How to write a CV, how to apply for a job and write an application letter

To apply for a job you will usually need to send a CV and letter of application or you might have to fill out an application form.

Click here for some handy tips

Try this easy to use CV builder that will give you a good looking and useful CV. Click here

Applying for jobs

If you are still in full-time education, let your Connexions Personal Adviser know that you are looking for a job - they may be able to tell you about some current or future vacancies and help you think about how a job fits in with your overall career plans. Latest vacancies can be viewed by clicking here

Any job you start should involve an induction and training plan. Very few people now do the same job all their working life, so you can expect to be switching jobs during your career.

It is very important that you continue to learn and develop key skills to equip yourself for the future.

When applying for a job check to see what training will be offered as lack of qualifications may block your future prospects.

Your rights as an employee

All 16-17 year olds are entitled to paid time off during normal working hours to study for approved qualifications. 

To find out about your rights as an employee visit the Department for Trade and Industry's page on Employment Relations by clicking here 

The National Minimum Wage increased again in October 2006

The minimum wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. There are different minimum wage rates for different groups of workers as follows:

At school/college AND doing a part-time job?

If you are one of many young people doing a part-time job as well as working towards exams, then there are a few things to remember...

Take a look at your job and think about what you are really getting out of it. You are probably doing it for the money, but don't forget that you are also learning some important key skills which could help you get and keep a job in the future. These skills could also help you to get better grades in your school/college courses.

In your job you've got to be business like, whether it is working in a shop, serving in a café or shifting goods in a warehouse. You've had to learn how to manage your time, communicate with others and see tasks through from beginning to end. All jobs involve some responsibility whatever the level. Think about how you can use this experience to record the employability skills that you are developing as part of your school or college work.

However, don't let your job get in the way of the rest of your life. Keep your hours to a reasonable number. Make sure you've still got the time to study and get on with the your social life. You might want to talk this over with your Connexions Personal Adviser, or one of your teachers and discuss how your part-time job experiences could be valuable and linked in to your future education and career plans.

Choosing Training Learning and Earning

Looking to go into training?  There are various options; you could train full time or as well as working.

Work based learning gives you an opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience and a qualification and get paid whilst doing it!

The three types of work-based training programmes are:

• Pre Apprenticeship or Entry to Employment (e2e)
• Apprenticeships
• Advanced Apprenticeships

Time off for study or training

If you are employed, aged 16 or 17 and have left school without getting at least five GCSEs, grade A-C, you are entitled to paid time off for study or training from your employer.

Apprenticeships

With an apprenticeship you can earn while you learn and get the best of both worlds.   As an apprentice you will be able to study for vocational training qualifications and you'll also be able to get hands-on work experience.

However, apprenticeships are very popular and demand for them is high.  They are best suited for people who know the career they want but if you are determined to succeed, then you may well get to be one of the 250,000 young people currently on an Apprenticeship.

To seach for apprenticeships in the Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire click here

Apprenticeship levels

The Apprenticeship family consists of Pre Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship programmes. 

Pre Apprenticeship or Entry to Employment (e2e)

This is a foundation or entry level course for those who have the potential to join an Apprenticeship but aren't quite ready for the full programme.  Entry to Employment gives you the skills to enter the world of work and try out different jobs.  Unlike school, the e2e programme helps you on a one to one basis, or in small groups.  You will have the chance to meet new people and acquire the skills you need to move forward.

There are no formal entry requirements for e2e, however, you should be aged 16-18 and have a strong interest in gaining a job with training.

Apprenticeship

This is a level 2 programme which is equivalent to five A-C GCSEs and covers NVQs, Key Skills and Technical Certificates.

Advanced Apprenticeship

On an Advanced Apprenticeship, you work towards a Level 3 qualification in your chosen industry (equivalent to two A Levels) covering NVQs, Key Skills and Technical Certificates.

For more information about Apprenticeships go to the website www.apprenticeships.org.uk

NVQs

These are practical training qualifications and awarded to you based on your competency in the work place and your industry skills/knowledge.  They are achieved through continual assessments (no final exams), which are monitored by your training provider. 

There are five levels of NVQ, ranging from Level 1 which covers basic work competencies to Level 5 for senior managers.

Employability Skills

You will probably have come across Employability Skills (sometimes known as Key Skills) at school.   Employability Skills include:

• Communication
• Application of Number
• Information Technology
• Working with others
• Improving own learning
• Problem Solving

You need all these skills to do well in the work place  - and in life! 

What to do next

If you want to find out more about Apprenticeships or Entry to Employment, or are still considering other options, or just not sure about the right career for you, then you can talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser who will help you.   You can do this at your school or college, by calling into your nearest Connexions Centre or calling the Connexions Learner Helpline on 0800 923 0323.   They can also tell you which training providers offer which training.

Training Providers

Training providers are organisations that train and assess you as you work towards your Apprenticeship qualification.  Your training might be either at your workplace or, at the training centre or local college.  Training providers may help you find a job, but not in every case.  Click here to find out about training providers in your area.  Whichever training provider you choose, they will keep in regular contact with you to ensure things are running smoothly.

Learning and Skills Council (LSC)

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is an organisation that links up with training providers to ensure there are quality training opportunities on offer.  Check out the LSC website: Click here 

Click here to access the Futures4Me database of learning and training opportunities in the West of England area. 

Look at our Contacts section and our 1 Big Database for lots of useful organisations, links and telephone numbers on a whole range of issues that affect young people.