Pay for graduates really only rises by a tiny degree

TWO-THIRDS of graduates think they are underpaid and half say they are embarrassed about how much they earn. After years of hard graft to earn a degree, many question whether it was worth it as the financial rewards don’t reflect the effort and commitment.

More than three-quarters feel the pay they get on completing university is not keeping up with the rising cost of living, while just over a fifth said they thought starting salaries were fair.

The research from short-term lender Satsuma reveals that expectations from graduates about what they believe they will earn are realistic, but that doesn’t make them content with low pay.

It means almost half are forced to live with their parents as they cannot afford rent.

A quarter of graduates said they expected to earn less than £18,000, compared with almost two-fifths who actually earn such a figure. Almost a quarter expected to earn £25,000 to £30,000, but fewer than one in five have jobs paying that much. ● IT’S not just people in their first job who are fed up with their lot at work.

Things aren’t looking too rosy for millions of grafters who seem to be simply going through the motions, according to research from Totaljobs.

Two out of three staff say they are bored enough to quit their role, three out of five feel nauseous about going to work each day and half spend work time searching for a new job.

Just one in 10 say they are fully engaged in their job.

It’s not surprising when you consider that two-thirds haven’t been offered a pay rise, and the same number have had no training, over the past 12 months.

Jewellery designers use a variety of materials, such as metals, stones and precious gems, to design and create earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

You’ll need to demonstrate crafting ability and a talent for design to succeed in this industry, as well as a good technical knowledge.

While the design process allows you to explore your artistic and creative side, you’ll also likely to be involved in the practical side of creating a product.

This could include cutting, shaping, stamping, presswork, model-making, welding, engraving and polishing.

A steady hand, good levels of concentration and excellent attention to detail are all crucial to the job.

You could work for a company or be a self-employed sole trader and your work premises could range from a small home studio to a large workshop.

Those who work as self-employed jewellery designers will also be required to consult with clients and produce designs to their specifications.

You’ll also source materials, be responsible for marketing your designs, and sell them at craft fairs, trade exhibitions and online.

It’s important to have up-to-date knowledge of the marketplace and current trends. THE PAY If employed by a company, you can ROBERTSON expect a starting salary of about £16,000 but, with more experience, this could rise to around £40,000.

Self-employed jewellery designers set their own rates and prices, and how much they earn will come down to how successful they are.

Expertise, experience and reputation within the industry will all be key factors.

There are no formal entry requirements to work in the industry, so a degree or higher education qualification isn’t essential.

Artistic talent and creativity is arguably more important than qualifications on paper. However, a qualification could boost job prospects and help hone skills.

You could start off with an evening class or there are more formal qualifications available in Scotland, such as SVQ Jewellery & Design, HNC/HND Jewellery, and Jewellery and Silverware Manufacturing at QCF Level 3.

The National Association of Jewellers, www.naj.co.uk

Craft Scotland, www.craftscotland. org

Scottish Qualifications Authority, www.sqa.org.uk