career paths booklet v1.0 20151020

1

NOTE: All information in this document is subject to change and personal interpretation,

please use it with this in mind, but I hope you find it useful. Copyright Adrian L Mills 2015

Student Career Path Examples:

How to get to where

you want to go

for Your Career.

Date: 05/10/2015

Version V1.0 Roles

2

Index

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/index.htm

What is in this guide?

See the career options available with different roles and

qualifications and the qualifications you need at each stage, but

remember there are many other factors affecting your career.

Pg. 3 Illustrative career paths index

Pg. 32 Sample Salaries & Qualifications

Pg. 33 Create your own path!

University:To go to university you will have to get minimum number of ‘A’-

Levels with the appropriate grade

e.g.: 4 A-Level @ Grade A / B or

3 A-Level @ Grade C or above

It will vary a lot depending on the course and needs to be

checked for the degree you want to do

Activities/Sports etc and any work you do whilst at School will all

help you in your opportunities to get work and a University

Place.

Subjects:Certain courses/careers will require special subjects to be

studied i.e technical roles will require Maths, English and

Science subjects at certain grades. Foreign languages are

always useful and appropriate artistic subjects for artistic roles.

ExperienceExperience counts for a lot; part-time work, summer jobs and

voluntary jobs are all helpful and builds on experience. Sporting

and other achievement also count. E.g. Duke of Edinburgh

Award, Chief Scout, County/National sports events etc.

Salaries:Included in this guide are only for guidance and will vary

considerably. Factors will include: Location, Shift Work, On Call,

Unsociable Hours, Special Working Arrangements and Special

Contract Negotiations. Note salaries quoted may not be current.

3

Illustrative Career PathsIllustrative Career Paths:These career paths are illustrative and all factors may vary, there are

many other considerations including but not limited to:

- Location

- Economical circumstances ( jobs available, etc.)

- Making the most of opportunities

- Personal commitment

- Updates/input please send to [email protected]

Index of jobs listed:Pg. 4 Army (Armed Forces)

Pg. 5 Accounting & Finance

Pg. 6 Acting/Music/Performing Arts/Dance

Pg. 7 Commercial Pilot

Pg. 8 Computer Systems Developer

Pg. 9 Dentistry

Pg. 10 Delivery Driver

Pg. 11 Electrician/Plumbing

Pg. 12 Engineering (Mechanical/Production/Electrical)

Pg. 13 Environmental Role

Pg. 14 Farming/Agriculture

Pg. 15 Fire-fighter

Pg. 16 Hairdresser

Pg.17 Investment Banking

Pg. 18 Journalist /communications/ Media

Pg. 19 Law / Legal Profession

Pg. 20 Medical Career

Pg. 21 Nursing

Pg. 22 Police Officer

Pg. 23 Public Transport

Pg. 24 Retail and Sales

Pg. 25 Social Worker

Pg. 26 Sports Coach

Pg. 27 Sports Physiotherapist

Pg. 28 Primary & Secondary School Teaching

Pg. 29 University Lecturer (Teaching & Research)

Pg. 30 Blue Chip Corporate Graduate

Pg. 31 Unskilled Work/Unemployment Benefit

Education

Further Education/ Qualifications

Final Role

Sidesteps

Temporary Jobs

Different Paths – all other colours

4

Army (Armed Forces)

5 A* / C GCSEs(Maths, English)

16 – 18 yrs

A-Level – Maths, English, Science,

History, Geography, IT or PE

Squadron

Selection Board

Degree- Core Subjects -

Maths, History, Geography, Sciences,

Business

Officer Selection Board

- Sandhurst (18-24 yrs, £~15k)

General

Private£~15k

Lance Corporal

Corporal

Sergeant

Warrant Officer 1

Warrant Officer 2

Colour Sergeant 2nd Lieutenant£~24 – 40k

Lieutenant

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Captain

Army Cadet Force

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/join.aspx

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Careers/Careers-Introduction

http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/

Very important This career path is only indicative and all factors will be dependant on number other

influences, it is your responsibility to check relevant websites for more detailed information.

