When you are 16 years old you can look for work if you are ready. If you know what you want to do, you can apply for a job once you've left school.
Watch the video
From School to Work
Watch the video to find out what some young people think about work.
What would I do in work?
In work you would:
- Use the skills you already have
- Learn new skills
- Earn money
- Meet new people
How much time would I spend in work?
You can apply for jobs that are full time (about 37 hours per week)
You can apply for jobs that are part time (work for part of a day or part of a week)
For some jobs you will be asked to work over the weekend
You might need to work shift hours (work in the night instead of the day)
What support will I get in work?
Your employer can make changes to help you, for example look at your hours of work or the tasks you do
If you need equipment to help you do the job or help to get to work, you may be able to apply for Access to Work funding. Find out more about Access to Work on the gov.uk website
You might be able to get help from a Supported Employment agency. They can help you to find work and learn the skills you need to settle into a job. Watch a video by Engage To Change on YouTube to find out more about Supported Employment and Supported Internships.
Your employer may be able to get money to help pay your wages.
You may be able to get money to help pay for your transport to work.
Supported Employment useful links
Find out more about different jobs
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Find out what steps a young person takes to help them plan for starting work.
Find out what steps to take at different times of the year if you want to find and start work.
Find out how to find and apply for a job, get help with CVs and application forms and know your rights at work.
Find out what's involved with being self-employed and working for yourself.