Category Archives: Career Development

Career Development, Careers, News

“Connect and collaborate”: Early Career Network launched by Institute of Economic Development

The Institute of Economic Development (IED), the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities, has launched its Early Career Network: a dedicated platform to enable those in the early stages of their economic development careers to connect and collaborate.

The network’s mission is to create a pool of resources to help members’ progress their careers and build their knowledge of the opportunities available within the economic development industry via networking events, accessible channels of communication, and other activities including talks with experts on economic development.

As well as a dedicated on LinkedIn group, meetings will typically run on a monthly basis and take place online. These meetings will be accessible via a link shared exclusively to members in the network’s WhatsApp group chat, and include:

  • ‘Talks with experts’ – a series of interview-style sessions with speakers from the economic development sector, as suggested by members of the network.
  • Spotlight sessions – where members of the network take time out of the meeting to explain and describe what their day-to-day roles consist of, as well as sharing industry and events information. This will allow for networking and further understanding of the opportunities within the sector.
  • Bi-weekly admin meetings – run by a core group of five volunteer members, these meetings will take place to enable the ongoing running of the network and for members to touch base if they would like to. This group, which will rotate, will also own communications platforms and publish content.

Micaela Benvenuto, an Economic Development Consultant at Mickledore, is one of the volunteer members driving the network.

“We are really excited to launch the Early Career Network, which brings a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the early stages of their economic development career, and already we have 40 members,” she said. “Not only will members gain on-the-ground industry insights from other members, they will be able to expand their professional network which could lead to new business partnerships and/or potential career opportunities. Members can also build their personal brands and professional credibility by being a part of a network affiliated with a well-renowned organisation such as the IED.

“From my perspective, it is helping me to explore different areas of economic development and connect with peers of the sector to understand how we can better partner up to intervene in ways that may produce positive outcomes.”

The network is open to anyone who is a member of the IED and in their early stages of their economic development career or aspiring to join the sector, including students. Those who do not hold an IED membership but are interested in joining the network are encouraged to communicate with admin@ied.co.uk and attend one of the network’s meetings and/or be co-opted into the group for an agreed period of time.

Claire Hill, Economic Growth Officer at West Lindsey Council, said: “Having worked across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, I have arrived in economic development later than others. The professional networks I have already established are outside of this area of work. The Early Career Network therefore seemed an ideal opportunity to connect with others in a similar position, and further my understanding of the wider work happening in this field.”

“I am excited by the opportunities this network brings, especially in terms of learning from my industry peers and staying up-to-date with the latest developments,” added Martin Owen, Planning/Regeneration Consultant at BE Group.

IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “The Early Career Network is a fantastic initiative to unite professionals in the early stages of their career across the economic development sector. It is built very much on the principle of co-creation between members of the network, and we are excited by its potential to inform and inspire the progression of up-and-coming economic development professionals.”

More information about the Early Career Network, and its membership, can be found here.

With nearly 1,400 IED members overall, professionals are drawn from the public sector (local authorities, universities and government departments) and the private sector (consultancies supporting economic development in its widest sense). For higher education the IED offers student membership for full or part-time students working towards a qualification in a relevant discipline but who are not in employment.

Career Development, Careers, Education, News

Graduate Coach to help thousands of UK graduates secure their dream jobs through cut price online course

To help thousands of graduates searching for jobs this summer, Graduate Coach, a UK leading graduate coaching company, has significantly dropped the price of its ‘Turn Your Degree into a Career’ course from £249 to £24.95.

The three-week online course will provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and insights to secure their first graduate job in an increasingly tough and competitive job market.

Graduate Coach highlights that approximately 2 million graduates are seeking jobs, while there are only around 17,500 new graduate roles are available each month. This is a sharp decline from the 25,000 jobs per month five years ago. Additionally, many graduates are ‘underemployed,’ working in unskilled jobs that are completely unrelated to their degrees.

 

Chris Davies, founder and CEO of Graduate Coach says, “The reality of the job market for graduates is stark. There is currently a job famine. The market is not only saturated with new grads, but they are competing with graduates from last year who are working their way out of underemployment into graduate jobs. Unfortunately, this means around 193 graduates are fighting for each graduate role advertised.

He adds, “We are seeing talented graduates face endless rejections and often silence from employers. We want to change this and have significantly reduced the price of our online course to help many more graduates and equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to secure their first graduate role.”