5 y

rs

10 – 15yrs

Vocational Course

i.e Public Services

16-18yrs

5

GCSE(Maths, English)

Financial

Consultancy

Chartered

Institute of

Accounting

Course

Various

Commercial Roles

Finance Director£~100k+

Qualified Commercial

Accountant£~50k+

Accounting & Finance

CMA Cost &

Management

Accountant

Graduate

Trainee

Accounting

Firm

Graduate

Trainee

Commercial

Firm

Qualified Chartered

Accountant£~60k+

University DegreeAge 18 – 22yrs

Accounts Cleric

BookkeeperAge 18 – 65yrs: £~25k

A-Level Book Keeping

Course

Pass Pass

http://www.careers-in-accounting.com/

http://www.collegegrad.com/career/accountingcareer.shtml



Company Schemes

i.e PWC

ABB-ACC required

Accounting

Apprenticeship5 GCSEs A*-C

including B in maths

6

GCSE

A-LevelPreferred Subjects:

Drama/ Media etc

University / Stage

School

Performance Arts

Degree (Drama, etc.)Age: 18-22 yrs

Own Production/

Solo Show£~5 – 30k+

Production

(Theater/Stage/Film)£~20 – 40k (or Hollywood Star)

- Ad-Hoc Work

- Adverts£~5 – 1,000 /hour

Part Time Work(To Pay the Bills)

Need:

- Agent

- Portfolio

Obtain an

Equity Card

School Production/

Show/Performance

Amateur Production/

Show/Performance

University

Production/

Show/Performance

Part-Time

Productions/

Acting/

Performance

http://www.equity.org.uk/jobs-career/

http://actorscentre.co.uk/

Acting/Music/Performing Arts/Dance

Note: Acting/

Performing

jobs can mean

that you may

be unemployed

50% to 80%.



7

GCSE

(Grade A*-C)

A-Level

(Physics preferred)

Private Pilot

Licence

University

RAF Pilot/

Armed Forces

Airline Pilot

Training Scheme

Fixed WingHelicopter

Co-Pilot Airline£~50k

Fully Qualified Pilot

Private Pilot

Contract Pilot

Helicopter

Commercial/

Contract Pilot£~50k+

Chief Pilot£~120 – 150k

Airline Captain Other Flying Roles

Airline Management/

Operations

Commercial Pilot

http://www.balpa.org/Become-A-Pilot.aspx

http://www.bafuturepilot.com/

Test Pilot£~60k +

Airline Flight

Attendantup to 25k



8

GSCE(inc. Maths, Science, English)

University Degree

Computer Science related18 – 23 yrs

Product Developer2 – 5yrs

A-Level (inc. Maths)

1st Appointment: IT Development2 – 5yrs, Age 25 - 30

Graduate Trainee Scheme1 – 2 yrs, Age 23 – 25yrs, £~15 – 30k

IT Product / Application Strategy Director£~100k +

Computer Systems Developer

Application Developer2 – 5 yrs

Application Development

Team Leader2 – 5yrs

Product Development Team

Leader2 – 5 yrs

Sale

s/M

ark

etin

g

Pro

du

ct

Develo

pm

en

t

Man

ag

er

Pro

du

ct

Sp

ecia

list

Sale

s/M

ark

etin

g

Ap

plic

atio

n

Develo

pm

en

t

Man

ag

er

Ap

plic

atio

n

Sp

ecia

list

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/systems_developer_job_description.htm

http://www.iap.org.uk/main/a-career-in-it/



Vocational Course

Computing/IT

16-18 yrs

9

5 A*- C GSCE(inc. Science)

College – 3 A levels

(Inc. Biology)

