Productive Summer Holidays: Top 5 Smart Ways for Your Teen to Spend Summer

by GT Scholars CV Template Parents What's new?

The summer holidays are the perfect time for your teen to recharge, explore new interests and grow in meaningful ways. While it’s important to relax, summer doesn’t have to be spent entirely on screens or feeling bored. In fact, with a little planning, the summer break can become a valuable time for discovery and personal development. Teens have a unique opportunity to try new things and learn skills that will help them in school, work and life. From selfless activities to fun and educational activities, there are many positive ways to spend the summer. This blog will share five smart and productive ideas to help your teen make the most of their break. With the right mix of fun and learning, this summer could be one of their most memorable and rewarding yet.

Do a Work Placement

Having your teen participate in a work placement during the summer holidays is a smart way for them to use their time well. Work placements give teens a chance to experience what it’s like to be in a real working environment. They learn how to behave professionally, talk to different people and carry out tasks that are important in the workplace. This is a great opportunity for your teen to cultivate skills that will be useful throughout their life. Research shows that 97% of young people who did a work placement improved their communication and people skills. They also become better at teamwork, problem-solving and handling responsibilities.

Schools have also noticed that students who take part in work placements come back with a stronger understanding of the world of work. In fact, according to the previously mentioned research, 95% of students reported feeling more confident after completing a placement. This boost in confidence helps them not just at work, but also in school and social situations. Teens get a clearer idea of what kind of job they may want in the future and what skills they need to work on.

Work placements can be found through local businesses, online programmes or having a conversation with family contacts. Whether your teen is interested in healthcare, tech, art or business, there’s often something available. It’s a great way to gain experience, grow as a person, learn about the field and make the summer holidays count.

Join a Programme Like Code Creators Club

The summer holidays become more fun when they have variety. An exciting way for teens to spend their holidays is to get them to join a summer programme. There are many productive and beneficial programmes made especially for teenagers that run during the summer months. Summer programmes often focus on exciting areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). A tech programme your child can consider is the GT Scholars Code Creators Club.

This programme is more than just coding classes, but rather a fun and interactive experience where young people get to grow their coding skills. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity for your teen to meet new people and make friends in an environment where everyone is learning. The online coding workshops are live and centre around monthly coding projects as one of the outcomes. This means that your teen will not only be learning how to code, but they’ll also work towards completing their unique projects. Some of the projects could include learning how to build a webpage, a quiz, a game or create an animation.

Code Creators Club helps young people develop important life skills. This blog states that coding can help cultivate teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your teen. As they learn different programming languages and get challenges from facilitators, they also grow in resilience, even when they find the session challenging. Your teen also gets to learn from professionals and experts, who facilitate and offer additional support on the online hub.

Exploring the world of coding these summer holidays is only a small click away for your teen. Find out more about the Code Creators Club to unlock your child’s coding skills and help them make the most of their summer. Contact us here to learn more.

Volunteer or Give Back to the Community

Volunteering is one of the most meaningful things your teen can do during the summer holidays. It helps them feel more connected to their community and teaches them to care about others outside of themselves. Volunteering will ultimately give them a strong sense of purpose. Research shows that children who started volunteering before they turned 13 were 28% less likely to experience mental health challenges. It also states that teens who developed qualities like empathy and kindness were 11% less likely to struggle with mental health. When teens offer their time to help others, they feel a sense of pride in their contribution. They become happier and more confident knowing they’ve made a difference.

Volunteering also teaches important life lessons. It helps teens learn teamwork, time management, and empathy. Growing in empathy helps teens understand how others feel. These are skills they’ll need not just in school, but also in jobs and everyday life. Helping others also builds character and a strong sense of responsibility.

Even volunteering just a few hours each week can have a big impact. Simple ways your teen can give back can be helping out at a local food bank, charity shop, animal shelter or library. These activities look great on a university application, CV or job interview. They show your teen’s kindness, reliability and willingness to go the extra mile.

If in-person opportunities are limited, that’s okay. In this digital age, virtual volunteering is also an option! Teens can volunteer from home by managing social media accounts for charities and good causes or helping with translations. These tech-friendly tasks are especially great for teens who enjoy working with computers and want to use their digital skills for something meaningful. Whether helping out at a food bank or community kitchen, your child can make a difference.

Learn a New Skill or Hobby

One of the best times for teens to explore new interests and hobbies is over the summer holidays. It’s especially best when it’s something that they may not have time for during the busy school year. Learning something new will keep your teen’s mind active and help them grow in creativity and confidence. It can also be a fun and rewarding way to spend their free time. If your teen is interested in learning a tech skill, they can consider the Code Creators Club, as we’ve already mentioned. If your teen enjoys working in the kitchen, they could try cooking or baking and learn how to make simple, healthy meals for themselves or the family.

Others may prefer to express themselves through creative arts like painting, writing stories, drawing, photography or playing music. These artistic activities give teens a chance to explore their imagination and develop new talents. DIY projects and crafts can also be a fun way to stay productive. These activities not only encourage creativity but can also lead to practical skills. The key is to encourage your teen to choose something they’re genuinely curious about to give a try. In this blog, it’s stated that encouraging curiosity and exploration promotes development. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as they do this. What matters is the effort and joy in trying something new.

Taking on new hobbies teaches patience, independence and resilience, all skills that are valuable in life. With the freedom that summer holidays bring, teens can grow, explore and discover talents they never knew they had. If you’d like to include a tech-related skill in your teen’s summer memories, consider the Code Creator’s Club. Register your interest here, and we’ll get in touch to let you know more about the programme.

