Looking for work
Looking for Work You may wish to look for either full-time work, or part-time work to support you while you study. This part of the guide describes how to find and get a job. Health Warning! Are you planning to seek full-time work? •
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Starting in 2013, young people will be required by law to stay in education for a further year. In 2015, young people will be required to stay in education until they are at least 18. This means the young people, who leave school after you, will be leaving with an extra year of qualifications and skills. To be competitive, make sure you seek employment which offers you the chance to gain new skills and qualifications.
If you have had enough of education and are keen to work choose employment opportunities carefully and look for employers who are willing to give you accredited training (such as an apprenticeship). If you have not achieved your 5 GCSEs at grade A-C or equivalent, you have the Right to Time Off for Study or Training (more information overleaf). Would your employer consider making your job into an apprenticeship? There are many areas such as customer service, retail and business admin where you could get assessed in the workplace for a qualification and while you are aged 16/17, the government, not your employer, will pay the costs of the training.
CVs, applications and covering letters CVs and covering letters are essential marketing tools for your job searchMost young people have the opportunity to produce a CV at school. Keep this up to date. You may also want to adapt it for different jobs – stressing different skills and interest to match the employer’s needs. You need to capture an employer’s attention by linking your skills and interests to the job requirements. Click on the links below for further information about writing a CV.
Creating your first CV Writing a CV A CV should never be sent on its own. A covering e-mail or letter is needed to explain why you are writing and what you want e.g. replying to a vacancy, seeking work experience or possible apprenticeship. Click on the links below for advice on letters and applications. -1-
Covering letters Letters and job application forms Where to find vacancies? There are many different ways to find work; •
Newspapers and advertising papers; both local and national newspapers advertise vacancies – which can be found in the printed paper and on-line. Some national papers have set days that they print certain types of vacancies, but you can search on-line at any time. Research your career idea to find out which days and which papers/specialist magazines will advertise. Local papers include The Argus and FridayAd.
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Company websites; many employers now list their vacancies on-line – usually listed under Careers or Work for Us. Search for companies you would like to work for and add their vacancy page to your favourites.
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Shop windows and notice boards; many retailers, cafes and bars still recruit by putting a sign in the window. The Youth Employability Service produce a summary of local vacancies called ‘Vacancies on the Street’, which you can download from their Facebook page.
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Jobcentreplus You don’t have to visit the Jobcentre to see their vacancies, you can search at Directgov jobs and skills search
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Speculative Applications; you don’t have to sit and wait. You could try sending a targeted CV and letter/e-mail to companies which interest you. Find out what you can on-line first – either to research the employer or to identify local businesses.
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National Apprenticeship Service and Training Providers You can find out about apprenticeship vacancies in 3 ways; 1. Register at www.apprenticeships.org.uk 2. View on-line at www.brightonandhovejobs.com 3. Identify training providers at www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com which will signpost their individual websites.
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Specialist magazines; some professions advertise through specialist magazines or websites. You need to check with the professional bodies to find to who these are. Look on Job Profiles.
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Recruitment Agencies; recruitment agencies work to match potential candidates to employers. They may specialise in certain types of work, and can offer both temporary and permanent vacancies. They mostly deal with workers who are 18+ and have some experience, but they can work with under 18s if you have a letter from the Youth Employability Service. Some agencies have a presence on the high street but others are on-line only. Also see www.brightonandhovejobs.com which is an on-line only agency specialising in the Brighton and Hove area.
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Friends and Family Let your friends and family know you are seeking work, in case they hear of any opportunities -2-
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Help with finding work? o Youth Employability Service o City Jobs at City College
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Things I should know about working…. Employment while at still at school • •
Although you can work while you are still at school, there are regulations in place to restrict the hours and type of work that you can do Details of the regulations can be found at the Brighton and Hove City Council link
Employment Law • •
Employment law treats young people aged under 18 differently from adults. If you are working, you should be aware of the law and how it affects you. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau offer easy to understand information about employment law for young people www.adviceguide.org.uk
Right to Time Off to Study •
If you are aged 16 or 17 and leave school without 5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent, and in a job with little or no training, you are entitled to ask your employer for something called Time Off for Study or Training (TfST). TfST entitles you to reasonable paid time off during normal working hours to study or train for an approved qualification. This must be a Level 2 qualification that will help improve your future employment prospects. The time off you get will depend on the course, your circumstances, and your employer’s needs. If you're 18, you're also allowed to finish any qualifications that you've already started
Starting Your Own Business For further information on self-employment or starting your own business, see Starting a business when you are young | Business Link. You can also get support from the Princes Trust Enterprise Programme and Shell LiveWIRE.
What do I do if I can’t find work? •
If you find yourself out of work, get registered with the Youth Employability Service who can help you in your search for work, education or training. They also have information about a range of courses that start mid-year and options such as Princes Trust, ON2 and Opt in. They will be able to answer your questions about out of work benefits and put you in touch with Jobcentreplus who will decide if you are eligible. Although few 16/17 year olds qualify for JSA, your parent or carer may be able to claim Extended Child Benefit for a short period while you look for work or training.
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Produced in September 2011 by the Health Schools Team, Brighton and Hove City Council
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