Keep motivated and set new challenges ”when looking for a job”
People searching for a job need to maintain their motivation by creating new challenges.
This is according to football freestyler and skills academy coach, Billy Wingrove, who said that searching for employment is similar to training for a new sport, adding: "You also need to keep motivated by setting yourself challenges and seize new opportunities."
Mr Wingrove had to alter his dreams of being a professional footballer and he chose to focus on football tricks instead.
"Now I'm one of the world's best freestylers and run my own skills academy," he observed.
Those looking for public sector jobs may be encouraged by his attitude or take his advice on board if they are experiencing difficulties looking for employment in the industry.
Earlier this month, Chris Rea, business manager at Graduate Prospects, recommended that individuals look ensure they prepare well for a job application, as this is often overlooked.
REC: Get a good idea of the skills companies are looking for
School leavers should remain positive and be aware that there are still employment opportunities out there, according to one industry body.
Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Federation (REC), advised those who are searching for work that they should have a good idea of what skills companies are looking for.
These recommendations could encourage individuals hoping to attain a job in the public sector to refine their search techniques - and he added that internships and temporary assignments might be other ways of getting work.
Mr Green noted people should be flexible - as they may not get their ideal job straight away - and to think about getting some help with CV writing and interview tips.
Similar advice was recently issued by Chris Rea, business manager at Graduate Prospects - which collaborates with official bodies in higher education - who noted that potential employees must ensure they fully prepare for an interview.
Local government workers ”among most trained in public sector”
Local government employees are some of the most trained in the public sector, recent research has suggested.
The University of Birmingham study - commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions - found that other individuals in health jobs in the public sector were also among the most trained in the industry.
But the results - which looked at the training trends between 1994 to 2008 - revealed that workplace teaching has been "flat or in decline" since 2003, from 2005 in particular.
Moreover, it was noted that individuals who had received learning experiences increased variability in job satisfaction compared to those who had not.
The survey added: "By contrast, there was greater stability in the reported levels of job satisfaction among those who did not receive training".
In addition, Scarlet Harris, the Trades Union Congress's apprenticeships policy and campaign officer, previously pointed out that employers are not providing sufficient on-the-job training opportunities.
BIS investing “so much” into further education
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills plans to invest "so much" into further education, as well as create 50,000 "high quality" apprenticeships.
This announcement could be positive news for those planning to gain a public sector job instead of going to university, as A-level results were announced today (August 19th).
David Willetts, universities and science minister at the organisation - which aims to give everyone the skills they need to succeed by promoting an open economy - said attending an institution of higher education is not the only route that someone can take into well-paid and fulfilling work.
In response to the results from the National Student Survey 2010, Mr Willetts noted that even in tough times a world-class education should be a priority.
He added: "I am committed to improving the range and accessibility of the information available and will be exploring ways of achieving this in the coming months."
Employers should increase ”on-the-job training opportunities”
Employers are not providing enough on-the-job training opportunities, according to one industry body.
Scarlet Harris, the Trades Union Congress's apprenticeships policy and campaign officer, said larger businesses should think about extending these types of schemes.
She added that companies which take on 500-plus workers provide 16 per cent of the total employment, "yet offer only five per cent of apprenticeship places overall".
People looking for public sector jobs may gain from the experience of an apprenticeship and Ms Harris noted the organisation is hoping they become a valued route into employment.
But the TUC has advised individuals looking to apply for such a scheme to ensure a fair wage and plenty of time for training is offered, as well as opportunities for career progression.
These recommendations come after Mike Petrook, head of public affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, noted that there should be more investment in staff training.
