Childminding is not about babysitting someone’s children.

Childminding is not about babysitting someone’s children. It is a professional service, offered by professional and trained childminders, with parents having high expectations that their children will be nurtured and cared for.

To be a childminder, you need to be trained, officially registered and inspected by a recognised standards board, such as Ofsted in England and CSSIW in Wales. It can be an incredibly rewarding job, with online childcare courses and a whole host of childminding courses on offer.

If you are new to child minding and are not sure where to start, then this guide is for you.

Step 1 – Find out for sure if this career choice is for you

Childminding is a growing profession, mainly because the demand from parents for quality childcare is on the increase. Being a professional childminder is about stimulating children in your care, as well as providing a whole host of activities as well as practical care, such as meals. Picking up older children from school can also be part of a childminding service.

You may find that there is more to professional childminding than what your first thought. There are many standards to meet as part of the inspection process and in the main, most childminders operate their business from home.

Before you enrol on courses, make sure that this is the right career choice for you. Some organisations and agencies operate ‘find out more’ events. Keep an eye open to see if there is one near you.

Step 2 – Registration

You need to be aged over 18 and to care for a child or children under the age of 8 for more than two hours a day, you will need to register with Ofsted or the regulatory body in Wales, Scotland and so on. The first step to becoming registered in the contact the Families Information Services, or equivalent, in the local authority where you live and where your will be conducting your business.

There will be several pre-registration meetings in your area which you will be advised to attend. At this meeting, you will be given an application pack and details of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The name of these guidelines may vary in Wales and Scotland, but these are the standards that trained childminders are expected to meet. They set out standards for learning, development, communication skills, physical and emotional development, numeracy & literacy, as well as care for children from birth to five years of age.

Step 3 – Finding a suitable course

Some courses meet the basic standards as set out in the Early Years Framework, but you need to be confident that the course you enrol on meets with these standards. If you are unsure, ask the provider.

You will also need to have completed and passed a first aid course specifically for children, sometimes known as a paediatric first aid before you can gain registration.

Many childminders worry that this initial training course they complete is not specialised. It is a general course that looks at how to be a childminder, meet the standards and criteria laid out in the framework for children, as well as how to run your business.

Step 4 – Criminal Records Check and other important issues

The process used by each local authority to complete registration will vary, so check with at the initial pre-registration meeting.

Applying for a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) will be needed, and you will also need to show that your home meets the standards for safety as laid out in the guidelines. This will be assessed by a home visit and an interview by Ofsted or an equivalent body.

Only when you have been successfully registered – there is a fee – will you be able to offer your professional childminding services. If you are using your car as part of your business, you will need Public Liability insurance, as well as business use on your insurance.

All this certification will be necessary to show prospective parents. You can continue to train in all kinds of childminding related courses, such as working with a child with additional needs. Some local authorities will allow you to practice once registration is complete and a course ongoing, whereas as some with withholding registration until you complete a basic course.

Stumbling blocks

There will be stumbling blocks are barriers that are personal to you, but there are also some parts of the process that some people find difficult to overcome:

• Cost – some courses can cost from £400 upwards, a large chunk of cash to find for most people. Many agencies offer a scheme by which you can pay on a monthly basis that makes courses far more available to some people. Some people are also entitled to financial help too with costs of courses and other fees.

• Paperwork – it can seem a little tedious at times, making sure you have all the right paperwork and in the correct order. What you must remember is that children are seen as vulnerable and ensuring their safety at all time is paramount. There can be costs involved in obtaining checks and insurances too.

• Your home may need adapting – all childminders need to operate in an environment that is safe for children and you. Inspectors are trained to identify potential hazards that may mean that you will need some make some changes, or invest in essential equipment such as child gates, child-proof locks and so on.

Working with children is incredibly rewarding. You will spend the day surrounded by boundless enthusiasm, and will be part of a child’s development and growth! Learn more about how to begin your career as a childminder by following our how to become a childminder guide.

Learning flexibly and in your own time is something that more and more people are being attracted to.

Home study courses, learning, online, e-learning, distance learning, whatever you choose to call it, learning flexibly and in your own time is something that more and more people are being attracted to.

And it’s not surprising when you consider that when done right, the successful completion of home learning courses can produce amazing results – and decreases cost too.

But what are the benefits of home education? Is it better than in the classroom – or is the classroom the only real setting where valuable learning can happen?

