Becoming a Solicitor by the ILEX Route

This is an extract from a text produced by a former Law student, recently circulated by the AGCAS - Law Advisers network:-


"If you already have your LPC and a law degree then you can become a member of Institute of Legal Executives (MILEX) without any further exams. This does not mean that you are qualified as a Legal Executive or can call yourself a Legal Executive but it does mean that you are on the road to it.

"To become a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (and entitled to call yourself a Legal Executive) you basically have to have 5 years work experience in law and for at least two of those 5 years you must be a MILEX. Once you have completed your 5 years employment (2 years as MILEX), ILEX will send you the necessary forms to become a Fellow of the Institute (again there are no exams or anything).You will need to complete the form and enclose a detailed description of what you do on a day to day basis. For more information you might want to visit their website.

http://www.ilex.org.uk/careers/careers_home.aspx

"Once you have become a FILEX you can then apply for an exemption from a training contract under Regulation 28(1)(ii)(b) of the Solicitors Training Regulations 2009. The link below should take you to the rules.

http://www.sra.org.uk/sra/regulatory-framework/3022.article

"There are no forms to fill in and no guidance about what information you have to provide. I just wrote in and crossed my fingers!"

...

"The only remaining requirement is to do the 9 day Professional Skills Course (The SRA would not let me do the PSC until I was either in a training contract or exempted from a training contract)."

National Citizen service - Hot from the Press

We have just heard that Connexions Cumbria have won a contract to deliver the new National Citizen Service, which is part of the Coalition Government's Big Society initiative.

They will be looking for 40 volunteers to work with Year 11 leavers throughout Cumbria next summer. The volunteers will work 3 weeks full time and 2 weeks part time and will receive accredited training/expenses.

Watch this space for more details.

A Career as a Teacher in Further Education

Previously, information available on this developing career has been rather sparse but the situation has changed thanks to improvements on two key websites.

Lifelong Learning UK

Careers information can now be clearly accessed from the home page www.lluk.org - click on Information and Advice Service to find detailed handouts on topics such qualifications and bursaries. Within the careers section there is also information on Skills for Life, careers guidance, youth work, and teaching in Higher Education.

FE Teacher Training Courses

As of January 1st it will be possible to search for a full or regional list of courses via www.talent.ac.uk which previously only offered incomplete information. It is still possible to get a full list by emailing Lifelong Learning UK or ringing their advice line.

Incidentally, bursaries for FE teacher training full-time pre service diplomas (DTLLs) for 2011/12 are expected to be announced in March 2011.

Source: AGCAS

More News from the Health Sector

Health NVQs coming soon

Skills for Health is urging healthcare employers to prepare for the introduction of new vocational qualifications from January 2011.

The new health and health-related qualifications to be published to the QCF include Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at both Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE at grades A-C or BTEC First Certificate) and Level 3 (equivalent to A Level or BTEC National Certificate/Diploma).

Source: Health Workforce Bulletin

New dawn for NHS Clinical Scientists

From 2011, the new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) will replace the former Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. Recruitment into healthcare scientist training posts in England will start in January 2011 for the September 2011 intake. However, the closing date for applications remains unknown.

Details of all training posts will be available from mid-January on the NHS Jobs website. Further details of the scheme and a list of all the posts will be found on the NHS Careers website

NHS Graduate Management Programme

This year's programme is currently open but the closing deadline is 6th January 2011. Further details and how to apply are on the Scheme's website www.nhsgraduates.co.uk

Source: AGCAS

Spend a week at the EU Parliament!

This is an extract from a letter sent by Philomena Taylor, Head of UK Country Liaison Officers for MEU 2011:

Model European Union 2011 is a project taking place inside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, bringing together 180 skilled Europeans. For one week participants have the opportunity to better understand how the European Union works and to achieve strategy, decision, debate and cooperation skills. The project aims to simulate the decision making process in the European Union, and it is implemented with the direct support of the European Commission through the Youth in Action Programme, the European Parliament and the Robert Bosch Foundation.

We need photographers and journalists for the event!!!

Through participation in the project not only will you be able to meet other young people from across Europe, but you will also have the chance to explore the beautiful city of Strasbourg!

For more information check out our website

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me

Useful Discussion on You Tube

Are there any jobs for graduates? Public Sector Question Time with Graduates Yorkshire http://j.mp/fsUzDZ

Handy viewing for anyone applying for graduate traineeships this year.

