What is National Careers Week?
National Careers Week runs from 3-8 March. It aims to help young people think about their future careers and get excited about what’s to come. This week is kids’ chance to think about:
- skills and interests
- the different options open to them – would they like to go to college or university? Or would they rather do an apprenticeship or go straight into work?
- all the different jobs and careers that are available
Hear from our Editor-in-Chief Nicky Cox MBE on her career journey…
Nicky helps to write and edit First News – in fact, the whole paper was her idea!
She said: “I had worked at the BBC for 14 years as editorial director of children’s publishing. Before that I had been a journalist at national and local newspapers. It had always been my dream to create a children’s newspaper. I believe that for the world to become a better place, the next generation must be better informed than the last.”
“My advice to anyone wanting a job like mine is to read a lot. Write a lot. Know what is going on in the world. See if you can get work experience on your local newspaper. Or, perhaps, start your own blog. Concentrate hard in English lessons to develop a good style of writing. Pick subjects like English, journalism or politics for higher education. And look out for trainee positions or graduate schemes, such as the BBC’s. Contact the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) for advice.”
Thinking about work experience or apprenticeships?
Work experience gives children the chance to see first-hand what it’s like to work within different companies and organisations. They can learn from experts, have a go at a range of jobs and discover different working environments. Lots of young people will do work experience placements at secondary school.
An apprenticeship offers the chance to work and study at the same time. Young people are paid to learn while on the job, but they’ll also get dedicated time out to study towards a qualification. Lots of companies now offer apprenticeships for those over the age of 16.
What can I do as a parent?
If you’re not sure how to start a conversation about careers, or how to advise your children on possible careers they may be suited to, why not sit down as a family to watch a few of our short films exploring into a variety of career paths? You can also watch our ‘Meet the Team’ videos to find out more about a career in journalism and check out behind the scenes at First News. Career aspirations start earlier than you think, so it’s good to get kids thinking about their futures.
Breakfast table questions for your kids…
- How do you think jobs will change in the future? What careers might not exist anymore?
- If you could create a new job that doesn’t exist yet, what would it be and why?
- If you could do any job in the world, what would you choose?
Find out more!
To read more insightful pieces that could be discussed with your children, visit the Talking Points section of our website.
Find out all the ways you can access First News at home and at school!
