If you choose the employment route you will also need to work towards a nationally-recognised qualification. You can be employed, self-employed or volunteer for 20 hours or more a week while in part-time education or training. If this route interests you, you should check what opportunities it would give you for employment and further training in the future. If you are looking for a job, check:
• Internet recruitment sites (e.g. indeed, Totaljobs, Reed, Jobsite)
• Jobcentre Plus
• Universal jobmatch - www.gov.uk/jobsearch
• Local and national newspapers
• Professional or specialist journals – often available for free in libraries
• Recruitment agencies - some employers carry out their main recruiting through agencies so signing up can give you access to jobs that are not advertised elsewhere
• Personal contacts - around 60% jobs are never advertised; talk to family, friends, teachers, Facebook friends and anybody else who knows you about possible opportunities
• Social Media - follow companies you would like to work for on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and watch out for job vacancies (remember to be professional online – potential employers can see what you post on social media)
• Local and city centre businesses – check shop and restaurant windows
• Approach employers – contact employers direct on a speculative basis by email, letter or CV to enquire about opportunities
Remember that if you are in employment you also need to be working towards a recognised qualification for at least 280 hours of learning over a year (roughly equivalent to 1 day a week).
To find out more about your post-16 choices visit www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16
Independent careers advice: Mrs Colgan, the Careers Adviser is available in school.