Tired of JSA

Morlock

denla wrote: »

The most important thing of course is getting those two references. OP will NOT be offered a place without references.

Since when did universities ask for two references?

nimbo

Morlock wrote: »

Since when did universities ask for two references?

I was asked for one - but only because I was applying to do Social work I thought....
I'm about to go into my second year... so it may have changed...

But I'd seriously like to say DON'T go straight to degree level. NOT because I don't think that you could with enough determination you'd get there - but because it's a large financial commitment (you have to pay the loans back)... And you'd be coming in cold - most other students will be coming from having just done some kind of qualification or full time work and will have a better grounding in the subject. A degree is a very independent way of studying, and if you've never been taught the basics then it really is jumping in at the very deep end in freezing cold water with a very difficult to find life guard...

Also if you do the first year and then decide that the subject isn't for you you've made the huge financial commitment... If you were to do an access course first you'd be kind of dipping your toe in the filed of XXX and then know if you loved it or hated it...

nimbo

Morlock wrote: »

Since when did universities ask for two references?

for my student loan I had to put down two people who would pass on details in the event I moved and could not be traced easily... maybe they mean that...

thegirlintheattic

Most universities ask for at least one reference, some ask for two, particularly from those not coming straight from education. When I did my MSc I was asked to provide two references, one personal, one academic. For most entrants to university, the reference will be provided by their school via UCAS.

The talk about university though is purely academic. If, as seems likely, that the OP has no work experience, and no qualifications, it is extremely unlikely that a university will take them on at this stage, regardless on convictions. This is not the same as a 40/50 year old with only lower qualifications or with 20 years of work experience.

The OP needs to get the basics under his belt first, at least the equivalent of GCSE English and Maths and then consider what he wants to do, and what qualifications he needs to get himself there. For most careers this does not require a degree.

CheapCheap

Thanks for the responses everyone

I have been thinking about going back to do my GCSE's and then looking into getting a trade such as a plumber or electrician since it does give you a certain degree of job security.

However if i were to select my ideal position it would be an odds compiler for sporting events via a big bookmaker but this is most unrealistic at this point in my life.

So i guess my options are going back to college and trying to find some voluntary work?

nimbo

CheapCheap wrote: »

Thanks for the responses everyone

I have been thinking about going back to do my GCSE's and then looking into getting a trade such as a plumber or electrician since it does give you a certain degree of job security.

a good solid starting place. they may have courses specifically designed to help you with the plumbing / electrician hands on experience...

However if i were to select my ideal position it would be an odds compiler for sporting events via a big bookmaker but this is most unrealistic at this point in my life.

Sorry I wouldn't have a clue how to do that either - but it sounds fun... I didn't even know it was a job!!!!

So i guess my options are going back to college and trying to find some voluntary work?

where I am based there is a British heart foundation shop that does mainly electricals.... could you ask to volunteer somewhere like that with the guy who does the PAT testing??? or the guy they have looking over the washers???? it would be good experience... (I mean it may be really boring - but could also be good networking)

look into places that will help you with practical experience, and if at first you say you are willing to do almost anything to get some experience on you CV it would help get better placements next time.

OldFartPlumber

Sorry to have to tell you that - 1 most courses for building trades are a waste of your money -2 the building game is on it`s knees A family member who is a good plasterer is now labouring for brickies ( hod carrying ) on one of the few new build sites in the South East - yes you know the area , where all the rich live ! The national builders don`t plaster walls anymore - and the small guys aren`t getting the extensions / adaptations they used to . Our family have been in building work since c. 1918 - You could try getting a cscs card which will allow you onto a site as a labourer - or a Health and safety course , that`s big on sites now . It didn`t exist when I started in 1970:eek: GOOD LUCK

sniggings

GMbabies wrote: »

It depends on the kind of profession you want to go for but I personally think doing the university degree won't necessarily give you a job. There are lots of graduate who are unemployed after studying for four years. You might have a better prospect getting a job and lot less debt if you train yourself with NVQ and likes which would be much shorter course. You can always study a degree later even when you are in 50+.

the debt is not paid until you earn more than £21k so hardly a reason to not do a uni course, why wait until 50 when they could get a career now.

Yes a degree doesn't guarantee a job but it is clearly better to have one than not.