Compass Careers Fairs for social work and social care http://ow.ly/3iQFQ
Next event is 7th March in Birmingham.

Latest Health News

Private company wins bid to run NHS hospital

"Yesterday an NHS hospital in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was franchised out to a private company for the first time. Circle Health will take over Hinchingbrooke Hospital, in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, which is reported to have almost £40 million of debt. The company will be paid about £1 billion over ten years, but NHS chiefs said that Circle would make a profit only if it delivered services more efficiently. Circle was awarded the contract after beating a rival bid from Serco."


Sainsbury’s to offer in-store GP services

"Supermarket chain Sainsbury's is expected to launch a nationwide network of family doctor surgeries in 204 of its stores which will provide shoppers with treatment and prescriptions. Sainsbury's expects to benefit from the arrangement by attracting extra customers into its stores. The plans were revealed yesterday by the doctors' magazine, Pulse and outlined in today’s Independent.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/gps-on-offer-at-hundreds-of-supermarket-2143948.html"

Source: Communications circular from Cathy Taylor, RCN Careers Adviser, issued to AGCAS Nursing Network

Temporary Staff in Demand

This information has been provided by Kim Reay, a consultant working for recruitment agency Hays in Carlisle.

"Almost one in four (22%) UK employers are planning to increase their use of temporary labour in the next three months, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s latest JobsOutlook.

"With many of our clients requesting temporary cover throughout the festive period and into the New Year, now is the ideal time to secure your next role.

"If you know someone looking for a job tell us about them. When we find them a new job, you’ll be rewarded with gift vouchers."

More details on current vacancies are available from www.hays.co.uk

Getting Teaching Jobs in London

As ever Primary teaching jobs are in short supply in the North of England, so I have been asking an old school friend who teaches in South London a few questions about the job market for Teachers in the London area.

It went something like this:

Q: Which are the authorities that are most likely to have vacancies? The ones we are aware of are Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest, Lewisham, and Luton.

A: The ones you suggest are still the best bet as they are tough areas not as able to attract teaching applications as some others. You could add Greenwich to the list. They they tend to put their hands up for every initiative going which means lots of extra work - that's why they have so many vacancies.

Q: What's the situation like generally?

A: Jobs seem to be drying up at the moment. One problem is that a lot of overseas teachers were brought over when vacancies were hard to fill and now that the job market has changed people are tending to stay put.

Teacher recruitment agencies are another way forward. Some NQTs are taking Teaching or LS Assistant posts in order to get a toe in the doorway and the agencies also cover these. However, as you know, living cost are very high in London.

Q: Don't you have things like the key worker scheme to help with accommodation costs?

A: There are key worker schemes but I don't know how long you have to be employed to get a place. One chap in my school got a council flat in a decent block but he was working for the school for at least a year before he moved in. I know he was offered a couple of pretty ghastly places first of all but he made a fuss until he got what he wanted.

Q: Which agencies are worth trying?

A: My school mainly uses Protocol and Select.

Have you any insights on getting jobs in London you'd like to pass on? Why not add a comment below?

Teaching Careers Fair on Monday!

Don't forget that the University of Cumbria Teaching Careers Fair
featuring FREE Get the Knowledge workshops takes place on Monday 29th November 2010 at Lancaster campus from 2.00 pm. Bus transport from Carlisle.

Make contact with several NQT recruiters and make sure your applications are up to scratch!

Carlisle Youth Zone

Carlisle Youth Zone are looking for volunteers http://ow.ly/3ftIl Contact david.allen@carlisleyouthzone.org

Looks like really good experience for those interested in youthwork. We also have a copy of their latest newsletter.

Barnardo's Hot100

Barnardo’s Student Programme have launched Student HOT100, a competition where 100 students race to each raise £1,000 and will be rewarded by a great prize worth up to £450.

Potential participants can go to www.barnardos.org.uk/get_involved/students/student_fundraising_ideas/students_hot_100.htm to find out more and sign up!

Corrected webref: http://bit.ly/9Sm958

The Growing Potential of the IT Industry

IT enthusiasts looking for a stable career choice should feel comforted by the fact the IT industry has not suffered excessively during the recession. In fact, in many areas it has grown, and this reliance on IT Consultants has led to demand far outstripping supply.

