Left School. No Job. What Happens Next?

Some teenagers know exactly what they want to do after school. Others change their minds three times before breakfast.

And then there are those who find themselves at home, without a college place, a job or much idea of what happens next.

Perhaps a course didn't work out. Perhaps the apprenticeship applications went nowhere. Or perhaps everyone keeps asking, “What are you going to do?” when that's precisely the question they can't answer.

For young people in Peterborough, there is somewhere to start.

Someone who can actually help you work it out

Peterborough City Council has an Education, Employment and Training Service for young people aged 16 to 20 who are not in education, employment or training.

That sounds rather official, but the help itself is practical.

The service offers one-to-one coaching, assistance with CVs and applications, interview preparation, apprenticeship and job searches, and referrals to other support.

The important part is that you don't have to arrive knowing which career you want.

You might be interested in working with animals but have no qualifications in that area.

You might have left college because the course wasn't right.

Or you might be willing to try almost anything but have no idea where to begin.

Those are exactly the sorts of conversations worth having with someone who understands the available options.

It's not a guaranteed job offer. It's a chance to work out a realistic next step with some help.

How to contact the service

You can use the council's online referral page.

Alternatively:

Email: neet@peterborough.gov.uk

Telephone: 01733 864500

Parents and carers can also make contact.

What if you're 16 or 17?

Leaving school doesn't necessarily mean leaving education altogether.

In England, young people are generally required to continue in education or training until 18, although that doesn't mean everyone must stay in a classroom.

Options include full-time education, an apprenticeship, or working or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week while undertaking part-time education or training.

The government's school-leaving information explains the requirements.

If you're 16 or 17 and have left a course without another arrangement in place, it's worth contacting the council rather than assuming you have to sort everything out alone.

College isn't the only option

For some young people, the thought of another two years in a classroom is about as appealing as sitting another maths exam.

An apprenticeship may be worth exploring.

Apprentices earn a wage while working towards an approved qualification.

Opportunities span far more than traditional trades, including business administration, healthcare, technology and other industries.

You generally need to be at least 16 and meet the eligibility requirements.

The government's apprenticeship search lets you look for current vacancies and find out how to apply.

An apprenticeship isn't an easier version of college. It involves real work, training and commitments. But for someone who learns better by doing, it can be an attractive route.

And if you're not ready to apply for anything yet, that's useful to recognise too.

What if you simply don't know what you want?

You don't have to choose between university, an apprenticeship and a job before you've even worked out what interests you.

The National Careers Service offers careers information and advice for teenagers in England, including help exploring different jobs and training routes.

Its careers helpline for teenagers is another useful starting point, particularly if you're still at school or considering your next move.

Sometimes the most helpful conversation isn't about getting a job tomorrow.

It's about discovering that there are occupations you've never considered.

And if you're the parent?

Watching a teenager lose confidence after a disappointing result, an unsuccessful application or a college course that didn't work out can be difficult.

It's tempting to keep asking what they're going to do next. Understandable, too.

But if they genuinely don't know, repeating the question may not produce a better answer.

Helping them contact the council service, explore a couple of careers or look at apprenticeship vacancies gives you something more useful to work with.

They don't need to make every decision this week. They do need to know where they can get help.

One conversation is a start

A teenager who isn't studying or working isn't necessarily someone who lacks ambition. Sometimes the route they expected to take simply hasn't worked out.

And when that happens, the next step doesn't have to be a grand career decision.

It might be sending an email, arranging a conversation or discovering an apprenticeship they didn't know existed.

If you're in that position or you're trying to help someone who is — start with the Peterborough council support service.

Do you know a young person who's found a good route into work or training in Peterborough?

We'd be interested to hear which local opportunities helped them get started.