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Jobs with training to degree level (J to S - Journalism to Social work)
Journalism
Many journalists begin as an editorial assistant and work for qualifications on the job. Recognised qualifications come from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and from the Periodical Publishing Association (PPA) via their Training Council. Gaining experience is more important than getting qualifications. Create your own portfolio of work, look for work experience and learn by doing. Both the NCTJ and the PPA offer short courses, and the PPA offers the PPA Professional Certificate in Journalism. Be wary of courses offered by independent trainers, especially those without credentials or those who ask for a large training fee up front with the unlikely promise of work at the end. Consider related careers such as Press officer, Advertising manager, Public relations manager, Web writer, Editor or Broadcaster. The National Union of Journalists has a training resource for all journalists, whether established or new entrants and Skillset Careers has advice for creative media industries.
Legal
There are several interesting options around law. Conveyancing is the legal process of buying or selling property or land which requires you to pass the exams of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, but entry requires only 4 GCSEs A-C and you can start study before starting in a job. To fully qualify as a licensed conveyancer you must work for 2 years with a qualified senior and take the three CLC exams. You can study with a local college or by distance learning. From there you could go on to do law but are more likely to develop private practice, work for a local authority or work with a large estate agency.
Legal executive
A Legal executive specialises in one area of law and usually works within a legal team, or as an adviser to mortgage lenders, estate agents, accountants and so on. A series of professional exams from the Institute of Legal Executives (known at ILEX) will be essential but you only need 4 GCSEs to get in. Alternatively you can take the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Vocational Paralegal Study. You must register with ILEX as a student and work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice and the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in law. This can be done by day release, evening courses or distance learning. Usually it takes 4 years to complete and to become a Fellow of ILEX you must work for 5 years, 2 of which must be after studying.
Police
Although each Police Force has its own criteria for recruitment, there are similarities. An applicant does not need formal qualiifications but will be tested in numeracy, literacy, IT, decision making and reasoning, fitness and health. During the first two years there is substantial training. After that it is possible to opt for the High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) designed to develop future leaders and senior officers and leads to graduate and then masters level. Or a decision may be made to specialise.
Retail
There are so many openings for basic level retail staff that people jump too quickly to the conclusion that retail holds no potential. However, that need not be the case. Get experience, especially in a particular area of knowledge or in supervision; get qualifications, whether an NVQ in Customer service or a Foundation degree in Retail management. Many chains run their own Retail managementr training. Or try Business and finance, Marketing or Human resources. Choose a company and product that you are genuinely interested in and learn all you can so that you have the option of setting up yhour own outlet or franchise. Go to Skillsmart for more detailed advice.
Social work
Local Authorities as well as non-government organisations employ both unqualified and qualified social workers. It helps to apply with a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma before looking for work. Once you are on the job there will be opportunties to take level 3 and level 4 in Health and social care or do a part-time Foundation degree and progress to a full Social work degree sponsored by the employer. Whether an assistant of a fully qualified social worker, you will be required to register with the General Social Care Council (GSCC). The NHS website section on social work has more detailed information.
