Training, work experience and volunteering

There are lots of ‘entry level’ jobs in the UK, that do not require qualifications or experience of work. Examples include catering and cleaning. However, many employers prefer to employ someone who has a good work history that shows their skills and knowledge.

ESOL and English language skills

Your spoken and written English skills will also have an effect on the jobs you can apply for.

Learning English is an easy way to find information about English language classes in your area and across Yorkshire. You can find out which classes are free, where they are held, what level they are and whether childcare is available.

Some ‘entry level’ jobs will not require qualifications in English. Some employers will require GCSEs or Functional Skills English certificates. Other professions demand high levels of English and may ask you to provide IELTS certification, which is covered in the next section.

Training for work

The National Careers service provides a range information, advice and guidance, including a skills toolkit full of free courses to help you lean new skills or change jobs.

There is also an online skills assessment to help you identify ‘transferable’ skills.

These are skills that you are good at and are useful in lots of different jobs.

Your local college will usually offer a range of adult education courses including qualifications for work known as ‘vocational qualifications’. Check their website so see what is on offer. They may also hold open days when you can go and speak to staff about the courses on offer.

Aside from traditional colleges, there are lots of other courses and programmes to help you get into work:

• Employability programmes ran by local charities or in local community venues.
• There are schemes specially designed to help young people who have no work experience, for example traineeships.
• Private companies can also provide training in specialist areas such as IT.
• If you claim Universal Credit, the job centre may be able to help you through programmes like Sector Based Work Academies that also include a work experience placement.

There are often new schemes announced by the government to help people get into work. The Careers Service features a Find a Course search engine where you can find training in your local area.

Some jobs require training and certification by law, for example,

• To work on in construction you will need a CSCS card.
• To work as a security guard, you need an SIA license.
• Employers in catering usually require workers to have a food hygiene certificate.

How can I pay for training?

Lots of courses in the UK are completely free but if you want to gain a qualification there is usually a cost involved.

Many people are eligible for these costs to be covered by the government’s Adult Education Budget. The rules are very complicated, especially if you are not a UK citizen.

If you want to study on a University access course, you may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. Again, this is not straightforward if you do not have permanent residence in the UK.

Volunteering and work experience

Volunteering is very common in the UK. People volunteer for a variety of reasons. It is a great way to gain work experience, meet different people, find out about your local area and practise speaking in English.

Volunteering is a good way to rebuild your confidence while you are looking for work.

You can find your local volunteering centre using this map.