Set Personal Goals and Build Healthy Habits

Summer holidays offer a perfect break from school routines. This makes it a great time for your teen to focus on themselves and grow in new ways. One smart thing your teen can do is set personal goals. These don’t have to be big or difficult, but they can be simple and small goals because those work best. For example, your teen might want to read a few new books, start exercising regularly, eat healthier meals or improve their sleep schedule.

Setting personal goals helps your teen learn how to stay motivated and focused. Reaching a goal, no matter how big or small, gives them a feeling of achievement. It teaches them that with effort and time, they can make real progress. This builds confidence and helps them understand how to manage their time better.

Having goals that push towards a healthier lifestyle will bring a good overall balance to your child’s life. This blog mentions that habits can determine the direction of a person’s life and ultimately contribute to a teen’s outcome. It also mentions that adopting healthy habits can bring a joyous and energy-filled life. Healthy habits like daily exercise, getting enough sleep, and reading instead of scrolling on social media can improve their physical and mental health. These positive routines can also make the return to school easier, as your teen will already be in a good rhythm. You can have a talk with your teen about what goals they’d like to set. Try to help them make a simple plan to achieve these goals step by step.

The summer holidays are a golden opportunity for your teen to grow, explore new interests and build valuable life skills. With the right guidance and encouragement, this time away from school can become one of the most rewarding parts of the year. Taking part in a productive activity will help your child gain so much more than just a way to pass the time. These activities help your teen discover their strengths and passions, build confidence and boost their creativity. More importantly, they create habits and experiences that prepare your child for the future, in school and in life. Don’t let the summer pass by without giving your child the best chance to grow during the summer break. Discover how the Code Creators Club can be a great programme to help your child grow while having fun. Contact us today!

12 Soft Skills Young People Need for Careers in Demand

by GT Scholars CV Template Young people

Over the past few years, many jobs in traditional work sectors declined. This led to the creation of new jobs to cater to new markets and industries. Hence, workers with soft skills that can adapt to the changing needs in any industry are now catching the interest of employers.

These are skills which are common to many occupations and various industries. These differ from technical skills such as numeracy and literacy, knowing how to create an app, or having a medical license. Transferable or soft skills work alongside job-specific technical skills and create individuals who are productive members of society while they commit themselves to lifelong learning and development.

Research conducted by Deloitte in 2018 states that these skills have grown in popularity and importance, with some employers stating that, for certain positions, they would choose someone with the right transferable skills over someone who only has technical skills.

Soft skills will allow you to be agile and adaptable in rapidly changing national and international work environments. These skills make you a desirable employee to recruiters and allow you to move between jobs and become a resilient part of the workforce.

Why Do Young People Need Soft Skills?

Nowadays, employers may expect their workers to ‘wear many hats’ in any single position, making a single career with a fixed knowledge base less common and less attractive to recruiters.

Young people have to develop skills that enable them to be students and workers who are committed to lifelong learning and personal development. Having soft skills means you could have a greater sense of security in the labour market by applying these skills to different jobs across varying sectors. These skills will also increase your chances of finding productive and rewarding work with greater opportunities and benefits.

A 2023 report states that some of the labour developments previously considered to have been causes of job loss are going to be catalysts for positive change in the job market in the next five years.

As some skills and industries become more important than others, the need for employees with soft skills grows. It suggests that any young person planning to enter the workforce should prepare themself for the future job market with skills that can be used or ‘transferred’ across different industries.

The 2022 UNICEF Global Framework on Transferable Skills simplifies these skills into the 12 most common soft skills that students need to be adaptable in the workforce.

1. Creativity

When most people think of creativity, they primarily consider artists or individuals who have a natural talent for expressing themselves through the arts. However, in the scope of work, creativity more commonly presents itself as an ability to think differently, making it a cognitive skill.

It is possible to learn creativity at any age or stage of education. Having this skill encourages divergent thinking, which involves considering different ideas or solutions to a problem.

This skill can be developed in collaborative and social settings, therefore stimulating other skills such as empathy and understanding of other cultures or individual backgrounds. This makes it a useful tool for developing positive social skills as well.

As a result, having creativity shows an ability to adapt and have flexible responses to daily problems, and this can aid in personal empowerment.

2. Critical Thinking

This is an ability to ask questions, identify assumptions and evaluate facts. It allows the broadening of views and helps in gaining a deeper understanding of what may only be perceived at face value by others.

Individuals who can think critically can differentiate between opinion and facts. They are also capable of questioning the validity of information through listening, observation and understanding diverse perspectives. When you can think in this way, you can synthesise different thoughts and are likely to become a stand-out person in any school, work, or social environment.

In the digital age and with more information available than ever, this skill is growing in importance. It is necessary to know how to separate what is true from what is false, as a lot of misinformation is circulated online, without verifiable evidence or from irresponsible sources.

Critical thinking has also been linked to an increased ability to make conscious and balanced decisions, as individuals can remain open-minded and curious, desiring to be well-informed and flexible to other viewpoints before concluding.

In the workplace, this skill increases in complexity, presenting itself as the ability to analyse situations and solve problems. This leads to effective job decisions that can improve team and individual performance.

3. Problem-solving

When someone has problem-solving skills, they can identify a problem and take logical steps to find the most effective solution, then monitor and evaluate the impact of the solution being put into action.

Most businesses or organisations solve a problem in the market or industry in which they are. Therefore, this skill can be used in almost any industry, position or role.