 The value of learning

Just like in the mid-20^th Century when the political establishment was debating the value of learning across all of the society, in the 21^st Century we are discussing the value of learning away from the traditional setting of the classroom.

For decades, the assumption was simple – for the learning to have value, to be of high quality, it needed to be teacher-led and preferably in a formal setting. Gradually, the importance of informal learning – picking things up as we go along – and thus vocational courses began to increase.

And then the Internet happened. Like many other aspects of life, it allowed so many different facets to open up and too many different people. And one sector that received a welcome boost was education.

Online colleges and trainer providers blossomed. Undoubtedly, some are better than others, offering a higher quality course that is assessed and backed by known assessment bodies. Others are perhaps lighter in touch but still had some value.

However, attitudes were slower to change but today, things are very much different. Home learning is now seen as a way of learning that has value for the person, and for the businesses or agencies for which they may currently work, or are suitable for employment in the future:

• Self-discipline & management

Taking on a home study course will mean that the student will need to make some changes and some tough decisions. When an assignment is due, it may be that the night out they had planned will be postponed. Just like a student at a college may need to do once in a while.

In effect, the self-discipline and management that a home study student needs are just as much as those who are physically at a learning venue. In fact, they may need more – working a full day, caring for the family and then sitting down to complete an hour of study. Many people now realise what home study says about them, as being who can manage their time and commit to something.

• Lower cost

As recently as November 2015, students were protesting over the cost of gaining a university education. It is politically a hot topic, the cost and the debt involved for some students when they have completed university.

For many people, the cost of some educational courses is too high, the debt too big a burden. But with home learning, the fees are much less, even with one-to-one support from tutors, many of whom are leaders in their field.

This is because there is no venue to pay for, no other utilities to pay. The cost of the course covers materials and tutor time and is, therefore, a much lower and more attainable fee.

Online providers also welcome people who pay monthly, or who want to pay upfront and in full.

• Your time, your choice

Taking on a home study course is a commitment, especially on your time. But, the beauty of this is apparent – you study at a time that suits you and when you can. You can work when you are at your best. You may be a night owl, studying well into the night or maybe you are happy when you rise an hour before the family wakes, and take in some learning at your kitchen table.

It is your course, your time, you own it. You are in control and for many learners, this is the perfect way for them to work and learn.

• Same qualification, same value

When you select a high-quality course, from are a recognised provider that offers skills assessed and approved by known and good assessment boards and agencies, you will be gaining the same qualification as someone who chooses to carry on learning in a classroom.

• Excellent support

And finally, the support that online and home learners get from their provider is high. The provider wants every single one of their students to succeed. They want them to enjoy learning, and this is why the support, both formally with one-to-one tutor support and informally through forums, is available when you need it most.

Home learning has allowed many people to access qualifications that have opened up a new sea of opportunities. And it will do the same for you.

Learning is no longer an activity that is deemed best when we do it sat in a classroom from 9 am to 3 pm.

Learning is no longer an activity that is deemed best when we do it sat in a classroom from 9 am to 3 pm. At one time, education was something that was ‘done’ to you. You sat and, like a sponge, mopped up the education and learning that was spilling in your direction.

There were very few other options than the one main route on offer. This lack of choice meant that some people struggled with the formal learning environment. It also said that people’s attitudes struggled with learning too.

And so when things started to change and home learning became an increasingly attractive option, some people were unsure as to its merit. But, the rise of home learning courses looks to be unstoppable. They are more popular than ever.

And it is across a range of qualifications, from the study for GCSEs to A-levels and Diplomas, the mantle of home learning is now so widespread that it looks to be an unstoppable force.

But why? What is it about home studying that makes a difference to people?

#1 Money

Disposable income – the amount you have left when you have paid all your bills and essentials – has been under pressure in recent years. Since the collapse of a global bank in 2008, the recession rippled throughout the world.

At a time when money is tight, the thought of taking on a new financial commitment, such as a training course may seem too much. But, with home learning courses, the cost is far lower than you would expect.

With undergraduates leaving college with large debts, many people realise that staying in the formal education sector might not be something that they can afford.

But with a home study or e-learning, you can work and study. You can earn money while you study. The courses cost less because the providers overheads are less and thus these savings are passed on to you.

You can choose to pay monthly – some courses cost as little as £20 a month – or you can pay in full. Knowing that financially, you will be not be taking on an enormous burden instantly makes learning accessible.

