If you are under 18 and you’d prefer to work, volunteer or be self employed this should involve at least twenty hours per week PLUS working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
When you’re looking for a job, ask if it has accredited training that will:
- give you qualifications to help you progress further in your career
- help you earn more money
- have better job security
Work readiness
Often employers will say they are looking for young people who are work ready, but what do you need to be work ready:
- Be positive and willing to work – this includes turning up on time, making effort, completing tasks within deadlines and being interested in and enthusiastic about the job (these are also known as soft skills).
- Be able to get along with colleagues – you need to show that you can work well with other people, and be polite, helpful and considerate.
- Have basic skills – for almost any work area you will need at least basic English, Maths and ICT skills.
- Gain qualifications or have evidence of learning – employers need people who continue to build their skills by actively seeking to learn new things.
- Having work experience – Work experience, as well as volunteering, can give you valuable insight into the workplace environment and working with others without the pressure of full employment.
By having these skills and experiences you will enhance your chances of being employed, and when applying and interviewing it is often worth having examples of these skills, to give employers to show you are work ready.
Finding a job
There are a few ways you can search for a job such as:
- your local or national newspapers
- online jobsearch websites such as the Find a Job website and Indeed website
- using social media such as LinkedIn
- register with your local Job Centre Plus.
- taking your CV to local employers, such as restaurants, cafes or local shops
- register with suitable local employment agencies.
Make sure your phone ringer is turned on with the volume up, and check for calls and emails so you can reply quickly to any offers.
You can also search for successful jobs using information on Icould
Applying for a job
Once you have found a job you are interested in, you will need to apply, most applications are online now with some requesting you also send a CV. Before you apply for a job make sure you have a respectable email address with no silly or rude words in it.
A CV is a short list of facts about you and your work history, skills, qualifications and experience. A good CV is essential when looking for work and it is worth spending time getting it right, so it sells you to an employer.
Your CV should:
- Be short, 2 sides of a sheet of A4 paper
- Be positive, it should emphasise your achievements, strengths, successes
- Match what is being asked for on the job description, tailor your CV to sell your most relevant experience and skills
- Not have any mistakes, spelling or grammar, get someone to check it for you.
Prospects list what a good CV looks like – Example CVs | Prospects.ac.uk
Covering letter:
You may need to include a cover letter or email when you apply. A good covering letter will show that you’ve done your research, you know what the job involves and what the employer’s looking for.
Example of a covering letter can be found on the Prospects website.
Interview Advice:
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview, this is a discussion in person, by phone or online, between you and the employer.
The employer wants to see if you’re the right person for the job. You’ll get the chance to make a good impression and show the employer what you have to offer. You can also see if the job is one you want.
The National Careers Service has information on what to expect in an interview and how to prepare – Interview advice | National Careers Service.
More resources can be found on the below websites:
Barclay Life Skills website
Princes Trust website
Working for yourself
Some individuals opt to work for themselves by becoming self-employed. If you have a business idea that you think might work, this may be something you wish to consider.
There are rules and regulations on running your own business and you need to register as being self-employed to make sure that you are paying the correct taxes. If you are under the age of 18, then you will also be required to be studying towards an accredited qualification alongside being self-employed for at least 20 hours or more per week.
For more information on working for yourself, please visit GOV.UK’s Working for yourself pages.
If you’re aged between 18 and 30 you can approach The Prince’s Trust organisation with a business idea, you’d like to explore. The Prince’s Trust can offer grants and funding to help support young people in turning a viable business idea into secure self-employment.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an effective way of gaining work experience in preparation for future employment, it also means you can:
- meet new people and make friends
- gain skills for work and life
- improve your job prospects
- find out more about work you may be interested in
- gain confidence and self-esteem
To find out what volunteering opportunities are available locally, check out Wiltshire’s Volunteer Centre or if you would like some additional information, then try out the website links below:
- Community First support for volunteering.
- Find volunteer placements – Find volunteer opportunities – GOV.UK
- National Trust – Volunteer with us | National Trust
- Volunteer Now – Home – Volunteer Now
Work experience
Work experience involves spending time with a real employer, working alongside employees. It is a great way to experience the roles and responsibilities of real jobs.
You may have completed work experience in Year 10, but it may be useful when you have left school to help improve your CV, as part of your training or just to get a feel of a job before pursuing it as a career.
Many large employers will offer a work placement, just make sure that health and safety measures are followed with whichever employer you choose for your work experience.
Wiltshire Council offer placements throughout the year, check out their careers website for more information.
Your rights at work
Everyone has rights at work. These include things like
- Having a contract of employment
- Having set hours and time off
- Having the correct rates of pay
If you are still at school, Wiltshire Council has information to help you and any employers. Child employment and performance – Wiltshire Council website.
Check out the government website to find out more about your employee rights here as well as the rules from the government on when children can work and what sort of work they can do – Minimum ages children can work – GOV.UK website.
The Health and Safety Executive also have guidance and information for – Young workers – HSE.