Making the right career choice?

 Can you still recall that time when you were waiting to find out your exam results and you were thinking about a future career path? From my memory – it was a little while ago – I recall it was a time of apprehension, mixed with stress and fear, along with that bit of excitement of what comes next in life. I do remember the joy at leaving school and the anticipation of starting college but I don’t recall for one minute having my future mapped out and knowing what I actually wanted to do, but I was aware that passing exams was seen as both important and a vital gateway to further education and employment. I can also recall that moment of disclosing my results to my mother – probably the most stressful bit - and waiting for her reaction… so have times changed?

Over the last two weeks, young people across Wiltshire received their results for both GCSE and A-Levels and I have to say I admired the bravery of those who opened those dreaded envelopes live on local radio stations and disclosed to listeners, including me, how they had done. They must have been fairly confident as to disclose that your results weren’t as good as you had anticipated would make breakfast listening somewhat less than upbeat.

Fortunately, this was not the case, for those who went “live” with their results. As it turned out their performance was outstanding and their joy was loud and clear for all to hear. Overall it would appear that Wiltshire’s young people have delivered excellent results reflecting how hard they worked and how good the quality of education is in our schools and colleges – huge congratulations to everyone.

But what’s next for these young people? Some will be looking to enter the job market or perhaps wish to develop their skills further and these days there are a number of options available to them. One thing that I am passionate about is supporting young people to further their careers and to get into the workplace. It’s not a good situation at any age to be out of work and to have no focus for the future. But the reality is some young people need a bit of extra support and advice and a helping hand to help them to get that focus and to find an opportunity that is right for them.

Local businesses and organisations need to see what young people can contribute and to seize on their energy, freshness and potential.  This week we launched a new ‘one stop shop’ website called Work Wiltshire, which is a site to help those who want to enter the job market, develop their skills and advance their careers, or to help those who could be facing the challenge of losing their job. It includes access to self-help information and, for those who are eligible, free support from an employment support worker through Project IMPRESS is also available.  Helping young people is vital and schemes such as Project IMPRESS, apprenticeships and work experience, which at last many local businesses have seen as a great way to employ young people – are helping to keep our local economic in a good place.

Opportunities to learn and develop skills and knowledge that can be used in the workplace are surely the key to having a vibrant and sustainable economy? I always enjoy hearing how some young people can thrive in an apprenticeship and grow to take on more senior roles. The recently opened community campus in Corsham will offer a number of apprenticeships, internships and work experience opportunities to help local people to develop skills and confidence and what’s needed to thrive in work, and I am delighted to have a new apprentice working in my office supporting the cabinet members. Young people are our future and we need them to ensure that we have a sustainable and vibrant local economy.

From the recent exam results it would appear we have some real talent – let’s capture and grow this for the benefit of all of us.

Having given this some thought – If I was to choose an apprenticeship now it would have to be music – as I longed to play guitar in a rock band – and I would question is it ever too late to learn? What would you choose?

For all of you still to have your annual break – enjoy… and, for those of you who have had your break I hope you enjoyed the bank holiday weekend, albeit a very wet Monday! For those of you who were on call and delivering our vital front line services - a huge thank you.

Jane

First World War Commemorations

Today (4 August 2014) marks one hundred years to the day that Britain declared war on Germany. This historical day is being commemorated across the country with services and appropriate events.

In Wiltshire we recognised the significance of the start of the First World War. We are a county that embraces and takes pride in our military history and connections. It was for that reason that we decided to work with our military partners and local communities to host an appropriate event to commemorate those who died protecting our country and freedom. 

Last Wednesday - 30 July - we had a county-wide day for remembrance and it was a special occasion. Hundreds of people came together at Tidworth Military Cemetery to pay tribute and to honour the 10,000 brave men and boys from Wiltshire who fought for our country during the First World War (1914 – 1918). 

Young men like Private John Burbidge, from Worton, who was just 14 when he volunteered for the Wiltshire Regiment and was sent to France in November 1914. He was killed in action aged 18 and has no known grave.

Families such as the Potters, from Trowbridge, who lost three brothers to the war – Arthur died at Gallipoli aged 18, Robert died at Jutland in 1916 and John in 1917 in Greece. 

These young boys and men died so that future generations could have their freedom. It was, therefore, fitting that we remembered them. The highlight for the ceremony was a memorial wall featuring a cross that bore the name of each of the 10,000 Wiltshire soldiers lost to the war. Each cross was made by a school child across the county and saw them research a fallen soldier in their local village or town and write their own personal message of remembrance. The wall is a very unique, special and wonderful tribute and it will tour the county as a visual exhibition to raise awareness of those who sacrificed their lives in each of our community areas.

It’s important that the young realise the impact of this Great War and through their involvement they can understand and remember. One hundred years on we must continue to acknowledge and educate and remember. 

I don’t believe there was ever a more appropriate place for us to come together to reflect on those who gave their lives for us, other than Tidworth Military Cemetery. I was both proud and moved to take part in the most poignant service and to watch as a final cross for each community was placed on the impressive memorial wall marking the scale of sacrifice and dedication. 

Wiltshire has remembered and will continue to remember…

Back by Wilfred Gibson (1915)

They ask me where I've been,

And what I've done and seen.

But what can I reply

Who know it wasn't I,

But someone just like me,

Who went across the sea

And with my head and hands

Killed men in foreign lands...

Though I must bear the blame,

Because he bore my name.