#2 Flexibility

Life is busy. Fact.

Most of the time, life follows a plan but then the unexpected happens. And so the Thursday afternoon you had expected to sit and do some work, has now been jettisoned. But it’s OK, you will catch up Saturday morning.

Is this flexibility available when you miss a lecture or miss class? If you cannot be at a particular place at a certain time, it effectively means you have lost it.

Sometimes, some areas of life need to be flexible and when it comes to home studying, this is exactly what you get. It is far more amenable to being flexed and moved and changed and molded.

#3 Study when you want

You may prefer to delve into your education late at night. The children are in bed; the house is quiet. Or the best time for you maybe an hour or two before everyone else rises in the morning.

Or, you may decide that the hour free that you have while the children are in dance classes and so on is the perfect time to do some reading in a local café. The possibilities of when you study are almost endless.

You have the course materials; you have the plan of what needs completing and by when – and you know what your commitments are, what the barriers could be, what could get in the way. You know how to organise your time, thus, you get to sit down and study when you want. And better still at a time that suits you, rather than it being prescribed for you.

#4 1-to-1 support

It would be foolish to think that you will glide through the course, and everything will be rosy. The truth is, there are times when you will struggle. You may not grasp a concept as well as think you should; you may not fully understand some of the course material, you may have other concerns, or you may just need someone to talk through some ideas that you have.

Home study courses from the majority of reputable providers will offer one-to-one support in abundance. It can be formalised with phone tutorials, or it can also be informally too, such as online forums and so on.

#5 Value

There is value in these courses. They match the qualifications and the levels achieved by attending college. The qualifications meet the criteria and standards as laid down by various exams boards and regulatory agencies. The tutoring must also be of a certain standard.

Employers are now beginning the recognise the value of the home study qualifications too. Take another look at the home study courses that could make a positive impact on your life.

Popular television programmes can make some careers seem fun and almost frivolous, and forensic science is one of them.

Popular television programmes can make some careers seem fun and almost frivolous, and forensic science is one of them. We have the impression that people walk around in baseball caps, flashing torches and spotting minute strands of hair on a coffee table edge that is metred away.

The truth can be very different. Before you opt for forensic science courses on the strength of an American TV series or what you see on a British crime drama, make sure that you know exactly what you are stepping into.

It can be gruesome

Undoubtedly, there are times when a forensic science officer or Scenes of Crimes Officer (SOCO) as they are sometimes known, will see some pretty gruesome sights. This could be anything from a dead body to a scene of a crime where a violent crime has apparently taken place. Being able to deal with blood and other bodily fluids is important, along with the ability to process the difficult scenes you have witnessed.

Forensic psychology is examining the behaviour of and criminal acts committed by someone. This information is invaluable when the police are on the hunt for someone, and trying to understand the pattern of the crime. Often, understanding why something happened is important for the victims and their families too.

What other personal qualities do you need to have?

An analytical mind and a problem-solving approach are just two of the personal qualities that forensic scientists need. As people go about their daily lives, they leave clues in all kinds of places as to where they have been, why they were there and what they did.

The ability to uncover these clues and generate this information is crucial but often what can happen is that we can be swayed by some of this evidence. SOCOs present the evidence from the crime scene and not an opinion.

What does a forensic scientist do?

SOCOs and other forensic personnel assist legal proceedings by analysing the evidence given to them, including a crime scene and presenting this evidence to the police or another authoritative body. Some forensic scientists will also be called upon to give this evidence in court as part of a case.

It can be an exciting and varied career in which you could work in some interesting spheres, as well as criminal proceedings. There are times when findings are called into question and thus, it is not a job that can be done half-heartedly.

For example, at a crime scene, you will need to follow a strict protocol to prevent cross-contamination between one piece of evidence and another.

Not all forensic scientists work for the police like SOCOs do. Some people go on to work for private agencies and companies who either work with defence counsel (for court proceedings) or are used as expert witnesses. In other words, they are asked to examine a piece of evidence and to produce a report with their findings.

Training is essential

A good level of education is necessary for all kinds of forensic science work but if you don’t have the GCSEs and the A levels in the right subjects, there are ways of accessing courses that can ensure you have some of these ‘basic’ subjects and groundings in scientific knowledge. You may find that to progress further in this line of work; you will also need a degree in a science based subject.

