Getting a job

You may be eager to get out in the real world and earn some of your own money. You can leave school at 16 and get a job, but there are limitations on where you can have a job because of your age.

For example, you cannot work in a betting shop if you are under 18 due to the licensing laws. You also couldn’t have a job that involves driving, as you are not legally allowed to drive until you are 17 and have passed your test.

Points to consider:

• job availability depends on where you live and what sort of work you are looking for
• make sure any job you go for offers you good training and prospects - this could affect your whole working life. Remeber that most trainees following Advanced Modern Apprenticeships are employed. In the long run it might be better to aim at a training place or a college course rather than a dead end job
• time off for study or training: employed 16 and 17 year olds who have not yet gained qualifications at level 2 (i.e. five GCSEs at grade A-C or the equivalent) are entitled to some paid time off for education and training

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Where to find help:

Talking to people who do a particular job is a good way of finding out what is involved, work experience is an even better way - but remember you won't see all aspects of the job in just a short time. Use your library, it has excellent resources and information on where and what is required to find a suitable job.

Links to help you find a job:

• surf in 2 careers
• Job centre Plus
• Careers Gateway
• Connexions
• Support 4 learning

NB: These are external links and we are not responsible for their content

If you decide to look for a job at 16, as soon as you finish Year 11, you need to be aware that there is a national minimum wage, but only for people who are 18 or over. There is no National Minimum Wage for people who are 16 or 17, in the armed forces, are fishermen, those who are volunteers or are self-employed.