Do an apprenticeship
Most first jobs will provide some sort of training - which is great for the CV but all the different sorts of training can be confusing. Here's a round-up of what's available:
Company training schemes
Some companies, particularly big, national ones, run their own in-house training schemes. These are usually aimed at people entering the workplace with advanced level qualifications. Companies often start recruiting from January of the year you will be completing your course. Ask at your local Connexions Centre for details of companies offering their own training schemes, or look for adverts in the national press. You could also write direct to companies to ask whether they have a training scheme you could apply for.
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship is a planned, high quality training programme of work-based training and education. There are different types of Apprenticeship:
Programme Led Apprenticeships
These are a route into full Apprenticeships/Advanced Apprenticeships for young people who are not yet employed. You attend a college, training centre or work placement and do the technical certificate and key skills parts of an Apprenticeship. This should enable you to find an employer and then transfer to a full Apprenticeship where you can work towards gaining National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). While on a Programme Led Apprenticeship you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and your parents/carers could be entitled to claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit.
Employer Led Apprenticeships
These lead to an NVQ at level 2, key skills and technical certificates. Entry requirements vary from none to some GCSEs at grade C or above. Some companies use this as a first step towards an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced Apprenticeships lead to a level 3 NVQ (equivalent to an advanced level qualification), key skills and technical certificates. Minimum entry requirements are normally four GCSEs at grade C or above, an NVQ 2 or equivalent qualifications. Both Apprentices and Advanced Apprentices are employed and paid a wage of at least £80 a week.
Interested?
Check out: www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com
You can also speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser to find out what is available. They can give you information about vacancies and help you to arrange interviews with employers and training providers.
Entry to Employment (e2e)
e2e is a programme to support young people wanting to get themselves on training courses/an Apprenticeship or into employment/ further education. E2e could give you the chance to try out a range of work and learning situations, develop motivation and confidence, basic and/or key skills and to gain some qualifications. The length of the programme is flexible to suit your individual needs. And you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) whilst taking part in this programme. Ask your Connexions Personal Adviser or contact your local Connexions Centre for further information or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema
There's loads more information on job seeking, training and learning in the Connexions publications: Click here to see the full set