You also need to be articulate, both verbally and in writing. Being able to communicate what you found in unequivocal terms is essential. Your words cannot be open to interpretation when you are providing evidence or information.

There are some practical skills. However, that can help with forensic work:

• Photography – close up photography that captures certain aspects of the evidence in detail is a vital part of what a forensic scientist will do.

• Attention to detail – there is no doubt that being able to concentrate and focus on the job in hand, for a prolonged period is also important. It can be many hours to process a crime scene or work on an object, carrying out various tests.

• Being fit and active – in most cases, being a forensic officer is not a job that is desk based or stationery. Travelling to a crime scene is common but not all of these are inhospitable, easy to access place. There may be times when you are working under pressure, and in a location that is far from pleasant.

Start your career and progress

This is an exciting field and one that many people choose to work in. Basic qualifications are a springboard into the profession, with many serving a few years in an assistant and supporting role so that they gain invaluable experience across a wide variety of aspects and forensic work.

With determination and the right qualifications, you can progress far within this field, becoming a member of the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners. This is the body that oversees the professional standards within this important field of work.

Find out more about becoming a CSI with our guide.

In summary

A rewarding career, forensic psychology and science are an area that attracts many people. With the right qualifications matched with the personal skills, you too could enjoy this job.

The crime scene – a mysterious puzzle with many clues and no immediate nor obvious answers.

The crime scene – a mysterious puzzle with many clues and no immediate nor obvious answers. Posing more questions than answers, it is down to the crime scene investigator (CSI) to sift through all this information and process it.

Clues and answers can hide in the most unexpected of places such as garden hedges, sewers, under the fingernails, it could be the hair left by the perpetrator as they fled the scene or even the fingerprint on the door, hitherto unseen.

It sounds like an exciting career – and it can be – but in order to break into the world of crime scene investigation, you will need a basic knowledge and a strong grounding in the skills and abilities needed. This is why finding the best forensic science courses are essential.

What does a crime scene investigator do?

They recover evidence from all kinds of places from burglaries to vehicle theft, rape and murder. As a CSI you will be expected to:

• Preserve and protect the crime scene so that the evidence cane be recovered; it is important to protect the crime scene to prevent things not only being lost or destroyed but also protecting it from cross contamination
• Find out what evidence is needed and then decide to best way to recover this evidence
• Record the scene photographically, and sometimes with video too
• Look for marks left at the scene such as footprints
• Locate, record and recover evidence such as clothing fibres, blood, hair, paint and so on using various techniques
• Packaged all the evidence and send for analysis
• Keep detailed written records, producing statements when needed
• This evidence can be central to many cases, including those conducted by the coroner

The services provided by CSIs and their colleague is 24 hours, thus, if you are convinced this career is for you, you need to be aware that you will be working on a shift pattern, which will include night working, Likewise, some teams also work on an on-call basis too.

You also need to be realistic about the things that you will see and bear witness too. Some of these scenes will be distressing and upsetting, something that many people when looking into how to train to be a crime scene investigator will not realise.

It is a demanding job, emotionally and physically. Crime scenes can literally be anywhere, from someone’s driveway to remote places that are inhospitable and unpleasant. Check out our criminology courses to see if this career is for you.

You will also need to be prepared for the fact that CSIs are also required to write up detailed and sometimes quite lengthy reports for the investigating police team. Processing a crime scene for clues is only part of the job; the other half is making sure you note everything down and communicate this effectively to those that need to know.

Getting started

Being a CSI means being part of a team, and you will be supervised closely by a senior forensic scientist both in the field and with admin based task. You will need to be able to focus for long periods of time, and bring a problem-solving approach to situations too.

If this type of work interest you, you may be wondering what the first steps into this kind of work are – and the best way of training to become a CSI.

• Good educational background – every force has different entry requirements for their CSIs but a rule of thumb is five GCSEs at grades A to C. Some forces also stipulate that candidates must have A Levels. However, with a comprehensive course such as the Diplomas that we offer, successful completion of the course will show that you have a good knowledge and grasp of key concepts.
• Expand your photography and videoing skills – CSI work can be a competitive field and so the same time that you are studying for the Diploma qualification, why not take a look at how you can improve your photography and videoing skills? Showing that you can understand and work modern, fairly complex cameras could make a big difference.
• Other practical skills and attributes – full-colour vision is needed, and a clean driving licence is also preferable too. And don’t forget, you will need to be physically fit too.

