Types of apprenticeships

Types of apprenticeships by Michael Cheary Think you won’t suit an apprenticeship? Think again… There are opportunities out there to suit every skill, from science, engineering and IT to healthcare, business, media and sports. You just need to decide what ‘type’ of apprenticeship scheme you want to undertake.There are three levels of apprenticeship, all of which can last between 12 months and 4 years, and the one you choose for will largely depend on the skills and qualifications you already have.Here’s a quick guide to what apprenticeships are available:Intermediate ApprenticeshipsWhat is an Intermediate Apprenticeship?Intermediate Apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeships, providing you with all the skills and vocational qualifications you’ll need to break into your chosen industry.Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 2, which is mixed with Key Skills in English, Maths and ICT. Most will then progress to a relevant knowledge-base d qualification such as a BTEC.What subjects can I do?Intermediate Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of different industries.So whether you’re interested in cooking, customer service or carpentry, there’s probably an apprenticeship out there for you.How long will an Intermediate Apprenticeship last?An Intermediate Apprenticeship will usually last for around 12 months. Once completed, you’ll be able to progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship â€" or start looking for permanent employment.  What is this scheme equivalent to?Five GCSEs.How do I qualify for an Intermediate Apprenticeship?For some apprenticeships you will need to have obtained some GCSEs, but for the majority of schemes at this level you may only need to show you have the skills through work experience, or volunteering.The government also offers Access to Apprenticeship programmes, which are a great way to get started.Advanced ApprenticeshipsWhat is an Advanced Apprenticeship?Advanced Apprenticeships ar e the second level of apprenticeships, coming after Intermediate Apprenticeships.Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications, such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based certificate such as a BTEC.What subjects can I do?Advanced Apprenticeships include everything from vehicle maintenance and mechanical engineering, right through to hairdressing, and health beauty.How long will an Advanced Apprenticeship last?Advanced Apprenticeships last somewhere between 12 and 24 months.Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to move on to a Higher Apprenticeship.What is this scheme equivalent to?Two A Levels.How do I qualify for an Advanced Apprenticeship?Applicants will normally require 5 GCSEs (grade C or above), or will have previously completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship.Advanced Apprenticeships: What you need to knowHigher ApprenticeshipsWhat is a Higher Apprenticeship?Higher Apprenticeships are the highest level of apprenticeships â€" an d are intended to provide post A level, work-based qualifications.These apprentices will work towards qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 4 or above, and in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a HNC, HND or a Foundation degree, with some progressing to higher education to study a degree at university.What subjects can I do?As they’re the highest level of apprenticeship, opportunities may be slightly more limited than at other stages.However, more and more employers are turning to Higher Apprenticeships to train their staff, so always check with employers you want to work for to see what’s on offer.  How long will a Higher Apprenticeship last?Higher Apprenticeships take the longest time of any type of apprenticeships â€" and can last anywhere up to 48 months.What is this scheme equivalent to?Level 4 is equivalent to a first year of an undergraduate degree, whereas Level 5 is equivalent to a second year of an undergraduate degree.What do you need to qualify for a Higher Apprenticeship?Apart from being over the age of 18, there are no mandatory entry requirements or minimum academic entry criteria (except where employers set their own).That said, schemes can be highly competitive, and having additional qualifications, such as two A levels or an Advanced Apprenticeship, could boost your application chances.What are the differences?Whilst the obvious difference between each of the above levels is how advanced the skills and knowledge you acquire will be, there are other things which separate one from the other and not all apprenticeship schemes are open to everyone.For instance, certain healthcare schemes are only available to those who qualify as an Advanced Level Apprentice. Similarly, not all schemes are of equal length â€" the higher the level, the longer the duration of your apprenticeship.Higher Apprenticeships also differ somewhat to Advanced and Intermediate Apprenticeships in that upon completion of the scheme you could end up with a p rofessional qualification, such as a Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB).Furthermore, Higher Apprenticeships could also open the way to you potentially moving on to university, if you’d like to pursue a degree in the subject.Final thoughts Regardless of which level you start at, the opportunity to move to the next level and the one after that is readily available.All you have to do is find the right apprenticeship scheme which suits you and you will soon find out what you are capable of achieving in your career both in the short and long term.Feel like an apprenticeship is the right option for you? View all available apprenticeships now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

