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Your job options

There are many different jobs available for you. Every job will ask for different things for you to be able to apply for the role. Some may be skills based, while others you may need qualifications.

What having a job means to me

Mencap have put together a great video to help you to understand why having a job is great. Hear from many people across the UK why having a job is important to them, and how it makes them feel independent.

What having a job means to me video transcript.

Who to talk to about your options

If you are unsure what job you're suited to, what qualifications, skills or training your need, you should talk to your careers advisor.

All schools, academies, free schools, colleges and local authority maintained pupil referral units must give you the opportunity to speak to a registered careers advisor. You can read the statutory guidance for schools and colleges on providing careers guidance on the GOV.UK website.

If your education setting cannot provide a careers advisor, you should raise this with the board of governors or Ofsted.

To find out if your careers advisor is registered visit the Career Development Institute website to search for their name.

If you don't want to speak to your careers advisor, contact:

For parents and carers looking for advice to help your young person visit the Youth Employment UK website.

Your options

Whether you're ready to start a full time job or you want to gain skills to help you progress, here are some choices and additional support for you.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a paid job, where you earn and learn. You will spend about 4 days as an apprentice, and 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.

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

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:

You may want to start your own business and become self employed. Your business could be something that you're interested in, or a business that you haven't seen anywhere else before.

Working for yourself, can be challenging, stressful but very rewarding. There are lots of organisations and free online resources that can help you turn your idea into a business.

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.

Volunteering allows you to support your local community. It helps you to improve your skills, make new friends and advance your career. Volunteering is not free and you will give up your own time to help out.

Find volunteering opportunities near you.

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

Apply for a job

Once you have found the job you want, you will need to apply and hopefully get ready for an interview.

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