At an individual level, it increases one’s sense of empowerment and achievement when action is taken to solve an existing problem. When children face difficulties within the classroom or other social environments, they can face these challenges. As they develop into members of the workforce, they are more likely to assume responsibility for tasks and take initiative to identify and solve problems.

4. Cooperation

The ability to cooperate is the ability to work effectively and respectfully with people or teams. A cooperative individual can work with others to achieve a common goal that goes beyond personal benefit or gain.

You can see this in classrooms when students work with others without being overly competitive. In a work environment, it means being able to respect the opinions of others, working within a role that is assigned to you, and resolving any conflicts that arise within the team.

Developing this skill enables you to set goals and build relationships which aid in personal growth. It is closely related to empathy and problem-solving, making people with this skill more likely to be emotionally intelligent.

5. Negotiation

Negotiation is when two or more people communicate to reach an agreement on their interests. This skill shows an ability to be cooperative while using respectful and assertive communication.

This skill can be learnt through observation and practice. It extends beyond childhood into work when an individual can show that they can engage in positive and respectful interactions.

Also, an ability to negotiate and ‘win’ promotes a level of healthy competitiveness that also seeks to help everyone benefit from a situation. It fosters cooperative partnerships and relationships, which would help anyone going into a new role to work in new teams or work environments.

6. Decision-making

We make decisions every day for ourselves, within our family, at school, or at work. This is the process of choosing a path of action that is preferred, using specific information and criteria.

This process does not always have steps that need to be completed in a specific order. Some decisions are made quickly and in an instant using intuition, or without much time to analyse information. Others are made over time using reasoning and critical thinking. So, it is vital to be able to make both kinds of decisions effectively when searching for a job in any industry.

The ability to make decisions is influenced by past experiences, information, and beliefs, among other factors. It can be taught and learnt through tasks based on communication, creativity and critical thinking, where you identify the pros and cons of taking a course of action or choosing one option over another.

Therefore, when you can make decisions from an early stage, it creates a higher chance of being able to take risks in the future. This is useful to businesses that might require an employee to participate in a competitive environment. Risk-takers who are also good decision-makers are more likely to come up with new and innovative ideas in the workplace.

7. Self-management

You can develop your self-management skills by recognising and controlling emotions, feelings and impulses. This skill shows strong self-awareness and improves the ability to connect with others and the quality of these connections.

People with strong self-management skills have better responses to stressful situations. It also exhibits traits such as autonomy, confidence, perseverance and persistence. These indicate that you can get through tasks at hand despite challenges, obstacles and distractions.

With this skill, you can assess your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and actively manage life planning. It has been shown to contribute to strong collaborative skills and the maintenance of good relationships with co-workers through respect, empathy, and tolerance.

8. Resilience

You can develop your resilience by learning how to navigate adverse situations in daily life whilst regaining emotional balance. It is an ability to actively, consciously, and constructively address problems.

Resilience itself may not lead to academic or work success. However, its traits can help you stay committed to your long-term goals and contribute to overcoming challenges. It is a vital skill that creates an ability to keep momentum where others might give up or be discouraged.

9. Communication

Effective communication (speaking effectively and listening actively to ask questions and respond) requires critical thinking and reasoning. It includes verbal and non-verbal exchanges through different forms of communication. It’s a vital aspect of human development which is important for individual fulfilment and interpersonal relationships.

It was once important to know how to communicate face-to-face, but technology advancements have introduced new communication channels. These new methods of communication create a need to evolve communication skills to be applicable in a digital context.

10. Respect For Diversity

This can be defined as the ability to recognise the uniqueness and differences of each individual. It implies openness to other perspectives and a willingness to perceive others as worthy of respect. This skill or attribute is closely related to equality, tolerance and understanding of individual differences based on various factors.

This skill shows that an individual can test their assumptions and adapt to diverse societies and communities. In the world of work, respect for diversity prevents discriminatory practices and encourages collaboration and productivity in teams.

11. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings without judging them. As a key concept in developmental psychology, it involves other key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, cooperation and communication.

Empathy is important for building healthy professional relationships as it allows you to recognise and respect others. It is closely related to respect for diversity, and adults with empathy skills can provide a safe space for others to express themselves. Empathy makes you caring enough to hear and understand others. This promotes social cohesion, collaboration and positive relationships.

12. Participation

This is an action of individual and community empowerment through taking part in and influencing processes, decisions and activities. Moreover, active participation also contributes to higher self-esteem and greater capacity for social interaction. These contribute to healthy school or work environments.

Participation is a critical skill for being a productive member of any environment. Strong communication and critical thinking skills allow you to be able to actively participate in various projects.

Tips For Developing Your Soft Skills

Developing soft skills can and should be a lifelong process. You’ll need to stay up-to-date with developments around the world. This will allow you to know what skills will help you across different jobs and how you can develop them.

You should also be thinking about the career or job you are aiming for and the technical skills that might be the most applicable in that job, but you should still keep in mind other transferable skills that might give you a competitive advantage over others.

Then you can assess yourself or ask your friends, family, teachers, and/or mentors to give you an evaluation of which skills they have seen in you and which they think you have potential to develop further.

The key is to identify the skills you possess and discover where those skills and the job intersect. This will allow you to be able to transfer your skills across different jobs or industries.

Afterwards, you will need to start work! This could mean getting work experience through a part-time student job or finding out more about apprenticeships. Additionally, you could also consider participating in extracurricular activities that help you develop the skills you need.

At GT Scholars, we are committed to helping young people become successful in their academic and future careers. Through our Success Academy, you can gain access to online leadership coaching and personal development courses.

