Jobs - careers advice

Contents

• What is Next Step?
• What does Next Step Offer?
• How do I contact Next Step?
• Do I need an appointment?
• Have I got to stay in learning until I am 17?
• What does raising of the participation age mean?
• Why the government are introducing these changes
• Does this mean my son or daughter will have to stay on at school until the age of 18?
• What does this mean if my son or daughter is in Year 9 or below?
• Derby City Early Leaver’s Questionnaire
• What is happening in Derby?
• Useful resources
• Contact details

What is Next Step?

Next Step is the national careers advice and guidance service for adults and is available free to people in Derby.

18-19 year olds who are job centre plus customers can also access Next Step.

What does Next Step Offer?

Impartial, face to face advice and guidance with qualified advisers who can help you:

• Choose the right job, career or learning course
• Identify your work skills
• Compile a successful CV, complete application forms and prepare for interviews
• Find out about qualifications and jobs, voluntary work and other support to get into work and learning

How do I contact Next Step?

Appointments can be made by contacting The Space@Connexions or through a Jobcentre Plus Personal Adviser. Next Step is part of the Derby Adult Learning Services who provide courses in their learning centres.

Do I need an appointment?

No - you can get initial information and advice by calling in to The Space @Connexions during opening hours and book a follow up appointment

Connexions Personal Advisers & Next Step Careers Advisers are available from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Have I got to stay in learning until I am 17?

From 2013, there will be a change to the age that young people can leave education or training.

What does raising of the participation age mean?

It is the Government’s policy that by 2013, all young people will be expected to stay in some form of learning until they are 17. This will increase to age 18 by 2015.

This means that those young people who are due to complete Year 11 in 2013 will be the first to benefit from these changes. You will be expected to remain in learning for another year, while those finishing Year 11 from 2014 onwards will be expected to remain in learning until they are 18.

Why the government are introducing these changes

The economy and the world of employment are changing. In the future more jobs in the UK will require a higher level of skills, training and qualifications.

The changes will help to prepare you for successful careers and equip our workforce for the demands of the 21st Century as with an increasingly competitive job market, more and more jobs require higher level of skills, training and qualifications. Staying on in learning will improve young people’s chances of having a better future and lifestyle.

For example, if you gain a Level 2 qualification and above - equivalent to five or more GCSEs grades A* to C - you can earn on average around £100,000 more over your lifetime than someone who leaves learning with fewer qualifications. Having more qualifications also helps to reduce the risk of having long periods of unemployment.

Does this mean my son or daughter will have to stay on at school until the age of 18?

No - it’s not just about staying at school. There will be more opportunities for young people than ever before and whilst staying on at school until they’re 18 will remain an option, there will be lots of other learning opportunities available through colleges, other training providers and employers.

Young people will be able to choose from:

• GCSEs and A levels
• Apprenticeships
• Diplomas
• Foundation learning
• vocational qualifications, or
• employment with part-time learning or training.

What does this mean if my son or daughter is in Year 9 or below?

It means they should start planning ahead now as they will be involved in learning until they are 17 or 18. They need to start looking at the whole range of options available to them

You can help by preparing them for the changes, talking to them about the benefits of staying in learning after they are 16, and making sure they are getting good advice about their options.

Don’t forget that the majority of young people, around 80%, choose to stay on in learning until they are 18. This is because they understand the importance of gaining further education and qualifications.

Derby City Early Leaver’s Questionnaire

Please complete the Learning provider’s early leaver’s form if you represent a post 16 learning provider where a young person has left their course or programme early.

What is happening in Derby?

Connexions as part of Derby City Council - who provide information, advice and guidance on careers and learning to young people - are working to make sure that everyone knows about the changes to come and what their options are so that they can make the best decisions for their future.

Useful resources

• Connexions Derbyshire - with dedicated sections for young people and parents and carers
• Routes Ahead - your local online prospectus and application system with details of courses, Apprenticeships and other learning opportunities for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Useful forms

• Learning provider’s early leaver’s form