FAQs
CHOICES
"How can Connexions help me if I just don’t know what I want to do?"
There are a number of ways that Connexions can help you:
• Our qualified Careers Advisers work in schools, colleges and at your local Connexions Centres helping you to make decisions about what you want to do and your preferred route into this.
• Careers Advisers can carry out a Guidance Interview and prepare a personal action plan, detailing your discussion, decisions and plans for your next steps.
"I'm choosing my Year 9 options and don't know what career I want to follow in the future - I don't know what to choose and I am worried I wont be with my mates."
When it comes to choosing your options it can be a worrying time, particularly when you feel unsure about your career choices. However, something to bear in mind when choosing what to take, is that the subjects that the school makes you do, like English, maths and science and perhaps a language or ICT, give you everything you need to keep nearly all career options open. Specific subject choices tend to become more important at further education level.
Therefore, when making your choices, the best thing to do is to stick with subjects that you enjoy and perform well in - as these are the ones which you are most likely to achieve your best grades in.
"I like sports/creative subjects best – can I just do these?"
No. You must study compulsory subjects such as English and mathematics and most schools give you option blocks to choose from. For example, you may have to choose one technology, one creative/sport and one language subject, as well as having one free choice. If you want to discuss it further, speak to your Careers Adviser in school.
Can I study something relevant to work that will help me to explore my career ideas?
Yes. Most schools offer a range of practical work-related courses. Some offer Diplomas, which is a new qualification based around work. Remember though that you will still have to study compulsory subjects such as English, mathematics, science and ICT.
If you want to discuss it further, speak to your Careers Adviser in school.
"I'm thinking about going to university in the future. How do I start to look for courses and the entry requirements?"
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website has a database of all degree and foundation degree courses currently on offer. You can find out about which universities offer certain courses and the entry requirements for them. Check out the UCAS website.
You can also look for more in-depth course information on the universities' own website. Each course will have its own page with detailed information about what it will involve and the entry requirements.
If you have any questions about university courses, you could contact the relevant department at the university and ask to speak to someone about the course. Most universities offer open days where you can visit the campus and have a look at the facilities and get a feel for the area you will be studying in. It is useful to try and get as much information as you can about the courses you are applying for to enable you to make the right decision.
APPRENTICESHIPS
"I am in Year 10 and want to know how to find details of apprenticeship vacancies in my area?"
The ways in which you can locate local apprenticeship vacancies will be pretty similar to how you would look for a job. You can speak directly with employers and also check out vacancies or speak with an adviser at your local Connexions centre. Employers in the area looking to take on an apprentice will often advertise vacancies with them - so it is worth checking. You can make an appointment at your local centre or check out vacancies on this website. You may also find it useful to try the National Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service which could help you search and apply for a vacancy online. This service is available through the Apprenticeships website.
WORK
"How can Connexions help me find a job?"
We can offer help in loads of ways, such as:
• One-to-one interviews where we will discuss your career plans or any concerns you have and help you to draw up a plan of action
• Help you identify what you need help with
• Job search help where we can support you in completing application forms, letters, CVs and interview preparation
• Computer aided guidance that is ideal for anyone who is unsure of what they want to do
• Matching you to opportunities available and arranging interviews
• You can also access our vacancies on-line here or at your nearest Connexions Centre
"I am under 16 - how do I find a job?"
If you are under the age of 16, it can be difficult to find work. You are restricted in the hours you can work and the types of employment you are able to do. Some employers have insurance policies which only allow them to employ people aged 16 and over, so generally the most popular types of work you can do include: paper rounds, babysitting, odd jobs like gardening, dog-walking, car washing etc, helping out in local hairdressers, garden centres and horse-riding stables, waiting on tables in restaurants, cafes and hotels, and some retail work in smaller shops. The best way to look for work is to speak directly with employers - so head out into your local town centre and speak with managers in person. You may also want to talk to family and friends to offer your services for odd jobs and to get them to keep an eye out for any suitable vacancies.
"What is the minimum wage I should be receiving?"
The minimum wage you should be paid whilst in employment will depend on your age and the type of work you are doing. Rates change on a yearly basis, and there are three main levels of pay: 16 to 17 year olds, 18 to 21 and 22+. Current rates are:
£5.93 per hour for workers aged 21 years and older
£4.92 per hour for workers aged 18-20
£3.64 per hour for all workers aged 16 and 17 but under 18
£2.50 per hour for all apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Those who do not qualify for the minimum wage are: people of compulsory school age (a person who is no longer of compulsory school age after the last Friday of June of the school year in which their 16th birthday occurs).
Rates from 1 October 2011
The NMW rates are reviewed each year by the Low Pay Commission and from 1 October 2011:
- the main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08
- the 18-20 rate will increase to £4.98
- the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 will increase to £3.68
- the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship will increase to £2.60
ADULTS
"Does Connexions provide services for Adults?"
Yes we do through our Next Step team. You can find out more information by clicking here. If you would like to make an appointment to see an Adult Adviser ring your nearest Connexions Centre to book in.
RELATIONSHIPS
"I've been having feelings for someone of the same sex. Does this mean I am gay?"
It is not uncommon to feel this way; during your teenage years your sexual feelings can be very intense and it's completely natural for your attention to jump between different people, and your interest may focus on a particular person rather than a particular gender.
For some, their interest in people of the same sex may just pass over time and for some the feelings may grow stronger over time. In terms of whether these feelings mean that you are gay or not; only you can answer that. However, if you aren't sure about your sexuality at this point, perhaps you shouldn't try to label or categorise yourself as straight, gay or bisexual just yet. Instead, give yourself time to let your feelings and emotions develop a bit more, and this may help you to become sure of your preferences. In time you might want to tell people about how you feel, but there is no rush, so you shouldn't feel that you have to tell anyone until you are 100% ready.
"I'm being bullied at school by some older girls. I don't know what to do about it, please help!"
If you are being bullied at school then you may want to consider telling a friend, teacher you get on with, or your parents. It may be difficult for the bullying to stop if you continue to suffer in silence. It can be hard to do this, so if you don't feel like you can do it in person, it might be easier to write a note to your parents explaining how you feel; or perhaps confide in someone outside the immediate family, like a grandparent, aunt or uncle and ask them to help you tell your parents what's going on.
You may want to try to find a time to let a teacher know what is going on. Try to choose a moment to tell them when it won't be noticeable. You could stay behind letting people think it is because you need help with some work. If you don't feel as if you can do that, then go to the medical room and speak to the school nurse, or school office to speak with office staff.
Try to stay in safe areas of the school at break and lunchtime where there are plenty of other people. Bullies don't like witnesses. If you are hurt at school, tell a teacher immediately and ask for it to be written down and make sure you tell your parents or carer.
For more information on any of the above topics or anything else you might want to talk about, speak to your Connexions Careers Adviser in school or at your local Connexions Centre or call us FREE on 0800 980 9877.
You can also email your query or question on-line to info@connexions-cw.co.uk