If you are between the ages of 11 and 18 years old, contact us today to learn more about the Success Academy and mentoring programmes at GT Scholars.

How to Write Your First CV: 12 Key Tips for Young People

by GT Scholars CV Template Young people

A curriculum vitae is Latin for “course of life”, often shortened as CV. It may also be referred to as a résumé, French for “summary”. It’s a documented overview of someone’s work/achievements and is used to apply for jobs.

Why is this important
For any career path, a CV or resume will be required in order to show your skills, accomplishments, and knowledge. It is usually requested at the application stage for an advertised job vacancy. However, it could be sent prospectively to a particular company even if there is no job advert.

Building your CV
Throughout your academic and career life, there will be many opportunities for you to add new things to your CV. In order to have a CV that stands out from the crowd, you should try to:

Get involved in various activities at school (outside of the classroom!)
Participate in extracurricular activities
Build your skills, particularly in teamwork and leadership
Understand your strengths and qualities
Get work experience or Volunteering experience
Work towards various accomplishments that you can feel proud of

If you do these things, your CV will be very easy to write, you will have a lot of things to say and your CV will stand out from the crowd. The quality of your CV will largely depend on the activities that you have been involved in and the skills you have developed and demonstrated. It will also depend on the thought process you put into writing and creating your CV.

Key Considerations when writing a CV
Creating your first CV can feel overwhelming. However, writing a CV is not that hard to do if you have the right guidance. In this blog, we’ll be looking at some of the key things you should put into consideration when writing your first CV.

1. Take time to understand the role & Position Yourself for the role
Look at the job description & person specification. What do you think the company is looking for? When you looked at the job description, which keywords did you notice? How can you demonstrate that you meet these criteria and that you can do the job? How can you write your CV so that it demonstrates what is most useful for the role? Are there other skills and behaviours you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for?

2. Name & Contact details
It’s extremely important that you include your name and contact details (Email and phone number) within the CV. You will be amazed at how many people apply for jobs but forget to include their name at the top of the CV or forget to include a phone number or email that they can be reached on. When creating an email, make sure you use an email address that looks professional and appropriate, e.g. firstname.lastname@gmail.com.

3. Personal Statement:
This short paragraph at the beginning of your CV. It describes who you are and what you believe in. It can signal your main strengths, highlight your values and mention any awards you have won. This section should be a 3 or 4-sentence introduction to you as a candidate before someone has met you. It should show the qualities that make you a good fit for the role that you want. Don’t be generic but be distinctive. It should give an overview of your qualities and highlight some of your strengths as a candidate.

4. Education
State your most recent education first, such as professional qualifications. Then, move backwards including fewer details as you go. Depending on the stage of education you are at you may wish to include your grades or modules.

5. Previous work, volunteering or employment experience
Take the recruiter on a journey that tells a story and provides examples of your interest. It is okay to include volunteering experience if this is the only experience you have. Always start with the most recent work experience and then work backwards. When you write about your work experience, you need to consider two key areas: your responsibilities and your achievements whilst in that role.

6. Extracurricular activities
You should try to include hobbies and interests within your CV – where possible, these hobbies and interests should show that you are committed to developing and improving yourself e.g. chess, swim team or football team. If possible, try to include any hobbies that can be seen as relevant to the job e.g. if you’re going for a marketing job and you have a fashion blog or YouTube channel, or if you’re going for an engineering role and you restore bikes in your spare time.

7. Accomplishments, Awards or Achievements
You should include any special awards that you have received, additional certificates, or accomplishments that make you stand out. This might include being voted to be president of your student council, being selected to be a Prefect at your school, or being the team captain in your netball team. Again, you can explain your responsibilities and the key achievements within your role.

8. Strengths and Qualities
What are your strengths and best qualities? What are the biggest, relevant achievements you would want people to know about you? Have you demonstrated the best qualities and strengths that you have to offer? Have you reviewed the objectives of the role you are applying for? Does your CV give examples of what you are most proud of?

9. Be Concise
Is your CV concise or does it just repeat the same information in a slightly different way? Are your sentences too long and have you waffled? Write objectively and be specific. Is it factual instead of opinion-based? Your CV should be 1-2 pages in length. No more than 2 pages. In some industries, there is an expectation that you should stick to just 1 page so do your research on this. Search online to find out the expected CV length for your target industry and your country.

10. Cover letter
Some companies will ask you for a cover letter in addition to your CV. If you’ve been asked to write one, then take time to make this stand out. A cover letter is your opportunity to personalise, tell more stories that show the value you can add and expand on what is on your CV. Break it down into three paragraphs and do not exceed 1 page.

– Explain why you’re interested in the job.
– Describe why you’re the right person and what value you can bring.
– Share a bit more about yourself in general.

11. Check for Errors
Look through your CV before submitting it. Check for any errors. It can also be useful to check your CV for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.

12. Ask for Constructive feedback
Finally, before you submit your CV, always ask one or two people to critique your CV and provide constructive feedback. Look for mentors or professionals who have some experience with CVs. This is extremely important as they might be able to spot improvements that you have yet to see.

You will likely be updating your CV every few months or years, as you apply for new jobs and you gain more work experience.

It is useful to update it at least once a year as you review your career path because you will learn new skills or qualifications along the way.

You may even choose to have different CVs for different roles that you are interested in, as they should be targeted to your chosen field.
As mentioned, always remember to ask for feedback from a mentor to help you review your CV before you submit it, as this will help you write a CV that stands out from the crowd.

All the best!