In Summary

As you look into how to train to become a crime scene investigator, you may come across many courses that guarantee or promise great results. Rather than focusing on the marketing of a course, take the time to look into the course content. Learn how to become a CSI with our online guide.

For many people, becoming a CSI is a total career change and thus, being able to study flexibly and outside of their normal work hours is important. Home study courses can open up a whole new world of opportunities – and with our pay monthly option, courses are affordable too.

For a long time, there was a lack of value that was applied to a home study or distance learning course.

For a long time, there was a lack of value that was applied to a home study or distance learning course. Some people thought that there were not as academic (how could they be, if you had never seen inside of a lecture hall?!), or that they did not have the basis and the content that other courses, offered in a more formal setting clearly had.

They were once seen as the poor relation, but home learning courses are now being touted as possibly the answer to the skills drought that some employers say exist within certain sectors.

What is home study?

Learning from home, e-learning, distance learning and so on, are all similar in that they are carried out in the home or another location other than the formal setting of the classroom.

Pioneers of home learning were thought to have been the University of London. In the 1850s, a batch of their courses were available for study at home and were popular.

For many years, education was a thing that was done to students, administered by a teacher in a formal setting. For some, this approach works, for others it did not. There were few other routes of education that students were encouraged to explore.

The impact of the Internet

The invention that has revolutionised every aspect of life is the Internet. And home learning has benefitted too. It meant that more people could access courses and learning, as well as there being new ways to learn and access and support.

Webinars, forums, email support, phone support and so on, are all now commonplace in the world of online learning, as well as home study courses that are paper-based.

There was only one thing that was slow to catch up – attitude toward this more relaxed way of learning. Some saw it as not being as valuable as that learning that took place in the classroom.

Thankfully, attitudes have changed and there are many driving forces behind it. One such force, some people would say, is that employers are now realising that to have the skilled and versatile workforce that they need, their staff need to be trained.

But for many employers, having staff take time out to complete training courses has huge implications on the business. It can be expensive, both in terms of training costs and the cost it has on the business with someone away from their post for a period of time.

Employers also want to see what potential employees are made of. Home study can tell a lot about the person to an employer; the determination to succeed, the ability to manage time and to cope under pressure. All the same attributes that a college student with a formal education also develops.

In other words, one course is as good as the other. The results are amazing, whether you completed your assignment at the kitchen table whilst making tea, or whether you sat in a classroom.

However, you do need to make sure that the course on offer is detailed and specific enough for the line of work that you want it for. There are several things you need to look for both in the course and the provider.

Attributes of the courses on offer by the provider

In other words, what do you need to look for in…

1. Home study course

You need to check that the course on offer matches all the skills and knowledge that is needed within a certain sector of industry or work. For example, understanding whether the Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3 is recognised by both primary and secondary education as a qualification.

If you are opting for a course that you intend to use as a springboard into a profession, check what minimum requirements an employer would look far. Match the course to what you need.

1. The learning provider

Online and home study providers also need to meet certain education standards. Their tutors need to show that they have an in-depth knowledge of their subject area and most will have also worked extensively within their field too.

Check that the learning provider has courses that are accredited by exams boards and other regulatory authorities. Providers don’t need to use just one board; they will often use more than one and this means that some courses which are specific to a certain industry or sector will be accredited by their leading body.

Home study qualifications are taken seriously by employers. Take the time to research what an employer would look for in a qualification, and what courses are on offer.

Starting a new career as a nail technician is an exciting time, but choosing the right course can be daunting.

Starting a new career as a nail technician is an exciting time, but choosing the right course can be daunting. Here at NCC, we have everything you need to get you started. What’s more, you don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to take our nail technician courses from home. The courses are open to everyone including beginners – we do recommend that anyone looking to complete our Maintaining Nail Extensions course completes any Nail Technology course first, but this is not a requirement.

We have a wide range of nail technician courses from home, including:

● Acrylic Sculpted Nails – this course provides you with the essential tools to learn how to apply beautiful acrylic nails. Starting off with the basics about the nail industry as well as the tools and products you will be using, you will then learn how to fit a nail form on the front of the finger, as well as shaping and sculpting. This course will also show you how to sculpt two colours to create a gorgeous French Manicure look.

