Young and employed
Saturday 12 September 2009
You can find many work opportunites if you look in the right places.
Get some experience
Not many people realise how important and beneficial work experience is. A recent study revealed that 69 per cent of employers are more likely to hire you if you have relevant experience.
Why not get started?
Hobbies
What magazines do you read, what websites do you visit, what brands are you into? Make some calls and find out whether they offer work experience. Chances are they do.
Positions can be quite competitive so you’ve got to be determined. You might have to chase people around to prove that you won’t give up as well – a simple phone call here and there won’t hurt anyone.
In-school experience
Want to get into the media? If your school, college or uni has a magazine or radio station then why not ask the person in charge if you can help out a bit? Or ask a teacher if you can assist in one of their classes. If they know you well enough then they will probably be really keen on the offer.
Careers section
Most educational establishments have a careers department that specialise in helping you get a job. They give you information on specific job roles, help you smooth out your CV and get you in contact with local employers. It’s worth paying them a visit.
Contacts
A lot of the time, knowing the ‘right’ people can help you get a job. If you know someone who works in the field you are interested in, see if they can pass your details on to the relevant people.
Work trials
Visit your nearest Jobcentre Plus and ask them about their work trials. Usually trials are only offered to people over the age of 25, but exceptions can be made. Positions can last for up to six weeks and cover the cost of expenses - £10 for travel and £3 for food a day.
Work placements
Sandwich courses provide a year’s worth of employment, or two six-month periods, at a job. Positions aren’t served on a plate though, and you might have to team up with your careers department to make sure it goes through. Usually placements are paid so that’s an added bonus.
The Year in Industry secures placements for people in their gap year, and A level and uni students too. There are over 300 slots that need to be filled so visit their site.
Educational ties
Who says you can't mix education with work?
With an Apprenticeship you can land a job with other experienced staff members to learn the skills of the trade, and study for a NVQ at the same time. One of the best perks is that it pays. Yep, you'll have an income!
If you want to take a route that’s more classroom friendly, but still provides hands on experience, then a Diploma might be for you. As well as theoretical study, you can also go out to the workforce to gain some experience. Ashley is a Diploma student - watch his video.
Supporting you!
Backing Young Britain is a new campaign that recognises the potential in you and aims to help you reach your goals. The campaign is hoping to create 85,000 different work-related opportunities including more jobs, work experience, training and apprenticeships.
So next time you’re food shopping with your folks in Asda, or flying high with British Airways or simply want to Make Your Mark, then make sure you know how you are being supported.
