Jobs
Want to get a full-time job? Want to work for yourself? If so, check out the facts.
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Full-time job
If your goal is to start work full time when you're 16, look for a job with training or an Apprenticeship that leads to nationally recognised qualifications. Remember that:
- employers increasingly want skilled people with qualifications at level 3 and above
- the number of jobs for poorly qualified and unskilled people is shrinking fast
- finding a job with training will make it easier for you to get a better job in the future
- under 18s can't claim Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or Income Support except in exceptional circumstances - find out more about this from the money pages
at Directgov - it can be especially hard to get a full-time job when there's high unemployment. If you have trouble remember that the September Guarantee entitles you to an offer of post-16 learning that meets your needs - and you'll get help to choose well.
Training options
If you can't get an Apprenticeship or a job with training explore these options.
- Time off for Study and Training (TfST) - If you're 16 or 17 and left school without a level 2 qualification you should be able to get reasonable paid time off during normal working hours to train for an approved qualification. This must be a level 2 qualification that will improve your job prospects. To find out more, visit your local Connexions centre or Connexions Direct .
- Learn from more experienced employees - All jobs give you the chance to learn new things. Make the most of this as it adds to your experience. The more experience you have, the bigger your choice of jobs and the better your chance of finding a job with training.
- Negotiate with your employer - if you see a training course that could help you with your job, mention it at work. Employers sometimes pay for a course or help with the costs if they think that training you will also help their business.
Self employment
Not many people do this when they're 16. If this is your goal, you need a great business idea, strong enterprise skills, some expert advice and the ability to work extremely hard.
- Boost your enterprise skills - sign up for enterprise activities in school or college. Watch out for Young Enterprise projects. Look at the student information on www.youngbizuk.co.uk .
- Get expert help - Speak to the people at your local Education Business Partnership - get their contact details from your careers co-ordinator or Connexions personal adviser. Explore www.shell-livewire.org.uk for advice on how to start a business. Look at the 'Starting up' section of Business Link or call the helpline on 0845 600 9 006 to find your regional business link. Look at the 'Need help' section on The Prince's Trust website or call 0800 842 842.
What next?
It's time to organise your ideas.
Tool kit
Hot tip
Whatever you've achieved in school, there's a post-16 learning route to suit you.
Hot tip
Learning pays! Someone with the equivalent of five or more good GCSEs can earn over £100,000 more in their working life than someone who leaves learning without level 2 qualifications.
