Connexions Somerset continues to help young workers and jobseekers beyond the time they leave school or college. Some services may only be available to the age of eighteen; others to the age of 20.
Work Based Learning/Apprenticeship trainees Young people undertaking Work Based Learning or Apprenticeships (and other forms of formal training) are entitled to seek advice at their local Connexions centre. This could concern career development prospects as well as the opportunities for gaining additional qualifications.
Advice is also available for those young people experiencing difficulties during their training. This might involve considering another placement, looking at a return to study or exploring a career alternative.
Employment without formal training Young people in temporary, part-time or short-term employment often require careers advice to help them move on to something more appropriate. This is available through Connexions Somerset and is likely to focus on educational and training opportunities.
Extra help may be available for certain young people who are not receiving formal training at work. This is through the government’s “Time off for Study & Training” initiative specifically aimed at young people who do not possess many qualifications. These young workers now have the right to time off should they want to gain extra qualifications. Details are available from Connexions Somerset.
Seeking work or training Unemployed young people are regular users of the services provided by Connexions Somerset. Our services include a job-centre style vacancy service for young jobseekers.
This means Connexions Somerset handles and advertises a range of jobs notified by local and national employers.
As part of the process young people registering for work are automatically informed of those jobs likely to be of interest to them.
Connexions Somerset can also help young people improve their job-hunting techniques. This might involve support with interviewing skills and written applications. It may also include constructive tips about where to find employment and how to develop those extra skills needed for employment.
Plenty of advice is also available about benefits, allowances, courses and training opportunities.
Young people experiencing particular difficulties may be entitled to additional one-to-one support appropriate to individual needs and circumstances. Please enquire at your local Connexions centre for further details.
