Confidence and responsibility

Work experience placements are usually arranged in Year 10 or 11 and last one or two weeks. These are often arranged by outside agencies, but they give young people a taste of working life. While on work experience, students work closely with staff on real tasks. It is an opportunity for them to learn new skills, find out about a particular job or company, as well as understand what employers expect.

Getting a part-time job not only gives your teenager a bit of financial independence, but also provides them with the opportunity to meet people, build confidence and practise using their skills.

There are laws and local restrictions about the type of work young people can do, and the hours and days they are allowed to work before the end of Year 11. To find out more, visit www.connexions-direct.com or contact your local Connexions centre.

During Years 10 and 11 your teenager should also be given the opportunity to get involved in an enterprise activity. This may be arranged as a special day at school or a chance to join something like a young enterprise project or team challenge. Enterprise activities develop valuable skills such as team working, problem solving, communication, learning to take risks and creative thinking. They are valued by colleges, universities and future employers.

Help your teenager see how valuable it is to take on roles in and outside school. Responsibilities give them a chance to demonstrate skills such as organisation, team working and reliability. These positions also provide good evidence when they start thinking about a CV when applying to college or university, or for a job. In school, they may have the opportunity to help by taking on a role such as a school council member, captain of a sports team or editor of a school newsletter.

Many teenagers find that volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and expand their horizons. It could be a regular commitment or a series of one-off activities. It can help to build your teenager's confidence and also provides good evidence of their achievements on a CV.

For ideas on where to find opportunities particularly suited to teenagers in your area and elsewhere, visit www.connexions-direct.com.

Encourage your teenager to take up a personal challenge, individually or with a friend, by accessing opportunities locally or at school. This could involve finding a new hobby or interest, joining a club or group, or entering an award scheme, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. They can start with the Bronze Award when they are 14. Many schools now run the scheme, but to find out more, visit www.theaward.org .