• I would really like to talk to someone about what I can do in the future, however I don’t think I can afford it. How much will it cost?
  
  
• Help! I have absolutely no idea what career I want. Where should I start?
  
  
• I gave up work to have a family a number of years ago but now want to do something for me. I haven’t really got much confidence and don’t know where to start?
  
  
• I had an accident recently that has left me with a disability and I therefore can’t go back to work. Are there any organisations that can advise me on retraining?
  
  
• I hate the thought of using a computer but I know I will need to in the future and even my kids know more than I do. Where do I start?
  
  
• I have a criminal record and because of this I am finding it difficult to obtain employment. Who can I ask for help?
  
  
• I have seen a job advertised in the local paper and it asks for a CV but I have never written one before, what should it include?
  
  
• My English isn’t very good and it means I can’t help my daughter with her homework. What do you suggest?

I would really like to talk to someone about what I can do in the future, however I don’t think I can afford it.  How much will it cost?

The good news is that information on learning and work is available free to every adult 20 and over.  If you would like to see a nextstep adviser it is free providing you haven’t yet got a Level 2 qualification. (a Level two qualification is 5 GCSEs or O Levels at grade C and above or an NVQ Level 2 or BTEC).  If you are qualified at Level 2 or above you may have to pay for an advice session contact 0800 0641 481 for more information.

Help! I have absolutely no idea what career I want. Where should I start?

There are very few people that just know what they want to do in their working life, for most people deciding on a career that will bring them job satisfaction is a process that requires careful thought and consideration.

You may need to find a career that suits your skills, your personal qualities, and the type of lifestyle you want to lead. You will probably need help from a Careers Adviser to start you thinking about what type of work would suit you best. They will not tell you what to do or provide a magic solution but they are trained to help people understand themselves more and help them plan their future career. They may also have access to Computer Aided Guidance packages and tests that will help to identify your strengths and weaknesses. However, there are lots of things you can do for yourself as well. Try thinking about the skills that you enjoy using and the types of things you have done before that you have gained satisfaction from.
 
You may also want to ask others what they think you are good at and whether they have any ideas of what your particular abilities are. When you have a clearer picture of yourself you could research different types of careers using a main library or a careers library or perhaps then take your new ideas to a Careers Adviser so you can weigh all your options up. For further help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

I gave up work to have a family a number of years ago but now want to do something for me. I haven’t really got much confidence and don’t know where to start?

It is quite usual for a break from the workplace to affect someone’s confidence but if you take things step by step and seek support from others you will soon be getting back into the swing of things. Start by trying to do things that you enjoy, even if it is simply going to the library and seeing what activities are happening locally, for example anything from a guided walk to a reading circle will get the brain cells active. Perhaps a short course at your local college appeals or, if you don’t fancy travelling to a college, many courses are provided out and about for example at local community centres. You may also want to think about voluntary work as a way to build your confidence and start to develop new skills.

If you want to return to the type of job you held before having your family then speak to someone who works in the type of position you are interested in. You can also speak to a Careers Advisor to find out if any new skills or knowledge are needed, for example you may need some new IT skills or may need to get up to speed with a new accounting method. Once you know what changes have taken place in your sector get in contact with local colleges or training providers so you can check if there are any relevant courses for you to consider. For help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

I had an accident recently that has left me with a disability and I therefore can’t go back to work. Are there any organisations that can advise me on retraining?

Now that you have decided to retrain, there are a number of options for you to consider. There is a new National Job Broking service that was introduced in July 2001 called New Deal for Disabled People. Advisors provide help in finding suitable retraining opportunities. They can also help find sustainable employment and offer in work support for six months. It is an innovative scheme, meaning that you can remain on your benefit whilst accessing training or a work placement.
You can also access another service via the Internet - Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. Skill promotes opportunities to empower young people (16+) and adults with any kind of disability to realise their potential in further and higher education, training and employment throughout the United Kingdom. You could also contact your local authority as they will be able advise on what local initiatives there are in your area that you can access. nextstep advisers are able to help anyone with a disability regardless of their qualification level. For further help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

I hate the thought of using a computer but I know I will need to in the future and even my kids know more than I do. Where do I start?

