Latest news with #workexperience
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Meet the Cumbrian teen forging a career in civil engineering
A Cumbrian teenager who gave up his weekends and school holidays for work experience is forging a career path as a civil engineer. Ryan Reid, 19, from Brampton, joined Carlisle-based Peacock Precision Services straight from school and is now working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in civil engineering, having already completed an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) after three years of study. The young engineer has already worked on major projects including the Carlisle Southern Link Road and the Hope Valley Rail Line. Mr Reid is now working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in civil engineering (Image: Supplied) Mr Reid said: "Working at Peacock Precision is great, and I couldn't think of doing anything else if I'm honest. "I like the challenge of completing a variety of jobs, and every day is a learning day." He said he particularly enjoys being out on-site and interacting with people from different trades. Mr Reid also credited Kieron Peacock, founder and owner of Peacock Precision, with supporting his growth in the industry. He said: "I owe Kieron a lot for giving me the opportunity and taking a chance on me, so I try to do my best by him on every job." Mr Reid first joined the company as a trainee civil engineer after impressing Mr Peacock with his enthusiasm and commitment during work experience placements at just 15 years old. Mr Peacock said: "From the very beginning, Ryan stood out as someone with a real passion for the work and a willingness to learn. "There are not many kids at the age of 15 who would volunteer to spend their spare time working, but that shows Ryan's strong determination to go far in the industry. "He has already developed into a mature, reliable and valued member of the team, and we're proud to support him as he continues to grow in his career." Peacock Precision Services, established in Carlisle in 2018, is a specialist engineering business operating across the UK in sectors including highways, housing, rail, public sector, and retail. Mr Reid's journey into civil engineering began through work experience placements during weekends and school holidays, which he continued alongside his studies at Durham College. His blend of practical skills, determination, and academic achievement has set him apart, earning praise from colleagues and leadership alike. As he works towards his NVQ, Mr Reid is expected to continue making an impact on projects across the region and beyond.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Swindon leisure operator chosen as work experience employer of the year
A leisure operator has been named Work Experience Employer of the Year. The award, given to GLL by Bath College, was in recognition of the organisation's support for students through work placements and lifelong learning. GLL, which operates under the Better brand and runs leisure centres in Swindon, offers placements to around 20 students each year. Read more: Rats, maggots and cockroaches found at kebab takeaway Mark Harrison, community sport manager at GLL, said: "It's an opportunity for students to learn and develop key employability skills such as customer service, punctuality and teamwork. "We also contribute to the content of Bath College's sport courses – ensuring that it remains relevant to our industry and provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to forge a successful career." The company also supports students through mock interviews and careers events. Nicki Martin, head of marketing and business development at Bath College, said: "This award recognises the outstanding contribution GLL has made to Bath College and our learners over the past year. "Their continued partnership, support, and commitment to skills development have made a lasting impact and we are proud to recognise that." The award will be presented at the college's Celebrating Success Awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 8.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's Why Your Teen Needs a Summer Job—and How to Get One
In the 1950s and late 1970s, teen employment reached record highs. This was for a mix of economic, social, and cultural reasons. Back then, teens worked because jobs were widely available and there was a strong cultural push for independence through work. Today, many teens are returning to summer jobs for similar reasons, especially earning money and gaining experience. However, today's teens also face more competition for college and a heavier focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, hence the lower rates of employment among 16 and 19-year-olds. With rising costs and a renewed appreciation for real-world experience, teens are balancing both worlds, bringing back a trend from decades ago that was once a rite of passage. Lissett Bohannon, suggests a summer job as a game changer for modern teens, especially because they start to understand various life skills like the importance of showing up on time. 'I had a student who was tardy all the time at school, and I noticed a huge change one year. When I asked them why, that student told me they had gotten a job over the summer and realized quickly how important it was to show up on time,' Bohannon recalls. She says it also helps teens take responsibility and work with people they might not normally interact with. 'I've seen students really come out of their shells just from having a summer job. It can also help with confidence; they learn how to talk to adults, and they start to see the value of their time. Even earning a small paycheck gives them a sense of pride and independence.' For her, it's less about the money and more about the growth that comes with it. On top of that, a summer job could be used for possible scholarship applications or as a part of their future college applications. Miriam Groom, CEO of Mindful Career, agrees, stating that summer jobs provide invaluable learning experiences beyond the typical classroom. 