● Airbrush Nails – with this course you can learn how to create beautiful airbrushed nail designs that look stunning. Creating these is a great way to boost your income as you can charge an additional £20 per set!

● Acrylic Tip and Overlay Nails – this is our most popular Nail Technician Course. Mastering the art of Acrylic Nails is essential to start your nail technician business. In this course, you will learn the basics of the nail industry, the equipment and products. Then you will learn how to select, fit and blend nail extension tips. After completing this course, you will be able to take your first paid client!

● Fibreglass Nails – learn how to fit Fibreglass Nails, including step-by-step instructions on how to fit the fibreglass nails by extending the length of the natural nail, applying the layers of resin, laying in the fibre strips and adding more resin to make the fibre weave invisible.

● Gel Nail Course – gel nails are increasingly popular and they are easier to apply than Acrylics! This comprehensive training course includes everything you need to become a Qualified Gel Nail Technician, including tools. Starting off by watching your lessons on DVD, you will then move on to practicing your nail extensions. Once complete, simply send them to us for assessment and get your certification.

● Nail Art – with the UK’s top nail educator, Jacqui Jefford, as one of your tutors, this step-by-step course following the NVQ curriculum will ensure that you gain a solid, practical foundation and a valuable qualification.

● Maintaining Nail Extensions – gain an insight into how to care for and maintain nail extensions. The Maintaining Nail Extensions course covers Gels, Acrylics and Fibreglass and you will learn how to rebalance nails, repair and prevent lifting, repair chipped and cracked nails and how to soak off old extensions.

Why study at home with NCC?

Studying at home allows you the flexibility you require. Whether you are juggling family life, work or other commitments, we won’t pressure you to complete your course. You will get full tutor support for 12 months, but we understand that life happens, so we also offer the option of extending this for a small fee.

Our nail technician courses from home are approved by Essential Nails, with a recognised certificate. This will allow you to obtain the insurance you require to work on human hands. The course is recognised by Habia (the Government recognised standards setting body for hair, beauty, body art and nails), British Learning Association, Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists and Professional Beauty Direct.

In addition to the benefits we have listed above, learning with NCC

● Price match – if you find the same course elsewhere at a cheaper rate then simply contact us within 14 days of purchase and we will refund the difference.

● Independent customer reviews with TrustPilot have rated us 9.6 / 10, one of the highest within the industry.

● A choice of courses, so there is something to fit in with your career goals.

● Payment plans – you can either pay in full or pay monthly with no credit checks carried out.

Save even more

To reward you for sharing our courses, we offer a further 5% off the course fees just by sharing the course on either Facebook, Twitter or Google+! It is our way of saying thank you and the details can be found on the eligible course pages.

If you are considering completing a nail technician course from home then why not see what online nail courses we have available

Following tough times, it is great to see that unemployment is reducing.

Following tough times, it is great to see that unemployment is reducing. With so many people applying for job vacancies, it is important that you stand out from other applicants. The good news is that there are some great ways to boost your CV and make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Below we cover a number ways to get ahead of the competition, including, topping up your qualifications, proofreading your CV, choosing the right hobbies to include on your CV and writing an awesome covering letter.

Top up your qualifications

Extra qualifications look great on your CV for a number of reasons. If you have been out of work then it shows potential employers that you have used your initiative to fill your time and work on your personal development and your career. However, if you complete a qualification whilst in work, it shows employers that you are serious about enhancing your career.

There are plenty of courses that you can study from the comfort of your own home. Studying from home means that you can fit the course into your busy schedule, no matter what else you are balancing. Studying at home instead of attending a college allows you to save time and money on travelling to college. You still get excellent tutor support, but you can work at your own pace, with your own career goals in mind.

Whether you are looking to top up your existing qualifications or set off on a whole new career path, there are plenty of courses to choose from, including, training to become a Teaching Assistant or a Health Care Assistant. What’s more, at home courses with NCC Home Learning are accredited, meaning you can get a nationally recognised qualification which looks great on your CV.

Include your hobbies or volunteer work

If you spend your weekends mountain biking, you maintain a blog or have any other relevant hobbies then be sure to include them on your CV. It shows potential employers that you are well-rounded and have other skills that can be transferred to the workplace. It also helps to reveal more of your personality. You can get creative and include hobbies that are relevant to the job you are applying for so that they reinforce your application instead of just filling in blank space. For example, if you are applying for a role in journalism then including your blog would be a great fit, and if you are applying for a position as a personal trainer then your marathon running would fit in perfectly.