Nike VaporMax, walking on Air

Nike VaporMax, walking on Air Nobody in the footwear industry thought that when Nike presented the Nike Tailwind in the late 70’s that it would revolutionise the sector as they knew it. These small capsules of air shook the foundations of what it meant to own a pair of sneakers. Comfort was not enough any more. The new standard was to be able to walk on air. And after years of research and development, the Swoosh people had got there. They could imitate the feeling of walking on air. Nike Air Max 1, the silhouette that started everything The style that would form the basis of Nike’s designs for decades, and showcase the amazing technology behind the shoe was without doubt the Air Max 1. Appearing in 1997, the shape and style, with the visible air capsule on both sides, is now synonymous with quality, style, function and performance. It was a real first in the history of sneakers. This was typical of the Swoosh brand from day one. Innovative and forward thinking in design, with the capacity to develop and deliver new technology for all parts of the shoe. And it certainly didn’t stop with the Air Max 1 in 1997. 2016 saw yet another leap forward in innovation. Nike were back to claim their throne as leaders in innovation and set the footwear market on its head once again. Nike VaporMax Flyknit, closing the circuit The Nike VaporMax Flyknit, presented for the first time for the Air Max Day in 2016, took the sneaker even closer to that ever present goal being able to walk on air. Made of almost 40,000 individual pieces, almost double that of an engine in a small vehicle, it was a design feat never seen in the industry. The complexity lies in the sole of the VaporMax. The task to build the first Air Max in history that could deliver high performance while running was a design challenge that only the Swoosh team, with years of innovation and experience could deliver. Without ruining the iconic silhouette they were able to bring together a cushioning soft enough to help the runner feel comfortable, along with a high reactivity that guarantees an energetic performance. In addition to this they also had to consider how to bring down the weight of the shoe, removing as many layers as possible, without compromising the design or the performance. This is where the innovation continues. Traditional shoe making materials had to be rethought or disposed of completely, for example the use of glue. The results were phenomenal. The impact of the Nike VaporMax Flyknit has been so big that the Swoosh brand has started using the VaporMax sole for some of their most iconic sneakers over the last year. Since we cannot enumerate all of them, we have chosen 3 hybrids that have been the center of attention this year. Nike VaporMax 97 The VaporMax 97 has been one of the hybrids that most caught our attention. Its upper part was identical to the Nike Air Max 97, a design that seduced all the industry when it was launched in 1997. Inspired by the Japanese bullet train, Christian Tresser managed to create much more than a shoe. The result was a timeless icon that was able to cross any geographical border thanks to a daring design and a specific color range. With an upper part faithful to the original essence of the Air Max 97 and a VaporMax sole full of creativity and innovation, this sneaker has become one of the trendiest silhouettes of the moment. Nike Vapor Max Plus After a successful year thanks to the launching of the Air Max 97 on the market, the next challenge taken on by the American company in the 90’s was to replicate this success but with a new silhouette that would be accepted into the hearts of sneaker lovers everywhere as much as the classic designs and the Air Max 97 had been. Nike turned to Sean McDowell, a well-known sneakers designer for a design with personality and style. Drawing inspiration from the palm trees of Florida, he created the Nike Air Max Plus, also known under the nicknames Tuned or Tn. It quickly became a new icon of the brand and a best seller.  And now is the source of another hybrid, the VaporMax Plus. With the design of the upper staying true to its Air Max Plus roots, and the upper sole taking advantage of the innovation from the VaporMax, the result is a clean and stylish aesthetic that has won the hearts of the public. Nike Air VaporMax Inneva Finally, we have to turn to the most entertaining hybrid of all now incorporating the VaporMax sole. The innovative upper part of the Nike Free Inneva is characterized by a colorful weaving that wraps the VaporMax sole. The result is a neat and futuristic silhouette. The playful color range of this pair increased its visibility and gave it a prominent presence on the market. The Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit managed to give a breath of fresh air to the company and represents the latest innovation for running by the Oregon brand. These sneakers show the world how innovation can lead to ever higher levels of performance in training and help athletes overcome their biggest challenges and push further and harder than ever before.

