School leavers get set for work this summer

A national survey today reveals that 90 per cent of employers value a school leavers’ ability to bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the work place; news that will bring a sigh of relief for many school leavers across the country this summer.

August will be a life changing month for many young people. With exams a distant memory and their results greatly anticipated, now is the time for many to consider how they will take their next steps into the working world.

The survey commissioned by national training and Apprenticeship provider Lifetime, highlights that a refreshing 93 per cent of employers admit that organisations benefit from hiring school leavers. Half of those questioned, however, suggest that gaining experience in a real life setting would significantly boost a young person’s ‘employability’ and long term career prospects.

Development Director at Lifetime, Nigel Wallace, says; “From our survey of 2,000 employers, the findings show that young people are highly regarded for their ability to bring fresh ideas into businesses so it is essential that every school leaver looking for work knows how to make themselves stand out from their peers.”

66 per cent of employers advised that young people would benefit greatly from being taught employment-related skills such as communication, teamwork and customer awareness on top of the academic curriculum, before entering the working world.

This is where Wallace suggests an Apprenticeship programme can give young people the edge when considering their next career steps; “Apprenticeships help you to gain industry recognised qualifications and ‘hands on’ experience; qualities that employers are telling us they want from young people these days.”

Apprenticeships can give a young person’s career a great boost, and Lifetime offers young people support and training in gaining an Apprenticeship through its Early Years Care and Fitness Academies to enable them to pursue Apprenticeship opportunities in these sectors.

“Both the Lifetime Fitness and Early Year’s Care Academies consist of three key components: pre-employment skills training, support into a relevant job and an Apprenticeship programme once in employment.

“From an employer’s point of view, the Academies deliver individuals with greater knowledge and skill set to fill apprentice positions. Once employed, Lifetime will support the learner’s development throughout their Apprenticeship with continued mentoring and the opportunity to undertake further work based learning,” says Wallace.

Still not sure which way to turn this summer? Trying to decide whether to further your training or land yourself a job? Solve your career conundrum by following Lifetime’s top tips for your next steps:

DO YOUR RESEARCH: Read up on information that was given to you at school about different career and training routes and don't be afraid to ask for advice e.g. find out what further education and training options are available, what careers they lead to and whether there is financial help available for further training and qualifications.
SPEAK UP: Talk to the experts. This includes school careers co-ordinators and advisors at your local Connexions. Also talk to your parents, siblings and friends who may be able to offer you help or advice on which careers would suit you.
GET EXPERIENCE TO BOOST YOUR CV: Get work experience and attend open days to find out more about what is involved to make it in your favourite career choices.
CHECK DEADLINES: Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to apply for any courses and jobs that you are interested in. Check the application deadlines; popular options can fill up quickly.
CONVERT YOUR HOBBY TO A JOB: If you enjoy getting fit in the gym or looking after little ones then take a look at the routes into working in these sectors. Lifetime offers industry specific training which can support a learners' ability to pursue employment and further training in various sectors including fitness and child care.
ONE YOU'VE RECEIVED YOUR RESULTS, DON'T PANIC: Millions of teenagers are in the same boat so don't panic. It's important you make plans for the next stage of your working life but there is plenty of help out there and the rewards make the tough decisions well worth it.

To speak to an Academy course advisor and to find out more about Apprenticeship programmes that can be supported by Lifetime please phone 0870 120 1207  or visit our Apprenticeships pages for more information.