NHS Apprenticeships What you need to know

NHS Apprenticeships What you need to know by Michael Cheary Always wanted to work for the NHS? You’re in luck… Finding a career with the National Health Service isn’t just for doctors and nurses. There are a wide range of different opportunities out there, many of which may not even require a background in healthcare to get started.We’ve already covered how to get a job in healthcare without any experience, but here’s everything you need to know about NHS apprenticeships:What are NHS apprenticeships? NHS Apprenticeships are the perfect way to start a career in healthcare.They’re available to anyone over the age of 16, and provide a great opportunity to learn the ropes in a new role, whilst still getting paid a regular wage.Currently, the NHS employs around 14,000 apprentices across the UK.Apprenticeships: How to get startedApplying for apprenticeshipsHow long do NHS apprenticeships last? An apprenticeship with the NHS can take anywhere from one to four years to complete.The exact length will depend on the role you apply for, and which level your apprenticeship is.  What apprenticeships are available? The NHS offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities, covering everything from dental nursing to emergency care.Some of the most popular NHS apprenticeships include:Maternity and paediatric supportPerioperative supportPharmacy servicesHealth and social careDental nursingHealthcare assistanceInformaticsHowever, this is by no means an extensive list, and there are hundreds of different disciplines on offer to choose from.What’s more, with crucial changes on the horizon within the health sector, apprenticeships are on the rise â€" with the NHS looking to employ 100,000 apprentices by the year 2020.Five apprenticeships you may not have consideredNHS apprenticeship levelsApprenticeships with the NHS are available at four levels:Intermediate Apprenticeships equivalent to five GCSEs A* â€" CAdvanced Apprenticeships equivalent to two A-LevelsHigher Apprenticeships equivalent to a fo undation degree and aboveDegree Apprenticeships equivalent to a full bachelor’s or master’s degreeThe type of apprenticeship that’s right for you will depend on your previous experience, as well as what role you’re looking to go into.Types of apprenticeshipsWhat are the entry requirements? As you might expect, NHS Apprenticeships are highly competitive.Entry requirements will all depend on which level you’re looking to start. For most Intermediate Apprenticeships, for example, there might not be any set requirements (although GCSEs may help).However, to move on to an Advanced Apprenticeship, you’ll generally need at least five good GCSEs, or to have completed the Intermediate level. For Higher Apprenticeships, A Levels (or the previous apprenticeship level) will be required.Aside from qualifications, you’ll need to show that you’re committed, aware of your responsibilities and able to successfully manage the work whilst studying â€" all whilst sharing the core NHS v alues of wanting to help and care for people.  What are the benefits of an NHS apprenticeship? There are many great benefits of starting an apprenticeship in the healthcare industry.Some of the top benefits include:Gaining a nationally-recognised qualificationLearning whilst you earn a regular wageOn-the-job experienceSupport from industry professionalsBuilding up your professional networkWhy choose an apprenticeship?Seven reasons you should start an apprenticeship  What can I do after my apprenticeship? Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you will generally either be offered a permanent position, or allowed to continue your professional development.If you don’t choose to move on to the next level, you may even be eligible to move into higher education â€" and build on the skills and knowledge you’ve learned during your apprenticeship.If you aren’t lucky enough to be kept on, you’ll still have a professional qualification to add to your CV. And with 15% of employers stating that apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications, there’ll be no limit to how far you can progress in your career.Five reasons you should be working in healthcareWhat are the career prospects for apprentices?    Ready to start? View all available apprenticeships now.  Careermap is an online platform which is dedicated to supporting 15-24 year olds who are looking for a pathway into apprenticeships and early career opportunities. 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

The 10 Most Important Work Skills in 2020 [INFOGRAPHIC]

The 10 Most Important Work Skills in 2020 [INFOGRAPHIC] The year 2020 sounds kind of far away, doesnt it? But its actually right around the corner. An interesting study sponsored by University of Phoenix Research Institute reveals what employers will be looking for as the workplace continues to change between now and 2020. While many studies attempt to predict specific jobs of the future, this one focused on future work skills where we need to be proficient and which abilities will be valued, across many different jobs and work settings. The infographic below was developed by Top10OnlineColleges.org, and is a great summary of the studys conclusions. Specifically the six drivers of change, and how they relate the required work skills of our (near) future.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Tips for Avoiding Distraction at Work