How to develop Resilience 7 tips to get you started

How to develop Resilience â€" 7 tips to get you started Ok, so January is over but you may still feel you want to be a ‘better’ you. All part of the seemingly never ending quest for perfection. Well guess what, perfection is a myth! Stop seeking the impossible and instead embrace reality. The reality is that you are a strong person who learns as you go and that you can bounceback from setbacks and demonstrate resilience. Resilience, flexibility and bounceback are terms that graduate recruiters frequently say they want. So, you are probably wondering, am I resilient? Do I bounceback from setbacks?  Give yourself a chance to develop this skill. How? Look at your mind-set. Reflect on past experiences and think how you got through the difficult situations? Consider the learning you got from the process. To help you here are 7 points to consider… 1)  What you cannot  change accept Change isn’t always welcome but it is a constant of life. So, it’s all about how you deal with it. What you cannot stop -accept. How has change affected you? Was it all bad? What about your role models;  how have they dealt with change? How did they let it shape them? Remember that we change in response to our experiences and this can be  more  in our perception of how the situation affected us. Consider what other life skills did we  develop? Did we learn to be more effective in our negotiation skills or use our communication skills to help to mitigate or even express the   outcomes of changes? 2)  Consider all perspectives How self-aware are you? Both self-awareness and determination improve with practice. Reflection is a tool, a process even. Consider what the situation is and what all the options are. Get other people’s opinions to give you a full view of a situation. Not just friends, but people who have no direct benefit from the outcome of the situation. Seek out the impartial and knowledgeable. Ask for information, perceptions and guidance. Remember, failure is a “thing”, an outcome, it isn’t you, a person. 3)  You cannot plan for everything be flexible Planning is important but you cannot plan for everything. You have to be as flexible as possible. If you rely on having a plan what happens when things go wrong? Do you have a fall back plan? Do you have a plan B, C and D? Can you adjust your plans to fit the circumstances and others needs ? 4) Let it go! Sometimes something that we did or the way we handled what happened plays on our mind, because we didn’t do what our gut instinct told us, but did what we felt was ‘right’ or ‘easy’ or even ‘expected’. Maybe we didn’t get the result we wanted and we carry that disappointment with us. Let it go! Stop letting it hold you back. Move on mentally as well as physically â€" you cannot stand still! The earth is spinning and you with it! Consider the advice you would give a friend in the same situation? Would you tell them to struggle on? No, you would say address it and if nothing can be done accept it and move on. 5) Asking for help is  good Do you want to ask for help but see it as a sign of failure? Why do you see it as a failure to ask for advice, information, another’s perception or inspiration? Again using the friend analogy, are they failures in reaching out to you? I doubt you feel that. You actually are most likely to feel flattered to be asked for help. Stop expecting yourself to know  everything and understand everybody. We all need help. Asking for help is a actually a sign of strength not weakness. 6) Time helps if you let it Consider how you will feel about this problem in a year’s time. You are very much caught up in the moment and need distance from it to be impartial and detached. When a situation leads to a change of circumstance it may lead to new possibilities and opportunities. Breaking up with a partner may make us feel overwhelmed and imagine that we will never be happy again. The reality is that we work through the emotions and in time move on. Eventually we remember the relationship with warmth and affection. Time will help you to accept change you didnt want. 7) Remember  experience teaches us Finally, life experience is a teacher and it teaches many things. Failure can be the greatest teacher of all as you will explore the processes and situations that lead you to here. Reflection will help you to deal with similar problems and enable you to move on. A common sense approach to resilience is to keep a sense of proportion and perspective. Consider how you are treating yourself and be realistic, would you advise a person you care for to blame themselves for past mistakes? Well, then why are you blaming yourself? You cannot achieve perfection it is not humanly possible so do not beat yourself up for failing to achieve the impossible!! And do remember the Turkish proverb: ‘A thousand regrets do not cancel one debt’.

