Looking for work between GCSE's and A levels

kateo

My son is just about to finish his GCSE's, & is keen to work thru the summer.

Are there any agencies that will take on 16 yr olds?

Should he go to a job centre?

Any advice!!??

We are in SE London.

Cheers!

Oldernotwiser

He's left it rather late to start looking, particularly in the current economic climate. Depending on the sort of work he's looking for he can look at JCP vacancies, register with agencies and look in the local papers. At this late stage he should probably be attcking things on all fronts.

soolin

All my boys have (eventually) found jobs by slogging up and down the high street handing in CVs. They asked in every shop, every warehouse and everything else in between including cafes and hotels.

There are so many youngsters looking for work though that employers are very fussy, my youngest is at 6th form and currently works selling curtaining for a high street shop Saturdays and Sundays at £3.53 an hour. It took him about 4 months to get that position.

kateo

Thanks for your replies.

Is there any where I can get a template for a youngster's CV? His only work experience was the yr 10 work placement.

Cheers.

Emmzi

most of the job websites - monster etc - have templates.

Oldernotwiser

Make an appointment for him at the Connexions office; they'll help him produce a decent CV.

arlybarly

My son is in the same position as well wanting a job but they are like rocking horse !!!!!. He has done a brilliant CV as he has worked doing odd jobs for other people for the last couple of years while at school. I know he is getting disheartened but the ones who persevere will eventually get somewhere in life. Also ask neighbours and friends if they know anywhere as well as my son has got 2 interviews in seperate places next week by me just chatting to one of my neighbours about him wanting work.

lauzellen

I'm not sure how it is in the current climate but tell him to try the local cinemas as they often employ youngsters and it's something he could also continue to do part-time whilst at college.

His cv should be transferable skills focused - organisational from completing projects at school & organising his revision etc, Team Work and Communication from group projects and laboratory experiments. But as OP said connextions are very good and would help create a cv.

soolin

Or local cinema won't emply under 18s as they said they were not allowed as they couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't be needed to go into a screen showing a cert 18 and that would break the law.

Try small local shops as well but make sure they do understand that they are still required to pay minimum wage as long as your son is old enough to be eligible.(currently £3.53 an hour for youngsters who are past school leaving age)

lauzellen

I worked for a cinema from the age of 16 throughout my A-levels and degree, so could still be worth a shot.

kateo

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I have passed on all the advice. There is a Connections in his school - so he will make an appointment next week.

Cheers!