 

The course will help graduates understand which career path best suits them, their own skill set and how to prepare for interviews. They will also learn how to prepare a first class CV, write a cover letter that will stand out to employers, and to optimise their job hunt to find the best jobs, then master the interview and land a job.

Graduate Coach has helped thousands of students to secure their dream graduate job:

‘Graduate Coach was excellent in helping me streamline my CV and making sure that I was representing myself correctly and allowed me to discover talents and value that I would not have discovered on my own.’ – Alex, UK graduate.

Sign up to Graduate Coach’s Turn Your Degree into a Career course now, to gain key employability skills and stand out against your competitors in the graduate job market.

Contact: Chris Davies, gethelp@graduatecoach.co.uk, +44 (0)2070149547

—

Editor’s Note

Graduate Coach is a UK-based graduate career coaching firm founded by Chris Davies. Since it was set up in 2010, Graduate Coach has helped over 5,000 UK and international graduates secure positions at leading UK companies including Amazon, Google, J.P. Morgan, amongst others. With a focus on practical guidance and skill development, its services include one-to-one career coaching, immersive workshops, and personalised online resources. Additionally, Graduate Coach provides tailored internship opportunities and support services to further enhance graduates’ career prospects.

For more information, please visit https://graduatecoach.co.uk/

or their link tree https://linktr.ee/graduatecoachuk

 

Career Development, Careers, Hospitality

Alternative Career Paths for Former Hotel Managers

Managers working in the hospitality sector understand that in today’s economic climate, the job doesn’t just involve late nights and busy weekends, it’s also about getting more people through the door and balancing the books. With a growing number of hotel managers wanting to take their skills in a new direction, Mike Smith, Director at Stocktake UK discusses the opportunities a stocktaking franchise offers to hospitality professionals seeking an alternative career path.

The ups and downs of hospitality

The last few years have been exceptionally challenging for UK hotels. Brexit led to a shortage of workers, income dried up during the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis has impacted bookings and high inflation has made it far harder to maintain profitability.

Demand for Stocktakers

Faced with higher costs and fewer visitors, it has become increasingly important for hotel owners across the sector to improve inventory management so they can eliminate waste and increase sales margins. This need has led to a growing number of hotels, large and small, seeking the services of professional stocktakers.

Indeed, many now find this an indispensable service, as it provides managers with the means to keep check on their stock levels, make informed purchases and eradicate over and understocking. Essentially, it enables them to fulfil customer demand in the most cost-efficient way.

From Hotel Manager to Stocktaking Franchisee

With the steadily rising demand for stocktaking services, becoming a stocktaking franchisee enables former hotel managers to start their own business in an area that offers both stability and growth while being fully supported by the parent company. Stocktake UK’s franchise programme offers hotel managers an alternative way to utilise their existing skills and experience while remaining in a familiar sector. Potential earnings are promising too, with the average franchisee making around £50K a year and top partners accruing in excess of £125K.

For many hotel managers, the main attraction of a stocktaking franchise is the lifestyle change it offers. Instead of the inconvenience of long days and unsociable hours, franchisees have far greater flexibility when it comes to organising their working days and, indeed, the days they work. This brings the promise of a better work-life balance and more time to spend on what they enjoy.

Getting started as a stocktaking franchisee

For hotel managers considering a stocktaking franchise, joining Stocktake UK’s national network of professional stock auditors means being supported from day one. Franchisees need no previous stocktaking experience, as they receive full training in everything from business management to using specialist stocktaking software. Additionally, all equipment is provided and continuous support, together with regular leads, are provided from the head office.

With over 25 years’ experience, Stocktake UK is a leading provider of professional stocktaking services to hotels and the hospitality industry at large. We have an extensive client portfolio that includes everything from independent clubs and restaurants to regional pub chains and distinguished hotel groups.

For more information, visit Stocktake UK.

Career Development, Careers, News, STEM

The OR Society announces charity partnership with In2scienceUK to boost STEM skills amongst young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

In National Careers Week (4th – 9th March), The OR Society, the leading membership organisation for operational researchers, is partnering with the award-winning charity, In2scienceUK[i] to support young people from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in the innovative In2STEM programme.

In2science was established in 2010 to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the sector to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) based industries.

