Jobs and Employment

Your Personal Advisor can help you access employment support and connect you with services that can help you prepare for work.

This may include support with:

• Career planning

• Job searching

• Apprenticeship applications

• Work experience opportunities

• Volunteering

• Interview preparation

• Building confidence

• Developing workplace skills

Everyone's journey is different and support will be tailored to your individual needs.

Care experienced young people can access support from employability professionals who can help you prepare for work and develop the skills employers are looking for.

Support may include:

• Exploring different career paths

• Understanding your strengths

• Identifying training opportunities

• Setting realistic goals

• Building confidence and resilience

• Creating a career action plan

You don't need to know exactly what you want to do. Sometimes the first step is simply exploring what interests you.

A CV helps employers understand your skills, experience and achievements.

If you've never written a CV before, don't worry.

We can help you:

• Create your first CV

• Update an existing CV

• Highlight your strengths

• Include volunteering and life experience

• Tailor your CV for specific jobs

Many employers are interested in your attitude, reliability and willingness to learn as much as your qualifications.

Applying for jobs can sometimes feel confusing.

Support is available to help you:

• Complete application forms

• Write personal statements

• Understand job descriptions

• Prepare supporting information

• Submit applications online

If you're unsure where to start, your Personal Advisor can help you break the process down into manageable steps.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first one.

We can help you prepare by:

• Practising interview questions

• Building confidence

• Understanding what employers are looking for

• Choosing suitable interview clothing

• Planning travel arrangements

• Learning how to present yourself professionally

Remember, interviews are not just about employers getting to know you. They are also an opportunity for you to decide whether a job is right for you.

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while gaining qualifications and workplace experience.

They combine practical work with training and can lead to long-term careers in many industries.

Benefits of apprenticeships include:

• Earning a wage

• Gaining qualifications

• Learning from experienced professionals

• Building workplace skills

• Developing confidence

Your Personal Advisor can help you search for apprenticeship opportunities and support you through the application process.

Work experience and volunteering can help you:

• Gain confidence

• Develop new skills

• Meet new people

• Strengthen future applications

• Explore different careers

Even a short placement can help you discover what you enjoy and build valuable experience for your CV.

Starting work or training can sometimes involve additional costs.

Depending on your circumstances, support may be available for:

• Travel costs

• Work-related equipment

• Training expenses

• Interview travel

• Work clothing

• Course materials

If you're worried about costs, speak to your Personal Advisor before turning down an opportunity.

Starting work often means managing your own income for the first time.

Support is available to help you understand:

• Wages and payslips

• Tax and National Insurance

• Budgeting

• Banking

• Saving money

• Managing bills

Building good financial habits early can help you feel more confident and independent.

Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job.

Employment is about learning, gaining experience and building confidence.

Every job teaches valuable skills such as:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Time management

• Responsibility

These skills can help you progress into future roles and opportunities.

When you start work, you have rights.

These include:

• Being paid at least the National Minimum Wage

• Working in a safe environment

• Protection from discrimination

• Receiving payslips

• Taking breaks and holidays

If you're unsure about your rights, ask your Personal Advisor for advice and support.