All About Work

The following Aim Higher booklets have information about individal employment sectors:

Construction (2.7mb)

Engineering (2.5mb)

Information Technology (2mb)

Manufacturing (2.8mb)

Retail (2.3mb)

Logistics

More information about job hunting, pay, employment trends and the world of work are available at the All About Work website

 

The World of Work

Some things you should know about the world of work:

It's Changing!

What do a personal fitness trainer and a computer analyst have in common? Around 20 years ago, neither of these jobs existed! Other jobs have been falling in number or disappearing - e.g. shipbuilder, typist and coal miner.

Information Technology is making a difference

Technology has changed over the last 10 years and many jobs now need IT skills.

Jobs for life are disappearing

There aren't many 'jobs for life' now because industry is changing very quickly. People may have to change their career many times in a lifetime and most need to learn new skills at some point in their working life.

New working patterns are being used

A standard 9-5, Monday to Friday working week is no longer the norm. Many employers now use flexible working hours and 24-hour services. There is also more temporary, contract and home working in the UK than there used to be.

Job vacancies at skilled and technician level

Job vacancies at skilled and technicial level - where you need to be keen to train at work and be willing to work towards qualfications to at least Level 2 or Higher level - are increasing. These incude jobs such as engineering or building technican, administravite assistant or beauty and spa therapist.

Employment with Training is on the way up.

Don't worry if you feel that you are not likely to manage to get to Level 2 (also called higher level) by the time you finish full-time education. The good news is that more employers and training providers than ever are willing to offer you training for the skills you need to do the jobs available. The most important thing is to be willing to keep on learning and be prepared to take up any training on offer. Some employers will provide in-house training, where they give 'on the job' training. Larger employers might have their own training department and offer courses.

Employment with Further Education

You could do part-time day or evening classes. Some employers might offer part-time day release or block release so that you can go to college to get a qualification that relates to your job.

Employment with Higher Education

Some professions are all graduate, where you have to complete higher education before you get a job. However, you can study at a higher education level part time, in your own time. There are lots of options for part-time study, i.e. degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Certificate/Diploma.