Jack of All Trades, Master of Two Branding that Sticks - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Jack of All Trades, Master of Two Branding that Sticks - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career It happens all of the time. When I ask someone, “What brings you to mind when people are facing challenges at work and they need some help?” guess what happens. Nothing. Dead air. “Well, I’m good at solving problems” will then trickle out. Next, “I like to develop strategies to address companies needs, then to follow up on them and make sure things happen” comes a little more strongly. Now, they’re on a roll. “I’m good at managing people, too.” Do any of these help people remember you and turn to you when they’re in a crunch? No. You’ve just lost a branding and a reputation-building opportunity. Way too generic Why don’t these claims work? You feel like they’re an integral part of your brand. All of these claims are bound to be true, too. The problem is that these are just too generic. Everyone, trust me on this, everyone, says the same thing. You’ve just tried to be all things to all people, and that never works. The results are that you are not top of mind when someone is hiring, looking for the best person to promote, or looking for someone to solve a specific problem that is probably one of those problems that you love to solve. In other words, your brand isn’t sticking. Get specific to get results How do you change the general to the specific to get people to remember you? You’re in charge of this decision. Define just two areas of expertise, “master of two,” and you not only will build your reputation and brand, but you’ll change the tide. Once people become aware of your focus, they’ll start coming to you for this expertise rather than your being the one to chase them when you want your next opportunity. You’ll want to do your current job well, i.e. be a “jack of all trades,” because that’s your base reputation. If you can’t deliver on the day-to-day and be part of the team, you can have all of the masteries of the world and people still won’t want to work with you (did Randy Moss come to mind?). Assuming that you’re doing your overall job well, what do you choose for your “mastery of two”? That’s the fun part. Which two? This isn’t a random selection. Your interest in computer games and old motorcycles doesn’t typically make it to a company’s play list…unless they develop motorcycle race video games. Pick out two areas that both you and your company value, and you’ll get their attention plus set up your future. You get bonus points if you develop a mastery that will have some “legs,” i.e. that a future company will want, too, so your time will be well spent. You just need to project into the future a bit to anticipate what current trends will still be important in 3-5 years. What if you became the Queen of the Fiscal Reform Bill? What if you found ways to build virtual, 247 teams from different countries? Whoever first claimed expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley after the Enron meltdown surely created a fortune, so you can be the next person to claim theirs with your in-depth knowledge of the latest pieces of government legislation or other pressing needs (financial, political, climate, terrorism, currency, real estate, etc). Opportunities to develop areas of expertise to solve new and evolving problems are endless! Stepping forward So you’ve picked out the two areas you’re interested in and that would benefit your company and career. What next? How does word get out that you know about these two areas? First, educate yourself. Next, step forward. Just reading the Dodd-Frank bill or following the news on the latest development in a pharmaceutical company doesn’t get you very far. Everyone else can do the same thing. What you can do is project its ramifications into the future. What are the implications of this bill or drug development for your company? Your industry? For individuals? Having an informed point of view and thoughts about what companies should be doing now to prepare for the future is what sets you apart. Stepping forward is the final part of “master of two.” You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you don’t step forward and articulate them, no one will know that you’re a star. Talk them up to people in your company that are doing planning, volunteer to lead a feasibility study, write a blog, volunteer an article first (an on-going column later) to an online publication, speak at professional groups. You’re working your way up the food chain. By stepping forward and talking about your area of expertise, you’re letting the world know that you’re not only a jack of all trades, but you’re a (Jedi) master of two. The Force is with you. Author: Pam Lassiter is author of the award winning The New Job Security and Principal of Lassiter Consulting, a career coaching firm doing outplacement or internal growth programs for companies and individuals.?