IT is a fast-paced and challenging industry in constant development as it adapts to new technological trends. IT and non-IT Graduates can enter the industry via Graduate Training Programmes or post-graduate training including specialist streams where there is particular growth and potential. New research reveals particular growth for IT services is being experienced in three key areas: 1. Improving security systems 2. Better project management methodologies and 3. Enhanced Infrastructure support.

Specialising in specific streams such as Testing, Development, Infrastructure Support or Project Management through to certification is particularly appealing to companies looking for a high degree of knowledge and skill to fit in with company requirements.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters reports that working in IT currently features in the top five sectors for graduate jobs, along with accountancy, the public sector and law firms. IT recruitment is currently at an all-time high.

If graduates pursue a career in IT, they can expect to earn anything up to £24,000 in their first year. This is £2,000 more than the starting salary in a science-related job and £4,000 better than the average starting salary of £20,000 according to the Higher Education Standards Agency and Workdigital. After a second year in IT, graduates can earn anything up to £27,000, and after their third year the sky is the limit as qualified IT Consultants possess the training, skills and experience to work across various roles in different business sectors across the globe.

Note: This post was based on a submission from Genna Singpo, Communications Officer with FDM Group who have just announced that they will be doubling their graduate intake to 1000 in 2011, thereby becoming one of The Times Top 100 UK employers.

See Labour Market Information from UK Sector Skills Councils http://ow.ly/3cvTy

More Health News - NVQs Ride On

Skills Sector Council Skills for Health is promoting the introduction of new health and health-related vocational qualifications from January 2011.

More than 25 new vocational qualifications will be launched in the New Year via the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Is this a sign that more stress will in future be placed on on-the-job training routes for Associate Practitioners and other support roles as opposed to professional qualifications?

Health Visitors - Changes in Role as well as Increase in Numbers

Further to a previous post, here is some background on the initiative to recruit more health visitors.

It appears that Heath Visitors are to have a key role as a result of the “Liberating The NHS” document, which plans to devolve the budget for public health onto Local Authorities, some of whom have already taken over responsibility for Health Visiting.

There is a government commitment to recruit 2,400 new Health Visitors (including return to practice initiatives) but many are leaving the profession because the expansion is tied to a responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable children.

Interestingly the numbers studying for the Health Visitor specialism at one university in the North are falling because of lack of available placements.

To some extent Public Health specialisms overlap, notably school nursing, sexual health nursing, and Health Visitor.

However it looks as if the lead professional for the 0 – 19 age range will be the Health Visitor. Notably, school nurse training places are not being commissioned in the same numbers as previously.

Interested in BBC Work experience placements? See http://ow.ly/394Ho
Apply soon - deadline 01/12/10

Open Day at Northumbria Law School

Northumbria Law School are running an open day on their postgraduate courses in Law (GDL, LPC and BPTC) on Friday 19th November from 2.00 p.m.

For more details, visit http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/law/

The Future of Careers Information

My discovery of Career Player (see today's ealier post) via Twitter has set me thinking a bit.

Although Career Player concentrates on a few main popular careers for graduates - Marketing, Banking, Advertising and Finance - could we be starting to see the introduction of whole careers libraries based on well-produced and informative videos?

There is already a similar product aimed at non-graduates called Careers Box. And, as a writer I'm noticing that Prospects are no longer commissioning many freelance careers updates and reducing the scope of the articles they offer, while jobs4U have currently suspended updates to the careers database for six months.

I wonder if everyone is taking breath before the next generation of careers information - databases of video information heavily sponsored by participating companies?

Is the old-style, publicly funded careers handout, even in its web format, about to die off completely?

Career Player

Graduate Jobs and Career advice on video - internships, psychometric tests &c http://ow.ly/36DhR

Interested in TEFL ? Courses? Jobs ? Teaching English As A Foreign Language - Online TEFL http://ow.ly/356lp

The Economist - Online MBA Forum

National magazine The Economist is launching a free Global Online MBA Forum on November 15th and 16th, 2010 for all potential MBA candidates interested in meeting business schools, gaining practical advice, and learning about different MBA programmes across the globe as the Forum will feature some of the world’s leading business schools.

The Global MBA Forum is free and accessible to anyone via the internet; attendees can log in at any time during the live 48-hour event.

