Head start for school leavers looking for jobs

Saturday 25 June 2016

School leavers are being urged to get a head start from a local scheme and start looking for jobs now before there’s a rush on in September.

Students aged 16 to 24 can sign up to Social Security's Advance to Work scheme, set up to help them get a foot on the career ladder.

All trainees who sign up get to work with a dedicated employment advisor who will help them with every step, providing mentoring and one-to-one coaching. Vocational training is also available as well as personal development courses to help with interview preparation, setting goals and putting together a great CV.

Social Security Assistant Minister Graham Truscott said: “It’s very tempting for school leavers to postpone looking for work until the autumn, after the exam results have arrived.

“However, we often see a rush of school leavers looking for work in September so it makes sense to start sooner rather than later and take advantage of the vacancies that are available now.

“I would encourage all school leavers to visit our website and take a look at the support available.”

Over 130 Advance to Work trainees have already started a full time job this year, almost 70% in permanent positions.

Martin Burns, Operations Director from Brady & Gallagher, is a local employer who has provided over 20 work placements for Advance to Work trainees and encourages all young jobseekers to get involved:

“We have been a great supporter of the Advance to Work scheme and it really has been a success story. It is the perfect opportunity for school leavers to learn about the world of work and to help them decide what career they would like.

“We see all sorts of young people come through our doors from different schools, different backgrounds and with different abilities and it’s really exciting helping and guiding them on their path.

“So far, we have offered permanent roles to over seventy per cent of the work placements we have had. The support from the Advance to Work team is fantastic and the employment advisors, in particular, really make a difference to the lives of these trainees.”

You can find out more about the scheme and sign up to it here.