Can the Work Placement Program put me on a apprenticeship?

Ace-Of-Spades

Hi there, my name is Jo and I got told by the Job Centre to go on the Work Placement program. They told me that I would have to work 30 hours a week for 6 month without pay! I read up on a lots of story's from people online who been on the work program. Putting them to stack shelf in supermarkets, working in charity shops or cleaning rooms. Then told afterwards not getting the job after the 6 months. Working below the min wage just to keep their benefit.

I drop out of uni and over 25. I was thinking may be going back to uni but don't know if they take me back because its been too long. I would like to go back but its been more than three years. I wasn't ready at the time to do it. I completed my first year but still have the student debt from it. Don't mind going back if I can to complete it.

I know apprenticeship are for younger people but I been to interviews for apprenticeship that do take on people over 25. If I go on the work placement program can I ask them to see if they can put me on a apprenticeship for a year?

just want to know my options are before I sign off.

tomtontom

The MWP will not be an apprenticeship, although if you prove yourself during the placement the employer may offer you one at the end of it. Have you looked into what apprenticeships are available in the area you wish to work?

You'll need to reapply to university if you wish to go. You'll need to speak to the university first and ask whether you'll need to start again from year one. You'll also need to check the funding situation as this will be your second attempt.

Is English not your first language? If you wish to progress to higher levels of study you will need to improve your language skills. Your post is easy to read but the way you phrase things is quite random.

sangie595

If you can afford to sign off, support yourself, pay for a ten week course and support yourself from your work, why are you signing on at all?

bartelbe

I can understand your concerns about the work programme. Being used as effectively free labour is a disgrace, and if you work 30 hours a week you should be paid 30 hours a week.

However you can't expect to have a desirable job in art and design just because of your qualifications. While I was unemployed I volunteered with many people with similar qualifications and aspirations to you.

They stayed unemployed for years, because there are always more people who want these jobs, than jobs available. At some point you're going to half to settle for a worse position. Not fair, but life isn't fair.

Ace-Of-Spades

tomtontom wrote: »

Is English not your first language? If you wish to progress to higher levels of study you will need to improve your language skills. Your post is easy to read but the way you phrase things is quite random.

Yes, English is my first Language. I got Level 2 in English. My grammar is bad I know, just a bit stressed from the situation I'm in. I have looked into apprenticeships in my area. I already went on two interview already, but didn't make it past the second stage.

I have been applying for loads of apprenticeships but most come back as "You met the employer’s/provider's requirements but have been unsuccessful". Only a few got back to me saying "You’re not eligible for an apprenticeship" but only a few had said that.

Is much harder for me because I'm in my late 20s and they get more funding if that take on younger people. Some apprenticeships will take on over 25 just that they rather take on younger people. I want to train up and put art and design skill to good use.

tomtontom

You're looking at a niche area that at present you don't have the skills or experience for. Why not contact your chosen university today, see if you can speak to someone before the holidays? If you can use a direct email address, not just the general admissions one, that should get you a quicker response.

Have you not had any luck securing seasonal work? Has someone looked over your cv?

BigAunty

What's plan B if you can't make a living from your creative skills?

I have 6 friends with art/creative qualifications, including HNCs or degrees. One is a business analyst, one works in a betting shop, one is a physical fitness trainer/stay at home mum, the ex photographer is now a project planner, another is unemployed and the last one does try to do it full time but doesn't seem to be making a living from it.

What is your main preference - a graphics apprenticeship, returning back to Uni, self employment, part time employment of 12 hours or that temporary course?

Poppie68

What was your last job, is it something you could expand or follow up on?

Johnnytwostep

phrase to learn;

'would you like fries with that?'

Ace-Of-Spades

sangie595 wrote: »

If you can afford to sign off, support yourself, pay for a ten week course and support yourself from your work, why are you signing on at all?

Because of student loans. I wanted to see if I could get a job to pay that back. Also I wanted to work and to put more stuff on my CV. Only signed on for a year and thought this might help me get into work.

Before I signed on I was selling my art and looking after my disabled mom for three years who need care. I got married this year and wanted to move out and at least get a job.

Its not much for the courses. My husband said he we going to pay for course. He works and is a student. He just finished doing his three years at uni and doing his masters now. I continue to do volunteering when I sign off and go back doing art commissions. If I can back to uni than again then I do that too.

saker75

Why not look at selling services through websites like peopleperhour? I have bought thousands of pounds of freelance design through PPH - about 80% of my freelancers are based in the UK and charge appropriately. You are competing with freelancers from all over the world but in my experience you can pitch your work at rates comparable to the market here - people look for quality not necessarily just price.