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Your job options

We all have different ideas about what we want to do for work.

Maybe you'd like to work in a shop, work with animals, or become a doctor or teacher. It's okay to change your mind over time. It's also okay if you don't know what job you want.

For some jobs, you may need skills, while for others you may need a qualification. You get a qualification after passing a test or a course.

What having a job means to me

This video from Mencap explains why people love having jobs and why it makes them feel independent.

What having a job means to me video transcript.

Talk to about your options

You may already have a job in mind, or you may have no idea and that's ok. It's sometimes hard to know what you want to do in the future. Why not, sit down and talk through your ideas with your careers advisor, a family member or a trusted friend. They'll tell you what skills, qualifications or training you need.

To help you, why not think about:

  • your likes and dislikes
  • your skills and talents
  • what is important to you
  • your hopes for your future
  • your interests.

National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) have a great job profile documents that you can download and fill in. The document helps you to describe your likes, dislikes, or the extra support at work.

For more help visit one of the below websites:

Visit GOV.UK to read the guidance for schools and colleges on careers guidance. If you're a parent or a carer, visit Young Employment UK to read great advice.

Your options

Whether you're looking for a job or skills, here are some options to help you.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a paid job, where you earn and learn. You will spend:

  • about 4 days as an apprentice
  • 1 day at a college, training centre or at work.

To be an apprentice, you need to be at least 16 years old. Most apprentices are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old, but you can be older.

Qualifications range from Level 2 to 7, and take at least 1 year to complete and are nationally recognised. This may take longer if you're doing a higher-level apprenticeship.

Continuing your apprenticeship will not affect your education, health, and care plan (EHC).

To complete your apprenticeship, you will pass a qualification or an assessment.

To find out more about apprenticeships:

Supported apprenticeships

Supported apprenticeships can help you to achieve an apprenticeship. You will only need to work towards the standard requirements of English and maths, if you are unable to achieve a Level 2 in these subjects.

You will be supported with:

  • applications to become an apprenticeship
  • interview skills
  • support while in work if needed.

Your employer can also get help to make you feel comfortable and supported in the workplace.

For more information about supported apprenticeships visit Base UK's website or email david.stenning@theeducationpeople.org.

Depending on the type of job you apply for, the hours you will work will change. Usually jobs are either:

  • full time (working 35 to 40 hours a week)
  • part time (working less than 35 hours a week)
  • flexible (working hours to suit you)
  • casual work (you can pick and choose when you work).

To find jobs near you, visit:

For help finding a job contact Kent Supported Employment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funds internships and supported internships. An internship or a supported internship is unpaid work experience that lasts up to 1 year. A traineeship lasts up to 6 months.

Once the 6 months or year have passed, you are ready to progress to an apprenticeship or employment.

You will learn skills for work with the aim of moving into long term paid employment at the end of the internship.

If you have an education, health and care (EHC) plan, your plan will not be stopped and will continue with your supported internship or traineeship.

For more information:

Maybe you'd like to start your own business. It could be something you're interested in, or something you've never seen before.

Being your own boss can be challenging, stressful, but rewarding. There are tons of organisations and free resources online that can help you.

For advice and guidance you can:

Supported employment gives you the opportunity to get support from a work coach. They work with you and your employer to get you an apprenticeship or internship. Or they may support you in finding work related learning.

Find out about the Kent Supported Employment service.

Work experience is a temporary role often unpaid.

It's a great way to build your skills and try out a certain job or career that interests you.

Find work experience opportunities with us.

Work related learning gives you the opportunity to start to work, and learn at the same time. You may get a qualification in customer service or as a gym instructor, for example.

Find out more about work related learning.

You can give back to your community by volunteering. It's great for improving your skills, making new friends, and advancing your career. Volunteering isn't free, and you'll have to give your time.

Find volunteering opportunities near you.

Watch this video from National Careers Service to learn top tips for volunteering.

Apply for a job

When you find the job you want, you'll need to apply and hopefully get an interview.

Read our tips and guidance to help you get the job.