Where can I look to find a job?

Check out the following:

• Job search sites, such as fish4jobs and Get my first job

• Jobcentre Plus (your local jobcentre).

• Universal jobmatch. This government site enables you to search and apply for full or part-time jobs. (link - https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job)

• Newspapers, for example, Luton Today has jobs on a Thursday.

• Employment agencies. They can help you to find temporary and permanent jobs.

• Personal contacts. Ask your friends and family if they know about any vacancies.

• Local high streets. You can often find part-time or holiday work advertised in shop or restaurant windows.

• Online directories, such as yell.com to find employers and employment agencies. Check employer websites to see if they are advertising any jobs, or consider sending them a speculative letter or CV. (Link - https://www.yell.com/)

Can I find a job that doesn't have any training?

The government says that Year 11 students must be in some form of learning until they are 18 years old. So any job you do, including working for a family business or for yourself (self-employment), must include part-time education or training.

Go to the government website  for more information. (link - https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school)

Can I set up my own business?

You will first need to come up with a realistic idea that you can turn into a product or service. You will then need to test the market and develop a business plan. You’ll also need funding to set the business up.

Advice about starting your own business is available on the government website .(link - https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business)

The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. It offers help to 18 to 30 year olds who are either unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week. (link - https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/support-starting-business)

How much is the minimum wage?

The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website. (link - https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates)

 What age can I start work?

The youngest age you can work part-time is 13, except if you are involved in areas such as television, theatre and modelling (children working in these areas will need a performance licence).

You can start full-time work once you have officially left school (you can work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week). Once you reach 18, adult employment rights and rules apply. More information is available on the government website. (link -https://www.gov.uk/child-employment)

I'm still at school, are there any restrictions about what part-time work I can do and when I can do it?

You must be at least 13 years old and you are not allowed to work in places like a factory or industrial site.

You are also not allowed to work:

• During school hours.

• Before 7am or after 7pm.

• For more than one hour before school (unless local bylaws allow it).

• For more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour.

There are also special rules which only apply during term times and school holidays. For example, during term time you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:

• A maximum of 2 hours on school days/Sundays.

• A maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds.

During school holidays, 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes:

• A maximum of 5 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.

• A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.

During school holidays, 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:

• A maximum of 8 hours on weekdays/Saturdays.

• A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays.

Full details are available on the government website. (Link - https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/restrictions-on-child-employment)

 I'm interested in doing voluntary work, where can I find out more information about this?

Although the work is usually unpaid, there are lots of good reasons to become a volunteer, such as doing something useful in your spare time, making a contribution to your community, meeting new people, making friends or learning a new skill. It’s also a great way to gain experience, which may also help you with your future career plans.

Use these websites to find out more:

National Citizen Service is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England. It helps you build your skills for work and life, while you take on new challenges and meet new friends. Participants develop a social action project to deal with a local issue they’re passionate about, and spend 30 hours putting the project into action in their community. (link - https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/national-citizen-service)

Volunteering Matters. This was formerly called CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and they offer a range of volunteering opportunities. (Link - https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/)