7 Effective Ways Private Tutoring Can Improve Your Employability Skills

by GT Scholars CV Template Online volunteering Volunteer Quiz Volunteers

For any young person in the UK entering the workforce for the first time, employability is now a growing concern. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows unemployment among those aged 16 to 24 rising to 16.1%, its highest level in more than 10 years.

In such a competitive job market, employability skills are now some of the abilities employers value most. When candidates have similar qualifications, these skills often decide who gets the job.

In this blog, we will explain what employability skills are, highlight which of these skills employers are looking for, and show why they matter. We will also explore how private tutoring programmes can help young people develop these skills and stand out when applying for jobs.

What Are Employability Skills?

We can define employability skills as the core capabilities, soft skills or personal qualities that help individuals to succeed in a workplace setting. These skills are usually transferable, meaning they can be applied across different jobs, industries, and situations rather than being specific to one role or task.

As new technologies continue to evolve, employability skills make it easier for people to transition between roles across different industries. Unlike technical “hard skills,” which can be specific to a particular job or become obsolete as software and tools change, employability skills are durable and human-centric.

According to the 2025 Future of Jobs report, the most in-demand core skills for employers focus on self-efficacy, technology skills and working with others. Academic knowledge will always be important. However, developing employability skills early gives young people a head start, helping them confidently transition from education into the workplace.

With increased competition, plus technology changing existing roles and creating new ones, it’s never too early to start teaching young people about careers. Here are the seven ways private tutoring programmes can help young people develop the most common and important employability skills effectively.

Develops Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

In today’s job market, employers look for people who can analyse situations, make good decisions, and solve problems on their own. Private tutoring helps students build these skills by encouraging them to think carefully about tasks and try different ways of finding answers.

Through personalised support, practice activities, and guided questions, tutors help students move beyond memorising information to truly understand what they are learning. This helps to develop analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

These skills are useful beyond the classroom. Students who develop strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities are better prepared to handle challenges at work, adapt to new situations, and come up with effective solutions. If this is a skill you want your child to start cultivating, you can register your interest to speak to our team about our tutoring programmes here.

Promotes Resilience, Flexibility and Agility

The ability to adapt and stay resilient is one of the fundamental soft skills for long-term success. Private tutoring helps students build these skills by supporting them through challenges, helping them overcome setbacks, and encouraging them to keep going when things feel difficult. This is also known as a growth mindset.

Over time, students begin to understand that progress takes effort and that making mistakes is a normal part of learning. Tutors can also change their teaching approach to suit each student, showing them how to be flexible and open to new ways of thinking.

This helps students feel more comfortable when things do not go to plan and gives them the confidence to try again. These skills carry through into the workplace. Young people who are adaptable and resilient are better able to handle change, learn new skills, and stay confident when facing challenges.

Creates Opportunities to Practise Leadership and Social Influence

Private tutoring can help young people develop leadership skills and learn how to positively influence others. Tutors provide guidance on taking initiative, making decisions, and collaborating effectively with peers.

By working closely with a mentor, students observe professional behaviours, learn how to communicate their ideas clearly, and understand the importance of accountability and responsibility. Group tutoring also gives students opportunities to practise leading small projects, participating in discussions, and guiding peers in problem-solving activities.

Developing leadership and social influence skills early, through private tutoring or focused programmes like our Success Academy, helps young people strengthen decision-making skills and show students how their actions can have a positive impact on others. They learn to approach group tasks, applications, and interviews with greater confidence. They are better prepared to take initiative, work effectively in teams, and stand out in professional settings.

Develops Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is about approaching problems in new ways and generating original ideas. Through private tutoring programmes, young people are encouraged to think beyond standard solutions by introducing open-ended questions, project-based tasks, and opportunities to explore different perspectives.

This helps students develop flexibility in their thinking and the ability to adapt ideas to different situations. Tutors guide students in brainstorming, experimenting, and reflecting on their ideas. They learn that creativity is not just about “being artistic” but about finding creative solutions, improving processes, and approaching challenges with curiosity and confidence.

Students who develop strong creative thinking abilities are better equipped to tackle complex problems, contribute fresh ideas, and adapt to new challenges, making them more attractive to employers across a wide range of industries.

If you’ve already noticed your teen’s creative side and would like to help them strengthen their creative thinking skills, you can find out which programme would best support their development here.

Builds Motivation and Self-Awareness

One of the biggest challenges most young people face when entering the workforce is believing in their own abilities. Alongside confidence, private tutoring helps with developing self-motivation

Alongside confidence, private tutoring helps with developing self-motivation. Students learn to take ownership of their learning, set personal goals, and push themselves to achieve them.

This proactive mindset translates directly to an employability skill, because motivated individuals are more likely to take initiative, persist through setbacks, and approach new tasks with energy and focus.

All these are qualities that are highly valued by employers in any industry. By celebrating small wins and tracking progress, tutors help to teach students how to recognise their potential and build the self-assurance and self-motivation needed to tackle challenges independently.

Expands Technological Literacy and Digital Skills

As the modern workplace becomes increasingly shaped by technology, the ability to use digital tools becomes a key factor of employability. Private tutoring helps students develop digital literacy by introducing them to a range of tools, platforms, and software used in modern work environments.

This hands-on experience allows students to learn how to use technology effectively and safely. Tutors can also teach students how to approach new digital tools with curiosity and adaptability, so they are comfortable learning new systems on their own. This not only improves technical confidence but also helps students understand how technology can support problem-solving, collaboration, and productivity.

Students who develop strong technological literacy and digital skills are better prepared for tech-driven workplaces. They can adapt quickly to new software, participate confidently in online collaboration, and stay competitive in industries where digital skills are increasingly valued.

