Talent Week

ROUTES TO EDUCATION & TRAINING

First Steps - Before you can make choices and decisions you need information.

• Talk with your school/College Careers Advisor
  
• Your local Connexions offers practical help and advice to young people aged 13 - 19. You can get the information and support from a Personal Adviser (PA) in school, college and Connexions Centres in your area. 
  

Finished GCSEs and A - Levels.  What next?

GCSE and A-Levels represent a passport to further and higher study, training or employment.

Further and higher studies?

For information about further (college) and higher (university) education courses visit:

• www.ucas.com
• www.prospectus.ac.uk
• www.education.gov.uk
• www.heacademy.ac.uk

Confused about what to study?

• There are a growing number of courses that you can study.   www.hotcourses.com

 

Can you afford to continue studying and will you get financial assistance?

Study full-time, part-time, online or even distance learning will cost - whether it is for books, equipment, childcare or tuition fees.  It’s really important that you consider these costs BEFORE you begin your course. Then you can make the decision about what study option will be right for you and whether or not you will be able to get enough support to help you succeed.

• http://ema.direct.gov.uk – this website explains one of the funding options available to those wanting to do post-16 study.  The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides up to £30 a week for students wishing to do GCSE retakes, A-levels, diplomas or courses leading to apprenticeships.  The information is easy to understand and is aimed at students, parents and guardians.

• Also visit http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?go=Money for other financial information which you might need.

 

Can’t afford to go to College or University?

• Distant Learning could be an alternative. Visit http://www.accessplace.com/college/kent/gillingham.htm  and http://www.rdi.co.uk/index.php/landing-pages/distance-learning-distance-learning-yahoo.html for studies leading to further and higher qualifications.
  

 

Are you 16-18 and looking for work?

• Getting the job you really want can be hard, but don't worry. See Connexions website for help and advice. http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?go=Work

 

• Find out about Entry to Employment (e2e) programme
  
• There is also information on job hunting and preparing for an interview
  
• Vacancies for 16-19 year olds can be found on Jobs Live
  

Want to study and work at the same time?

If you wish to get a job and receive work-base training while you work, you can follow the following routes:

• Vocational Qualifications (VQ) - A VQ is a recognised qualification at any level relating to a particular line of work or specific job role. They have an emphasis on the assessment of practical skills and knowledge and are awarded through a recognised professional body. Vocational qualifications include BTECs, City & Guilds, NVQ/SVQ, OCR Nationals, HNC/HNDs, diplomas and Apprenticeships and are mainly delivered by further education colleges and private training companies and schools.
  For definition and description of VQs visit the Qualification Curriculum  Authority site http://www.qca.org.uk/14-19/qualifications/index_nvqs.htm

• National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – are delivered mainly by further education colleges and private training providers.  They are practical qualification based on being able to do a job.  They are awarded at five levels from foundation level to postgraduate level and are achieved through training and assessment. http://www.qca.org.uk/14-19/qualifications/index_nvqs.htm

• Higher Level NVQ – This may involve taking a NVQ level 3, which is A-level equivalent, but enables you to earn money while learning a skill.  They can lead directly to a foundation degree in a career of your choice.  Advanced apprenticeships are also available at these higher levels. http://www.qca.org.uk/14-19/qualifications/index_nvqs.htm

 

• What Can VQ do for you? VQs are focused on helping you learn skills that will give you a head start in your career, rather than just theory. They can give you a foot in the door to the industry you want to work in, or prepare you for further vocational study or university.
  

• Diplomas – The Diploma combines theory and practice to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need for success at college, university and work. It offers a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience.  At the highest level, they are equivalent to three-and-a half A-levels and offer a route to university, vocational courses and apprenticeships. http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/?pro=diplomas
  
• HNC & HND programmes – HNC is a one-year programme with more than 90% done on a part-time basis and the HND is a two-year programme mostly done full-time. See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_National_Diploma
  
• Direct entry into a job - You may be able to study towards Degree/HND/professional qualifications part-time e.g. via day-release. Check with company if training is offered.
• Year Out/Voluntary Work – If you want to take a break from study before Higher Education. It could also be useful if you plan to look for work as it means you can gain experience or try out a job without committing yourself. Visit the Year Out page.
  
