Everyone chooses the job they do for different reasons. When choosing the type of work for you, you’ll probably take some of these into account:

• pay
• holiday entitlement
• working conditions
• working hours
• training
• promotion
• long-term security
• any health issues you may have

However, choosing the job isn’t the whole problem, first you need to think about the choice of career you want to enter.

Choosing your career
Career choice is a very individual thing. You can’t choose your career just because your friends have decided to do the same thing too.
You owe it to yourself to research different career ideas, making sure your final choice reflects as many ideas from your wish list as possible. So how do you go about working out the career for you?

Firstly you need to consider the type of work you want to enter and then match it to the level of qualifications normally needed for entry and your likely qualifications.

Occupational sectors
All jobs belong to a different area of work, these are called occupational sectors. There are around 20 different sectors and normally every job belongs to one sector.
To get started it’s a good idea to get to match your skills and interests to 2-3 sectors first.

To get you thinking, try and answer these questions. We have added some example sectors next to each question.

• Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors? (Business and Administration or Agriculture)
• Do you enjoy practical tasks? (Engineering, Manufacturing)
• Are you a creative person? (Creative and Media, Catering and Hospitality)
• Do you enjoy designing new ways to tackle problems? (Information Technology, Science)
• Are you happy using tools and machinery? (Construction, Driving and Logistics)
• Do you want to help people? (Social Care, Uniformed Services)

When you have decided on the things which are of most importance to you, research the jobs from 2-3 sectors before narrowing down your choices to certain jobs.

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)
Most occupational sectors are supported by a lead organisation called a SSC. Each SSC is responsible for promoting the careers jobs in their sector and produce career information to help young people make their choices.
Many SSCs also have web pages specifically created for young people. For more information on each SSC log onto www.ssda.org.uk

Apprenticeships and jobs with training
If you are thinking about entering work and you are 16-19 you should consider the training and apprenticeship routes. Look at www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more general information.

For information on the opportunities in Brent, contact the Connexions Centre at 169-171 High Rd, Willesden. NW10 2SD Tel. 020 8438 1650. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Personal advisers there will be able to show you how to apply for apprenticeships in the area.

If you are looking for jobs with training in the wider London area the website www.lois.uk.net will show a range of job vacancies. Anyone wanting to apply for these jobs should also visit the Connexions Centre (see above).

Getting help
If you are aged 13-19 and want more help to find work, get some careers advice or support with applications or job interviews contact your:

• Connexions PA
• Careers teacher in school or college.
• Brent Connexions Centre (contact details above)

You can also access the online careers information and advice available through the specialist websites designed for young people:

www.fastomato.com is an interactive careers website that includes an interests questionnaire, career and course suggestions.
www.connexions–direct.com has information about careers and the choices to be made in year 9, year 11 and beyond.
www.aimhigher.ac.uk will give you information about professional careers, what’s available and how to get into them.

Discrimination and Employment law
Unfortunately not all employers are fair. To protect you there are lots of laws both at the during recruitment stages and for when you are employed that protect you from issues such as:

• Discrimination
• Low pay
• Poor working conditions
• Lack of holidays and sickness leave
• Bullying
• Maternity and paternity
• Pensions

Organisations that can help
Citizens Advice Bureau
A national charity with a local office in Brent. It provides information on, amongst other things, finance and debt managment, employment welfare and immigration rights. The CAB also assists members of the public to make a complaint if they feel that their rights have been violated. This includes helping members of the public to draft letters of complaint.
Citizens Advice Bureau,
270-272 High Road,
Willesden,
London,
NW10.
Tel: 0845 050 5250
www.adviceguide.org.uk


Brent Community Law Centre
The Centre provides legal advice and assistance on such topics as housing, employment, social security, education and care in the community.
Tel: 020 8451 1122

The Minimum Wage
The Minimum Wage was launched in 1999 to make sure that most people over the age of 16 earn above a certain level.
Although there are some exceptions, until October 2007 the following rates apply:

• £3.30 (rising to £3.40 Oct 07)– for those aged 16-18
• £4.45 (rising to £4.60 Oct 07) – for those aged 18-21
• £5.35 (rising to £5.52 Oct 07) – for those 22+

For more information:
To check that you are getting the correct amount you have the right to request your pay records. If your employer refuses or of if there are other things you want advice on you can contact:
The National Minimum Wage Helpline 0845 6000 678.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/help.htm - The National Minimum Wage website