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More than in one in three people believe they would have a better job if they had spent time studying or living abroad, according to new research by the British Council. The poll, conducted for the British Council
Aviva has announced it is to take on 24 A-level and college leavers as it opens applications for its 2013 apprentice programme. Aimed at high achieving 18 year olds, the programme is designed to give young people another option to university, with on-the-job experience; support to gain industry recognised qualifications and great career prospects. The UK’s largest insurer is offering positions
in Underwriting and Actuarial within its general insurance business with a starting salary from £14,500, plus a £500 welcome bonus. Aviva first piloted its apprentice programme last year and was overwhelmed by the response it received from students looking for a credible alternative to university. The insurer took on 21 A-level leavers for its 2012 programme, all of whom have just embarked on their careers at the company. Rob Briggs, HR director, Aviva UK general insurance, said, “Many young people are finding it tougher than ever to get their first career break and are worried about being saddled with large debts after University. As one of the biggest employers in financial services we recognised we had a part to play in helping young people find an enviable career alternative to university, with excellent prospects and a chance to earn respected financial qualifications. We carried out extensive research with students and teachers to fully understand how we could develop a programme to best suit and attract high achieving A-level students, whilst matching the needs of the business. We received over 500 entries last year, so I am really pleased we are continuing the programme into 2013.”
12 GRADUATE RECRUITER
by Populus, found that 79% of UK adults have not lived or studied abroad for six months or more. Of those, 34% believe their career prospects would have been improved if they had – equating to 17 million people. Less than a quarter believe that their prospects would have been unaffected. The sense of regret is especially strong among under-25s, with 54% believing their lack of international experience has held them back. The British Council commissioned the research as part of its work to help young people in the UK develop the skills they need to compete in a global economy. The organisation’s programmes include the century-old English Language Assistant scheme, with more than 2500 places available for native English speakers to spend up to a year on paid placements in 14 countries, assisting in English language teaching. The British Council also runs the Erasmus programme – which enables UK university students to study or work in 33 European countries. Dr Jo Beall, the British Council’s Director of Education and Society said: “The good news is that this poll shows people are beginning to recognise how vital international skills are for enhancing their career. Research last year revealed that more UK employers look for
international awareness and experience above academic qualifications. But the bad news is that not enough people in the UK are taking opportunities to gain international experience. That needs to change if the UK will successfully compete in the global economy.”
Future proof
Although 40% of graduates are in non- graduate level jobs and one in 10 are unemployed, most are optimistic about their future career options, a long-term study has revealed. The study, commissioned by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU), has tracked students who started university in 2006 and followed them for six years, after graduating into one of the worst recessions in a century. More than one in 10 graduates have been unemployed for considerable periods - and of those who are employed, 40% are settling for non-graduate level jobs, a 30% increase from ten years ago.
While those with a degree still earn on average significantly more than their non- graduate peers, the benefit appears to have been declining by up to as much as 2% each year over the past decade. Nonetheless, graduates remain remarkably optimistic, with 70% satisfied with their future career options and a resounding 96% said they would still do a degree if starting the process again. HECSU research director Jane Artess said: “Even in the wake of the recession, the onset of higher fees and large debts, graduates remain positive in the face of adversity with great confidence that their degree has been worth it.”
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