Career advice

All of the hard work that you do at school has been giving you knowledge and skills to help you move towards a job.

It can be difficult if you are deciding what job or career you would like in the future - there are lots of different things to think about! The websites listed in this section might help you to start thinking about what type of work you would like to do, and what experiences and skills you will need.

Whether you are looking for a summer job, work experience, a part-time or full-time job, or are thinking about an apprenticeship (work-based training), the organisations below might be useful for your search. They have information on where to look for work, tips on writing CVs, interview techniques and information on apprenticeships. 

The RNID website contains advice for jobseekers, the RNID also publish factsheets on employment.

The Jobcentre Plus website has information about looking for work, and help with training programmes such as Worktrain. They have information about Access to Work and specialist support for disabled people looking for work. You can contact Jobcentre Plus by voice or textphone. For details of your nearest office, check out their website or your local phone directory.

The Jobserve Live! website has information on jobs, careers, recruitment, volunteering, training opportunities.        

On the Direct.gov website you can search online for jobs and training courses provided by Jobcentre Plus and Learndirect.

The Department for employment and learning in Northern Ireland   website has information on tertiary (third level of) education, training, employment rights.

If you are interested in apprenticeships, have a look at Real work real pay. or for apprenticeships in England try apprenticeships.org.uk.  There are also websites about becoming an apprentice for people living in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.   

You can also contact Connexions Direct for information and advice on all sorts of stuff, including working, job hunting and careers. You can surf their site, contact a Connexions advisor in your local centre, chat with an advisor online, or email, phone or textphone them.

Making decisions about your future can be difficult, so it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about different careers and options. The subjects you choose to study at school can make a difference to the jobs or courses you can apply for.

Discussing your options with teachers, a careers advisor at your school or Connexions service, or friends and family might help you to think about things more clearly.