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Employment and training An alternative to full-time education is to combine work and training to obtain nationally recognised qualifications. All employers offer some form of training to new employees. However, the words used to describe training can be confusing, for example on the job training may mean a very short period of training or an extensive training programme, so it best to find out exactly what is on offer. Some young people choose to arrange their own work pattern by finding part-time employment that fits around a course they wish to study. Some people consider jobs where there is no formal training in the hope that an employer will provide them with part-time training once they have proved themselves. These opportunities should be carefully researched in advance to check the likelihood of the training materialising. Apprenticeships are a popular way of achieving National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in the workplace. Available in a wide range of areas, from business administration to motor trades, they provide an opportunity to enter paid work, and to study part-time to NVQ level 2 or 3. In addition you will cover the key skills that you need to succeed in work: communications, numeracy, IT, team work and problem solving. Competition for places with employers who offer apprenticeships can be fierce, especially in popular areas such as plumbing. Start preparing as soon as possible and ensure that you find out all the details of how much you will be paid and hours of work, to minimise the chance of any surprises later on. Many employers offer in-house training programmes. One way to find out about these is to identify the major employers in your area and check out their websites, or contact them directly. Increasingly employers are putting their vacancies on their websites. If your job requires a professional qualification, an employer may give you time off during the week for further study (although some may expect you to do it in your own time in the evening). Some employers might even sponsor you for a general qualification (eg Higher National Certificate in business studies or computing) although you may need to prove first that you and the company will benefit. Whilst looking for work, and depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for benefits. To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance visit your local Jobcentre/Jobcentre Plus office to arrange a New Jobseeker Interview. If you are still looking for work six months after first receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance you may be eligible for New Deal. This government funded scheme offers individually tailored help to move into employment, with access to your own New Deal Personal Adviser and independent careers advice. Your local careers library in school/college, or careers centre, will have a wide selection of books and software to help you with writing CVs, making applications and attending interviews. Just call in to make use of them – you don’t usually need to make an appointment.
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