17-19 Employment...

If you are considering this option you will need to think about the following before making a decision:

  • What does the job actually involve?
  • How does it fit in with your skills and personality?
  • Have you got the necessary qualifications and abilities for the job?
  • How much will you earn now and in five or ten years time?
  • Will you get any training?
  • Will you gain any qualifications?
  • Will you obtain proof of your skills?
  • What prospects might there be for promotion in the future?

Details of local job and work based learning vacancies and how to apply are advertised at Connexions Centres. We will offer information and support to young people and forward application forms to employers.

For tips on:

  • How to look for a job
  • Preparing a CV
  • Completing an application form
  • 'Selling yourself' at an interview
take a look at Job Search Express.

Work for yourself...

To run your own business you will need:

  • A good idea!
  • To know if there is a demand for the product or service.
  • Business skills in order to run it.
  • A business plan, to access loans and grants.
  • Money to start the business.
  • Stamina to work long hours and work hard, probably for not very much money at first.
  • Determination and enthusiasm!

Where to get Help and Advice

If you are a young person who is keen to find out about the business world, your school or college may be involved in Young Enterprise. Ask your tutor or visit Young Enterprise for more details.

Shell Livewire

Click here for further information.

The following contacts are for those aged 18+:

Prince's Trust

Click here for further information.

Business Link Start up South Yorkshire:


Telephone: 0845 600 9006

Voluntary Work

Voluntary work can have many benefits. Some of these are:

  • To gain work experience and to help support applications for jobs.
  • To help you get a place on a course.
  • To find out what a job is like before you take it.
  • To gain new skills.

Charities or non-profit making organisations are the ones that usually look for volunteers.

Some types of voluntary work are:

  • Working on environmental projects.
  • Supporting people with disabilities.
  • Helping elderly people or working with children.
  • Helping in charity shops.

Useful Contacts:


Barnsley Volunteer Centre (for those aged 18+)

Telephone: 01226 295905

Doncaster Volunteer Centre

Telephone: 01302 343300 Ext. 218

The Make A Difference Project

Telephone: 01709 366654

Young Volunteers Agency

Millennium Volunteers

VSO -

The UK national organisation providing opportunities for voluntary work in developing countries.