'Teens gain soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are vital for their future careers," says Groom. "Furthermore, early work experience helps teens build a professional network and gives them insight into potential career interests. Whether paid or volunteer, summer work offers essential exposure to the working world and boosts their confidence.' Jillian Amodio, LMSW, explains that summer work provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and mental well-being. A summer job can help build a bridge between adolescence and adulthood, provide a sense of structure, routine, self-esteem, confidence, and responsibility. 'As a social worker and youth advocate, I've seen firsthand just how beneficial it can be for teens to engage in structured, purposeful activities during the summer months, helping build a sense of autonomy and provide valuable life lessons that can't be taught in a classroom,' she says. Amodio explains that work and volunteer experience also foster a sense of purpose and community connection, which can be beneficial for mental health. especially during the often unstructured summer break. 'These experiences reinforce values like empathy, resilience, and perseverance, all while helping teens explore their unique interests and passions.' For Bohannon, the best thing she recommends is to have students look for opportunities that align with what they're already curious about or possibly interested in doing in the future. For example, she has had students interested in sports volunteer to help with soccer camps over the summer with the younger kids. She has also had students who were curious about a career in culinary work jobs in the food-care industry as bussers or waiters, just so they could get a glimpse behind the scenes of a restaurant. 'If you're not sure what you want to do yet, that's okay too,' she empathises. 'I still recommend trying something because then at least you will learn more about yourself and what you like or dislike. Even babysitting or helping a neighbor with yard work can build skills in a way you may not expect. I think the goal to remember here is that the summer job should help you learn about yourself while growing your confidence and exploring new experiences.' Groom advises that the best time to apply for a summer job is typically between March and April. 'Many employers start their hiring process in spring, so applying early gives teens a better chance to secure a job. They should focus on jobs that will help them develop transferable skills and align with their interests. Retail positions, babysitting, lifeguarding, and tutoring are classic options, but don't overlook internships, especially unpaid ones, which can provide excellent learning opportunities in various fields.' She also suggests considering community-based roles such as volunteering at local food banks, libraries, or senior centers. These experiences are just as valuable for career exploration. 'Platforms like VolunteerMatch or Idealist list volunteer opportunities across a variety of sectors,' Groom suggests. 'Volunteering is a great way to gain experience while making a positive impact in the community.' Groom further advises that many high schools and community centers offer job boards and career workshops specifically for teens. These are great resources to help teens get started. "In addition to these resources, it's important for parents to help teens stay organized throughout their job search,' she adds. 'Setting a schedule for applying to jobs, following up with employers, and tracking applications will help them stay on track.' Amodio suggests using online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn for Students, which offer teen-friendly listings. She also highlights that local community centers and libraries often have job boards and volunteer postings, and that summer camps also often look for youth counselors to help with the busy summer schedule, so teens can start there. Bohannon advises parents to start local—library boards, community centers, nonprofits, and even their own workplace. 'Like I mentioned, my student who helped run soccer camps, he found that through the soccer club he was already playing with throughout the year. A lot of teens get opportunities through someone they already know.' 'Many of my students found opportunities by checking out websites like or They may help find local volunteering options based on interests,' she says. Furthermore, Bohannon says that parents should encourage their teens to put together a simple resume early—even if it's just school activities or volunteer experience. 'I know many students get worried about creating a resume before having work experience, but please remind them that school is their work experience, so have them build a resume based on their school accomplishments and soft skills. With a resume in hand, they will feel more confident applying, and sometimes they just need that little nugget of confidence to take the first scary step.' Read the original article on Parents
Fast Company
31-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Is a master's degree worth it? A new survey of hiring managers casts doubt
Hiring managers aren't convinced that master's degree holders perform better than candidates with two years of work experience, but they are still willing to pay them more. That's according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers conducted by Resume Genius. Fifty-two percent of respondents said the performance of those who earn the credential is the same as those with a bachelor's degree plus two years of work experience. Another 10% believe it's worse. 'A master's degree simply isn't experience; it's knowledge,' explains Resume Genius career expert Nathan Soto. 'So much practical know-how can only be learned by doing the job, and higher education doesn't prepare people for work. It prepares them for even higher levels of academic study.' The survey also suggests a significant discrepancy in how different generations view the degree, with more than double the proportion of Gen Z hiring managers—29% in total—suggesting it leads to stronger performance, compared with just 13% of Boomers. 'As Baby Boomers age out of the workforce, it suggests that the proportion of hiring managers who value master's degrees is growing,' Soto says.
