Training and Work

If you are thinking about working you should choose a job that offers some training. The right training will lead to a nationally recognised qualification. People with qualifications have better long-term job prospects and generally earn more. There are fewer jobs for people who are untrained.

Apprenticeships

• Designed to give you the skills and experience needed to succeed in your chosen career path.
• As an apprentice you'll work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off-the-job, usually on a day release basis, is supplied by a local training provider such as a college.
• An apprenticeship generally takes between one and three years to complete. Some, such as engineering, can take up to five years.
• All apprenticeships include a work-related qualification to either level 2 or 3. Most include a technical qualification such as a BTEC or City and Guilds and other qualifications and requirements as specified by the particular occupation.
• You'll continue to develop your functional and personal, learning and thinking skills.
• Apprenticeships can lead on to higher education.
• The National Apprenticeship Service was launched in April 2009. It includes the Vacancy Matching Service where you can apply online for apprenticeships.
• Apprentices earn a minimum of £95 per week (as of August 2009). Many earn more than this.
• Programme-led Apprenticeship - you'd begin your training with a college or work-based learning provider before moving on to complete it with an employer. You may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) to help cover your learning costs before you find a job.

e2e (Entry to Employment) Programme

• For young people who are not ready to start work at the end of Year 11.
• Programmes are personalised to fit your needs.
• Can include a vocational qualification; work experience placements; help with reading and writing, using numbers and life skills.
• You may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

Self-employment

Do you have a great idea for starting your own business? Do you know how to go about setting one up? Starting your own business is a big step and you'll need to spend a lot of time researching and planning before you go ahead. You'll need to consider:

• what product/service you are going to offer.
• if you need to approach a bank for a business loan.
• if you need an accountant to look after the money side.
• if you need to rent premises to work from.
• if you need to hire staff.
• how you will source any raw materials.
• how you will market your product/service.
• how you will distribute your product/service.

Starting your own business is not an easy option but it can be very rewarding. Use the information available to you. Gain from others' experiences.

Connexions is a great source of information and advice on self-employment. There will be information in the Connexions centre and a personal adviser will be able to put you in touch with local organisations that can help and support.

Right to time off for study or training

Time off for study or training will help you if you are 16-17, have few qualifications and are employed in a job that offers little or no training.

Time off for study or training:

• helps you to gain skills and qualifications that will give you a better future.
• allows you to train at college, at your workplace, through open or distance learning.
• gives you time off work to study or train and still get paid.
• means your employer must give you reasonable time off.

Working abroad

For many young people the first experience of working abroad will be:

• as a volunteer on an organised programme.
• as part of a gap year.
• a short-term holiday job.

Whatever your interests, skills or previous experience there is bound to be something out there to suit and challenge you. You might want to do something you are already familiar with, or try something completely different.

Working abroad will take some time to organise. You'll need to explore all the possibilities so you get the right experience. You'll need a passport. You might need to apply for a visa or work permit. There may be vaccinations to have. You'll need to consider travel and health insurance.

Your local Connexions centre will have lots of information about opportunities abroad to get you started. You could also speak to a personal adviser about your ideas and plans.