The In2STEM programme[ii] provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people to collaborate with dedicated volunteer STEM professionals, undertaking cutting-edge research and learning STEM skills in some of Britain’s pioneering centres of STEM education, research and industry.

The programme is for 17-year-olds passionate about STEM and runs from 22 July to 23 August 2024. It offers a blend of online and in-person activities and equips students the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM. The programme is free to join, and the charity provides a bursary, to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements.

The OR Society is partnering with In2scienceUK to sponsor two young people who will have work placements and mentors within operational research at universities. They will also be delivering virtual workshops on operational research for the entire cohort of students participating in the programme at the end of the summer.

Operational research (OR) involves the application of advanced mathematical techniques such as modelling, optimisation, and simulation, with innovative problem-solving approaches, to address complex real-world challenges, and OR professionals are in high demand across many sectors.

However, a recent YouGov survey on behalf of education charity, Teach First[iii] highlighted the UK’s STEM skills shortage is at risk of growing, as more than half of parents (51%) from a lower socio-economic background believe their children are “unlikely” to have a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.

According to In2scienceUK there is an annual shortfall of 40,000 STEM skilled workers with the number of future technical jobs forecast to increase[iv]. With salaries in STEM being 20% higher than other sectors, In2scienceUK say getting more young people from low-income backgrounds into these professions promotes social mobility and fights economic inequality.

 

Chiara Carparelli, Education Manager at The OR Society said: “We are excited to help inspire the next generation of young STEM professionals. The In2STEM programme is helping to address the skills shortage and encourage young people to consider a STEM based career such as OR.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to make informed choices, boost their academic profile and prepare for a successful future in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Proficiency in STEM subjects is vital for those aspiring for a career in OR. With technologies like AI and data analytics advancing, job opportunities for OR specialists are expected to surge in the coming years and encouraging young people from all backgrounds into these careers is vital.”

 

To find out more about In2STEM, including how young people can apply visit: https://in2scienceuk.org/our-programmes/in2stem

To explore the career possibilities within OR visit: www.theorsociety.com/get-involved/or-in-education/careers.

—

About The OR Society

The OR Society is a member-led organization that supports professional operational researchers across various industries and academia. It serves as a vibrant community of professionals and researchers who collectively shape the future of operational research, data science, and analytics. The organization’s members address complex challenges across many industries, from optimization to modelling and improving systems, including healthcare. Celebrating its 75th anniversary from September 2023 to 2024, The OR Society is a registered charity that contributes to expanding the boundaries of the discipline through publications and events.

The OR Society 12 Edward Street, Birmingham, B1 2RX, UK Main Tel: +44 (0)121 233 9300 Email: sarah.davies@theorsociety.com Website: www.TheORSociety.com

 

[i] https://in2scienceuk.org/about/

[ii] https://in2scienceuk.org/our-programmes/in2stem/

[iii] https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/press-release/uk-stem-skills-shortage

[iv] https://in2scienceuk.org/about/

Career Development, Careers, Social Media

How to Land Your Dream Job Using Social Media

In the rapidly changing landscape of the job market, traditional methods of job searching and resume-building are constantly evolving. As technology continues to penetrate all aspects of life, our professional lives are no exception.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer confined to personal connections and entertainment. They are emerging as powerful tools for job hunting and showcasing talents.

According to ExpressVPN’s research, social media posts are becoming integral to the hiring process in 2023, and approximately 70% of hiring managers have reported successful hires through social media platforms.  This trend is especially pronounced for Gen Z, who constantly compete against more experienced professionals.

But how exactly can you leverage this trend to land your dream job? Here’s a guide.

 

  1. Build a Strong Online Portfolio

The first step is to create a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, or Instagram. Make sure it includes your qualifications, relevant experiences, and a clear, concise bio that articulates your career goals. Your profile is your new resume; keep it polished and updated – and keep it separate from your personal social media profiles.

 

  1. Showcase Your Skills Creatively

Traditional resumes are often bland, lacking the space or format to display your creativity or individuality. Social media, on the other hand, provides an excellent canvas. For example, if you’re a graphic designer or video marketer, you can create a video showcasing your best designs. If you’re in marketing, a series of Instagram stories highlighting successful campaigns can make a difference.