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Tips for Avoiding Distraction at Work You start the day with the best of intentions. You are not going to get distracted. Not. Going. To. Get.Distracted. Then you think youll just do a quick Gmail check to make sure youre not missing anything critical. After that, you check your Instagram account might as well while youre already online, right? A quick peek at Twitter and youre ready to settle into work. About that time, a co-worker interrupts, asking if you can take a quick look at an email she needs to send an unhappy customer. Finally, back to work where youre pulled away 10 minutes later when the boss sends you an email asking for a project update. By the end of the day, youre feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, once again frustrated that youve had so many distractions you havent reached the goals you set. Its a familiar story to Dr. Edward M. Hallowell, but one he says can be changed so that anyone can have a more productive and focused life. Author of Driven to Distraction at Work, Hallowell is a leading expert on ADD and ADHD, and says that traditional advice such as making a to-do list doesnt work because it ignores the deeper issues that are the cause of mentaldistraction. Hallowell says there are six common ways that people lose their ability to focus at work and the emotional and psychological reasons behind each one: 1. Screen sucking.This latest and fast-growing addiction to the Internet and social media make people feel high when hyper-focusing on their electronic screens and they feel an actual loss without them. They may self-medicate by staying glued to their gadgets instead of dealing with feelings of frustration about their career, for example. Some strategies to overcome it include closely tracking how much time is truly spent online, keeping a list of activities to occupy yourself when bored and trying to communicate more face-to-face. Just about everyone has a bad Internet habit, Hallowell says. You can be upfront about that (at work), and say we as a group need to take this seriously and give each other permission to set boundaries. I would NOT use the word addiction, as that would scare people too much. 2. Multitasking.Constantly feeling bombarded by (read more here)

Banish Acne for Good What Really Works

Banish Acne for Good What Really Works Gone are the days when you could roll out of bed, slip into a track suit and stumble into your first morning class. You have to dress the part of the young capable executive! With that comes shopping for a good interview outfit and paying more attention to your appearance; if you are plagued by acne, perhaps it’s time to take care of it once and for all. You will not only look better but feel more confident during those all-important first impressions. To understand which acne cures have the potential to work we have to take a closer look at the medical side of things. How Does Acne Form? Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands, the tiny glands near the surface of the skin, produce an excess of sebum; the oily substance used by the body to lubricate the skin. The excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and in turn clogs the neighbouring miniscule hair follicles, resulting in a whitehead or blackhead. If bacteria (however harmless) on the surface of the skin contaminates the plugged follicles it can exacerbate the spot and become a nodule, pustule or even a cyst. Causes of Acne Acne can be triggered by hormonal changes; in teens it can come with the onset of puberty and increased levels of testosterone. In some women it is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels occurring in the menstrual cycle, and in pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome (POS). In fact, according to the NHS over 80% of all cases of adult acne occur in women. Acne often runs in families. If one or both of your parents had severe acne, it is likely that you will develop it as well. Aside from hormones and genetics, acne can be aggravated by certain medicines such as steroid creams and tablets and some epilepsy treatments. Smoking can exacerbate acne, as can any pore-clogging topical preparations; like greasy cosmetics. Wearing things like headbands, which put pressure on the skin, can trigger acne. How to Get Rid of Acne Doctors usually recommend a stepped approach to treatment, starting off with milder creams, and depending on the response, moving on to stronger creams, combined treatments and tablets. Some acne medicines unblock pores, whilst other contain anti-inflammatories or antibiotics. Mild acne can be treated with topical benzoyl peroxide preparations from a chemist or pharmacy. If used according to instructions for 8 weeks and results are not as desired, you can try a topical antibiotic or topical retinoid. Start with an antibiotic preparation such as Zineryt or Dalacin T, or a topical retinoid like Differin or Isotrex. You can use one of these single component treatments for 8 weeks and observe results. If one does not work, try the other for another 8 weeks. If neither works you will want to move on to a dual component treatment containing both an antibiotic and retinoid component, like Duac or Epiduo. Again, you will want to try one for 8 weeks and if results are not satisfactory, switch to the other. The last step in this plan is to begin taking an antibiotic tablet like Lymecycline, however if your doctor recommends it you may start taking antibiotic tablets at the beginning of your acne treatment or at an earlier stage in the process. Your doctor will advise you as to which treatments can be used in conjunction with antibiotics for acne. In general, Lymecycline tablets can be taken on their own, or in combination with Differin, Isotrex and Epiduo. Antibiotic tablets are usually not prescribed at the same time as Zineryt, Dalacin T and Duac, because these topical preparations already contain antibiotics. It is important to switch or combine acne medications only under the guidance of a medical professional. Banishing acne for good comes with a range of benefits, not the least of which is saying goodbye to painful spots and redness. You will also feel more ready to confront the pressures of meeting people for the first time and becoming integrated into the workplace. Use this knowledge to start getting rid of acne for good and consult your GP for further information.

