The sales of apples are going to go through the roof!  That’s right, apple farmers around the country are rubbing their hands together at the news that the recession has seen the number of graduates attempting to enter the teaching profession raise by 10%.  And there’s no signs of things changing as 80% of teachers are in favour and the Training and Development Agency reports that Government initiatives won’t be stopping.  The golden hand shake and fast track training for science and maths teachers will continue as it’s triggered a 45% growth in training enquiries.  The good people at Hays education have been out with their clipboards and also found out that 59% of teachers are happy with the balance of their life (career vs. Personal life).  Martyn Best (my soon to be new best friend) from Hays Education said: “Interest in teaching jobs has increased during the recession. Naturally, people are looking for the added job security but also taking stock and assessing they really want a career - particularly if they have been made redundant and feel let down by their previous employer”.  IF you want to be a teacher when you grow up why not check out these videos?

If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a hundred times, GRADUATES SHOULD GET WORK EXPERIENCE.  You’ve probably heard this more than once yourself, but it’s true and now the University of Glamorgan’s head of careers is saying exactly the same.  That’s right the copying Euros Evans has told his students that they’re facing a unique set of challenges to find a graduate job in this downturn and it’s reinforced the need for students to get some work experience before starting their job hunt: “When the economy does recover graduates need to put themselves in a position to be ready to take on the new opportunities which will present themselves and to get their career aspirations back on track”.  See, it’s always worth considering a placement.  Watch this video for some more details

Arse! The government bangs on about sniffing round the hidden jobs market, and a good idea it is too when you’ve got neat companies like Feelgood Drinks in there; but monster job site monster claims only a fifth of UK SMEs are planning to keep recruiting at the same levels. 15% of them are having a total freeze on hiring. But monster only spoke to 100 companies, so don’t iron your brown trousers just yet. Do network – speak to your parent’s friends and sell yourself.

Those big bullies at TARGETjobs are wedging the truth into students and administering a Chinese burn of reality to graduates: they say you’re not doing enough to improve your employability skills – and let’s face it they’re right. 20% of students have undertaken no kind of recruitment activity, whether applying for jobs, attending a graduate fair or listening to presentations from employers, and 60% have done no formal work experience or internship. Look at the career advice videos on this site and get to work getting savvy.

The affects of the recession are spreading far and wide as a joint report from SkillSoft and OnePoll shows 30% of employees in Europe are being under trained due to financial cutbacks imposed due to the recession.  It’s scary stuff especially if those one of those 30% are being left to prepare my drinks at the lodge. SkillSoft and OnePoll have really rolled their sleeves up and dived into the deep end of the stats.  As 80% of employers across Europe offer some sort of training, but 76% of staff think this training could be better.  A further 61% of staff think that training and personal development is important when applying for a new role. You may be wondering why I’m telling you this?  In part it’s to show off my stat mastery, but mostly it’s to show you exactly how important training is and how it should be top of your list when you’re asked if you have any questions in an interview and will show that you’re thinking about a long term future with this company.  If you’re wondering what companies have to say about training here are some videos on the subject.