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Many international students hope to launch careers in the US. Their pathways may dim under Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Since coming from China as a teenager for boarding school, Bob Zeng has imagined building a career in the United States. But as he prepared to graduate Thursday from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it felt like the last chapter of his life in America. Zeng said he has been rethinking his plans because of the Trump administration's pledge to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students. Having completed a masters degree in science and management, he is thinking about moving to Europe. Or going home to China. 'I am worried about working here,' said Zeng, 30. 'You never know what's going to happen.' Many international students come to the U.S. with hopes of gaining work experience and returning to their home countries or pursuing a career in the U.S. But the administration's intensifying scrutiny of international students — and signs that formal career pathways for them may be closed — are leading some to reconsider their plans. Beyond the steps the administration already has taken — expanding the grounds for terminating students' ability to study in the U.S., adding new vetting for student visas, moving to block foreign enrollment at Harvard — a key nominee has raised the possibility of ending a program that encourages international students to stay and gain work experience. About 240,000 of the 1.1 million people on student visas in the U.S. are on Optional Practical Training — a one-year post-graduation period where they are authorized to work in fields related to their degrees. It can last up to three years for graduates in science, math and technology fields. President Donald Trump's nominee for director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said during his confirmation hearing on May 21 that he would like to see an end to post-graduate work authorization for international students. 'What I want to see would be essentially a regulatory and sub-regulatory program that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school,' said Edlow, referring to the F-1 visas on which most international students attend college in the U.S. A program offers international students a foothold for careers in the US The opportunity to gain career experience at U.S. companies, especially in technology and other fields where American companies dominate, has long been a draw of studying here. Many enter the H-1B visa lottery, hoping to be selected for one of the employer-sponsored visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Threatening practical training opportunities would have long-term consequences for the U.S. in attracting international students, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, which represents international educators. 'We turn global talent away at our own expense,' Aw said. Like many international students, Marko, 29, finds himself glued to the news with a growing sense of alarm. His Optional Practical Training expires in a month, and he has applied for an extension but hasn't heard back, leaving him in limbo. Lawyers for the tech company where he works in New York City advised him to carry proof of his legal status in his wallet, which he finds 'dehumanizing.' 'The message being sent now is that: You are not one of us, and we are going to get rid of you,' said Marko, who asked that only his first name be used because he is worried about being targeted for removal from the country. He has lived in the U.S. for a decade spanning college and graduate school, but his family and friends back home have encouraged him to leave. His hope is that he gets the OPT extension and can then apply for an H-1B visa and continue his life in the U.S., but he also worries about anti-immigrant sentiment and who will be targeted next. Foreign students have been targeted on several fronts In his first administration, Trump floated the idea of curtailing OPT, but that did not materialize. During the campaign, he suggested he would give green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges, a sentiment that students and educators hoped would signal more welcoming policies for international talent. But since taking office his administration has cracked down on international students in several ways. In April, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began terminating the legal status of people with student visas who appeared in a database of police encounters. Many caught up in that effort were on OPT, and had to leave their jobs or risk violating laws about working without legal authorization. ICE eventually restored students' status after widespread legal challenges, but not before some chose to leave the country pre-emptively, fearing deportation. In mid-May, some recent graduates received letters threatening to terminate their status if they did not update their employment records. While the letters gave them an opportunity to fix any reporting issues, it sent another wave of uncertainty through international graduates. This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would move to revoke visas of Chinese students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in 'critical' fields. Yurong 'Luanna' Jiang, a Chinese student who graduated Thursday from Harvard University, said in an interview that she had hoped to stay in the U.S. for a few years but she has been unsettled by the Trump administration's crackdown on visas. 'In terms of the plan going forward, I would say everything is up in the air at this point,' said Jiang, who is now open to going anywhere in the world to work in international development. 'At this point, it's difficult to say what will happen.' ___ Gecker reported from San Francisco. Toness and Associated Press writer Michael Casey contributed from Cambridge, Massachusetts. ___ The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
