OTHER CAREERS NOT IN KEY SECTORS

OTHER CAREERS NOT in KEY SECTORS

There are a lot of career possibilities outside of the key sectors identified in this Work Matters information pack. People find exciting and successful careers in all sorts of places; beauty parlours, care homes, garages, working from their own home or even on stage in front of an audience! All sectors of work are important and each plays its role in the economy.

A number of jobs don’t fit neatly into any one specific sector. People with Business Administration or secretarial skills for instance, could work in a warehouse, retail shop or even in a solicitor’s firm. Because there are many jobs that don’t really fit into any of the sectors listed, as well as jobs that can be found in many sectors, we have listed four more interesting case studies to think about!

Case Studies

Fatima Omar:

Age 27

Office Manager

I work as a manager in the Human Resources department of a large multinational company.

As a manager, I have to oversee and organise the work of all the team members and make sure that our department is meeting its targets. If there is a problem, I have to take the appropriate steps to get things back on track. A lot of my time is spent attending meetings and keeping my team up to date with any changes in the company that affect them. I also attend conferences and training events to make sure that my knowledge is kept up to date. Being a manager also requires reviewing staff performance and identifying training needs within my team.

My job is really varied and all the different challenges I encounter keep me motivated and interested. I get a real sense of achievement from what I am doing, especially when the department exceeds its targets, and I enjoy sharing this success with my team. In the future, I am hoping to move to managing a larger department and then, hopefully, to progress into senior management.

Mark Daley:

Age 18

Automotive Technician

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I had managed to get reasonable GCSE grades and when I saw an advert in the local paper for an apprentice Motorcycle Technician at a service and repair centre I thought I’d apply. I’d been interested in motorbikes ever since I could remember so it seemed like the perfect job for me.

I got the job and now attend college for one day each week. I’ve just completed my NVQ Level 2 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair – Motorcycle Technician plus my Key Skills and Technical Certificate and am now starting on Level 3.

I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is not sure whether they want to study full time. It is hard work but it gives you a great chance to decide what you really want to do. I thoroughly enjoy it and have almost saved enough money for a new off road bike of my own.

Da Wei Wan:

Age 17

Business Administration

After leaving school with fairly good GCSE grades I took some advice from my Connexions Adviser and decided to do a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) which covers various aspects of working with computers. After finishing this, I decided to do a B.A apprenticeship because I wanted to learn and gain real hands-on work experience at the same time.

I got through the interview and initially started working towards NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration before switching to a customer service NVQ. I’ve almost completed the NVQ and my Key Skills and am working towards a Technical Certificate.

I’m really pleased that I chose to go for an apprenticeship. I’ve really enjoyed myself and made lots of new friends. I enjoy the work I do and feel I have great career prospects.

Carl Henderson:

Age: 19

Hair Stylist

When I left school I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had done reasonably well in my GCSEs and when I saw an advert for an apprenticeship in Hairdressing in the salon of a large hotel, I decided to go for it.

I attended a training centre on day release and spent the rest of my time working in the salon. After about a year I decided to move to a different salon with a younger client base which enabled me to use my creative flair a bit more. I carried on my training however, and now, having completed an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, I’ve just started an Advanced Apprenticeship and am working towards NVQ Level 3, my Key Skills and Technical Certificate.

Like a lot of people, after GCSEs I really wanted to go out to work and earn some money whilst also getting good training, which is why an apprenticeship seemed so appealing. Hairdressing wasn’t something I’d initially considered, but now I absolutely love it. I’m looking forward to building a good career and maybe, one day, having my own salon.