• Employment opportunities through vocational learning visit http://www.vq.org/
   
  
  
  Other Learning Opportunities
• The Prime Minister's Global Fellowship - is an opportunity for UK school and college leavers (age 18+) to engage with exciting international opportunities for their future.The programme will offer 100 school and college leavers a year the chance to visit some of the major countries of the new global economy, started in 2008 with China, India and Brazil.  It is a new and innovative scheme designed to give the Fellows a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For more information visit: www.global-fellowship.org  

• Young people aged between 16 and 19 who are newly arrived from overseas will need information, guidance and support on the learning opportunities and pathways available to them.  Visit the International Student website at: http://www.internationalstudent.com/study-centers/  
  
• UK NARIC provides information and advice about qualifications and skills from outside the UK.http://www.naric.org.uk/index.asp?page=15

 

 

• If you're looking for something a little special from local jobs to top up the coffers, career jobs with some of the UK's top employers, you might find the Totaljobs website helpful: http://www.totaljobs.com/Graduate/default.aspx.  Over 1,900 bosses search Totaljobs every month to find their next star hire. You can also upload your CV
  

• www.need2know.co.uk  –   Give useful information about the latest study options available as well as funding. 

• www.parentscentre.gov.uk  - for parents wanting to guide their children through the options available after GSCEs this website explains the recent changes to post-16 education. There is information on funding and links to direct.gov.uk which discusses the benefits of different qualifications and what they entail.
  
• www.connexions-direct.com  – Connexions Direct offers information for young people aged 13 – 19. The career section offers information on what qualifications you need to do a certain job.  This is accompanied by the latest post-16s options available and courses in your area.  You can find your local centre using the site and speak to an advisor.
  
• www.dcsf.gov.uk/reforms This Department for Children, Schools and Families website outlines the recent changes 14-19 Reforms: Education for the future.
   
• Education and learning contacts http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/EducationAndLearningContacts/index.htm

 

 

Talent Week Update

Quick Play Sport at Talent Week, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, SHEFFIELD - 28th October to 2nd November

 

Daily Events and Presentation

Quick Play Sport Daily Presentation of the Kickster 2000 and the Kickster 3600 goals. Including races to see who can set up the goals the fastest and penalty shoot outs. Score against your Mum, Dad, Gran, Granddad, Mates or test your skills against the best that Quick Play have to offer.  Watch the video screens to find out more about this revolutionary product.
 
Boots for Africa would like all your old disused football boots to give to someone in Africa who would like to play football as much as you do. Bring them to Meadowhall anytime during this week and put them in the bins provided. The proud recipient will send you a letter of thanks.
 
Sam Jones health club have kindly provided Personal trainers, Sports massage, Sports injuries and nutritionists who will answer all your general fitness/nutrition questions from Monday to Friday for 1pm to 6pm. Whether Football related or not.
 
AWard will be taking professional photos of everyone having fun.  
 
Fable Films taking documentary footage of the weeks events.
 
Prize draws and fun games.
 
Monday Sheffield FC are proud to have their 151 birthday party at Meadowhall with their official Net Sponsors Quick Play Sport. Sheffield Football Club are The World’s oldest football club, they invented what we accept as being the present day game of Football. They invented the conventional and see the Quick Play Sport Portable Goal as the next revolution in the glorious game. Sheffield Football Club also took the first Throw in, The first Free Kick, The first international match and the First match under Flood lights so they should know what is good for the game of Football. Come down to the Quick Play Sport stand all day long and have fun with all the people at Meadowhall.

Tuesday Talent Week Grand Opening at 11am with a penalty shoot out on the Quick Play Stand between Captain Blade of Sheffield United and Barney Owl of Sheffield, have your photo taken with Barney and Captain Blade at 11.30am.


Meet the girls from Sheffield Wednesday Ladies football team. Every age group will be there. Girls! If you've ever wanted to play for a football team but have been to afraid to ask then this is the perfect opportunity.

FA representatives there to answer all your questions about football and the initiatives in the area.

Wednesday. Sheffield United Academy and community football sections will be there to tell you anything to with Sheffield United and their football in the community program from 10 till 4. Have your photo taken with Captain Blade and maybe take a penalty or two?

Thursday Rotherham United showcase their community projects, Sheffield United Ladies and Howard Webb or Uriah Renny (to be confirmed) comes down to answer all the questions you need to know from a leading referee. From the simplest question to the new respect campaign.  FA representatives there to answer all your questions about football and the initiatives in the area.

Penalty Shoot out and photo session with Barney Owl at 1pm.
 
Friday Come down to see the ball Jugglers and a penalty shoot out with Aston Villa goal keeper Brad Friedel! Have your photo taken with this Premiership and US International legend and get his autograph.