6 Summary

This week you have investigated some of the background to your organisation and job. By looking at the other structures and bodies that surround and underpin the employment world – professional and sector organisations, national and local government, and trade associations and trade unions – you have been able to access rich sources of information, advice and contacts to help you develop your understanding of your sector. In addition, you have considered the role of professional and vocational qualifications in supporting career entry and development.

You should now feel that you can:

• describe the main functions of professional and sector bodies
• outline how professional or sector qualifications can help your career progression
• explain how national and local government are an important source of information, policy and support for organisations
• use the services and resources provided by trade unions and trade associations to research your sector in more detail.

Next week you will look at professional networking and how to make the most of your contacts so that they become active networks of support for your career goals

You are now half way through the course. The Open University would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions for future improvement in our optional end-of-course survey, which you will also have an opportunity to complete at the end of Week 8. Participation will be completely confidential and we will not pass on your details to others.

You can now go to Week 5.