Report Writing Skills For Resume

Report Writing Skills For ResumeWhile resume writing skills can help you land a job, they can also give you some very bad advice on what to put in it. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions, however. Employers are looking for a candidate who is honest and authentic; you can only do that if you write your resume accurately. So how do you know what to put on your resume?One of the first things you should do is find out what the proper format is for resumes. This will help you decide which of the two formats you should use. The standard resume was once reserved for people with elite-level degrees, but today, it is a common type of document for almost anyone with recent graduate degree.In the general form, each section of the document has its own header and each section is designated by the date it was filled. Thus, an example could look like this:The sections in a resume are similar, but each one has a slightly different purpose. Because this document is meant to be a portfolio of one's past jobs, the sections are meant to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills required for the position. The sections should contain the skills needed for the job, and you may also put down your education and any specific training you received for the job.Once you have completed the sections of the resume, the next step is to edit it so that you can insert them into a job interview. You will want to go through the section using the 'rule of three' and only include three points in each section. When it comes to skills, you should be able to say how much education or training you have, and then how many years you have been in the field.At the end of the document, you can also include a section that can serve as a separate section of the resume. You can put down the reason why you are applying for the job in a separate section as well. This is an area where you can add any anecdotes or examples you can think of to help you explain why you are suitable for the job.The actual formatting of the document is a very important part of your resume and should be done carefully. It should not only flow well but should also be visually appealing to the reader. Try to avoid the use of black and white fonts and instead pick colors that will contrast well with the rest of the document. Using boldface is also a good idea.In summary, when it comes to the formatting of your resume, it should be done very carefully. While the presentation of your resume will make a lot of difference in the outcome of your job interview, it is vital that you format your resume in a way that makes it easy to read.

Tips to Facing Unemployment Head-On - Hire Imaging

Tips to Facing Unemployment Head-On - Hire Imaging Today, someone who becomes unemployed is often a victim of economics. Throughout the country, we hear of businesses closing and massive layoffs as companies tighten their belts. I’ve been working with more clients (youth to seniors; all levels and industries) in the last couple years that are faced with this situation; as opposed to proactively searching on their own terms. Virtually not one individual or family has been unaffected by the current job market. If you are facing imminent unemployment or are now jobless, you are likely feeling discouraged and uncertain about your future. That is absolutely normal and okay. However, you don’t have to behave as a victim. You can take the reins in your own hands and move forward. Here are a few steps to do that: Accept the reality and confirm that it’s hard. It is important to treat yourself kindly. You are allowed to feel sad, angry, anxious and overwhelmed. These are natural feelings. That said, it’s also important to accept things as they are. For example, I recently had a client I’ll call Mary. Mary’s company was downsizing and she was laid offâ€"never saw it coming. Yes, she felt it was unfair and horrible. She soon realized that nothing she did was going to change her situation with that employer. Her job was not coming back. So, she accepted it. In doing so, she gave herself a starting point and permission to address “Where do I go from here?” Don’t be hard on yourself. Self-criticism can be a major obstacle for people who are unemployed. Losing a job does NOT make you a loser. It means that you are part of a workforce that is always changing. Write down any negative self-thoughts and challenge them with reality. For example, “I’m a loser” can be challenged with the facts that you received a degree and good performance reviews, and have people who value you; and that you are now in control to gain positive movement. Dwelling on questions like “Why me?”, “Will I find a job?” and similar thoughts will not serve you. When you start to do this, ask yourself, “Is there any productive action this will lead to?” If not, focus on your strategies and action planning toward another goalâ€"for example, acquiring new skills, expanding your network or improving your self-care routine. Put things in perspective. The broad media coverage of the job market exemplifies that you are not alone. Many are unemployed; it’s one of the highest rates in a long time. However, economies go through ups and downs. Usually a recession is followed by years of growth. Recognize that you will be back to work at some point. All recessions end. Unemployment is a lagging indicator of coming out of that recession. A survey conducted by OrlandoJobs.com recently with 112 Central Florida companies (Florida reached a record high average unemployment of 12.2%), revealed that 67% of those companies said they have job openings. OrlandoJobs.com president, Roger Lear said, The greatest news I can give job seekers is that employers are optimistic they are going to hire people in 2010. Evaluate your finances. Cut back on unnecessary expenses. If you have a daily latte at the neighborhood coffee shop, brew your coffee at home. Instead of having your weekly evening out at the movies, rent one at home and make pop corn. Food, medicine and regular bills such as mortgage and utility payments are essential expenses. Trim spending as much possible on those that aren’t. Do keep (or create) a budget for job search expenses. This is now your full-time job. Consider and plan for costs associated with producing a résumé or marketing documents, refurbishing your interview wardrobe, gas, car maintenance, mailings, phone, etc. If you have an emergency reserve or slush fund, use it to pay necessary expenses before using credits cards if possible. Reducing any financial risk will also cut back on your stress. Also make sure you proactively negotiate or secure any severance and/or unemployment monies offered to you. Schedule some fun. In addition to scheduling your job search activities, plug in activities that are fun. Renew an old hobby, take up a fun exercise or sport, read a good book, plan a family outing, cook a new dish, or have lunch with a friend. While you don’t want to take too much time doing nothing, you can think of this time as a sabbatical from your prior jobâ€"being able to schedule things that you were not able to do while working. Think of it as a silver lining. Another client of mine was laid off this winter for about six weeks. He told me that it worked out perfectly. He said, I got to see my younger daughter walk for the first time and spend time with my wife and two children; I could never get that back if I missed it. Create a daily plan of action. Your job now is to find a job. Dedicate at least two hours each day to your job search, preferably more. This should include marketing documents, telephone calls, informational interviews, ads and leads, networking meetings/events, researching opportunities, cultivating all contacts and getting your message out there (what you want and what you offer in value relative to that goal). You will run into dead-ends and nos. It’s part of the deal. Be persistent and stick to your plan. It will produce a domino effect and subsequent rewards. Join a community. No matter how you may feel, this is not the time to retreat or isolate yourself. Get out there and meet people. Practice talking to everyone who will listen about what you want and the value you offer. Make sure you have an online presence. LinkedIn is a crucial business community in today’s workforce. Facebook, Twitter and other sites offer the chance to interact with many others who can help you; and whom you can help. Volunteering can be an excellent activity at this time. My clients have used this time to help others through organizations ranging from church outreach to animal shelters. Volunteering is also an excellent way to expand your network of contacts. Many job seekers have found positions through volunteer contacts. Being unemployed can be tough. It should not impair your perception of your value nor the countless opportunities that are out there. Focus on making progress each day. You will find that new career fit, and will have learned other great life lessons through the process.