A Near Fatal Bicycle Accident Was Actually a Mammoth Gift - Career Pivot

A Near Fatal Bicycle Accident Was Actually a Mammoth Gift - Career Pivot Near Fatal Bicycle Accident Was Actually a Mammoth Gift Click to enlarge My near fatal bicycle accident on July 11th of 2002 changed my life for the better. You read that correctly, that fatal day was actually a mammoth gift in disguise. All I remember was cresting the hill before descending into the blind curve. There are glimpses of memory in the emergency room with my wife, Lotus. After that, it was waking up in the hospital, a brace on my neck with a morphine drip in my arm. The car had been going 30 miles per hour. I was doing 20+. I evidently totaled the ‘96 Toyota Corolla with my body. At those speeds, the survival rate is about 10 percent. (Click on the picture to get a true idea just how badly the bike was damaged. This was a HEAVY DUTY steel touring bicycle.) Most of us need something big to push us out of our comfort zone and make us look for something beyond comfort. For me, it was the accident that happened when I was 46 years old. I was incredibly fortunate. I spent five days in the trauma center with many broken bones, but no damage to my brain or internal organs. Once I recovered, I realized my being alive was a miracle. I also realized that when I do die, I want to know I’ve made a difference in the world. At the time I was teaching people how to program leading edge telecommunications systems. That made a real impact on the lives of people â€" NOT. I wanted the work I did to be about something bigger. After the Accident I was out of the trauma center and was sent home in less than a week, walking on crutches in 3 days and back on a bicycle in 10 weeks. You are probably asking yourself Why would you get back on a bicycle after that? I had no fear of getting back on the bicycle but I had a lot of fear driving an automobile. I ride my bicycle on low traffic roads but I drive my automobile on busy thoroughfares. It was the traffic that scared me. This event turned out to be a blessing. My son had just graduated from high school and he was home with me as I recuperated. We spent the next two months having lots of discussions about what college would be like. For those of you who have raised teenagers, you have no idea what they actually hear and what actually gets to the brain. Listen to the most recent episode Four years later, when he came home after graduation before getting a job I realized he actually listened!! Those two months turned out to be golden and could never be replaced. By hitting the car I was given some special time with my son. Return to Work Within 4 months, I was flying to China and then to Korea to run classes in Shenzhen, Nanjing, Shanghai and Seoul. As I went through security at various Chinese airports, the titanium screws in my hip would set off the metal detectors. Boy, was this fun! I even had the joy of being right in the middle of the SARS outbreak. (I did not get sick!) That is when it hit me. WTF. Why am I doing this?? I was 46 years old. My only child was off to college and I had that fully funded. The high-tech startup I worked for had been acquired by Lucent Technologies, which was in the process of imploding but I received enough in retention bonuses to pay off the mortgage on the house. I had no business being alive much less flying around the world teaching people to design telecommunications systems. I decided to make a Career Pivot. The following year I would volunteer for a layoff so that I could pursue a high school math teaching certificate, which is another story for another time. That bicycle accident is what made me what I am today and I look at it as a mammoth gift. Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Career spotlight on paralegals - Sterling Career Concepts

