Life after GCSEs: Q&A with careers adviser
As more than 700,000 teenagers across the country receive their GCSE results, National Careers Service adviser Vicky Coleman runs through the most common queries with Channel 4 News.
Q: I would like to carry on studying, but I also want to start earning money. How do I go about doing this?
Vicky Coleman: Have you considered doing an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are a great way to learn whilst you earn.
They are available to anyone over the age of 16 and not in full-time education. An apprenticeship takes between one and four years to complete, and they are available in a range of different industries.
The average wage for an apprentice is £170, and you can earn UCAS points should you wish to go to university after your placement finishes.
Q. Help! I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped in my GCSE’s and I’m considering going into full-time employment. I’ve never worked before, and have no idea how to go about getting a job. What shall I do?
Vicky: It’s a good idea to think about areas of work that interest you and explore how you would go about getting into them.
The job profile sections of the National Careers Service website can help with this. It is worth taking the time to explore your options before making a decision as there are many different types of work out there. As well as full time work, you can also consider apprenticeships where you would work and gain accredited qualifications at the same time.
If you are unsure about what area of work you would like to do, you could look for work experience before you look for a permanent job. By volunteering, you’ll gain good experience and learn new skills as well as learning about different industries.
Read more: What options do school leavers have?
Research different industries and organisations, and choose an area that you think looks interesting. Make sure that the experience will improve your own chances of getting back into paid work.
Don’t forget that with the new Raising the Participation Age guidelines, you will be required to participate in at least 280 hours of guided learning over the course of a year if you are employed for more than 20 hours a week.
Q. I’ve decided not to go to college. I’ve already found a job, but I’m really nervous about my first day. Can you give me any advice?
Vicky: It’s natural to feel nervous in these situations – but your employer should be supportive with this. Make sure you arrive on time and are dressed appropriately. Your employer should make everything clear to you, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s also a good idea to arrive prepared, so bring a note pad and pen, as well as proof of identity (such as a passport) and bank details with you.
Q. I did really well in my exams, and I’m hoping that it will put me in a good position to get into University. I know places are really competitive, and I’d like to gain some work experience to put alongside my qualifications. Do you have any tips for writing a great CV?
Vicky: A good CV should be no longer than two sides of A4 and should include all of your previous work experience and qualifications. Make sure you highlight your strengths and achievements, and carefully check your grammar and spelling. If you want more help with your CV, visit the CV Builder tool on the National Careers Service website.
Q. Now that exams are over, I’d like to try and find a job for the summer before going to college. What is the best way to find work?
Vicky: There are a few different ways to job hunt. Approaching companies directly can be a proactive way of finding work. You can find details of potential employers by using your local telephone directory, visiting local town centres, high streets and shopping centres or checking for vacancies online.
It’s helpful to have a good up-to-date CV to hand for potential employers. It might also be worth registering with a few recruitment agencies so they can match you with any suitable vacancies.
Another good way to find work is through networking. Speak to your friends who already have jobs, and if your parents/carers are working, ask them to speak to their colleagues. There may be jobs available that aren’t being advertised.
Visit the National Careers Service website for more information on any of the above.
