Work and Training

This section is divided into a number of categories. To go directly to your area of interest, click on one of the options below or scroll down the page to read it all;

• Part-time work
• Job hunting, application forms, CVs
• Key skills
• Job information
• Interview Techniques
• Training
• Apprenticeships
• e2e (‘Entry To Employment’)
• Worktrain

Part-time work

If you have not yet reached the legal school leaving age, you will need to be aware of the national regulations on how many hours young people may work.  You may also require a work permit and be subject to local by-laws.

As a guide:

13-14 year olds can work

• 5 hours a day - up to 25 hours a week (excluding Sundays) - during holidays
• 2 hours a day – up to 12 hours a week - out of school hours during school days
• 5 hours a day on Saturdays
• up to 2 hours on Sundays

15-16 year olds can work

• 8 hours a day – up to 35 hours a week (excluding Sundays) – during holidays
• 2 hours a day – up to 12 hours a week – out of school hours during school days
• 8 hours a day on Saturdays
• up to 2 hours on Sundays

17 year olds can work

• Up to 8 hours a day up to 40 hours a week

18+ year olds can work

• Adult working hours apply – 48 hours a week

To find out more about employment under school leaving age, contact Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009, email contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk or visit www.surreycc.gov.uk


Job hunting, application forms, CVs

If you are seeking work or applying for a job, your Connexions Personal Adviser can help you identify what type of work you would like to do, how to find job vacancies and how to apply for them.

If want to explore the options for yourself, there is lots of information available in your local Connexions Centre which provide advice on job seeking, applications and CVs.  Check out the local press for vacancies. It’s also worth visiting these other websites;

• www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
• www.surreyjobs.info
• www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
• www.worktrain.co.uk
• www.monster.co.uk

Check out Connexions Direct for articles on writing a CV, going for interviews and work experience.

Key skills

When thinking about applying for work, you need to consider what skills employers see as important.  You may feel you are already competent in the key skills of literacy, numeracy, IT, team working and problem solving, but you need to give some evidence of how you meet those skills.  It is also important that you are willing to keep improving your skills and knowledge.

• www.dfes.gov.uk/keyskills

Job information

When thinking about work and training, you need to know what is available, what different jobs involve, the qualifications needed or entry requirements they have and how to get into them.

All schools, colleges and Connexions Centres should have resources covering a wide range of occupational information.  These should be filed using the Connexions Resource Centre Index (CRCI).

The CRCI has eleven main sections, each with a colour coded icon to help you find information easily.  Information about jobs is filed in the Work and Training section.


Interview Techniques

It is worth having a practice interview if possible, or at least reading up on some tips to help on the day.

Check out the Connexions Surrey publication ‘A Guide For Jobseekers’ for hints and tips or visit www.alec.co.uk

The agencies listed in the section titled ‘Job hunting, application forms, CVs’ can offer advice.  There are also books and videos available at your local Connexions Centre or at your school or college.


Training

There are many forms of work based training available, which should give you the qualifications you need to do the job, and also give you the chance to develop your career.  This is an excellent way to train, particularly if you don’t want to do a full-time college course.

If you are 16 or 17 and have left school or college with less than five GCSEs at grades A-C, or equivalent, you are entitled by law to time off for study and training.

Your employer must give you paid time off if you wish to study for a level 2 qualification, even if it doesn’t directly relate to your job.


Apprenticeships are available at different levels, but they all lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), key skills qualifications, and in most cases a technical certificate such as BTEC or City & Guilds.

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money at the same time.

Which apprenticeship is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities in your area. Please remember that competition for places on apprenticeships is always very high!

• Visit  www.apprenticeshipsonline.org/Index.htm to help you find and apply for Apprenticeships online
• Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out more information on Apprenticeships

e2e (‘Entry To Employment’) is another scheme for young people who need additional help into employment and with lifeskills.  On e2e you will have an adviser to help you when needed.  There will be other training programmes available such as New Deal for young people aged 18+ or schemes that are only available in your local area – ask your Connexions Personal Adviser or Job Centre office for further details.


Worktrain gives you local info about jobs, including part-time work that would fit in with studying, training and childcare.

www.dfes.gov.uk/tfst
http://www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/southeast
www.newdeal.gov.uk
www.worktrain.gov.uk

Need advice now?

Find your local Connexions Centre on the interactive map. Don’t forget you can also call Connexions Direct on 080 800 13 2 19 (lines open 8am – 2am, seven days a week), text 07766 4 13 2 19, or click here for a webchat with a Personal Adviser.

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