What do I do if I just want to get a job?

One of your 4 options after leaving school is to seek employment or to “find a job”!  Many young people decide against continuing in education because they feel this is like school. They may not have the relevant qualifications to access an apprenticeship or simply want to earn money. Parents may feel that because they, themselves, left school on Friday and started work the following Monday this is still a realistic possibility for their son or daughter. However, society, the economy and industry has changed significantly.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for a young person under 18 to “find a job”. The reasons for this are straight forward: -

• Firstly public liability insurance is higher for under 18’s so although they can pay you less it actually cost an employer more.
• There are restrictions on the times you can work. Unless agreed with the employer you should not be working before 7 a.m. and certainly can’t do night shifts.
• Depending on the industry there will be restriction on the duties you can undertake, for example working on certain equipment or machinery.
• Even employers offering low level opportunities prefer you to have experience and it is unlikely that you will have this after year 11.
• Most employers prefer qualification and experience.

If family, friends or other employers are willing to take you on but you feel this is purely a job with no training, you may be surprised to here that there may be relevant vocational training that can be organised.  An example of this is if a YP go to work in their parents shop NVQ are offered in Retail and can be arranged for you. Speak to you Connexions PA about this.

This page was last updated on the 18th of February 2008 and is scheduled for review on or before the 18th of February 2009