Hygenist / Therapist£18k - £22k for 3 years

Dentistry

NVQ Level 3Dental Nursing - 2 Years

Own Practice£~30k - 100k +

1 yr FND Course

Dental Science

Qualified Hygenist£30k - £50k

Dental Nurse£~16k - 24k

Manager£~18k - £22k

Head Nurse£~20k - £24k

University Dentistry5 Years

Specialist2 Years

Dentist£~50k - £120k

Specialist£80k - £120k



http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/dental-team/careers-in-the-dental-team/dentist/

10

Delivery, HGV, Specialist Driver

GCSENot required but need basic Maths

& English

Logistics Training

C1 licence training

Pass in medical, theory &

practical

Van Driver£13,000-£26,000



CPC

Driver Certificate of

Professional Competence

REQUIRED:

Clean Drivers Licence

Specialist Vehicle Driver

e.g. Cranes, Long/ Wide

vehicles, Dangerous goods

etc.£20,000-£40,000

Min age likely 25 yrs

HGV (Lorry) Driver

£15,000-£30,000

HGV licence

(Heavy Goods Vehicle)

Specialist training and

categories

Specialist licence

e.g. Cranes, extra

long vehicles,

dangerous goods etc

Specialist training

and categories

http://www.mylgv.co.uk/training-information/dvla-enquiries

11

GSCE

City & GuildsPart Time

NIC / ECA (Electrical

Contractors’ Association)

Plumbing Qualifications

Practicing Electrician/

Plumber

Qualified Electrician/PlumberAge 25 – 65; £~30k+

Electrician/Plumber

NVQPart Time

OND HND TechPart-/Full Time

ApprenticePart Time

Trainee Work

Ongoing

Product Training

& Certification

Building Maintenance Sole Trader

/ Own Business

http://www.electacourse.com/electrician.htm

http://www.electricalqualifications.co.uk/apprenticeroute.php l



12

Engineering

(Mechanical/Production/Electrical)

A-Level(Maths, 2 – 4 Science Subjects)

GCSE(Maths, 2 – 4 Science Subjects)

Graduate Trainee

Blue Chip Company1 – 2 yrs

Science/Engineering

University Degree18 – 23yrs

Research & Development

Roles

Production/Operations

Director£~100k+

Modern Apprentice

Engineering

Subject

Product Engineer2 – 10yrs

Production

Engineering

http://www.imeche.org/Home

http://www.ieee.org/index.html

http://www.ice.org.uk/

http://www.rolls-royce.com/careers/index.jsp

http://www.baesystems.com/Careers/

Research

Director£~100k+

Engineering

Director£~100k+

Industry

Consultant£~100k+

Project LeaderOperation/Production

Roles

Engineering

Team Leader

Engineering

Specialist

Production Roles5 – 10yrs

Member of

Professional Body- Institute of Mechanical

Engineers

- Institute of Electrical/

Electronics Engineers

- Or other discipline

professional body



Vocational

Diploma

13

Environmental Role

GCSiE(Maths, 2 Scence Subjects)

Environmental /Science

University Degree18 – 23yrs

Environmental

Specialist

Environmental Scientist

Junior Role

Environmental Officer

for Company

Environmental

Consultant

Environmental

Journalist / Media

Environmental

Research & Education

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_consultant_job_description.htm



A-levelsMaths, biology & chemistry

preferred

Vocational Course

i.e Fishery management

Environmental

sustainability

14

Farming/Agriculture

GCSE(Maths, English, Geography)

A-Level

(e.g. Geography, Biology)

University DegreeAge 18 – 22yrs

Agriculture

Basic Trainee£5.95/hr

Labourer

Farm Manager/Owner£20k - £1 mill

Supervisor

Experienced Farm WorkerHerdsperson, Shepherd,

Horticulturalist etc

Specialist

Farming

Contractor

e.g. Combines

Part-time WorkOn a farm

£5.95/hr

ApprenticeshipFrom £3.75/hr

There are many

different farm types

which you may have

to choose:

- Cereals

- General Cropping

- Horticulture

- Pigs

- Poultry

- Dairy

- Grazing Livestock

Manager£30k - £100k

15

Firefighter

GCSE Not required but preferred GCSEs A*-C

Station Manager

& HQ roles

£36,000 +

Fire & Safety

Consultant/ Manager

/ Investigator



College

Fire Service Pre

Recruitment Access

CourseUnder 18s

Young Firefighter

Scheme

Vocational

Public services

NVQ Emergency

Fire Services

Firefighter

£21,000 +

Crew Manager

£30,000

Volunteer

Firefighter

Fire Service

Specialist e.g.

Investigator

Fire Prevention

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment

16

Hairdresser

GCSE

College(Age 16 – 18yrs)

Apprentice16-20 yrs

Minimum Wage

Part – Time

AssistantFrom 14 yrs

Min wage

NVQ Course

NVQ Level 1Basics

NVQ Level 2Junior Position

NVQ Level 3Qualified Hairdresser

Qualified

Hairdresser20 yrs +

Be Your Own Boss



http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/job-profile/health-beauty-jobs/hairdresser-job-description

SpecialistFilm, Fashion

Shoots etc

17

Investment Banking

A-Level(min. 4, Age 16 – 18yrs)

GCSE

Master’s Degree (Post Graduate

Qualification) poss part-time (2yrs)

Analyst£~30 + (inc. bonus)

Associate£~100 + (inc. bonus)

Vice President£~200 + (inc. bonus)

Department Head£~500k + (inc. bonus)

University Degree(~18 – 22yrs)

Director / Principal£~250 + (inc. bonus)

Managing Director / Partner£~300k + (inc. bonus)

Exte

nsiv

e a

nd irre

gula

r work

ing h

ours

+ m

assiv

e s

tress!

http://www.careers-in-finance.com/ib.htm

http://www.wikijob.co.uk/wiki/investment-banking



18

GCSE English Lit, Language,

Specialist subjets e.g History,

science, current Affairs

A-LevelPreferred Subjects:

English, specialist

subjects Media etc

University

Relevant Journalist

subject preferred

Journalist apprentiship

or similar FE courseAge: 18-22 yrs

National

Newspaper/

Magazine

Features desk

Local Paper/

Specialist

magazines

School

Magazine

Magazine for a

club Specialist

interests/

Articles

written,

published,

Show/

Performance

University

Publications/

magazines etc

Journalist/ Communications/ Media

Note: What newspaper/

Magazines do you read?

What articles have you

written? Where are they

published?

Show you are passonate

about your career



Freelance

Journalist

Interest

magazine

Editor

Magazine/

Newspaper/

Broadcasting

Corporate

communications

Marketing etc

Broadcasting

Reporter

News room

/ media /

Broadcasting

Roles

http://www.nuj.org.uk/

http://cioj.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes/jts

19

GCSE

preferred A*-B

A-Level

English &

History preferred

at grade A*/A

University

Law Degree3yrs, Age: 18 – 21yrs

Business

Profession

Judge30 – 70yrs, £~70 – 80k

Solicitor25 – 65yrs, £~25 – 85k+

Other Degree3yrs

Law Conversion Course1yr, Age 21 – 65yrs

Legal Profession Course1year

SolicitorTrainee (2yrs)