Being able to use a computer is an important skill and it is great that you are facing your fear. It is normal to be apprehensive when trying something new but don’t worry, even someone who has never turned on a PC can quickly learn the basics. There are hundreds of computer courses available for beginners, often with names like ‘Computers don’t bite’ or ‘Computing for the terrified’. Courses are offered everywhere from main libraries, adult education centres, learndirect centres and local colleges. If you have access to the Internet at home for your kids you can even learn from there! Many courses are short so you don’t have to make a big commitment to hours of study so why not check out what is happening locally and give it a go. You have nothing to lose and you’ll be able to show the kids a trick or two!  For further help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

I have a criminal record and because of this I am finding it difficult to obtain employment. Who can I ask for help?

Many offenders/ex-offenders suggest that they are not employable because of their criminal record and that this is making it difficult for them to find work. It is therefore important that you receive accurate advice on whether or not your offences need to be disclosed to a potential employer or whether in fact there is no legal obligation to do so.  Whether you have to tell a potential employer depends a great deal on the crime you were convicted of, when the offence took place and what kind of work you are looking for.  For information on disclosing convictions you can contact the following organisations:

The APEX Trust is a charitable organisation that offers Information and Advice, Assessment and Guidance, and Employability Training to ex-offenders.  They are contactable via their helpline on: 0870 6089 4567 or alternatively on their website: www.apextrust.com. The following website can provide you with information on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, disclosing records and spent convictions www.lawontheweb.co.uk

NACRO are an organisation that supports ex-offenders into education and employment.  You can contact them via their website www.nacro.org.uk or you call them on 020 7582 6500.

Even if you do need to disclose your conviction it is important that you do so in the most positive way possible by giving a clear account of the conviction and the offence that occurred. This should be backed up with reasons why the employer should disregard the offence and consider you on your ability to do the job. One of the best ways to convince an employer that they should look seriously at your application is to demonstrate that you have recent experience such as recent study or voluntary work.

There are many organisations that provide advice to offenders/ex-offenders on seeking learning and work opportunities, some of these organisations work only with this group of people, whereas others may offer a more generalist service.  For example any ex-offender can visit a nextstep adviser who will help individuals to prepare for, or apply for work.  Plus, if you are on a Probation Order you should have access to an Employment, Training and Education (ETE) worker, at your local probation office.  For further help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

I have seen a job advertised in the local paper and it asks for a CV but I have never written one before, what should it include?

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae which means ‘the story of your life’. However an employer doesn’t want to know lots of irrelevant information! They don’t have much time to spend looking at CVs and it is best to keep it brief and to the point, 2 sides of word-processed A4 is enough.

Everyone will have their own style but you need to make sure it sells your skills and experience in a very positive way. You need to include your name and contact details, your skills and qualities, your work experience, successes and achievements, education and training details, and personal interests, where appropriate.

Some people also include a personal profile that is a brief summary about your career aims and what you can offer to the employer. It is good to have a standard CV that you tailor for each job you apply for making sure you highlight the skills and experience most relevant to that employer.

If you need more information on the style and layout there are numerous publications available that provide examples of different CVs so you can choose the method that promotes you in the best way.  For further help and advice click on your borough to look for a local information and advice service.

My English isn’t very good and it means I can’t help my daughter with her homework. What do you suggest?

There are lots of courses you can attend to improve your English, many of which are run in the local community as well as in colleges and adult education centres. If English is not your first language these courses may be called ESOL (or English for speakers of other languages). For others it may be that courses are called things like Basic skills or improve your English. To find out more about courses in your area contact your local nextstep adviser. Nextstep advisers are also able to help anyone with an ESOL need (English for Speakers of Other Languages) regardless of their qualification level. Click on your borough to look for your local information and advice service. The good news is that many English courses are completely free, so you should soon be helping your daughter!