Education and Teaching News

Teach First

Teach First recruited 560 graduates last year making them the fourth largest graduate recruiter in the UK. Graduates are currently placed in schools in the East Midlands, London, the North West, the West Midlands and Yorkshire. Most placements are for secondary schools but there are some opportunities in the primary school sector. Places are expected to double by 2012, particularly in science, maths, ICT, design & technology, so that the programme will be available across England and Wales. More information from www.teachfirst.org.uk

Curriculum Changes and GTC scrapped

The introduction of the new Primary Curriculum and the new Diplomas in science, humanities and languages (both due in September 2011) have both been scrapped.

Also to be scrapped following the Government Review are two major national quangos, the General Teaching Council (GTC) for England and Wales and the Curriculum Development Agency. Other quangos are still under review.

Teacher Unemployment Rises

The number of teachers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance climbed from 2,610 in July 2008 to 4,580 in July this year. The number of unemployed primary teachers has almost doubled over the two years.

But there are still plenty of vacancies for teachers in London and the South East as councils prepare for the impact of the 2008 “baby boom”.

Source: AGCAS Teaching and Related Professions Task Group

RWS Web Solutions, Website Design London http://ow.ly/2XF5S vacancy for web design in Kendal see www.prospects.ac.uk/pnet/cumbria

BSW Timber » http://ow.ly/2XEXg have a vacancy for marketing asst. Details at www.prospects.ac.uk/pnet/cumbria

Notes from Careers Mini Convention at Fusehill Street Campus

CEVA Logistics

Further to yesterday's entry, CEVA (formerly TNT) Logistics offer a one year programme including 4 research assignments on customer sites in the Midlands (e.g Volkswagen, B&Q, Rolls Royce). Access to a car provided during this period.

CEVA customers nearer to our area: British Gypsum (Penrith), Thorn Electrical (Durham) and NHS Scotland. Lots of automotive industry customers.

Looking for 2.2 graduates who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, are practical and can think outside the box. Provide life insurance and pension. Starting salary £23k.

Likely first jobs are in operations management in one of their key industry areas (see previous post). Later specialisms might include Finance and Accountancy, Human Resources, IT.

www.cevalogistics.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Increased number of graduate opportunities this year. Looking to recruit 1000 trainees nationally including 100 at their outlets in the North. Locations include Carlisle, Lillyhall, Penrith, Hexham, Morpeth, Newcastle, Dumfries, Barrow, Kendal, Morecambe, Lancaster.

New this year: 3 month summer paid internship placements for first and second year students who want to improve sales and customer service. Dealing with telephone queries, taking and upgrading bookings, administration, reporting and analysis.

Also 12 month internship placements for students on business-related courses.

www.erac.com

Good Companions

Offer flexible hours for home carers at various locations within an eleven mile radius of Carlisle - numerous vacancies for forthcoming contracts.

Start on £6.50 an hour plus performance bonus, car and mileage as well as free NVQ training and uniform.

www.goodcompanionscareservices.co.uk

CEVA Logistics

The CEVA Logistics Graduate Programme is now open http://ow.ly/2SURU

The company covers the fields of Automotive, Consumer & Retail, FMCG Home Delivery,
Healthcare, Industrial & Utilities, Publishing, Technology, Media.

This is the first year they have run a graduate programme.

More details are available from ceva.graduates@reedglobal.com

Eteach Introduces New Talent Pool Facility

Teacher Recruitment Agency Eteach have launched a new facility that enables jobseekers to register online and create an instant online CV with the schools of their choice at any location around the UK and Northern Ireland.

The claim from Eteach is that the facility will give them a better chance of getting a job because scholls will look at the talent pool CV’s will be looked at first.

Unfortunately, coverage of Cumbria schools is currently non-existent and only a few schools in Lancashire have registered. However this is an interesting initiative and will certainly be very useful to students and Newly Qualified Teachers applying to areas where Eteach have a stronger presence.

Discover Risk

Discover Risk provide a news page including latest job news for insurance, finance and the city CII http://ow.ly/2MP8y

University of Cumbria - Mini Careers Convention at Fusehill Street Campus

This event will take place on Thursday 14 October 12 noon—2.30 pm in the Gateway Building

We will be joined by the representatives from:

CEVA Logistics

The logistics industry is increasingly reliant on graduate management trainees and covers a wide variety of opportunities in supply chain logistics, transportation and warehousing. CEVA Logistics are a growing company with graduate traineeships in operational management at many UK locations.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car run a large, award-winning Management Training Programme and vacancy levels with the company have remained high in spite of the recession. Vacancies across the UK.