If you have spent any time volunteering then think about the responsibilities you have within your volunteer work. If you volunteer in a charity shop then you are likely to be handling cash, serving customers, dealing with complaints and rotating stock. If you are the president of a charity organisation then this shows that you have great management skills.

Proofread your CV

This is the easiest thing to do, and yet it has a big impact. Having a well written, grammatically correct CV will show that you have paid attention to detail and taken the time to complete the task correctly. Ensure that your CV is proofread, paying particular attention to the grammar and spelling. Print out a copy of your CV and read it out loud to yourself – this will help you to spot anything that doesn’t read correctly or any rogue spelling mistakes. It is also a good idea to ask someone else to review your CV as a fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes you have missed.

Write an awesome covering later

When applying for any role, your covering letter is the first impression that a potential employer gets of you, and you may only have 30 seconds to impact the reader. Covering letters should be tailored to the specific role you are applying for, and this gives you a great chance to stand out above the competition. Your covering letter should be typed with an easy to read font, and kept to one side of A4.

What should a good covering letter contain?
● The hiring manager’s name, if known. If not, Dear Sir/Madam will suffice.
● The position you are applying for.
● Why you feel you would be a good fit for the position – make sure to reference the skills listed in the job description and refer to your CV to show that you have these skills.
● Your interest in the role – why do you want to work for the company and why you want this particular role.
● A closing statement- you could indicate that you would love to have an informal chat to discuss this role, or, that you are looking forward to hearing back.

These tips will help you to get ahead of the competition when applying for job vacancies.

Visit www.ncchomelearning.co.uk to search for courses that will develop and improve your CV with the intention of “Getting that job”.

Good Luck with the Job Search!

As we settle into 2016, our thoughts turn to what the coming year could bring.

As we settle into 2016, our thoughts turn to what the coming year could bring. Will it bring change? If it did, would we welcome it? Are you really happy in what you do?

Or maybe you don’t hate the job you are, but more that you feel you are doing the same old thing. You may feel that you need to move on to the next level.

What is stopping you from making the change?

There are many barriers, real and imagined, that stand in our way when it comes to making a change, especially when it comes to a career change. With a whole host of home learning courses on offer, you can up your qualification level – and by the end of 2016, you could be a different job entirely! It could be one that you really love too.

Identifying the barriers

Before you enrol on a course and financially commit to learning, you need to be realistic about what is standing in your way, and what could become a barrier over the next 12 months.

In effect, you need to plan this change in your career and to do this, you need to assess what the barriers are and, more importantly how to overcome them.

You may have heard of a SWOT Analysis. It is a way that companies and businesses of all kinds, as well as individuals, can look at their current situation, identify the need for change but understand what could hamper progress.

By having a deeper understanding of your current situation, you are better prepared to deal with situations when they arise.

Getting to grips with a SWOT Analysis

There are a few different versions, but in order to keep the focus on making changes in 2016, we are going to use this analysis in its simplest format.

Find a blank piece of paper – A4 size will do but if you have something larger, you can really get creative – and some pens. We suggest findings as many different colours as you can, felt tips or colouring pencils will do.

Divide your sheet of paper into quarters and label each box as in the diagram. In the very centre of the page, we suggest you create a title and date it. For example, in this instance we are looking at ‘how to make changes to a job I love in 2016 – and get a qualification!’. We suggest dating the statement or question so that when you look back on the diagram in the next few months, you can see how far you have come.

Start filling the boxes

• Strengths & Weaknesses

The boxes labelled strengths and weakness are factors that are related directly to you. For example, you may consider a strength that you do have is the love of reading, and that you can read quickly.

A strength of learning from home is that it is flexible and can fit around your current commitments. You can also carry on working.

In terms of a weakness, you may want to acknowledge that you have been out of a learning environment for a long time and that you don’t think you organise time well.

There are no right or wrong answers, and you may find that you have a lot more weaknesses than strengths – we are often better at picking fault than being positive! Aim for at least five strengths and weaknesses in each box as a minimum.

You can always come back and add more at another time.

• Opportunities & Threats

These are factors that are outside of you and your immediate sphere. We don’t live our lives in a bubble. We rely on other people to do things for us but sometimes, things go wrong. Understanding what some of these things could be – threats – means that we are prepared to deal with them.

