking and helping educate students on insurance. Networking helps you build connections, build confidence and gain knowledge. I learnt much of what I know through networking. On Insurance, it is an industry many people are not aware of – I want to help change this narrative and push for more young people in Tower Hamlets to consider a move into that Industry."

Keep up to date and join >

 

UCAS free school meals fee waiver

For the 2025 UCAS cycle, any student who is/or has received free school meals (FSM) during the last six years, up until the end of their final year at school or college will not have to pay the undergraduate application fee.

Find out more >

 

350 extra medical school places

Medical schools across the country have been allocated 350 additional medical school places in England, funded by the government. These places are for the academic year 2025 to 2026. 

Read the press release >


Good luck with exams.

Exam, revision and wellbeing resources

As many young people approach exams, this can be a difficult time. There are various resources to help, not only with exams and revising but also with wellbeing. 


Next steps for young people

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Post-16 providers 

There are still some places available at various sixth forms, colleges and other providers. There are also virtual and in-person events, such as open days and tours. For details, check the website or social media accounts of the relevant provider/s and you can find a list of providers in the Progressing to Post-16 in Tower Hamlets in 2024 booklet and on our webpage. Some enrolment information is now available and applicants should check and if necessary respond to correspondence. 

UCAS 

Congratulations to those that have received offers for university. Applicants should keep checking correspondence through UCAS track, emails and reply to deadline/s and next steps. Find out more here UCAS - after you apply.

If you used all five of your choices on your original application and you’re not holding an offer, you’ll be able to add another choice using Extra and is open until 4 July. 

If you have not made an application, there are still various courses with places, which you can search using UCAS - course search but also check with universities directly.

Free careers resources and support

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 aren’t 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 Co-ordinator/Lead. For young people who are not in education, employment and/or training, they can continue to receive support from Young WorkPath.


Opportunities for young people

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

  • Discover UCL Summer School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students on 23rd-25th July is an exciting opportunity exclusively for deaf and hard of hearing students in year 12 to find out more about university. The deadline is 10am on 14th June 2024.
  • Supporting You, to Support Them on 13th June and 11th July from The Careers & Social Mobility team at London Borough of Tower Hamlets is part of a series of online Parental Engagement sessions to find out more about the different routes, pathways and options.
  • The Bartlett UCL Architecture Application Journey Day for year 11-12 students on 24 June 10.30am-3pm, allows students to learn about courses, applications, a taster workshop and more. Apply by 16th June 23:59pm
  • UEL Your Future Science Summer School for young people aged 16-18 years old on 9-12th July 9.30am to 3pm each day, with a mixture of subject tasters, career planning and skills workshops, personal development activities and HE-ready workshops that will support and inform knowledge and future university applications. Closing date for applications is 27th June 2024.
  • Royal Veterinary College year 11 summer school This unique 3-day programme on 28-30th August, for year 11 students who are aspiring to study a degree in Biological Sciences, Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Nursing. Applications will close on 27th June 2024.
  • Tower Hamlets Together - Health Care Careers and Jobs Fair 2024 on 3rd July 2-6pm at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road for all ages to explore exciting opportunities in the healthcare industry. 
  • The Bartlett UCL Architecture Summer School for year 9-11 students, on campus 25-26th July, offers the chance to understand more about architecture within a world-leading institution. Apply by 7th July 23:59pm
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These organisations have opportunities throughout the year: 

  • Young Tower Hamlets provides a diverse programme of free opportunities and support for young people aged 11 to 19 (25 with SEND) across the borough. Follow @YTH_London on TikTok, Instagram and X (Twitter) for the latest updates.

  • Tower Hamlets Local Offer find out what is available for all families, children and SEND 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 young people to get the best out of the borough in the way of arts and culture. 
  • Spotlight offer a variety of free activities for 11 – 19 year olds (and up to 25 with SEND) across various locations in Tower Hamlets. 
  • Our Time is an all-ability youth forum run for and by young people between the ages of 14-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), although young people of all abilities are also welcome.
  • National Saturday Club open to 13–16-year-olds of all abilities and are free to attend. A unique chance to learn new skills and meet people who can introduce you to further education and career opportunities. 
  • Sky Up Academy Studios is an immersive learning experience that places up to 32 students centre stage as media creators. Students work in small teams taking on real-life media roles to create a news report or trailer and a behind the scenes tour of Sky. 
  • 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 experiences of the workplace, events and employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.
  • Success at School have a range of careers webinars with top companies about their opportunities, including apprenticeships. 
  • Microsoft ongoing in person workshops or training.
  • UniTasterDays various university events for students, parents/carers and school staff.
  • UCAS subject spotlights  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 X (Twitter) where we share great opportunities and information. 


Apprentice Learn Occupation Profession Skills On the Job Education Words 3d Illustration

Apprenticeships 

There are various 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. 

Level 2/intermediate:

Level 3/advanced:

Level 4/5 higher:

Level 6/degree: 

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


We hope you've enjoyed reading our Young WorkPath e-newsletter, please find further information on our webpage. The Summer Special e-newsletter will be sent in July. 

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 to this and other Tower Hamlets Council e-newsletters using this link