Getting Advice

A good starting point is to see a Connexions Personal Adviser, who specialises in careers, at school or at the local Connexions Centre or access point ). This service is free and offers:

• Careers guidance and information on different jobs

• Vacancies for jobs, pre-employment courses, work- based Foundation Learning Tier programmes and apprenticeships

• Independent adviceand information on apprenticeships, employment and courses.

• Help with decision-making

• Help to look for jobs

You may also think about getting advice from parents and other people who you trust.  Work experience, or talking to someone who already does whatever you are interested in, can also help you to make your decision.

If you have a disability, most Connexions Centres have Learning Difficulties and Disabilities specialists who can offer specific advice.  You may also like to talk to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your Jobcentre Plus.  They specialise in giving advice and support to disabled people and their employers.

Don’t panic if you feel you have made a mistake and don’t like what you are doing after you leave school?  Go and see a Personal Adviser again.

If you live in Calderdale or Kirklees you can call the Learningline (free to UK landlines) 0800 5979 979, e-mail: learningline@ckcareers.org.uk

Connexions Direct (national helpline)

Tel: 080 800 13 2 19 Advice for 13-19 year olds

These courses help you to learn to do a particular job or jobs.  They cover a wide range of occupational areas, such as caring, business studies, catering, tourism, hairdressing, sport, motor vehicle work, art and design, building trades – and dozens more.  Many vocational courses lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).  Many of these also are done on a part-time basis when you’re in relevant work or on an apprenticeship.