ALN - Work, training and volunteering

If you are not sure what you would like to do after you leave school or college, there are a number of options you can explore.

Employment

Every school has a careers advisor who visits on a regular basis. You can speak to your careers advisor in school or Careers Wales (opens new window). They will be able to offer advice and support.

What would I do in work?

When you are working you could use skills you already have, you might learn new skills and you will earn money.

How much will I get paid?

There is a National Minimum Wage but employers can sometimes pay more. This will depend on your employer.

What is supported employment?

Some employers offer 'supported employment'. This focuses on inclusion and enables people with disabilities to fulfil their employment goals.

Who can help me find supported employment?

ELITE Supported Employment (South, Mid and West Wales) (opens new window)
Engage to Change (opens new window) employability project for young people aged 16-25 years old (across Wales).

Both Elite and Engage to Change work with people to help them:

Find work.
Learn the skills needed to do a job.
Settle into a job.
Support travelling to work.

Further training

If you want to work but are not yet ready, you can join a local training programme. If you want more information about this, please speak to Careers Wales (opens new window). This offers you the opportunity to gain work-based skills and qualifications either in a training centre or with a local employer.

What are the training options?

There are two different levels of training open to you:

Engagement - this programme supports you to develop your Maths and English skills, building confidence and communication skills. You may also have an opportunity to try out a work placement with an employer.
Level 1 - if you are ready for a work placement and you know what type of work you would like to do, you could start to work towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 1. Once you have completed level 1, you are then able to do level 2.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are jobs that include recognised qualifications and job specific skills. You earn a wage while you work and learn.

There are different types of apprenticeships:

Foundation Apprenticeship - you would usually gain a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE A* - C level) that is relevant to the job.
Apprenticeship - you would work towards a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A levels) that is relevant to the job.
Higher Apprenticeship - you would work towards a higher qualification or Level 4 and above. This could be a HNC / HND or Foundation Degree.
Degree Apprenticeship - these offer learning at Level 6 and provide the opportunity to gain a full bachelor's degree. They combine working with studying part time at a university or college.

Where will I train?

This will depend on what you are doing. Your employer will decide how they want you to be trained in order to do their work. Here are some of the ways you could be trained:

On the job training.
At college full time or part time.
At a training centre where you can attend once a week.
A university if you are doing a higher level or degree apprenticeship.

What will I get paid?

There is a national minimum wage for apprentices but employers can sometimes pay more. This will depend on your employer.

How do I find out about apprenticeships?

Speak to your careers advisor in school or contact Careers Wales (opens new window).

Voluntary work

Volunteers get involved in all sorts of projects and activities without being paid.

Why volunteer?

This can help to develop skills and confidence as well as providing useful work experience. This can also help support you on the path to paid employment.