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JOB PROFILE: Secondary School Teacher
Tue 21 May 2019Qualifications and courses
To enter this profession you will need to hold either a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree, a BA/BSc degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or, if you wish to teach in Scotland, a teaching qualification (TQ). Alternatively, you can complete an undergraduate degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) if you live in Scotland. You should study for a degree related to the subject you wish to teach.
Employment-based routes are also available for those who want to work in a school whilst they qualify. The school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) is a 1-year course open to graduates who hold a degree in the subject they wish to teach. Alternatively, the School Direct programme involves training graduates in a classroom environment with the expectation that candidates will go on to work in that same school once qualified. Teach First offers a 2-year Leadership Development Programme in which graduates study for a PGCE whilst training on the job.
All entrants must have GCSE/National 5 passes in English and Maths and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Literacy and numeracy skills tests must also be passed prior to acceptance. Relevant work experience will improve your chances of securing entry onto a programme.
As a newly qualified teacher (NQT), you will serve a 1-year probationary period of assessment, monitoring and support after QTS is confirmed.
What the work involves
You will be a specialist in 1 or 2 subjects and teach students aged 11–19.
You will also take on the role of form tutor and be responsible for encouraging personal development and good behaviour.
In state schools, you will follow the National Curriculum. Private and independent schools are free to set their own educational standards.
Type of person suited to this work
You must be patient, caring and have excellent communication skills in order to relate to and teach your pupils. You should also be assertive and able to maintain discipline with large groups of young people.
You must be imaginative and creative to design lessons which capture your students’ attention.
It is important that you are highly organised as this job involves a lot of marking and lesson planning.
Working conditions
You will be based in a classroom and will teach classes from about 9am until 4pm. However, you will have to come in early, stay late and work from home in order to carry out preparation for lessons and finish marking pupils’ work.
Schools are usually open for 39 weeks of the year but teachers often carry out preparatory work during the holidays.
Teachers sometimes go on school trips or visit students on work placements. Modern foreign language and PE teachers should be prepared to go on school trips overseas.
Future prospects
In England, there are currently shortages of teachers for science, maths, modern foreign languages, design and technology, computing and geography in secondary education and many universities offer attractive bursaries in order to encourage graduates to train in these areas.
As you gain experience, you could move into a role as a Key Stage coordinator, a head of a department or year group, or work with other schools as a leading practitioner. You could also go into teacher training, advisory work or become a school inspector. The National College for Teaching and Leadership provides opportunities for gifted teachers to develop their leadership skills.
You should undertake continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career so as to remain on top of any curriculum changes. Curriculum changes are occurring in both GCSEs and A levels. The replacement of ICT with a new computing curriculum means teachers need to be increasingly confident in elements of computer science.
Advantages/disadvantages
Helping your students to learn and progress can be very rewarding.
The holiday allowance is very generous.
Pupils can sometimes be difficult and disruptive.
You will have to work from home in order to finish marking and preparing lessons.
Money guide
Qualified teachers in England and Wales earn £22,917–£33,824. London wages are higher.
With additional responsibilities, you can earn up to £13,027 on top of your base salary.
Leading practitioners typically earn £39,374–£59,857 and those in senior roles can earn considerably more.
Further information
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
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JOB PROFILE: Electrical Engineer
Tue 14 May 2019Qualifications and courses
You will need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject such as electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or computer science. For degree entry you will need at least 2 A levels/H grades and 5 GCSEs/National 5s (C or above, or 4 or above in England), including Maths and a science. Relevant HNDs or Foundation degrees, in Electrical, Mechanical or Building Services Engineering for example, may also be considered, although employers often place value on those who have studied at degree level. Some universities may offer those diplomates with relevant work experience the opportunity to accelerate into the final year of a degree programme.
Alternatively, you could enter the field at a lower level by first training as an electrical engineering technician and working your way up by gaining experience and higher qualifications. Advanced and Higher Level Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Engineering are available. You will need GCSE/National 5 passes in English, Maths, a science or technology in order to be considered. There is also a Level 6 electronic systems engineering degree apprenticeship available. Degree apprenticeships will qualify applicants to the same level as a graduate and typically take 3 to 6 years to complete.
Many companies offer graduates training schemes post-university. Programmes vary according to the size of the company but typically involve a series of on-the-job training and structured continuing professional development (CPD). Undertaking work experience or a vacation placement will benefit your application as employers often like to see evidence of a candidate’s enthusiasm, ability to work in a team and commercial awareness.
Those with a bachelor's degree in engineering (BEng) or equivalent can apply for incorporated engineer (IEng) status via the Engineering Council and those who have studied to master's level can gain chartered engineer (CEng) status further on in their career.
What the work involves
Electrical engineers research, design and develop a range of electrical equipment. You will be making, testing and servicing all types of electrical equipment and machinery, and as such you will be involved in projects from conception to completion.
You will usually work on projects with a team of professionals, including contractors and engineers from other industries.
You will also be liaising with clients and contractors about the development of each project, which will involve preparing reports and giving presentations.
