It’s a sad fact that while unemployment as a whole is falling, many people are still struggling to get a job, and a disproportionate number of those are young people straight out of school, college or university. Having a job is essential not only for financial reasons but also for a person’s self-esteem. If you’ve been struggling to find a job, here are four options that can help you into the world of employment.
1. Apprenticeships
With increasing competition for each advertised job, employees are looking for something that elevates one candidate above another: and that often means experience of the job. This can seem a vicious circle, but it’s one that can be broken by completing an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of business sectors, from hospitality to construction, and they provide exactly what today’s businesses are looking for: real-life work skills allied to traditional classroom learning. Many apprenticeships now also provide functional skills qualifications alongside job-specific training, which means the apprentice learns vital Maths, English and ICT skills in relation to real-life scenarios, making them even more attractive to potential employers.
2. Learn New Skills at College
Not everyone can thrive at school, there are, after all, lots of distractions during these formative years, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t successfully learn new skills at a later age. Returning to college can allow you to gain qualifications in a wide variety of subjects, whether they are completely new to you or ones that you’ve studied previously at school. Studying at college as a young adult is very different from being at school, because you’ll only be taking subjects that you really want to do, and the atmosphere is altogether more relaxed. To increase your chances of finding work, look for subjects that are targeted to a specific job; this could be anything from accounting to vehicle mechanic studies, and this new skill can lead to a better future.
3. Sign Up with a Temporary Employment Agency
Finding a well-paid and full-time job is the ultimate goal for most people who are looking for work, but sometimes finding a short-term or part-time job can be an essential step on the road to longer-term success. As we’ve seen, one reason that apprenticeships are so successful is that employers like candidates with work experience in their field, but work experience of any kind shows that a candidate has many of the skills they’re looking for. Employment agencies are experts at finding people temporary work in a myriad of sectors; they have the vital contacts that allow you to get a foot in the door, and can also help to tailor your interview techniques and polish your CV. From team work to good timekeeping and effective communication, the skills you learn in a temporary job can help you secure a permanent one.
4. Start Your Own Business
Increasing numbers of young people are starting their own business, and it doesn’t have to cost as much as you may think. In the retail sector for example, modern technology and drop shipping means that you can start selling without having to pay for large quantities of stock up front. In order to be a successful entrepreneur you have to have a great idea, an eye for branding, and above all the determination to succeed even when temporary setbacks occur. This may be the riskiest path for those without a job to follow, but for those with the right skills and vision it can be a lucrative one.
From enrolling on an apprenticeship to returning to college, joining an employment agency or even starting a business, there are options available for those who have struggled to find a job. It’s vital to find which of these four options is best for you and then take positive action as soon as possible. There’s never been a better time to make a positive change for your future life.