Career spotlight on paralegals Career spotlight on paralegals Our guest author today is Audrey Marden of www.paralegalcareerguide.com, whichprovides information on the paralegal field,training programs, certifications, and career options, includingworking from home.Ive personally had a handful of clients over the past year whove completed accredited paralegal programs, obtained internships and then full-time job offers. Maybe its the right career option for you, too. Now Ill let Audrey tell you a little bit more: Lets start outby banishing a few common myths about paralegals. Myth #1 Paralegals are typically recent law student graduates looking to get in the door at firms and companies. Reality Once upon a time this was true but not anymore. It might surprise many people to learn that there is actually no educational prerequisite to becoming a paralegal. And often the average applicant would demand a lower salary than a law student, recently graduated or not. Myth #2 Paralegals work only for law firms. Reality Paralegals are employed in many different industries and for organizations ranging from government to legal to consumer corporations. Why Should I Consider this Career? Two reasons; the first being that the pay is pretty decent, the median salary in 2008 for all full-time paralegal and legal assistants was $46,120, not half bad. For you over achievers, the top 10 percent earned more than $73,450. The second reason is the projected job growth. Between 2008 and 2018 analysts predict a growth of 28% in the demand for paralegal employees. Okay Youre Interested, So What Next? The foremost thing youll need to consider getting something to put on your resume that sells yourself as a paralegal professional. This can come in the form of an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, many community colleges offer these. If you already have a bachelors degree, its more likely youll pursue a certification from a national paralegal association. There are a few to choose from, each with different standards and requirements. Perform the proper research before making your decision, perhaps utilizing a paralegal career guide, or if you happen to know someone in the profession already, seek out their advice. Additional Advice As mentioned before; paralegals are employed across many industries in a varying capacity. I recommend choosing a very specific area of law to focus on, one that relates to your interest or previous experience. For example, if you have previous experience in human resources, you may find that specializing in labor law makes you more attractive to a potential employer. You can even take this a step further and strongly focus on employee benefits within labor laws. Youll be cutting down the number of paralegal jobs you qualify for but for those that you do qualify for, youll stand out from the crowd of applicants in a good way. Audrey Marden isasuccessful entrepreneur who owns a handful of online and offline businesses,including http://www.speedy-incorporation.com,a site that offers businesses and individuals information about incorporating online as well about forming a nationwide LLC.

Finding the Best Resume Writing Services Chicago NYC

Finding the Best Resume Writing Services Chicago NYCAfter you have researched the best resume writing services Chicago NYC, you should go through and review each resume. Now, you may wonder what criteria you should use to screen out the applicants and pick the best one.Your initial screening procedure should be so simple that a child could accomplish it. This is so important because you need to make sure that the applicant is a good fit for your company.It is important to remember that applying for a job is a lot of work. Your resume should be properly written and should attract attention. The applicant should be able to provide a balance of skill and knowledge about your business.Your job application should be top quality. You cannot afford to compromise on quality when you are applying for a position with a Fortune 500 company. It would be better to take the time to obtain professional help. When you have this information at hand, you can begin the process of reviewing the resumes. You may ask the applicants if they have any job experience or prior work experience. You should have a written sample of the job they are applying for and have them answer a few questions about the position.Screening out applicants can be somewhat overwhelming but it can be done. Review all of the resumes carefully and make sure that all the information is correct. When you have completed your review, you can then begin the process of interviewing each of the applicants.Each applicant should be provided a copy of their resume. Make sure that your interviewers understand exactly what they are looking for from your resume. This will prevent future conflicts of interest.Interviewing resumes can take awhile but you must remember that you are hiring a candidate for a position for which they are going to be in charge. You cannot afford to hire an applicant who will not perform well in a situation that they are faced with.