Is your work idea worth pitching?
STUDENTS can struggle to find employment once they finish their studies but maybe more should consider taking the plunge and starting their own business.
If you’ve got a good business idea then have a look at NACUE’s Varsity Pitch competition, which is on the lookout for the best business ideas from current students at UK universities or colleges, and recent graduates.
All finalists get mentoring from business experts during the competition, who will challenge your thinking and ask questions on issues that you may not have considered. The winner gets £10,000 as well as considerable networking opportunities.
There are many challenges in setting up a new business. Tips for budding entrepreneurs provided by previous winners and finalists include:
Ryan Robinson, of Aeropowder (which uses chicken feathers for insulation), said: “Don’t wait for things to be perfect, and make use of external advice. It’s not as scary out there as you think, so seize the opportunity.”
Raissa de Haas, of Double Dutch Drinks (sells drink mixers), said: “Launch your product as soon as you have something. Get feedback while testing products in the market as you will learn a lot faster what your customers actually want.”
Joanna Montgomery, of Little Riot (its first product, Pillow Talk, enables users to hear the heartbeat of their partner) said: “Just start. Try testing or validating your idea.
“Show up every day and do something, anything, to move your business forward. You don’t have to be proud of every single decision.”
Applications for this year’s NACUE Varsity Pitch competition open on Tuesday at www.nacue. com/events/the-varsity-pitchcompetition
As you might imagine, the key role of a train driver is to drive trains and deliver passengers or cargo safely to their destination.
But there’s much more to the job than simply getting behind the controls.
You could work on local or national rail networks and duties could include: ● Carrying out checks of equipment and engines before setting off on your journey ● Stopping along the route to pick up and drop off passengers or goods ● Following signal instructions ● Dealing with any technical problems or alerting control centres to problems ● Making passenger announcements and operating automatic doors ● Ensuring you stick to a strict timetable as much as possible ● Communicating with other rail staff, such as signal operators, maintenance staff and station staff
It’s a job that comes with loads of responsibility, so it takes a certain type of person to be a good train MURRAY FARMCARE A full-time warehouse operative is required for this busy farm supply company. Previous warehouse forklift and experience is desirable. Dumfries Based in and Galloway, a competitive salary and permanent contract is on offer. driver. You’ll need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time
And you will need to have a responsible attitude, excellent safety awareness, problem-solving skills and people skills.
It’s not a nine-to-five job, so expect shift work, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
THE PAY Train drivers can expect to earn an attractive salary once fully qualified. Trainees will start on about £20,000 to £30,000.
Once qualified, your earnings will CLYDE SCAFFOLDING Looking for a job in the construction industry? If so, Clyde Scaffolding want to hear from you. They are looking to recruit part 2 scaffolders for immediate start in the Glasgow area. These are permanent, full-time positions. rise to between £35,000 and £60,000, depending on which train operator you work for and how much experience you have.
Free – or reduced – rail travel across the country is usually another perk of the job for those working in the industry.
Those looking for a career as a train driver tend to start out as a trainee with an operating company.
Some operators will only consider candidates who are over 21 and who live within an hour’s commute of the area they’re applying for or are willing to relocate.
Once accepted, the training programme is likely to include a mix of classroom-based study and practical on-the-job experience.
You’ll also be expected to pass medical checks, including eyesight and hearing tests.
Careers That Move, www.careers thatmove.co.uk ASLEF, www.aslef.org.uk Transport Scotland, www.transport. gov.scot