1. Ready to leave? JobTrainingCollege CV, letters and Interviews Get Ready for Work Which one? Personal Statement Statement OptionsWhat course? Action

2. Job Complete CVCVCareers information information Vacancy websites websites Use Steps to Success leafletsleaflets Need Job ideas?ideasThings to think about Telephone skillsskillsIdentify skillsskillsFamily/friends CV helpNetworkTimescales

3. 3 Paid Employment Can be a good option Can pay well Better than being unemployed May include In House training but not necessarily lead to recognised qualifications Provides experience and can prove employability It is often easier to move on to a better job once you have a good employment record.

4. 4 Paid Employment Prepare your CV and cover letterCV and cover letter Respond to advertisements Check company websites – some companies only consider online applications Send in speculative applications Use your network Take your CV in in person if possible Use job hunting websites and consider using recruitment agencies. 39

5. 5 Apprenticeships National training programme leading towards nationally recognised qualifications e.g. SVQ3 Training while you work May include day or block release to college or in-house training checked by qualified assessors Designed by employers to provide you with the skills for that industry.

6. 6 Get Ready for Work Helps you to get work experience to help you get a job to develop essential skills – e.g. core skills, personal and learning skills and vocational skills to understand more about what employers want and look for with application forms, CVs and interviews Pays you an allowance while helping you!

7. 7 How can you get into a Get Ready for Work Programme? See a Careers Adviser Individual Learning Plan You may need to complete an application form You may be invited for an interview with the training provider Skills Development Scotland can help with all of these! 2

8. 8 College Wide range of subjects Vocational or general Nationally recognised qualifications Increase your knowledge, understanding and experience May be F/T, P/T, open learning, distance learning, evening classes etc – but check out funding issues!

9. 9 How can you get into college? Research courses Decide on which courses suit you Entry requirements Apply in good time – usually December/January for an August/September start course Do good application Prepare well for interview Attend for interview!

10. 10 Useful college websites Edinburghs Telford College Jewel and Esk College Stevenson College Oatridge College More information on colleges and courses at www.planitplus.net. www.planitplus.net 23

11. Action! What do I do next? Who is going to help me When am I going to start What happens if I get lost? Do I know the timescales and closing dates? What websites and resources am I going to use? Right, download this PPT and get started!