Information, advice and guideance for jobseekers in Croydon

Where can I get advice about careers and choosing the right course?

If you’re still at school or college, talk to your careers advisor. Also talk to your parents/ carers. You may also find the following services useful:

• NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE: Offers young people with free confidential 1 to 1 information, advice and support via telephone, email or secure web chat. Visit: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx or ring 0800100900
• CROYDON YOUNG PEOPLES SERVICE: The information, advice and guidance portal for young people in Croydon. Visit: www.croydonyps.org.uk
• JOB CENTRE PLUS: Support with finding a job and/or benefits available. To find your local Jobcentre go to https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus or ring 0345 604 3719
• CAREERS BOX: Has video clips of young adults talking about their experience of work and apprenticeships in a wide range of different businesses: www.careersbox.co.uk
• ICOULD: Ideas to get you thinking about your future career and how to get there: www.icould.com
• THE SITE: Information site for young people covering a wide range of subjects, including work, study and training: www.thesite.org
• NOT GOING TO UNI: Provides information and advice on apprenticeships, college courses, distance learning and work experience. Contact them at www.notgoingtouni.co.uk or telephone an adviser on 0203 691 2800
• GET MY FIRST JOB: Provides info on opportunities for 16-25 year olds seeking alternatives to classroom based learning (e.g. apprenticeships) and live opportunities.

How can I find out what courses and training are available?

Check the 16-19 Opportunities Bulletin. Contact your local colleges and training providers to see what they have available (see page 4). Most will have details on their website; give them a ring or pop in to see them. There are also a range of web-based search facilities available, including:

• CROYDON POST-16 PROSPECTUS: Information about your options after year 11 is available at www.croydonyps.org.uk/advice/education-advice/
• LEARNDIRECT: Provides both information and courses, including online English, maths and IT courses. Go to www.learndirect.com or call them on 0800 101 901
• UCAS PROGRESS: Is an admissions service for young people searching for courses and training after GCSEs: www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses
• UCAS: If you need help finding a university course go to www.ucas.com/
• FLOODLIGHT: Provides information of adult education courses in London: www.floodlight.co.uk/london/courses-classes-lessons/subject/qualification/study/region/16180339/220706/100/domain.html
• NATIONAL POST-16 COURSE DATABASE: The National Careers Service operates a course & search facility at: https://.direct.gov.uk/advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

I want to earn whilst I learn. How can I find out about jobs with training?

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications, practical skills and workplace experience which will help you progress into full employment and/or further study. Whilst National Minimum Apprenticeship Wage rates apply, many employers pay more than the minimum rate.

If you’re not quite ready for paid employment, a Traineeship may be worth considering. Traineeships give you the opportunity to gain work experience, employability skills, help with English and maths, as well as helping you to prepare for your next steps.

• NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE: As well as providing lots of information about apprenticeships and traineeships, this site also has a search and apply facility with 1000’s of live vacancies. Go to www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/#./

Where can I get financial help and support to help me stay on my course?

The type of financial help available will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are at (or applied for a place at) school, college, university or training provider they should be able to give you advice. There is also information available at:

• STUDENT FINANCE: For Government information on student finance go to www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance 16-19
• BURSARY FUND: Information on financial support for young people who need some financial help to stay in education or training after age 16. Visit: www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
• MONEY ADVICE SERVICE: Provides general information and advice about money matters at www.moneyservice.org.uk POST 16
• TRANSPORT & FINANCE: For information on available support with transport costs to school or college go to www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/dande/policies/cfl/16-transport

Where can I find work experience or volunteering opportunities?

• WORK EXPERIENCE: See the following for work experience, internships and placements for 16-24 year olds: www.studentladder.co.uk VOLUNTEERING: Search for thousands of volunteering opportunities all over the UK on www.do-it.org/#/ or https://vinspired.com/
• For local options see: www.cvalive.org.uk/volunteering/want-to-volunteer/

All information, advice and guidance supplied by Croydon Council