To help to build some skills outside of university study I decided to volunteer for the National Trust during the summer break. The work included the removal of unwanted trees, improvement of estate pathways and clearance of species which were over-dominating, to expose the natural beauty of the estates Scots Pines and Douglas Firs. Key skills gained and evidenced include:Confidence and maturity is clearly seen through volunteering with new people in a location over 200 miles away.Great at meeting new people from all areas of life, shown by my ability to work with them to complete the tasks as well as spending free time with them in the eveningsThe work tasks involved helped me learn skills that I had not used before, and best practise methods to use in situations.

In this role I am required to rehearse individually as well as attending regular full rehearsals, write original drum and percussion tracks to fit our songs, and to provide the necessary equipment for each performance. It is also crucial to network with people in the local and regional music business to help secure future performances and support. Key skills and achievements include:To be signed (Abstract Management).Played multiple times on BBC radio in Stoke, Nottingham and Derby, and have a live radio interview.During summer of 2012 performed at Y-Not festival (Derbyshire), Artsfest (Birmingham), Ravelength festival (Manchester) as well as 3 local festivals, and our bar-based gigs.Being part of the group shows commitment, organisation and a willingness to further myself in areas outside education.Communication has also been a key skill gained, through both the band while writing and rehearsing/performing, but also the need to connect with the audience and communicate our music.

This week-long experience was aimed at aiding my decisions towards a future career, and organised with my interest in design in mind. After seeing what the work in such a business involved I decided that this was not an area that I would like to pursue for a career.

Being on the committee of the society it was crucial that I guaranteed the effective running of the society, to keep members happy with the activities involved and safeguard its place as a top society within the university. My key roles as Vice-President were to aid the President in their roles, completing them myself when necessary, and calling meetings to ensure all committee members were communicating together. Key skills gained and evidenced include: Organisation was a key part of this role, with it being not only essential for my tasks, but also for me to ensure all other members are organised too. While I was fairy adept at this skill before this role, during it I gained a further understanding of its importance and how to maintain a high standard.To make sure all tasks were completed communication between committee members was a key skill used. Communication between the committee and the society members was key, to inform of upcoming events. This was done through various formats, broadening skills in the area.

Associate/ Garden Landscaper- Self-EmploymentDuring my A-levels I set up a small local business, with a colleague, that comprised of two sections; the cleaning and valeting of local residents vehicles and completing gardening tasks such as grass cutting, hedge trimming and clearing weeds. This part-time enterprise allowed me to support some of my expenditure during these two years of further education.