Law / Legal Profession

http://www.lawcareersnow.com/

http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/career

Pupillage1yr

Barrister25 – 65yrs, £~40 – 50k+

Magistrate

Justice of the

Peace (JP)25 – 65yrs; £0



20

GCSE

A-Level

Care Assistant16 – 65 yrs

£~10 – 18k

Ambulance

Service

Trainee

University

Medical Degree (7yrs), Age: 18-25

Nursing Degree(3yrs), Age 18 - 22

General Practitioner25 yrs +

£~50 – 120k +

Hospital Role

Consultant~30 yrs +

£~80k +

Registered

Nurse£~25 – 30k

Ward Manager£~35 – 40k

Qualified

Ambulance Driver£~25k

Parademic£~30k

Management Specialist

Specialist

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/career.shtml

http://www.medicalcareers.nhs.uk/

Medical Career

No Qualifications



21

Nursing

GCSEScience, Maths, English A* - C

A-LevelPreferably Science Subjects

Nursing Degree3 years

College

Clinical

PlacementsUnpaid

Adult Ward

Nurse£30k

Qualified/Registered

Nurse£25 – 30k

Children’s

Ward Nurse£30k

Midwifery

Ward Nurse£30k

Learning

Disability

Ward Nurse£30k

Mental

Health

Ward Nurse£30k



http://www.rcn.org.uk/nursing/becomenurse

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/

22

Police Officer

GCSE

A-Level

Probationary Period2yrs, Age: 18 – 20, £~22-28k

Police Constable£~24 – 31k

SergeantAfter 3,5 yrs service, Age ~23 – 25+

£~30 – 40k

Inspector

Chief InspectorAfter 12 yrs service, Age 31 – 35+,

£~40 – 50k

Chief Superintendent£~60 – 90k

Superintendent

Special Constable18+ yrs

http://www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/index.html

http://policerecruitment.homeoffice.gov.uk/index.html

Community

Officer 18+ yrs



Vocational Course

Public services diploma

23

GCSE

Health and

Safety Training

Health and

Safety Training

Train or Tube

Driver Operator21 – 65yrs

£~22 – 50k +

Training

Bus Driver21 – 65yrs

£~15 – 25k

(Overtime)

Train Mechanics

and Training

Hackney (Black)

Cab Driver21 – 65yrs

£~21k +

Full UK Driving

LicencePSV Licence

Psychometric

Exams

Psychometric

Exams

Internal Exams

Internal Exams

Knowledge Test

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/jobs/default.aspx

http://www.becomeataxidriver.org.uk/

Public Transport

Mini Cab

Driver21 – 65yrs

£~15k +

Train Driving

Exam



24

Retail and Sales

GCSE GCSEs A*-C

A-Level(Age 16 – 18yrs)

University DegreeMarketing/Retail/Sales etc

(~18 – 22yrs)

Graduate Scheme1 – 2 yrs, Age 23 – 25yrs, £~15 – 30k

Part Time WorkRetail Shop – Min

Wage

Work ExperienceSummer Internship

Paid/unpaid

Postgrad/MastersBuying/Purchasing/Marketing etc

(~18 – 22yrs)

Shop Assistant16-20 yrs

£12-15k

Department

Manager Marketing

Floor Manager20-25 yrs

Shop Manager25 yrs +

Area Manager50k plus

Department

Manager Retail

Department

Manager HR

Department

Manager Sales

There are

many other

Department

Manager

roles.

http://www.retailcareers.co.uk/

http://jobsearch.monster.com/search/?q=retail



25

Social Worker



Private care homes / Prisons/ Young and Adult

care £~26 – 40k

A- Levels x 2

Undergraduate Social Work

Degree (HCPC Approved)

(3 Years) Age:18 – 21yrs

Post-Graduate Social Work

Degree (HCPC Approved)-

(2 Years) 22 – 24yrs

Starting Salary – NHS Trust /

Young and Adult Care£~19.5 – 25k

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/socialworker.aspx

GCSE x 5

inc. Maths and English

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/socialworker.aspx

26

GCSE

Subjects PE, Biology +3

A-Level – PE, Biology,

History


Advanced

Coaching

qualifications (2 Years)

College Courses – Chosen

sport of your choice


University Degree – Sports Coaching,

Physiotherapy, Psychology, Sports Science (3 Years) Age:18 – 21yrs

School & Club Coaching:

4 – 8 Years£~12 – 30k

Advanced College

Qualifications –

Both internal &

external

Senior Coaching

– Senior International,

Professional Club25 – 65yrs; £~24 - 40k

Sports Management

(Sports Centre)25 – 65yrs; £~19 – 40k

http://www.sportscoachuk.org/

http://www.imspa.co.uk/jobs/career_advice.html

Sports Coach



27

Sports Physiotherapist



High Profile Athletes / Sports Teams£~40k +

GCSE

Subjects PE, Biology +3

A-Level – PE, Biology,

History


College Courses – Chosen

sport of your choice


University Degree – Sports Physiotherapy,

Sports Science(3 Years) Age:18 – 21yrs

Public Sector Organisation –

Physiotherapist£~22 – 30k

Private Sector Organisation –

High Street Clinic£~30 – 40k

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/sportsphysiotherapist.aspx

28

GCSE

Deputy Head Teacher

Head of Year Group

Head Teacher

Senior Leadership Team

Head Teacher

Deputy Head Teacher

Primary School Secondary School

Class Teacher Specialist Subject Teacher

Primary & Secondary School Teaching

A-Level

University Degree(Related to subjects to teach)

Teacher Training Year (PGCE)

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/recognition-leaflets/becoming_a_teacher.pdf

http://www.tda.gov.uk/?sc_lang=en-GB



29

University Lecturer

(Teaching & Research)

A-Level(~16 – 18yrs)

GCSE

Master’s Degree(~21 – 23yrs)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)(~23 – 27yrs)

Lecturer

Senior Lecturer

University Leader(Age ~60+)

University Degree(~18 – 21yrs)

Reader

Professor

Extra

ord

inary

teachin

g, a

dm

inis

trativ

e a

nd re

searc

h s

kills

require

d



30

Blue Chip Corporation Graduate

GCSE

check minimum GCSE requirement.

YOU

A-levels

Check minimum UCAS points requirement.

Other Important factors

Useful to have interests

and hobbies outside of

work/education.

Work Experience crucial:

•Voluntary work

•Weekend/

•part time jobs

•Vacation jobs



Copyright Adrian Mills

Industrial placement (optional)

Industrial placement (part of university course)

optional – either at the target company or

elsewhere

University (years 1&2)

Complete University

Any subject permitted however 2.1 (upper

second class) degree minimum

Begin Company Graduate Scheme

31

School from 16/18 years

Unskilled Work

Fast Food Restaurant£~5 – 10 per hour

Store Assistant£~5 – 10 per hour

Cleaning£~5 – 10 per hour

Refuse Collection£~11 – 30k p.a.

Waiter / Waitress£~5 – 10 per hour

Pub/Bar Work£~5 – 10 per hour

National Minimum Wage rates 2011:

Aged 18 – 20 £4.98 per hour = ~ £10,000 pa

Aged 21 + £6.08 per hour = ~ £12,000 pa

Receptionist£~5 – 10 per hour

Jobless

Government Support 2011:

Aged 16 – 24: £53.45 per week = ~ £2,800pa

Aged 25 or over: £67.50 per week = £3,500pa



32

Very important This table is only indicative, they may vary to other salaries used in this document. and all

factors will be dependant on number other influences, it is your responsibility to check relevant websites for

more detailed information.

Sample Salaries & Qualifications

Note: This is for Guidance ONLY

33

Create your own Career path!

What GCSE’s do you need?

YOU

First Job or Further Education

(University etc)

Subject(s)/ Course

What A Levels or equivalent do you

need?

Other Important factors

Hobbies/Interest

Outside achievements

e.g. Sports, Clubs, scouts,

guides, sports captain,

tours.

Work Experience:

•Voluntary work

•Weekend/

•part time jobs

•Vacation jobs

Travel Experience

Expeditions.

Educational sponsored

programmes



Copyright Adrian Mills

34

Further Information

If you have any suggestions or

updates please contact:

Adrian Mills

Email: [email protected]

Good luck with your Career.

career paths booklet v1.0 20151020

Documents