Good Companions

Good Companions are actively looking for full and part-time carers to work in the Carlisle, Longtown and Brampton areas. They may also have occasional opportunities in residential and live-in care.

There will also be a display of free careers information to take away on the day.

New Qualifications for Probation Officers

Northwest Training Consortium - new qualification framework for Probation Officers in England and Wales http://ow.ly/2Mf3E

There will however be an alternative route for those holding an Honours Degree in:


• Criminology

• Community Justice

• Criminal Justice

• Police Studies

Candidates in theses subjects may apply to their Probation Trust to study for the Graduate Diploma in Community Justice and VQ level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.

Applying for PGCE Courses

Further to my post on teaching applications last week, it appears there are currently some technical problems loading information on www.gttr.ac.uk

A colleague has suggested that students complete the form as far as they can and keep checking for updates so their application is ready to go on 5th October, which is apparently the first date when GTTR will send on applications to the course providers.

Graduate IT Vacancies

IT Services Provider FDM Academy aims to recruit 500 Graduate Trainees this year to make it the largest UK IT recruiter http://ow.ly/2JhnR

Possible Changes to Health Visitor Training

The Government's aim of recruiting an extra 4,200 extra Health Visitors by 2015 has led to some discussions about possible accelerated training routes for the job.

Currently, potential Health Visitors usually need two years' experience in Nursing before applying for training. However, new ideas include the possibility of on-the-job training or a direct entry training course.

Admin Staff Reductions as North Cumbria Hospitals outsource to NHS Small Business Services http://ow.ly/2F2Z8

Interested in becoming a Teacher?

Don’t miss important deadlines!

Come along to -

Getting into Teaching seminar
Wednesday 13th October 1-2 pm
Lecture Theatre 1
Brampton Road campus

PGCE Applications workshop
Wednesday 3rd November 1-3 pm
Room 105, Learning Gateway, Fusehill Street campus



No booking required — all University of Cumbria students welcome.
For information on these sessions contact: Joanne Watson
joanne.watson@cumbria.ac.uk
01228 616323

NHS Vacancies falling - except midwives

"Long-term vacancy rates have fallen slightly for most major NHS staff groups in England except for midwives and GPs, survey findings from The NHS Information Centre revealed last week."

One NHS commentator pointed out that unfilled midwifery vacancies could be a cause of concern in the light of a sharp increase in the birth rate and that the Government could be facing a shortage of 3,000 midwives*

Meanwhile, a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) has been agreed to help NHS employers meet current challenges (i.e. shed staff?)

* Note: little sign of this happening in Lancashire and Cumbria however - CT

Source: Health Workforce Bulletin

Be an Ambassador for the London Olympics! London Ambassadors - Home Page http://ow.ly/2BHfg

Graduate Talent Pool: graduate internships are now open to 1910 graduates Home page http://ow.ly/2z7XA

ENDS Environmental Intelligence and Green Jobs - Environmental Data Services http://ow.ly/2yB1y

Management Advice, News and Opinion - How to survive in the workplace! http://ow.ly/2yAL2

Creative Industries To Buck the Trend?

Careers staff at the University of the Arts, London have noted that in spite of all the bad news on the graduate jobs market, they have had a 30% rise in vacancies notified to their Creative Opportunities vacancy website.

Apparently employers are starting to favour recruiting new graduates (or interns instead of graduates) in place of those with more experience.

They markedly favour word of mouth sources of recruitment and many are turning to social networking sites like Facebook and Linked In to find recruits.

Shaw Trust Student and Graduate Programme http://ow.ly/2vGM2

NHS Careers News

Complete with case studies, www.whatcanidowithmydegree.nhs.uk is an easy way to find out about NHS opportunities and career pathways for students of all subjects.

Those making applications through the NHS Jobs website should bear in mind that job advertisements are sometimes closed before the advertised date. All applicants should be advised to apply as promptly as possible, as the cut off time for applications may be earlier than they anticipate.

There are still regional shortages of high calibre applicants for Health Visitor posts.