 

  1. Engage With Industry Influencers and Professionals

Networking has always been crucial in finding a dream job. With social media, it’s easier than ever to connect with industry leaders and influencers. Comment on their posts, share their content, and don’t hesitate to reach out via direct messages. Your dream employer might be just a direct message away.

 

  1. Use Relevant Hashtags and Keywords

Your online content must be discoverable. By using relevant hashtags and keywords related to your industry, you increase your visibility to potential employers. Platforms like LinkedIn also allow for keyword optimization in your profile, so don’t overlook these details.

 

  1. Maintain Professionalism

While social media offers a more relaxed environment, maintaining professionalism is paramount. This includes being mindful of the content you share and engage with. An offensive post, controversial comment, or even just a ‘like’ on someone else’s inappropriate post could cost you an opportunity.

 

  1. Ask for Recommendations and Testimonials

Just like letters of recommendation, social media endorsements and testimonials can bolster your credibility. Encourage colleagues and former employers to endorse your skills on LinkedIn or share positive feedback on other platforms.

 

  1. Monitor Your Privacy Settings

Not everything on your personal social media needs to be public. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings and control what potential employers can see. Even if you keep your personal life separate from your professional online presence, exercising good judgement on what employers could potentially see is wise – and check your history too.

 

  1. Be Patient and Persistent

Building a strong social media presence takes time and consistent effort. Share valuable insights, engage with others, and show genuine interest in your industry. Your dream job won’t appear overnight, but social media can accelerate the process.

 

  1. Consider the Platform’s Audience

Different platforms attract different audiences. While LinkedIn is more formal and industry-focused, TikTok and Instagram allow for more creativity and personal flair. Understand the audience of each platform and tailor your content accordingly.

 

  1. Stay Informed About Industry Trends

Being knowledgeable about your industry’s latest trends will not only help in your job but also in crafting relevant content. Share insights, comment on new developments, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field.

 

Conclusion

The way we search for jobs is undoubtedly changing. As the research shows, social media is transforming from a mere communication tool into a vital component of professional development and job hunting.

By thoughtfully crafting your online presence, engaging with the community, and maintaining a balance between creativity and professionalism, you can stand out in the competitive job market. These tools, combined with traditional job-seeking methods, can help you land your dream job in today’s interconnected world. Happy job hunting!

 

Career Development, Careers, Coaching and Mentoring, News

How mentoring young people is boosting diversity and talent pipelines for businesses

In National Careers Week (6th to 11th March) Career Accelerator, an education business that connects businesses and young people is shining a light on how firms can nurture diverse talent and build talent pipelines through schools outreach opportunities.

Career Accelerator works with companies including Cisco, Pearson, Just Eat, Vodafone and GoCardless to offer mentoring programmes for students from diverse backgrounds. These include the new Neurodiversity and Disability Programme and LGBT+ business mentoring to prepare young people for successful careers.

Students that engage with businesses can develop knowledge, experience and skills that are valued in the workplace, whilst businesses can address skills shortages, boost diversity and talent pipelines, as well as provide developmental opportunities for their employees.

A report last year, ‘Diversity in Tech and its Role in Future Equality’ by Wiley Edge[i] found that 64% of businesses are struggling to retain diverse employees. But equally nearly half of young tech workers (48%) have felt uncomfortable in a job because of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or neurodevelopmental condition.

Also, it was reported that there were around 870,000 tech and digital job vacancies available January to May 2022, the highest number ever recorded since job search engine Adzuna began collecting data in May 2012. It was also revealed that tech roles now make up 14% of all job opportunities in the UK, up from 11% in 2019[ii].

Mayur Gupta

Mayur Gupta, CEO at Career Accelerator said: “Despite a big push in recent years to improve diversity in workplaces, many firms are still failing to become attractive places for underrepresented groups to work. We are helping to change this by encouraging firms to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds whilst they are still at school.

“Preparing diverse young people for careers in the modern economy and supporting businesses to provide employee training, volunteering, and marketing opportunities is making a real difference to diversity and inclusion. It’s giving young people the chance to shine and develop careers they may not have thought open to them and for employers to gain fresh perspectives and widen their talent pool.”

Cisco has been working with Career Accelerator for the past three years helping young people from low income and diverse backgrounds prepare for careers in the digital sector. They run a school’s programme, as well as a LGBT+ programme and Neurodiversity and Disability programme.

