Inspiring you to explore different career options
If you’re struggling to decide what course to study at college, then don’t panic – you’re not alone. To help you decide what course to study in September, we’ve put together some career options that you might like to progress into once you leave college.
If you would like to work in one of these roles, then apply for the related course to help you secure your dream job in the future.
Jump straight to a career that suits your personality:
Creative - Graphic designer | Illustrator | Music teacher | Sound technician
Tech-savvy - Game designer | Software developer | Network engineer
Hands on - Bricklayer | Plasterer | Carpenter | Mechanic | Welder
Supportive - Nurse | Police officer | Social worker
Sporty - Personal trainer
Adventurous - Air cabin crew
Graphic designer
A graphic designer uses imagery and typography to create a piece of design work for anything from publications, to web design, and even product packaging. If you’re full of creative ideas then this could be the perfect career path for you.
Local employers in the creative industry include: Linney, Bottletop Design and independent businesses.
Other related careers include:
- Animator
- Illustrator
- Advertising art director
- Photographer
Take your first step towards your career by studying graphic design at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Illustrator
An illustrator is tasked with producing drawings, paintings or other forms of art work, to make products look more appealing. These can include books, advertisements and packaging. If you are creative and talented at drawing this is the career for you.
Local creative employers include: Bottletop Design and Linney.
Other related careers include:
- Designer
- Graphic designer
- Art director
Take your first step towards your career by studying a Level 3 art and design course at West Notts.
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Music teacher
Music teachers can work in schools or independently to teach people of all ages and abilities how to play an instrument. If you are skilled at playing an instrument and want to pass on your knowledge then this is the career for you.
Local employers include: schools and colleges, or you can choose to freelance.
Other related careers include:
- Musician
- Sound technician
Take your first step towards your career by studying music at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Sound technician
Sound technicians are responsible for recording the soundtrack/voices of a piece of work, whilst eliminating the background noises. If you are interested in how sound, and sound technology works then this is the job for you.
Employer include: theatres, production companies, and film and TV sets.
Other related careers include:
- Musician
- Live sound engineer
Take your first step towards your career by studying music technology at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Game designer
Computer game developers use their software skills and imagination to work on creating new games for computers, mobile phones, game consoles and the internet. If you love gaming and have a deep interest in computing then this is the ideal career for you.
Local employers include: Deep Silver, Distinctive Games and Eight Pixels Square.
Other related careers include:
- Art director
- Illustrator
- Graphic designer
Take your first step towards your career by studying interactive media at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Software developer
Software developers design and build software and operating systems for organisations. You can expect to work in areas including, databases, mobile applications and cloud features. If you enjoy solving problems and have a keen interest in computing then this is the job for you.
Local employers include: BT, Vodafone and Alliance Boots.
Other related careers include:
- Database administrator
- Systems analyst
- IT consultant
Take your first step towards your career by studying software development at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Network engineer
Network engineers maintain and update organisation’s computer systems. If you’re tech-savvy, like working with computers and are good at solving problems then this career path may be the right choice for you.
Almost all local employers have an IT department, therefore, there is a huge demand for network engineers.
Other related careers include:
- Software development engineer
- Technical support engineer
Take your first step towards your career by studying networking and system support at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Bricklayer
Bricklaying is a practical hands-on job, building walls, and repairing brickwork and masonry. If you’re interested in construction this is the ideal job for you.
Local employers include: Keepmoat, North Midland Construction and Kier Group.
Take your first step towards your career by studying bricklaying at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Plasterer
A plasterer must work quickly and accurately when applying different types of plaster to surfaces including interior walls, ceilings and outside brickwork. If you’re looking for a hands-on job in construction then this could be the ideal job for you.
Local employers include: Keepmoat, North Midland Construction and Kier Group.
Take your first step towards your career by studying plastering at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Carpenter
Carpentry and joinery is a skilled trade in which carpenters build and install wood fixtures and fittings. If you like working with your hands, are good at maths and have a keen eye for details then this is the career for you.
Local employers include: Keepmoat, North Midland Construction and Kier Group.
Take your first step towards your career by studying carpentry and joinery at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Mechanic
Mechanics help to fix cars/motor vehicles that require repair. As a mechanic you will work on the mechanics and electrics to help repair and service a range of vehicles. If you love all things cars, then this career is for you.
Local employers include: mainstream and independent garages.
Take your first step towards your career by studying motor vehicle at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Nurse
A nurse is a very varied job which involves caring for people who are ill, injured or disabled. Nurses work alongside doctors to decide how best to care for their patients. If you are a caring and helpful person then a career in nursing is for you.
Local employers include: the NHS and private practices.
Other related careers include:
Take your first step towards your career by studying a Level 3 health and social care course at West Notts.
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Police officer
Police officers investigate crime, keep the peace and act as a deterrent. If you like working with people and would like the opportunity to make local communities safer, then this could be the ideal career for you.
Other related careers include:
- Community support officer
- Fire officer
Take your first step towards your career by studying a Level 3 public services course at West Notts.
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Social worker
A social worker works with families and individuals to help and support them through difficult times. If you would like to help improve people’s lives then this career could be for you.
Employers include: healthcare centres, the local council and schools.
Other related careers include:
- Youth worker
- Teacher
- Therapist
Take your first step towards your career by studying childcare at West Notts.
Apply for this course
Personal trainer
A personal trainer works with a wide variety of people to help them achieve their personal fitness goals. If you have a keen interest in health and fitness, then this could be the perfect career for you.
Local employers include: DW Fitness and Pure Gym, or you can choose to freelance.
Other related careers include:
- Sports therapy
- Teaching
- Public services
Take your first step towards your career by studying a Level 3 sport course at West Notts.
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Air cabin crew
Cabin crew are on hand to make sure airline passengers have a safe and comfortable flight. As a flight attendant you will need to be flexible and often work unsociable and sometimes long hours. However, you will be rewarded by having the opportunity to travel the world.
Employers include: Thomas Cook, British Airways and Thompson.
Other related careers include:
Take your first step towards your career by studying a Level 3 travel and tourism course at West Notts.
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Facts and figures sourced from the National Careers Service