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies intitiative means there are potentially more opportunities for appropriately qualified graduates who can apply for trainee posts as psychological wellbeing practitioners. For more information see www.iapt.nhs.uk

Source - AGCAS

Diversity Careers Shows

The UK network of careers fairs for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgendered (LGTB) candidates is running again this year. Places can be booked via uwern@diversitycareersshow.co.uk - attendance is free with coach transport laid on for students from selected universities.

This year's show dates include:

THURSDAY 28th OCTOBER 2010
MANCHESTER - ARMITAGE CENTRE

TUESDAY 16th NOVEMBER 2010
EDINBURGH - DYNAMIC EARTH CENTRE

More information from www.diversitycareersshow.com to find out who is exhibiting in your area.

Mental Health Disclosure

From this autumn employers will no longer be able to ask job applicants about their mental health history prior to interview, following the passing of the Equality Bill in April.

Source: Mind Website

Careers Fairs in Manchester

Forthcoming dates are:

•Wednesday 6 October 2010: Ethnic Diversity Fair;
•Wednesday 20 October 2010 Engineering, Science & Technology Fair;
•Thursday 21 October 2010 Finance, Business & Management Fair;
•Tuesday 16 November 2010 Law fair;
•Wednesday 17 November 2010 Postgraduate Study Fair.
For more details, please see www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/fairs

notified 25/02/10 - from University of Manchester Careers Service

Career Guide on Financial careers - Directions High Street http://ow.ly/2kdLd

Nursing Vacancies Down By a Third

In spite of recent rumours of a new shortage of nurses, Nursing Times has claimed that nursing vacancies have fallen by nearly a third since last summer.

Figures from the NHS Jobs website apparently show 2,306 posts advertised at the beginning of August 2009, but only 1,552 nine months later.

The main decrease has been in jobs of salary levels between £20 and £30k prompting some claims that more nursing functions are being taken on by Healthcare Assistants.

The news seems to gainsay any hope that the Health Service may be spared some of the ferocity of cuts scheduled for the public sector in general.

Financial Services Skills Council http://ow.ly/1ZTUW - Interesting recent article on the most common interview mistakes!

About Health Professionals - allied health jobs for physio, occupational therapist http://ow.ly/1XcaG

The Largest Online Job Search Engine | Jobs from Employers - Hound.com http://ow.ly/1Wggd

This portal searches jobs on employer websites

Personality and Psychometric Tests

After years of charging clients large sums of money, the testing industry has gradually started to make products available on the internet.

This is the first site I've seen that appears to offer full tests (rather than samples or cut down versions) entirely free.

Am I right?

in reference to: FindingPotential >> accessible, contemporary & free psychometrics (view on Google Sidewiki)

Discover Risk - Careers in Insurance

Some new insurance jobs on this site - and information about some not always well-known careers in the insurance industry.

in reference to: Discover Risk | CII (view on Google Sidewiki)

University of Cumbria

This is the page I think would be better as a blog!

in reference to: Latest news (view on Google Sidewiki)

jobs4u about to disappear

News has reached my ears that DCSF have decided to cease support for the jobs4u careers information site from 30th June this year.

Could this mean the end for www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u? If so it will be a blow to young people, connexions advisers and people like myself who use it as a fallback when working with students who are looking at non-graduate occupations.

Can anyone confirm if this news is correct? Or is some other mechanism proposed for jobs4u in future?

This blog has changed

As a new experiment, this blog will now include several posts that are currently being posted on the University of Cumbria's careers newsletter to see if they start to evoke more response.

So from now on 'more careers, less writing' could be the watchword.

If it works, the newsletter may itself become a blog!

Labour Market Trends from the Financial Sector

Ever thought of a career in payroll or pensions? These are just two areas in a roundup of growing opportunities in the financial services sector. For the full report see the FSSC website

What's in a name?

Physiotherapists can now describe themselves as 'occupational health physiotherapists' or 'physiotherapists (occupational health)' but not 'occupational physiotherapists' according to the guidelines emerging from a recent consultation between the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the College of Occupational Therapists.

Sick Notes Have Changed

From 6th April the medical statement ('sick note') issued by doctors will advice whether the patient is not fit for work or may be fit for work.

The idea seems to be to make it easier for people to make a phased return to work - and obviously reduce the amount of working time lost to sickness.