 

Speaking about his experience mentoring a young person called Kade, Alvaro Berruga from Cisco said: “It’s great making an impact in someone’s career by helping them in areas that they are not familiar with yet.  I helped Kade improve his software engineering skills, and gave some suggestions to him on how to deal with his manager to achieve his goals and setting a roadmap of things he could work on.”

He adds, “I also learned a lot from him, so it was a very good experience. Mentoring someone helps you develop your communication skills and understand the needs of people who have barely started in software development. This is very useful when managing a team, or even when helping an intern or newcomer in the company.”

 

Centrica has also worked with Career Accelerator over the past three years firstly with their race network, and more recently they have started neurodiversity and disability mentoring.

They offered work experience to students from diverse backgrounds. Students in their final year of GCSE’s or studying for ‘A’ levels were based in British Gas’s commercial team, gaining exposure to different parts of the business to help prepare them for their future careers.

 

Donna Anderson from Centrica said: “I’ve loved having the opportunity to support someone from a diverse background and at the same time give something back to our society. It really helped me to work with someone who had never had any exposure to my business before and to appreciate the different ages and stages that people come into a working environment and the different needs they might have.

“It helped me as an experienced mentor, to flex my style from working with an adult to an under 16 and adapt my advice and activities to suit the relevant age. Not knowing who my mentee would be, or his background was a great reminder to be open, transparent and provide a safe place for someone to be themselves and to never pre-judge or have bias of anyone regardless of age, race, culture, ability etc.”

 

For more information on Career Accelerator visit: www.careeraccelerator.io

[i] https://wiley-edge.idstud.io/edge/site/assets/files/1084/wiley_edge_-_diversity_in_tech_report_-_uk_-_13092022.pdf

[ii] https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/uk-tech-job-opportunities-hit-a-10-year-high-with-rise-in-digital-services-driving-demand/

Career Development, Careers, Education, News, Training

How mentoring young people is boosting diversity and talent pipelines for businesses

In National Careers Week (6th to 11th March) Career Accelerator, an education business that connects businesses and young people is shining a light on how firms can nurture diverse talent and build talent pipelines through schools outreach opportunities.

Career Accelerator works with companies including Cisco, Pearson, Just Eat, Vodafone and GoCardless to offer mentoring programmes for students from diverse backgrounds. These include the new Neurodiversity and Disability Programme and LGBT+ business mentoring to prepare young people for successful careers.

Students that engage with businesses can develop knowledge, experience and skills that are valued in the workplace, whilst businesses can address skills shortages, boost diversity and talent pipelines, as well as provide developmental opportunities for their employees.

A report last year, ‘Diversity in Tech and its Role in Future Equality’ by Wiley Edge[i] found that 64% of businesses are struggling to retain diverse employees. But equally nearly half of young tech workers (48%) have felt uncomfortable in a job because of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or neurodevelopmental condition.

Also, it was reported that there were around 870,000 tech and digital job vacancies available January to May 2022, the highest number ever recorded since job search engine Adzuna began collecting data in May 2012. It was also revealed that tech roles now make up 14% of all job opportunities in the UK, up from 11% in 2019[ii].

Mayur Gupta, CEO at Career Accelerator

Mayur Gupta, CEO at Career Accelerator said: “Despite a big push in recent years to improve diversity in workplaces, many firms are still failing to become attractive places for underrepresented groups to work. We are helping to change this by encouraging firms to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds whilst they are still at school.

“Preparing diverse young people for careers in the modern economy and supporting businesses to provide employee training, volunteering, and marketing opportunities is making a real difference to diversity and inclusion. It’s giving young people the chance to shine and develop careers they may not have thought open to them and for employers to gain fresh perspectives and widen their talent pool.”

 

Cisco has been working with Career Accelerator for the past three years helping young people from low income and diverse backgrounds prepare for careers in the digital sector. They run a school’s programme, as well as a LGBT+ programme and Neurodiversity and Disability programme.

Speaking about his experience mentoring a young person called Kade, Alvaro Berruga from Cisco said: “It’s great making an impact in someone’s career by helping them in areas that they are not familiar with yet.  I helped Kade improve his software engineering skills, and gave some suggestions to him on how to deal with his manager to achieve his goals and setting a roadmap of things he could work on.”

