What's for Christmas dinner? Careers chatter (From Bridgwater Mercury)

What's for Christmas dinner? Careers chatter

10:00am Wednesday 23rd December 2009

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WHEN family and friends sit down to enjoy Christmas dinner across the South West this year, what topics will guide the traditional festive banter?

In a new survey, 21% of respondents say jobs and careers will be the main talking point, just behind New Year resolutions (22%) and the quality of the turkey (29%). The survey by the Careers Advice Service (CAS), part of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), shows that one in six people in the South-West are worried about their jobs this Christmas.

And nearly a third (31%) would take advantage of professional careers advice if they could. As a result, CAS is reminding people that independent insight and help is available at any time of year. John Tempest, Director of Skills for Life at the LSC South-West, said: “We know that people are concerned about their job and careers at Christmas. It can help to talk to an independent person to get a fresh perspective on your career and the Careers Advice Service advisers are available seven days a week to do just that.”

Further survey findings show that 51% of people in the South-West are considering a career change but have put their plans on hold until next year - despite Christmas being a key time to start planning for the future. Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) said they would most like to receive advice on their careers at the moment and 49% would consider training or getting a new qualification to secure their career goal. CAS provides free, impartial and confidential advice for those interested in learning new skills, finding courses or getting started in a new career. The service is open seven days a week from 8am-10pm.

To speak to an adviser, call 0845-8505070 or click on the Related Link on this page.

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