Get straight into work
After considering all your pathways, and making an informed decision that Higher Education really isn't for you, and it can't support your future career aspirations, you can look to go straight into work, either locally, nationally or internationally. If you decide to go straight to work here are some options available to you once you leave school or college.
Internships
Internships
- Description: A period of work experience where you can try out a job and get to know an industry.
- Location: Workplace
- Duration: 1 week to 1 year
- Entry requirements: Age 16+
- Qualifications: N/A
- Leads to: Work, university/college, traineeships, apprenticeship
What is an internship?
An internship or work placement can give you the opportunity to work at a company with the intention of learning new skills and gaining experience in a particular industry.
More and more companies are offering these types of positions to school leavers, as well as to graduates.
There are three different types of internships:
- Work Shadowing- Work Shadow interns follow one or more members of a team throughout their day-to-day routine, allowing them to learn from top industry professionals.
- Vacation Schemes- These are offered by some of the larger Management, Financial, and Accountancy They act as training programmes and as a way for firms to assess candidates for future roles within the company. These schemes also give candidates the opportunity to see if the company is right for them.
- Work Placements- Work Placements are often part of a degree programme. They tend to be available in fields like Finance, Consultancy, Marketing, and Management. Work placements are designed to give students a taste for working life in their chosen profession, and help add to a more well-rounded education whilst at university.
The length of internships can vary, usually work placements are run over a fixed length of time, typically a number of weeks or months. Smaller companies such as retail businesses or media agencies typically offer shorter internships. A work-shadow opportunity may only last one to two weeks owing to the type of role that is being shadowed.
Local organisations such as LAGAT College provide a range of internships across different sectors in Lincolnshire. For more information click here
Traineeships
A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.
YMCA Lincolnshire are offering opportunities for work experience in a sector you’re interested in. More information can be found in this document.
Kickstart Job
Get a kickstart job
- Description: Get a 6 month paid Kickstart job with a local employer funded by the Government.
- Location: Workplace or from home
- Duration: 6 months
- Entry requirements: Must be aged 16 to 24, in receipt of Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment.
- Qualifications: N/A
- Leads to: A stronger CV and better chance of securing your next job
- Find out more: Depending on your age, talk to your Universal Credit Work Coach or check the jobhelp site
Starting a business
Start a business
- Description: Becoming an entrepreneur can be exciting, but think carefully about your ideas and make a solid business plan.
- Location: Likely to start at home or shared office
- Duration: N/A
- Entry requirements: You may need special skills, qualifications or experience before you can start a business. There may also be start-up costs.
- Qualifications: N/A
- Leads to: Work
- Find out more: The Princes Trust helps young people pursue their dreams of starting a business, with a range of information, mentoring and funding options available. Click here for more information
Getting a Job
Getting a job
- Description: Get straight into the working world to start earning. You'll need an up-to-date CV (CV templates) and cover letter (Cover letter templates).
- Location: Workplace or from home
- Duration: Dependent on job offer
- Entry requirements: Requirements differ between employers. You may need qualifications or experience for some jobs.
- Qualifications: N/A
- Leads to: Work
- Find out more: Search for vacancies and advice on applying for jobs
For more information and guidance on getting a job, including
- How to find job vacancies
- How to write a CV / Cover letter
- Interview advice
- Creating a LinkedIn profile
Please visit our Careers & Employability page the National Careers Service
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