He adds, “I also learned a lot from him, so it was a very good experience. Mentoring someone helps you develop your communication skills and understand the needs of people who have barely started in software development. This is very useful when managing a team, or even when helping an intern or newcomer in the company.”

 

Centrica has also worked with Career Accelerator over the past three years firstly with their race network, and more recently they have started neurodiversity and disability mentoring.

They offered work experience to students from diverse backgrounds. Students in their final year of GCSE’s or studying for ‘A’ levels were based in British Gas’s commercial team, gaining exposure to different parts of the business to help prepare them for their future careers.

 

Donna Anderson from Centrica said: “I’ve loved having the opportunity to support someone from a diverse background and at the same time give something back to our society. It really helped me to work with someone who had never had any exposure to my business before and to appreciate the different ages and stages that people come into a working environment and the different needs they might have.

“It helped me as an experienced mentor, to flex my style from working with an adult to an under 16 and adapt my advice and activities to suit the relevant age. Not knowing who my mentee would be, or his background was a great reminder to be open, transparent and provide a safe place for someone to be themselves and to never pre-judge or have bias of anyone regardless of age, race, culture, ability etc.”

 

For more information on Career Accelerator visit: www.careeraccelerator.io

 

[i] https://wiley-edge.idstud.io/edge/site/assets/files/1084/wiley_edge_-_diversity_in_tech_report_-_uk_-_13092022.pdf

[ii] https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/uk-tech-job-opportunities-hit-a-10-year-high-with-rise-in-digital-services-driving-demand/

Accountancy & Accounts, Career Development, Careers, News

Inspiring the next generation of accountants and auditors in ‘National Careers Week’ : The Sayer Vincent team have their say

In National Careers Week (6th to 11th March) – a week that focuses on career guidance[i], Sayer Vincent, a firm of charity auditors and advisers is highlighting the benefits of an accountancy and auditing career and one with a real purpose.

The financial landscape is constantly changing. As the pace of change speeds up, professional accountants will need to learn how to adapt in this changing environment.  We are developing a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Accountancy programme which will equip team members with the skills and behaviours that will enable them to thrive. It’s about learning on the job and owning your development. Embedding key competencies of value-added provision, self-evaluation and a focus on continuous improvement will create the foundations for a successful career.  The apprenticeship sits alongside SV’s own internal development programme which reinforces these competencies.

New team members work alongside experienced auditors on audit and advisory work and gain a thorough understanding of the key challenges facing charities and social purpose organisations.

 

Jonathan Orchard, Partner at Sayer Vincent said: “Learning and development is at the core of SV We have been taking a cohort of graduates every year for over 30 years to train and qualify with us. In National Careers Week, we want to inspire the next generation of auditors by showcasing the career opportunities within SV and the charity sector.

“The charity sector is so varied, and we work with all sorts of charities who are at the forefront of dealing with some of the most pressing issues in the UK and globally. We work with humanitarian relief organisations, social care providers, environmental charities, museums and arts organisations and many more. Those considering an accountancy qualification can gain skills and experience whilst working with us enabling them to make a valuable contribution to the work charities do.”

“After qualification, many of our team decide to stay and play more senior or specialist roles within SV. But we are also proud of the number who go on to take finance roles within charities – providing a lasting benefit to the sector. We have former SV team members in roles at Comic Relief, WaterAid, Natural History Museum, Diabetes UK, MacMillan – to name a few. Another is with the World Food Programme in Rome.”

 

Three members of the SV team have spoken about what attracted them to accountancy and training at Sayer Vincent:

 

Sean Khosla

Sean Khosla who has been with the firm just over a year said: “What attracted me most to Sayer Vincent is the firm works exclusively with charities. When I started my career in finance, I wanted my work to have a sense of purpose. Working in a more “soul-crushing”, corporate environment wouldn’t have given me that sort of purpose.

“One of the key benefits of the training is the variety of clients we work with. They range from small clients with a couple of charity shops who work on paper-based systems to larger clients with massive accounting software packages. This varied experience and exposure is very helpful, and quite eye-opening.”

Rebecca Jones

Rebecca Jones joined Sayer Vincent in May 2022 said: “After seeing the advert for Sayer Vincent, I was absolutely sold.  I loved that they work with clients who are making a difference in society, not just about making money.  I knew it was for me.When I was looking into accountancy, I knew I’d be good with the numbers, and being analytical. Part of why I was interested is also that it can take you anywhere – accountants are always needed, and I thought that was very useful. My experience working here has been fantastic. I feel like I’ve come home. Everyone is so supportive, friendly and wants you to do well.”