Builds Empathy and Active Listening

Empathy and active listening are essential skills for building strong relationships in both professional and personal settings. Through private tutoring programmes, students develop these skills by being encouraged to understand different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and respond considerately in discussions.

Being able to understand and respond to others effectively gives young people a strong advantage in any professional environment. Through one-on-one sessions and collaborative activities, students learn to pay attention, reflect on others’ ideas, and communicate their ideas clearly.

The ability to actively listen to receive and apply feedback is essential for continuous improvement in any academic or professional setting. Private tutoring creates a safe and supportive environment where students can receive regular, personalised feedback on their work. Rather than viewing this feedback as criticism, students learn to see it as a valuable tool for growth that helps them improve performance and build strong working relationships.

Final Thoughts

Employability skills are no longer optional. They are now necessary core work skills for young people who want to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing job market.

From building confidence and problem-solving abilities to developing leadership, creativity, and digital literacy, these skills give students the tools they need to stand out and adapt to new challenges. Private tutoring offers a personalised and supportive way to nurture these abilities. This helps young people gain both the practical skills and the confidence required to thrive.

At GT Scholars, our tutoring programmes are designed not just to improve academic performance, but to equip students with the employability skills that matter most to employers. If you want to give your child a head start in preparing for the workforce and building a strong foundation for future success, contact us to find out more about how we can help your child prepare for the future workforce.

Top 10 Jobs Of The Future

by GT Scholars CV Template Young people

When choosing your career path, there is often the dilemma of making sure you’re making the right choice. This does not have to be a dilemma if you take your time to understand yourself and do your research.

When doing your research, it will be good to start with careers that fall in line with your subject choices and strengths. You can then start considering which careers are more financially stable or what you will need to get a job in that career field. There can be many other questions and factors that you can include in your decision-making.

One thing to note when doing your research is the fact that there is no correct or set list of the best careers out there. These lists will always vary and change according to trends and data. They may also not apply to your strengths or what you want to achieve, so it’s best to use them as a guideline instead of a rule book.

To help you out, we’ve listed 10 jobs that current trends and data are favouring, which might help you out when choosing a career.

Software, Systems & Programme Developers
In a world dominated by technology, software, systems and programme developers are sought after for their high-level skills in developing programmes and software design. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, this career is projected to have a 24% growth by 2026. Along with a fast-paced and exciting job life, this career can offer you the chance to work in a wide range of industries including designing software for large retailers and manufacturers for their systems, building the latest hit games and apps, or working on creating new software for tech companies. Software, systems and programme developers create solutions in almost every sector imaginable. To be a developer, you will need to have high levels of data structure skills and an understanding of artificial intelligence to keep up with the constant change in technology and data.

Accountants
Accountants play an integral role in the planning, balancing and management of all company finances and the auditing of financial reports. Accountants are highly skilled in offering these financial services as well as other services such as taxation, creating accounting systems, putting budgets in place, and cost management for both companies and individuals. Due to increased globalisation and internationally traded services, the professional and business services sector, which includes accountants, is expected to grow. According to CoursesOnline, the accounting industry has a predicted growth rate of 10% by 2026.

Computer and Information Systems Managers
Again, since the world is dominated by technology, careers in the technology sector will continue to be in high demand for a long time. Computer and information systems managers are responsible for the maintenance, support, design and modifications that ensure that networks, software and other virtual environment infrastructures are operative and are up to date. They are also in charge of delegating tasks to developers and providing training to staff. These careers will also definitely be in high demand in order to provide high cybersecurity protection for valuable data.

Management Consultants and Business Analysts
Management consultants and business analysts tend to be in demand because of their ability to help organisations solve problems, improve efficiency and manage change. They do this by bringing together the problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to identifying business needs. These careers also help businesses minimise risks when it comes to making big changes that could have a negative or positive effect on the company, and since change is unavoidable, these roles are particularly valued.

Engineers
Engineering is a highly skilled and technical industry that transcends different working disciplines. In the UK, the engineering industry is seen as one of the best in the world, so it is continually being invested in by both the private and public sectors. This means that there are great opportunities for those who want to be part of such a cutting-edge discipline. Engineering involves turning research ideas into technical plans, the use of computer-aided design/modelling programmes, doing surveys of systems and equipment to assess that they are working properly, and overseeing maintenance programmes and quality control.

Web Designers
Another career field in the technology sector, web designers are also expected to grow in demand. One thing that does separate web designers from other tech careers is the amount of creative skill needed. Web designers create the main features of a website, such as the layout, colours, and other specifics of a website. They can also be involved in developing branding and marketing plans. Companies and individuals with their own businesses are always looking for good web designers for their websites and blogs, etc. Another plus about this career is the amount of flexibility and you can work as a freelance agent or work directly for a creative agency.

Medical and Nursing Practitioners
Due to increased opportunities from medical research and advancement, social trends and an ageing population, there is a 15% projected increase in nursing & medical jobs by 2026, according to CoursesOnline. Everyone needs to be healthy and medical care is one of the fundamental human rights. Doctors, surgeons, nurses and all medical practitioners will remain in demand as they are a necessity and play an important role in society. Technological innovations within this sector are also expected to change these careers but also keep them in high demand.

Teachers and Learning Professionals
No matter how advanced technology gets, teachers and other learning professionals play a vital role in the development of young people and the education of the population. These careers require excellent communication skills and a passion for developing young minds. They also require creating good working relationships with parents, school governors and other stakeholders.

Motivational Speakers
With an increasing focus on personal development and mindfulness, motivational speakers are in high demand for businesses, universities, schools, and individuals. Motivational speakers help to inspire continuous growth in the minds of their audiences with the hopes of helping them to stay motivated and be more self-aware. They have to have a lot of confidence and need to be able to use their knowledge and experience to inspire change.

Entrepreneurs
According to the Financial Times, nearly 660,000 start-ups and companies were established in the UK in 2016. This is set to continue to grow as more government-sponsored initiatives are introduced to encourage people to set up businesses. Entrepreneurs invest in themselves and in their ideas and are able to turn their ideas into profitable businesses. They are also able to create jobs and can even address other needs in society through social entrepreneurship.

If you’re not sure what career path is right for you, GT Scholars holds an annual Careers Day where you can find out first-hand from young professionals in various fields on how they found their career and reached their aspirations. Visit our website to keep a lookout for the next Careers Day or for our other impactful enrichment days and programmes.

12 Things You Can Do to Breathe More Life Into Your CV or Personal Statement

by GT Scholars CV Template Parents What's new? Young people

The saying goes: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That is why a great CV or personal statement is extremely important. It represents who you are and will be responsible for deciding whether a potential interview is on the horizon.

An employer often has to search through hundreds of CVs to find the best candidate for the post that needs to be filled. Often an employer is pressed for time, so a CV that does not impress at first glance could be quickly rejected.

This can make creating a CV a daunting task. Applicants usually endlessly ponder questions such as “How could I make my CV or personal statement stand out from the crowd?” or “How could I prevent my CV from being overlooked and not being added to the pile of unsuccessful applications?”

To answer some of these questions, here are 12 things that you can do to breathe more life into your CV or personal statement:

1. Make it readable and pay attention to the layout:

First and foremost, you want to make your CV readable. Information provided must be to the point and quick to read. This will make it easy for your potential employer or the dean of admissions to find information and navigate to different sections of your CV.

2. Make use of a professional resource:

GT Scholars is an excellent example of an organisation assisting young scholars through mentorships and workshops. Outstanding guidance for putting a good CV together is essential if you are unsure what to do. You could also gain significantly helpful experience when entering the professional world.

3. Adapt your CV to the role:

Try and stray from a generic CV. This does not mean you must write a new CV for every position you want to apply for. Add a few details to your CV to be more prominent to a recruiter. This applies even more to a personal statement, as you want to ensure that the most suitable qualities stand out. Read our blog here on extra-curricular activities that will boost your CV.

4. The importance of the first three words:

In writing, it is believed that the first three words and the last three words in a written piece are what people remember most. Applying the same principle when writing bullet points in your CV makes sense because employers do not read the whole document word for word.

5. Pay attention to buzzwords:

Try to avoid words that have been overused. These words have lost their charm and, most of the time, will have lost their meaning to the recruiter as they most probably read many CVs and personal statements with the same word choice. Check out this post on LinkedIn for the buzzwords to avoid in 2017.

6. Let who you are shine through:

Your statement should reflect clues about your personality. More often than not, an employer will interview a potential candidate because he might have read something that interested him other than your professional achievements and experience. This can be anything from a sport, a book, or a volunteer activity that could be of mutual interest.

7. Be aware of the CV length:

An unspoken rule is that a CV should never exceed 2-3 pages. Try to keep your CV short but also not too short. Having a CV with 4 or more pages can result in important information not being read.

8. Pay attention to font and size:

Always pay attention to the font and size of your CV and personal statement. Ensure that it has the same font and size throughout the document. Use bold, italics and underlined words but be careful not to go overboard. Never make your font size below 10 points.

9. Good presentation goes a long way:

There is more to presentation than having the perfect layout, length and font size. A dash of colour or a well-placed border can make your CV stand out from the rest and might be as good as a breath of fresh air, giving the recruiter something appealing to look at for a change.

10. Name your file:

Rename your CV file for each position you apply for via email or online. You can rename the file using your name and job title followed by ‘CV’. It will draw the recruiter’s attention, and they will be able to find your job application more accessible.

11. Trim the excess:

Do not waste time and space listing every achievement or position you have ever had. The recruiter will only be interested in reading information relevant to the work that needs to be filled.

12. Keywords are very important:

It should come as no surprise that in today’s day and age, your CV might be read by a software programme before it is even submitted to a human. These programs are designed to look for words and phrases related to the job specifications or the relevant industry. Ensure you search and add keywords to your statement or CV.

You might feel that landing an interview will take forever, but by using these steps, you can improve your chances. We hope that you find these tips helpful and that they will boost your confidence when sending your CV.

GT Scholars can provide you with an experienced mentor to help you write your CV and personal statement and apply for a new job or university acceptance. Feel free to contact us to find out what other opportunities and events we host for young people.

7 Ways to Prepare For an Interview

by GT Scholars CV Template Young people

There are many times in life when you will find yourself needing to prepare for an interview. It could be your sixth-form college, university, or job interviews. So preparing yourself for an interview is a valuable and important skill to always have.

Interviews are notoriously difficult to prepare for. Some organisations and companies are kind enough to tell you exactly how or what to prepare, but most places will not do this for you. The whole point of the interview is for them to see how you think, apply your skills and talents, or react to a situation or scenario. They want to make sure that you will be an asset and a good fit for their college, university or company.

