WITH A FOCUS ON CAREERS AND EDUCATION

ISSUE 11 AU

TUM

N 2010

IN THIS ISSUE: FIREFIGHTING, CIVIL ENGINEERING, TRAVEL & TOURISM, REVIEW AND COMMENT

EDITOR’S PIECE

Hello everyone and welcome to the final edition of Youth Live. This edition features the work of almost 40 people, who have taken part in various projects to bring you what you read in the following pages.

This edition we thought it would be helpful to people thinking about their future options to bring you some information not just on familiar careers but perhaps those that you might not immediately think of. We are pleased that Youth Live has provided a much needed platform for readers and writers alike over the past three years and I know I can speak for many when I say what a great opportunity and achievement it has represented.

TERENCE WHINNETTEDITOR

Page 02 Youth Live | Issue 11

CONTENTS

Youth Live magazineYouth Communications Network CIC

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Youth Live is published by Youth Communications Network (YCN), a Community Interest Company (CIC). The company exists to serve the community and its profits are reinvested to develop its work rather than awarded to private shareholders. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of YCN’s Board of Directors, the editor, YCN’s junior membership, or any individual sponsor or advertiser. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by YCN.

Youth Live is designed by Barry MylesEmail: design@youthlive.co.uk

Page 03 University Experience

Page 04 Hello Uni

Page 05 Leisure and Tourism

Page 06 Radiology

Page 07 Civil Engineering

Page 08 Hot interviews

Page 10 Making Connexions

Page 11 Videogame Review:

Singularity

Page 12 Distorted Perceptions

of Beauty

greater merseyside

Credits: Content preparation: Anthony Waite, Kelly Avis and Michael Riley

The Fire Service feature was produced in association with Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership with the help of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Other features were produced as part of “journalism days” run in association with Aimhigher Greater Merseyside at the University of Liverpool. Articles and photography by young people aged 13-19. Schools taking part were Hillside, Sefton, The Grange, Halton and Park High, Wirral.

We visited Liverpool University to learn about the experiences of students.

Sam, 20 spoke of the good facilities. “There is a gym with a swimming pool and fitness classes and a student union where bands play.”

Ellen, 20 said “I lived in student accommodation in first year but now I live in Aigburth in a rented house with three friends.”

Getting the balance right between working and socialising is crucial. Josh, 21 said “You have to do a lot of work in your spare time so it’s important that you manage your time well.” He lives at home so he doesn’t have to worry about bills and rent. He adds, “Plus my mum does my washing and cooking for me!” He works in a local shop part-time which is useful for extra money. Despite his

By Abbie Dewhurst, Rhiannon Bromilow, Bethany Heaton, Francesca Parker, Rebecca Hayward,Laura Molyneux, Courtney Chamberlain, Chloe Parkins and Lawren Waring

Issue 11 | Youth Live Page 03

financial state Josh is still generous in giving to charity: “I donate money to Oxfam and the NSPCC… a couple of quid every month.”

A downside for many students is getting up early for lectures. Some find the work difficult and some don’t find it too bad.“There’s not too much work and it’s not very taxing, but what we learn is crucial for the next few years,” said one student.

The students that we spoke to commented on the social aspects of the university which is located in the city centre of Liverpool where there are lots of pubs, clubs and restaurants. “The social life is really good and lively!” said Johnny, 19. He added: “I’ve made friends from all over - halls, my course...everywhere.”

Poppy, 19 told us “My social life was busy through the year but now it’s not as I’ve got

exams.” She added that individuality is an aspect of university life and that students like to express themselves: “People can wear what they like which is different to being at school!”

Speaking about government plans to cut 10,000 university places one student said “I’m not sure if it would be beneficial because not all students attend university just to give a hundred percent effort to their studies and gain a qualification that would improve their chances of getting a good job.”

Most students don’t know what they want to do when they finish. “I’m open to most things so I’m not too sure yet. Hopefully I’ll be a millionaire!” said one student.

Our visit to Liverpool University really helped us to understand what we can expect. To find out more, we recommend a visit to a university!

Page 04 Youth Live | Issue 11

As we walked around Liverpool University we noticed that the buildings are split into two main subject areas: Sciences and the Arts.

The buildings are a mix of modern and traditional in looks. The mathematics one is quite old with a feel about the place that is very serious, very productive and very quiet. Not many people were there but that might be because exams have finished and everyone is taking a nice well earned break.

The management school was completely different as it was modern and very high-tech. There were people hanging around there laughing and having a good time. It seemed like a very cosy, relaxed atmosphere.

Some students are at university on scholarships. They don’t have to pay for their studies but need to work hard to achieve a scholarship.

However, most students have to pay to go to university but can take out student loans that cover both education fees and accommodation.

A final year student we met called Nishat Patankar was studying International Business having moved from Leeds due to the attraction of the course. She described a typical day: Wake up, work, SIFE (Student in Free Enterprise), study, hang out with friends, sleep. One concern of hers is money. She said “I’m in lots [of debt,] I don’t even know the figures!” She has a few jobs to aid her cash flow: an Aimhigher advocate, a Liverpool student

ambassador and an Aimhigher associate. There are many clubs to join at university and Nishat took up archery and fencing in the little spare time that she has.

“If you are worried about coming to this university, don’t be! The people here are very nice as are the

surroundings”

The campus is surrounded by city life. Some areas are literally two minutes away from the city centre and the

Metropolitan Cathedral is a backdrop. The hustle and bustle of the university is very apparent. The loud noises such as horns of cars and people talking are all part of the nice friendly atmosphere.

If you are worried about coming to this university don’t be, the people here are very nice as are the surroundings (even though the campus is huge!) If you want a nice homely relaxed type of atmosphere in a university this is definitely the one for you.

Some of us were already certain about applying for university and this trip has confirmed our desire for higher education.

Leisure and Tourism is a huge industry consisting of a wide array of careers, all dedicated to travelling and everything that comes with it.

One example of a career in travel is as a member of the cabin crew on an aeroplane. They are required to serve refreshments and deliver medical help in emergencies. A good standard of education is required - at least five GCSEs.

We interviewed Travel Recruitment Advisor Eileen Lambert to get an insight into the industry.

What does your job involve?

As a Recruitment Advisor I spend a lot of time meeting employers who are looking for new staff. I find out what staff they want and check over CVs to help find that person.

What qualifications are needed to work in the travel sector?

The basics such as maths, English and science. Foreign languages are helpful, and the Travel and Leisure GCSE can be useful. There are many colleges and sixth forms which offer further travel and leisure education, and you can even go on to do a degree in university.

What experience do you need?

It’s useful to get some basic work experience in the industry to give you better prospects than someone who has had no experience.

Is the job rewarding?

Yes, working in the industry is rewarding and exciting as every day can be different. You can get to meet

so many different people and go to many different places.

Is there a specific dress code?

You have to be aware of your appearance - smart clothes are advisable for interviews as industry employers expect the best from their staff. You need patience and confidence as you are dealing with people all the time. It’s best to be helpful and cheerful as people are going to be asking for help constantly, for example in a hotel or at an airport. You also need to be energetic and always available because the hours are often unpredictable.

Issue 11 | Youth Live Page 05

Wendi Heathcock has been a radiographer since 1990 when she was “young, free and single” and saw an advert in the paper that said “would you like to x-ray a fighter pilot?” The idea got Wendi hooked!

However, this was easier said than done. After taking a dislike to being in the RAF she decided to study to get a different job in radiography. Three A levels and a university degree in radiography were required. She then became a Clinical Learning Facilitator in 2005 after a long career in radiotherapy. Wendi described her career as being “emotionally draining but rewarding to help patients.”

There are alternative routes to becoming a radiologist. There is an

access course to higher education, or Liverpool University provide a foundation year which can be done as evening school. Other perks of the job include financial support for health science degrees at most universities.

We asked Wendi what she thought of medical dramas such as House, Casualty and Scrubs. She said “From an educational point of view they are very good, just as long as they do it right!”

Wendi told us of a lady she was treating in 2002 who had a very advanced form of brain cancer. She was given a five per cent chance of survival and began a programme of radiotherapy with Wendi. Despite the odds Wendi saw the same women she treated eight years ago a perfect picture of health

two weeks ago. “This is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Fact File37 hour week.12+ hour shifts.90% are NHS employed.100% of Liverpool University graduates in the last two years have attained jobs.

Radiotherapy: Therapeutic - used to treat diseases such as cancer.Radiography: Diagnostic - used to check for injury or disease.

Page 06 Youth Live |Issue 11

Civil engineering refers to improving the local community by the design and construction of public works, such as bridges or dams, and other large facilities.

We learned that a lot of skill and hard work is required, and the more you put in the more you will get out. A graduate with a civil engineering degree would expect to receive a starting salary of around £20,000 per year.

There are various fields of employment in the engineering industry, including: mechanics, lighting, plumbing and maintenance. There are also other aspects to engineering for instance graphic design and architecture.

Qualifying as a civil engineer requires an average of four years of study. Maths and physics are essential as well as creativity and open-mindedness.

Phil McGreal (who is currently in charge of the Highways Agency for Liverpool City Council) and Brian McGinty are two

engineers that we met. They are very proud of the work that is being completed as part of the City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS) on Hope Street which links the two Liverpool cathedrals. This work has won the Local Government News Street Design Award.

Engineering can be very good for the economy - while it costs a lot of money the tourism it can bring often makes the money back, with profit.

Before a civil engineer is granted permission to build they have to ensure that they don’t bust any gas lines, water pipes or electrical wiring. They also have to create a 3-D model to show that it is accessible to the community and isn’t a hazard to people inside. They then have to confirm with their clients that everything is up to standard.

However, new spending cuts might

affect civil engineering, but Phil used the example of the Royal Hospital to explain that they shouldn’t. As the Royal is very old, it costs a lot of money to maintain, but while a new hospital would be expensive to build, it would be worthwhile because it would have better facilities and be cheaper to maintain.

“Qualifying as a civil

engineer requires an

average of four years’

study. Maths and physics

are essential as well as

creativity and open-

mindedness”

Phil told us: “I like my job because it varies each day. I’m not sitting in an office for eight hours. The only problem with my job is being on call 24 hours a day.” Civil engineering is a very interesting job but also very tiring. It’s a job that requires lots of dedication and time.

Being a civil engineer requires good communication skills and language cannot be a barrier - civil engineering affects the whole community and a client may be of a different nationality to the civil engineer.

Civil engineering can help towards future goals - it gives you skills which are useful in many other jobs. Many civil engineers are more grateful for getting back what they put into the community than the money they receive and helping the community is rewarding.

by Tim Griffiths, Terry Pilling, Nicole Monty, Ellie Jordan, Yi Zhou, Mikey Franks, Ben Sadler, Tom Hanighan, Ryan Gillam, Dan Whittaker, Alisha Kervin and Joseph Melling

Issue 11 | Youth Live Page 07

Page 08 Youth Live |Issue 11

Firefighter Sean O’Brien says you have to have a lot of common sense to do the job. You need to deal with things in specific ways and you have to be trustworthy.

Sean is anticipating retirement bringing a fulfilled end to his eventful career and doesn’t want it to end. He said: “I would encourage anyone to become a firefighter because it’s the best job in the world.”

After working as a firefighter for over 30 years a lot of things have changed since Sean first joined the service. For example, the height and weight restrictions are a lot more relaxed, although firefighters are still expected to maintain a high level of fitness.

After visiting Old Swan fire station, we found out that these people who play such a great part in helping the community are also very down to earth characters with a good sense of humour, which helps them cope with what they have to face. “Dealing with the trauma and stress means you have to be mentally strong, but you learn to cope with it. “

From our perspective we had a great time listening to what these hardworking firefighters had to say. We learned so much about what they actually do beyond the job of saving many lives and learnt a great deal about their job and other jobs within the fire service. Sean broadened our

understanding of the role of fire-fighters and the amount of effort they put into the job. We were very grateful to these courageous people for this interesting experience.

The fire service sometimes gets abuse, especially at times like Bonfire Night. Sean has come across only a few trouble-causing members of the public. “I don’t think they realise that one day they could be in a fire and we could be the ones that save their life or that of a member of their family.”

by Hannah Ursell & Charlotte Wilkinson

“it’s the best job in the

world”

We interviewed Sarah Banham, a firefighter at Old Swan fire station to find out what life in the fire service is like.

Sarah has been a fire-fighter for twelve years having joined at the age of 20 and sees the fire service as one big extended family. She told us that the fire service is still a very male dominated service, but things are improving rapidly.

Sarah’s father was a fire-fighter and she always knew that she wanted to be one, but she did her A-levels first and then a year at University before finally applying.

We asked Sarah how she felt about the way some young people treat the fire service, having seen instances on TV of bricks being thrown at the fire service.

Sarah explained that the majority of young people cause no trouble and it’s only a small minority that do cause harm. A couple can spur others on to build fires and Sarah said: “They need to understand that we are there to keep them safe.”

One memorable story for Sarah is when she earned a medal from the Town Hall. After six months working to qualify to be a fire-fighter, she was called out to a fire where a person was trapped inside a building. They put out the fire and saved the man.

Sarah told us: “My dad said before I went into the fire service that I’d never be rich, but would always be comfortable.”

She added that to be in the fire service you need to be physically fit, however height is

Issue 11 | Youth Live Page 09

not the same issue anymore that it used to be. “The training is hard but you have to tell yourself to keep going,” she said.

by Casey Cain and Lauren Calderhead

Becoming a firefighter was a childhood dream for Dave ‘Robbo’ Robinson, which was fulfilled by his appointment to the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. He has been a firefighter for eight years.

His busy work schedule runs on a 2-2-4 system. This means he works two days (9am-6pm) and two nights (6pm-9am). He then has four days off to socialise with his friends, family and his beloved daughter. He gives a copy of his schedule to his daughter so she knows when she’ll get to see her dad. The timetable is flexible around family life but emergencies take priority. Within the station Robbo is on ‘White Watch’ along with a few other fire-fighters. He said: “There is a strong team ethos and I always have someone to help me out.”

Viewpoints of young people in the community can differ. The younger ones are more likely to enjoy the company of fire-fighters, and look up to them as role models. But some older teenagers view them as an easy target and verbally abuse and are sometimes violent towards them. We were told that the windscreen on the fire engine had been smashed on several occasions.

Robbo told us: “To become a firefighter you don’t have to be the world’s strongest man but it is important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.” There are some tests you

must complete. These include a basic Mathematics and English test and physical evaluations that test your lung capacity, grip, and strength. There is a zero tolerance policy on drugs. The demand for jobs within the service is very high. As each new job opportunity has an opening window or two days it is important to check the website daily.

www.fireservice.co.uk

By Alastair White & Lauren Kelly

Connexions is a highly versatile organisation which was launched in April 2001. Its role is to provide a range of support and guidance for young people in or out of school who may want help deciding on a choice of career or deciding on extra training.

Youth Live asked two young people to describe how Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership had helped them.

Terri Fitzpatrick first met with her Connexions Personal Advisor Lindsey Ellis when she was in Year 9. She explained: “My attendance was quite poor and I felt a little lost but with Lindsey’s help, my attendance improved and I felt I became more mature. During Year 10 I found an interest in sport so I went to the army for my work experience and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.”

Lindsey also found her a pre-uniform course and a place at Millingtons dance school during the summer. Eventually

Terri got an apprenticeship with Sefton Council, with support from Connexions with interview training. She said: “This boosted my confidence and helped me succeed. I now do four days’ work and one day at college and in two years I will be qualified in business administration.”

Simon Watson worked with his PA Karen Davies. He explained: “I was thinking of quitting sixth form so we looked at other options. I knew I was good at ICT but didn’t really want it as a future career but we decided to stick with it to help access media and graphic design.” Simon signed up to the activity agreement plan which can last up to 20 weeks paying £30 a week and is tailor-made to help the individual get

into college or employment but also provides the opportunity to explore other options. Simon also helped with the relaunch of a local children’s centre to which he contributed graphic design and animations.

All this was a turning point for Simon. He explained: “The programme manager said ‘He is incredible - better than anyone we’ve ever had on placement at university level and if we could offer him a job right now we would.’” Simon is now undertaking a business administration apprenticeship in the Children’s Schools and Families section of Sefton Council, which lasts up to three years.

AKING ONNEXIONS By Mathew StanleyM C

Page 10 Youth Live | Issue 11

Somehow the Russians always seem to be the bad guys in anything America produces. The cold war is long over and yet America is still finding ways to make Russia seem evil. How are they doing it this time? With everybody’s favourite sci-fi cliché, time travel! The plot is as follows: during the cold war America was destined to be the big power thanks to their understanding of atomic power, so USSR leader Joseph Stalin ordered his scientific staff to go out there and find something that would wipe the smile from Uncle Sam’s face. They found such a thing on the small island “Katorga-12” and this mysterious find was named Element 99 or E-99 for short.

This element was found to be incredibly unstable but an amazing power source so the Russians continued testing on the element until 1955 when Katorga-12 and all the Russian facilities on it was all but destroyed a strange incident. Fast forward to 2010 where a military black ops team is hit by what they believe to be a EMP surging from Katorga-12 which forces their helicopter squad to crash on the aforementioned island. Captain Nate Renko awakes from the crash to find himself stranded on the island with no possible way out, until the only other survivor contacts him and tells him to meet up so they can figure a way out that is.

On the way there however he somehow finds himself in 1955 trying to escape a burning building. Now this would confuse and scare any normal individual but not our Renko. Oh no, he promptly sets about trying to make his escape but in doing so comes across a man about to fall to his fiery doom below. You then find yourself

playing a section eerily similar to another of Activision’s franchises *cough Call Of Duty cough* where you’re carrying this injured scientist out of the burning complex and leaving him with a group of other scientists before getting warped back to 2010.

Renko soon realises that somehow the island has changed and is now inhabited with vicious mutated monsters out for his time travelling blood and that he must meet up with his black ops buddy and escape this strange island.

So now I’ve gotten the plot out of the way let’s get down to the game play. It’s your normal first person shooter stuff. You run

around, you shoot things, you kill things, and you run from the things you shot at and which are now trying to kill you. Like I said your normal fps stuff. However unlike other “normal” fps’ Singularity has a very unique gimmick.

This gimmick is the Time Manipulation Device or TMD for short. This device can supposedly manipulate timespace on a limitless scale. But in practice it can only affect a small selection of objects; barrels, cans, certain crates etc. However, it can also affect living objects which means that you can transform your enemies into skeletons or if you find yourself back in the 1950’s prematurely change them into their mutated future selves. And yes, it is as fun as it sounds.

ideogame eview By Jordan LaffeyV R

Issue 11 | Youth Live Page 11

Airbrushing. Possibly the best friend of any celebrity or model. As the media publishes countless front covers for magazines, and promotes products through television and magazine ads, they continuously contribute to upholding an idea of beauty that is nonexistent and unattainable. These images not only create a false perception of beauty, but a completely impossible one.

Who is it that decides what is beautiful? And why are the original photographs not considered worthy enough? The problem that the media is now facing is the ever-increasing campaign against airbrushing. The controversy that it is facing, especially the Dove Evolution Campaign, has hit home to many viewers that the celebrities and models they idolize, are in fact non-existent.

However, although many people support the campaign against airbrushing, the media industry is unfortunately caught in an unbreakable vicious circle. Tiny (size zero) sample sizes are being sent to photo shoots, forcing the magazines to employ skinny models who alone can actually fit into these doll-sized clothes. Consequently, those who are interested in pursuing a dream in this industry feel that it is only achievable if they match up to what is considered a “normal” model (a plus size model is anything over a size 6.)

What is more, the false airbrushing and changes to the body within the industry, particularly on product advertisements, are creating a false perception of what products can achieve. Recently, a L’Oreal hair product advertisement featuring Cheryl Cole back in 2009 sparked endless controversy about the hair extensions that were used, during a shampoo ad in which she claimed that her

“hair feels stronger, full of life, replenished with a healthy shine”. This is just one example that illustrates how advertisements don’t prove what the product is capable of, and a lot of consumers are being enticed by false claims.

Conversely, the fashion industry states that images are aspirational and that 99% of people interviewed stated that they expected all images they saw in magazines to have been airbrushed.

Designers state that overweight people come in many shapes and sizes so it is impossible to make samples that look good without specially tailoring for each model. If they used overweight people, would they be accused of promoting obesity?

These magazines could be viewed as presenting nothing but models that don’t exist and achieve nothing but a conscious

paranoid society with very low-self esteem. More and more people are getting behind an airbrushing ban. Just ask yourself when you see these photographs whether you want to idolise these people, or be confident in loving yourself for the imperfections you have. Is being imperfect a truer definition of beauty?

People generally want to look good. There may be people who have a bias towards conventional “perfect” images, but there are still magazines and clothing designers who cater for the non-conventional image (such as “PLUS Model Magazine and Daily Venus Diva) but these don’t seem to feature so highly in the public awareness.

Page 12 Youth Live | Issue 11