Type of person suited to this work
You should have excellent mathematical ability and a very analytical mind in order to successfully design and develop complicated new electrical systems. A logical approach to problem-solving is also beneficial.
You will need good communication skills, both oral and written, for working alongside team members and clients. This will involve explaining and talking through projects, as well as compiling written reports and leading presentations.
You must have normal colour vision and natural manual dexterity.
Working conditions
Although electrical engineers usually work within the normal working week, you may find that you need to work additional or unsocial hours in order to solve problems and meet project deadlines.
Your time will be divided between office-based and on-site work. You can expect to travel on a daily basis so a driving licence is useful.
Conditions on-site can often be dirty, cramped and potentially hazardous so you should be prepared to get your hands dirty and wear safety equipment.
Future prospects
As a profession currently listed on the Home Office's Shortage Occupation List, there is high demand for electrical engineers in the UK. EngineeringUK has estimated that the UK needs 1.8 million new engineers and technicians to meet demand by 2025.
There are no set pathways of career progression for electrical engineers and many decide to stay in a purely engineering role for the duration of their working life.
Alternatively, there are possibilities to move into project management, become a consultant or take on a more managerial role within a company.
Membership of organisations such as The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) can be beneficial for career progression and also offers chances to network with other professionals.
Advantages/disadvantages
Your work will be undertaken at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations so you will not be confined to an office environment.
You will play an instrumental role in developing new and increasingly safe electrical equipment for a variety of important functions.
Hours can be long and unpredictable, especially when nearing completion of a project.
Money guide
The starting salary for a graduate electrical engineer can range from £20,000 to £28,000.
Experienced or incorporated engineers are likely to earn £30,000–£45,000 a year, with chartered engineers usually receiving a salary of £45,000–£60,000 or more.
Some companies offer excellent benefit packages and bonus schemes in addition to a basic wage.
Further information
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
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JOB PROFILE: Veterinary Surgeon
Tue 07 May 2019Qualifications and courses
In order to practise as a vet, all candidates are required to have a degree in veterinary science/veterinary medicine and register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Degrees approved by the RCVS are currently available at 8 institutions in the UK. Normal minimum entry requirements for a degree are 3 A levels/4 H grades including Biology and 1 or 2 from Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Depending upon the individual university, you will be expected to have either 2 A grades and a B or 3 A grades (or equivalent). A good range of GCSEs/National 5s (C or above, or 4 or above in England) is required.
Degree courses usually last 5 years but courses may include an optional additional year in which students gain an Honours degree in a related science subject. All courses include the 38 weeks of practical experience required by the RCVS.
All universities expect applicants to demonstrate their passion for animals and commitment to a career as a veterinary surgeon by undertaking relevant work experience. Candidates could work on farms, in stables, kennels or vets and opportunities to volunteer with animals are available on the Do-it website or through the RSPCA, SSPCA and the Blue Cross.
What the work involves
Vets treat animals that are suffering because of disease or injury. They administer vaccinations, prescribe drugs and deliver newborn animals. They also advise owners on caring for their animals. You might carry out surgical operations and be involved in the inspection of livestock and meat.
You could work in local practices and become a specialist carrying out complex surgery on a certain part of the anatomy or become an expert on a particular animal.
Type of person suited to this work
You must have the capacity to learn large amounts of complex scientific information and apply this in a practical way to treat animals.
Some of your work will be sad or distressing, so you will have to work in a practical and unsentimental way. You must have good communication skills to talk to the owners.
Working with large animals is physically demanding so you will need to be in good health. This job will not suit those who dislike the sight of blood or suffer from animal allergies.
Working conditions
Your working conditions will depend on the type of practice that employs you. In veterinary practices for small animals, you will spend a lot of time in the surgery. Working with farm livestock and horses, you will travel to visit your patients.
Some of this work will be unpleasant or smelly and involve travelling long distances. A driving licence is required.
Your job may be dangerous as animals can be unpredictable. You will work long hours and be on call to cover emergencies 24/7.
Future prospects
With a strong record of work experience, there are still jobs and practices to join upon graduation, although it is not as easy as it was owing to an increased intake of veterinary science students by RCVS-accredited institutions.
As a graduate, you will normally join an established practice. With experience, you could progress to become a partner (effectively part-owner) of a practice. You could also undertake further training to become an expert in a niche area such as ophthalmology.
There are over 20,000 registered vets practising in the UK. The majority of these work in private practice. Some vets work for the government or for firms researching and producing animal pharmaceuticals.
Advantages/disadvantages
The training is long and very competitive to enter. In this career you will never stop learning – more experience will make you a better vet.
It can be a very stressful but rewarding job, with lots of responsibility.
You will have to deal with the death of some of the animals you treat, including times when you put them down.
Money guide
Salaries vary according to experience, specialisations, and the size, type and location of the practice you work in.
Newly qualified vets have a starting salary of £21,000–£33,000.
As you gain experience, your earnings can range from £40,000 to £44,000.
A senior vet with many years experience can earn between £50,000 and £70,000 a year.
Employers may include accommodation and a company car within your benefits package.
Further information
- People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)
- British Veterinary Association
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