Joel Hayhow

Finally, Joel Hayhow joined Sayer Vincent in July 2022 after being a teacher for four years. He said: “The role is quite different from the classroom, and I appreciated being able to change career into accountancy. I really enjoy the ownership of time which we get. We have deadlines of course, but we’re allowed to decide how to use our time to meet the deadline.

“I highly recommend the training because of the support we receive. We have an ACA Training Manager, who we meet with regularly and who supports us in our appraisals and how we engage with training at First Intuition, who is our training provider. As the firm is small, from very early on we see how the audit progresses from planning, to testing, to finalisation.  I’ve really enjoyed learning and the clients that we work with and highly recommend working at Sayer Vincent.”

 

To find out more about the training opportunities and current roles at Sayer Vincent visit: www.sayervincent.co.uk/work-for-us.

[i] https://nationalcareersweek.com/

Career Development, News, Technology, Training, Wales

Welsh Government funded programme helping people improve skills and career prospects

The digital sector has received £1m in funding to fill skills gaps in the IT industries.

The Welsh Government’s Personal Learning Accounts programme is available to those over 19, offering eligible people the opportunity to study free and flexible courses.

The digital sector is one of these priority industries, and £1 million is being targeted by the programme to qualify and train people in digital areas such as cyber security, programming, network and cloud infrastructure and digital analysis skills.

 

Meet David

37-year-old David Davies from Bridgend is one of the 16,000 individuals who have enrolled on a Personal Learning Account course in the last academic year.

David said: “I started in the IT industry as a service desk technical analyst, but after four years in the role, I was keen to further my career in technical networking. When I saw the Cisco CCNA ITN course, I thought it looked brilliant, and an ideal way to progress up the ladder.”

Networking courses such as the Cisco CCNA ITN are internationally recognised by employers for providing learners with the skills they need to manage, troubleshoot, and configure networks of an organisation confidently and independently.

David continued: “I decided to study at Coleg Gwent because you could attend in-person or remotely. This was perfect for me as I was trying to juggle studying alongside a busy home life with two kids. I was offered excellent support from the tutor, who was always happy to help and explain everything in detail.”

 

Moving up the ladder

Since completing his Personal Learning Account course, David has successfully secured a position as a Third Line Support Engineer at CGI Wales.

David said: “I started my new role back in June 2022 and wouldn’t be where I am without the help of my Personal Learning Account.

I acquired valuable hands-on experience while also extending my knowledge and understanding of the industry.

“Though you could work remotely, I was also able to attend lectures and workshops to improve my technical and problem-solving abilities and network with like-minded people. It definitely made me more aware of the industry’s job potential.”

 

What is a Personal Learning Account?

Personal Learning Accounts are designed to help build skills  within priority sectors in Wales.

The programme is fully funded by the Welsh Government and the courses are available through 13 colleges across Wales. It offers eligible adults the chance to progress in their careers by pursuing employment in an industry that is actively looking to fill skills gaps in their workforce.

To be eligible, Welsh residents who are aged 19 or over will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • They are employed (including self-employed) and earning under £29,534 per annum
  • They work on a zero-hour contract or are agency staff
  • They are at risk of being made redundant
  • Are currently an offender on day release
  • There is no earning cap of £29,534 on certain approved courses or qualifications in digital or green skills.

Next steps

 David continued: “I’m excited to see where my Personal Learning Account course takes me next.

“I’m still keen to explore my options and continue my learning journey. The support and funding I received early on in my career has made such a huge difference and I’d encourage anyone else wanting to progress in their career to consider a Personal Learning Account.”

 

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “Personal Learning Accounts (PLAs) has helped people to re-train and to find the right career for them.  Digital training is an area we know that employers are increasingly looking for as a skills base, and it’s fantastic to hear David’s story and how has helped him further his career.

“The PLA programme has had an excellent response since its launch, and I would encourage individuals wanting to develop their careers to find out more.”

 

For more information, advice and guidance, search Working Wales Personal Learning Account, visit your nearest Careers Wales Centre or call the team via 0800 028 4844.

Alternatively, you can chat with an adviser using Webchat or email the team at workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales