Transcript: Find out firsthand about courses

Sarah McIndoe, career consultant:

This programme shows how useful it is to find out firsthand about workplaces. Now, the same applies if you are looking at a course for polytech or university – find out about it first.

Check out all the costs – books and materials, travel, accommodation. And shop around – most subjects are offered by more than one provider. Talk to someone who’s done the course. And try and visit the campus – meet the staff, check out the facilities, get a feel for the place cos you’ll be spending a lot of your time there.

But also remember to talk to potential employers – would they recommend that qualification? It could be that you’re better off getting your training on the job and earning while you’re learning.