Tim has secured a job as a Kindergarten Teacher in China working with 3-4 year olds. Tim graduated from the University of Bedfordshire in 2023 after studying BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner). Tim shares his experiences of working with young children abroad and how to find jobs in other countries. We discuss salary expectations and how to negotiate a competitive salary and other employment perks.  

Resources mentioned in the episode:

The job website Tim mentions is: https://www.teachaway.com/

Nathan is the Co-Founder and Director of WiSupport and WiNurture Childcare. Nathan’s work is centred around supporting children, young people and adults in residential care, independent supported accommodation and outreach services for those in the social care system. Nathan studied BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies at the University of Bedfordshire and during his studies had a part time job as a Residential Care Worker. Nathan reflects on how these experiences ignited his passion for working in the sector and how within a few years he had started his own company. Nathan reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing the social care sector and offers insights into how his organisation is responding to these issues. Nathan is a strong advocate for children and young people's rights and has won multiple awards for his contribution to improving the sector. Nathan offers advice and guidance for people interested in working in the sector and provides an overview of different job roles, salary expectations and what he personally looks for in an ideal candidate.  

Jez discusses his role as the Co-Founder and Engagement Director at a digital mental wellbeing company called youHQ. Jez explains how he went from being a PE Teacher and Director of Sport at a secondary school to an entrepreneur. Jez offers advice for how to set up your own business and how to stand out in a competitive EdTech market. We discuss the role digitals tools can play in supporting children and young people’s wellbeing and how to respond to safeguarding concerns.

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:

Learn more about youHQ

In this student take over episode Charlotte and Sam reflect

Charlene discusses her role as a Holiday Activity and Food Programme Coordinator for a local council. Charlene studied BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth at the University of Northampton and secured a place on the Local Government Association (LGA) graduate scheme, also known as the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP). Charlene reflects on being a mature student and her career change from the finance sector to children and young people’s services. Charlene highlights the value of her work placements for securing her role and the importance of knowing your values.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Learn more about the graduate scheme

https://www.local.gov.uk/ngdp-candidates

In this episode I am joined by Emma Brooks to explore different routes into teaching. We discuss undergraduate options and postgraduate options like a PGCE, SCITT, Lead Partners, Teach Now, Teach First and Future Teaching Scholars. We discuss the differences in these routes and the key considerations when trying to decide which might be the best option for you. We also provide top tips for teacher training applications and interviews.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Get into teaching website

Bursaries and scholarships information

Free Level 2 Safeguarding qualification

Sophie Flett discusses her role as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) and her key roles and responsibilities. Sophie works with 5-18 year olds to help support and improve their mental health through one-to-one, group work and/or parent led support. As part of her role, Sophie draws on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and highlights the importance of drawing on research informed strategies. Sophie was a Primary School Teacher for 7 years so this role marks a change in her career. Sophie explains what sparked the career change and how she managed to secure a role in the mental health sector.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Find out more about the Education Mental Health Practitioner role on the NHS website

⁠5 ways to wellbeing from the NHS⁠

Podcast Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

In this student take over episode Charlotte and Sam talk

Resources mentioned in the episode:

16 personalities, prospects website, red bull wing finder,

More about Christine:

"I am a Careers Consultant at the University of Bedfordshire. We help current students or graduates unlock their potential and enable them to manage their future career planning and progression. I work collaboratively with students, alumni, academics and employers across a range of courses. These include Performing Arts, Education and Sport. As an advice and guidance specialist in all aspects of teaching and related professions, I have national experience over many years in this sector”