Summary Sunday Job Search Tips You Need To Know

Summary Sunday Job Search Tips You Need To Know There are many differences in todays job-hunting process. Simply put, there are job search tips you need to know! Did you know Almost 11% of job-seekers received 2 or more offers compared to 10.1% who only received a single offer. The number receiving three offers or more was the highest since records started in 2014, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This is according to Bloomberg News. In this weeks summary, youll find ways to update your job search activities from handling the job interview process to engaging on social media. Youll also learn more about LinkedIn. INTERVIEWING Can You Hold Off On Accepting/Rejecting Job Offer? by Kathleen Furore | Chicago Tribune Its quite possible, in a tight labor market, that you will receive multiple job offers. Heres how to handle these tricky situations. 10 Step Interview Preparation Plan: The Winning Difference in 2019 by Susan P. Joyce | Job-Hunt.org Follow these steps to thoroughly prepare for your next job interview! SOCIAL MEDIA 14 Types of Social Media Posts to Spark Engagement With Your Followers [Infographic] by Mark Walker-Ford | Social Media Today Get ideas to create better social media posts that will increase engagement using this infographic! LINKEDIN Grab Recruiter Attention with LinkedIn Projects By Laura Smith-Proulx | Job-Hunt.org Projects in your LinkedIn profile provide ways you can highlight all types of accomplishments paid and unpaid! TIME MANAGEMENT Three Questions to Ask Yourself if You Struggle to Manage Time by David Shindler, Learning To Leap | YouTern Tips to help you take control over how you use your time. JOB SEARCH Top 20 Companies for Freelance Jobs in 2019 by Brie Weiler Reynolds | FlexJobs Many of the companies listed are staffing agencies. This is your sign that using an agency to find freelance work is a viable option. MENTION LinkedIn Is More Than A Social Media Platform by Jim Peacock | Peak Careers Watch this 30-minute conversation with Jim Peacock, Shelly Elsliger and myself and get new ideas on how to improve your LinkedIn profile.