Your aim for the interview is to convince the recruiters that you have the skills, knowledge and experience for the job while also showing them that you fit the organisation’s culture and work ethic. Here are seven valuable ways that you can prepare yourself to reach this aim:

Do your research about the college, university or company:

The recruiters need to know that you are interested in their organisation and not just using them for your own gain. They might ask you direct questions about their organisation, or they might ask you more indirect questions. You need to do enough research about the organisation beforehand to make sure you can answer their questions well. Visit the organisation’s website to ensure you understand what they do, their background and mission statement, and the courses or products. You can also get more perspective about the organisation by reading about it in the news or trade publications.

Compare your skills and qualifications to the entrance, course or job requirements:

Thoroughly analyse the entrance requirements or job description and outline the knowledge, skills or abilities they list. Ensure that you are suitable for the organisation and that your qualifications match or better what they seek. If they list a particular skill, they may want you to demonstrate if you know how to do it, so you should ensure that you have the skill and are well-practised.

Prepare responses to commonly asked questions:

Most interviews have a set list of questions they are sure to ask, such as your strengths and weaknesses, academic or career goals, etc. You should prepare your responses to questions like these beforehand to answer them quickly. You should also understand that there are different ways to ask the same question; for example, they could ask you about your qualities that are useful to their organisation instead of your strengths. These questions can be answered almost the same way, so ensure you can identify that.

Plan what you are going to wear:

Your appearance is your first impression, so you should ensure that they do not rule you out before you even tell them about yourself. Be sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean. It is best to dress smartly in neutral colours, with your clothes clean and ironed and your hair combed and out of your face.

Prepare what you need to take to the interview:

You should plan what you need to take to the interview to look prepared. Some organisations will tell you what they want you to bring to the discussion. Still, if not, then you should take the following: at least one copy of your transcripts or CV on quality paper, a notepad or professional binder and pen, a list of references, the information you might need to complete an application, and a portfolio with samples of your work if relevant.

Understand and pay attention to nonverbal communication:

Nonverbal communication speaks volumes and dramatically influences your impression and your interview. As you walk into the building, ensure you are mindful of your nonverbal communication, even in the waiting room. Show that you are confident but do not appear arrogant. Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake. Sit well and be aware of nervous movements such as tapping your foot. Maintain good eye contact while answering questions – do not look around too much, as this will make you seem inattentive. Be aware of your facial expressions and reactions, and keep adverse reactions internalised. At the same time, do not appear too fake or rigid. Be comfortable and self-assured.

Prepare questions that you can ask them at the end of the interview:

Interviews usually end with an opportunity for you to ask questions or clarify any queries. Be strategic with questioning and ask questions about information not discussed in the discussion or found on the organisation’s website. For example, what are the most important criteria for success in this job, how will your performance be evaluated, or what is the next step in the hiring process? Using your prior research, you can develop a list of insightful questions.
This will both impress them and provide you with helpful information.

The interview process may seem daunting and challenging. Still, as you can see, with the proper preparation and prior knowledge, you can display your best qualities for any potential sixth-form college, university or employer.

GT Scholars is a social enterprise that provides tutoring, mentoring and enrichment to young people from various backgrounds. Contact us to find out how we can provide you with a knowledgeable mentor or an insightful course to help you prepare for interviews.

Extra-Curricular Activities to Boost Your Personal Statement or CV

by Katie Dawes CV Template Young people

Your teenage years can be consumed by getting the grades for work or University. But it doesn’t all have to be about studying! Taking part in extra-curricular activities breaks up the school week and allows you to add skills to your CV. This will show how gifted and talented you are to future schools and employers.

The GT Scholars programme knows this, which is why we love providing our skill-building days and encouraging you to develop transferable skills in leadership, time management and working as a team. But if you’re looking for even more ways to boost your personal statement or CV, here are five examples of extra-curricular activities that employers love!

Language activities

Travel is more affordable than ever, and many companies work internationally, which makes language skills hugely appealing to prospective employers.

As for adding language skills to your personal statement, what’s more impressive than showing Universities that you personally managed your time and studies to learn another language?

Sports

Sports are a great way to boost your personal statement or CV and are often fun ways to hang out with friends. Why do they look so good? Engaging in sports outside of school shows your ability to work as a team, motivate yourself to improve and be reliable enough to attend training sessions.

Volunteering

Showing that you are willing to use your free time to help others and be dependable not only reflects your innate interest in the welfare of others but can also offer a wide range of skills in business and events. Volunteering in the community could give you valuable experience in anything from managing others, teamwork, money-handling, communication and event organisation.

Tutoring

Acting as a private tutor to those younger than you implies strong leadership and support skills. Tutoring others in school subjects also helps you understand those subjects better, which will then come across in your confidence in that subject as well as showcasing your ability to coach others and work for a shared goal rather than just a personal one.

Creative experience

With so much emphasis on grades in school, you can forget to spend time being creative. But employees and Universities love to see time spent on creative activities! Whether making and selling arts and crafts, producing short videos for Youtube with friends or writing for a student website, each activity showcases different skills. For example, it shows your ability to take the initiative, think outside the box and present valuable skills in business and IT.

A simple example was my years at Secondary school when I decided to make tote bags out of leftover fabric and sold them through a Facebook page. Straight away, I could add business and online marketing experience to my personal statement for University!

So those are the five extra-curricular activities that look good for University or your CV. And the best part is that you can have a great time with friends with similar interests!

The GT Scholars Programme is an after-school programme for young people aged 11-16. Scholars receive support through tutoring, mentoring, enrichment and skill-building activities designed to improve their grades at school, help them get into top universities and help them enter competitive careers.

To learn more about the GT Scholars Programme, you can arrange a consultation with a member of our team; click here.