What Do I Do Next?
Leaving school can feel like a big step – but it is an exciting time with lots of options. Here is our guide to what is out there for you…
Further and Higher Education
College or university can be a great way to gain extra skills, knowledge and even experience in your chosen field.
West College Scotland has a range of part and full-time courses in a variety of subjects and different levels. College courses tend to be skills-based, and more practical than uni degrees.
The University of the West of Scotland has many under- and postgraduate courses. A university degree can help make your CV or application stand out when you’re up against other candidates for a job, and you’ll learn loads of transferable skills, too.
If you want help with an application to college or uni, or just to chat through your options, speak to an employability advisor at the Youth Employability Hub, Paisley, by calling 0300 300 1180.
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Training
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) allow you to earn while you train, and work towards an industry-recognised qualification. MAs also give you the chance to make contacts, gain transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and IT, as well as industry-specific skills in a real workplace.
The idea is you work, study and train at the same time – meaning you’re learning skills on-the-job, studying for a qualification, gaining work experience and earning money!
MAs are open to anyone over the age of 16 and can take between one and four years to complete. There is a national minimum wage for apprentices which is £2.68ph for 16-18 year olds, or apprentices in their first year, but may rise with age or experience. Apprentices are also entitled to paid holidays and other benefits.
For more information on MAs with Renfrewshire Council, see here.
There are other training opportunities available for school leavers. To find out what we are offering, see the Training section of our website.
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Volunteering
Want to learn new skills and build your confidence? Volunteering is a great way to show potential employers how determined you are to succeed, and pick up new skills on the way.
There are many different ways you can volunteer, and thousands of opportunities. Although mostly unpaid, some voluntary jobs can be part-time, allowing you to work alongside a voluntary position, and others offer travel expenses.
There are lots of official volunteering organisations such as Engage Renfrewshire, or the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme. And many local groups and organisations will require volunteers, such as Fairtrade stores, activity groups and local charities.
To find out more, see here.
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Gap Year
A gap year between school and further education or employment could be just the thing to help you work out what you want. They’re also a great way to add to your CV – be it through work, volunteering or travelling.
If you’re taking a gap year, it’s best you do something with it – otherwise it could jeopardise your future employment prospects. Use it to make important contacts, save money, learn new skills or experience new things, instead of sitting on the sofa watching soaps!
Speak to one of our employability advisers about how you can make a gap year work for you.
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Work Experience
Perhaps you want a taster of work before you decide whether a job or industry is for you? Or maybe you want to enhance your CV with some work experience and references? Work experience is a great way to do both, while making valuable contacts and developing your skills.
Work experience can be paid or unpaid, and short or long term. Some work trials last for a week, others for months.
Invest has put together a list of work experience programmes we’re currently running. However, the list doesn’t include many of the opportunities out there. Speak to an employability advisor at our Youth Hub to find out about how you can gain work experience.
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Jobs
Invest in Renfrewshire’s aim is to help lower unemployment and grow the local economy – that means we try to create jobs and match them to local unemployed people.
Our Current Opportunities section lists lots of local jobs, and our Youth Employability Hub is tailored for under 25s. Call in and see us or make an appointment with an advisor by calling 0300 300 1180.
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Benefit and Money Advice
Jobseekers Allowance is usually for unemployed people aged 18 or over. However, if you are unemployed and under 18, and not in full-time education, you may still be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance. See the Jobcentre Plus website for more information.
Income Support helps people on a low income pay their day-to-day living costs.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may get Income Support if you:-
- have a child or are pregnant
- are on certain kinds of training course.
For more information on what benefits you’re entitled to, speak to your local Jobcentre Plus centre.
College bursaries and university grants or loans can help you pay your way through further or higher education. For more information, see your college or university website, or speak to your school UCAS advisor.
For help applying, ask your employability advisor for more information.