Opportunities are those things that can happen that have a positive impact on your learning and you, as a person.

For example, if you have children, you will understand that a weakness may be having to take time off studies because the children are ill, or the child minder is not being able to look after them and so on.

An opportunity could be that your employment supports your decision to study further, offering your study leave one afternoon a week. Or your mother/neighbour/friend will pick up the children from school on two afternoons, give you valuable time to study.

The point of the exercise

People often think that they cannot afford to make a life-change. They have a mortgage to pay, children to look after, a job to do; life can be so busy it can be hard to imagine there is room for study.

But thousands of people have made the change. And they are now starting 2016 in a job they love. Wouldn’t it be great if 2017 held that promise for you?

As we have now entered a New Year, one of the traditions is to make a “New Year’s Resolution”.

As we have now entered a New Year, one of the traditions is to make a “New Year’s Resolution”, this involves making a promise or commitment to change in some way for the New Year. In this blog, we will look at the six most popular New Year’s resolutions that people make!

1. Lose weight
Aiming to lose weight or getting fitter is possibly the most common New Year’s Resolution that people make. One of the reasons for this is because people tend to overindulge over the Christmas Period and as it’s still fresh in the mind, it encourages people to take this as an option. It’s also common that diets and new exercise regimes always seem to start from next week. This, in turn, leads to people starting their weight loss campaign Next Year.

Although we see a lot of news and stories about people who start their new diets in January and they are out the window in February or others who join gym, visit a couple of times then give up before the end of the month, we also see a lot of people who are successful in their attempts.

New Year is a great time for people to become motivated to exercise more and eat healthier foods. There are various ways this can be achieved. To learn more about this why not study our Nutrition and Weight Management course which looks at the

2. Give up smoking
Similar to losing weight, giving up smoking is a resolution that is health based. Many people choose New Year as the ideal time to kick-start their give up smoking campaign.

Smoking has become increasingly more taboo in recent years, with the introduction of the smoking ban, specifically in pubs/clubs and graphic adverts on cigarette packaging detailing the health risks of smoking.
This has encouraged many people to try and kick their addiction/habit.

There are many aids that people can choose from to try and help them give up. Traditionally nicotine patches and gum have been available with the aim of satiating the need for nicotine without having to smoke a cigarette. More recently e-cigarettes have been realised. These provide the nicotine and the sensation of smoking, without tobacco.

3. Save money
Another popular New Year’s resolution is to try and save money or start a savings account. Whereas the desire to lose weight may be brought upon by overindulging over the festive period, the will to save money could equally be influenced by spending or overspending around Christmas.

Many people tend to splash out and spend a lot on others (and themselves) over Christmas and New Year. A look at one’s bank account in January could be a painful task, particularly for those who may have been paid early in December and have a larger than normal gap between paydays. This could prompt people into saving in the New Year, with some opting to save for a large purchase, a house for example, and others just to save for a rainy day.

There are some handy ways to help people save their money. Banks now offer free advice and provide very competitive savings accounts, which can also provide a decent amount of interest on savings.

4. Lifestyle change
A more drastic New Year’s resolution is a complete lifestyle change. A common cliché heard around this time of year is “New Year, New Me!” Some people turn this into their resolution and opt for a lifestyle change. This can be minor change like wanting to read more books or get a new hobby, to a more substantial change, for example being more spontaneous or saying yes more to friends/family when they propose outings or events.

Some lifestyle changes can link into other resolutions we have covered, such as living a healthier life or being more frugal with money.

A lifestyle change for many can seem daunting however it does not need to be drastic. Some people just like to spice their lives up and get a change from the norm, there are many ways this can be accomplished. Taking up a new hobby, for example, is a good way to both change your lifestyle and potentially help you benefit from learning a new skill or developing new relationships.

5. New career
The last on our list but by no means the least, is the New Year’s resolution of gaining a new career or a new job. Lots of people fancy a change in career path and the New Year is the kick start they need to start a job hunt.

Others may want to progress in their current career rather than a complete switch, so some resolutions are more specific, for example, “Gain a promotion in 2016” or “Increase progression in the next year”

NCC Home Learning provide courses in a range of sectors that can help you in a potential career move or job hunt. With courses ranging from Autism Awareness to Zoology, NCC cover a broad range of courses, each aimed at increasing your skills and employability.

Check out our A-Z course list to find the course which could help you gain your dream job!