Back to Work gives school leavers head start

21 June 2016

​​Social Security is urging job-seeking school leavers to get a head start in the employment market by applying to join Advance to Work, Back to Work’s specialist employment scheme for 16 to 24 year olds. 

The Advance to Work ​​s​​cheme

Every year, approximately 300 young people join the scheme which provides a mix of training, coaching and work experience for jobseekers who are not in full time education, to gain the skills and confidence they need to get a job. 

Already this year, over 130 Advance to Work trainees have started a full time job; nearly 70% were permanent positions.​

Work placements for trainees

Martin Burns, Operations Director from Brady & Gallagher, is a local employer who has provided over 20 work placements for Advance to Work trainees and encourages all young jobseekers to get involved.

He said: “We have been a great supporter of the Advance to Work scheme and it really has been a success story. 

It is the perfect opportunity for school leavers to learn about the world of work and to help them decide what career they would like. 

We see all sorts of young people come through our doors from different schools, different backgrounds and with different abilities and it’s really exciting helping and guiding them on their path. 

So far, we have offered permanent roles to over 70% of the work placements we have had. 

The support from the Advance to Work team is fantastic and the employment advisors, in particular, really make a difference to the lives of these trainees.”

Start looking sooner rather than later

Deputy Graham Truscott, the Social Security Assistant Minister, explains: “It’s very tempting for school leavers to postpone looking for work until the autumn, after the exam results have arrived. 

However, we often see a rush of school leavers looking for work in September so it makes sense to start sooner rather than later and take advantage of the vacancies that are available now.

I would encourage all school leavers to visit our website and take a look at the support available.”

Support for trainees

Once they have joined the scheme, Advance to Work trainees will work with a dedicated employment advisor who will help them at every step as they move into work, providing mentoring and one-to-one coaching. 

​Vocational training is available, plus personal development courses including interview preparation, establishing goals and creating a great CV. 

How to apply​​

Young people can now apply to join Advance to Work using a new online application form.​ Advance Plus