Let’s explore how Jobcentre Plus services can help you boost your CV and make employers think WOW!
Why will work experience help me?
Work experience is a great way to make yourself more employable. Getting real experience in a working environment that interests you will help build your confidence and show employers you’re enthusiastic, and how you’ve already started building work ready skills.
It also gives you a referee, or a professional person who’s willing to vouch for you, which employers often ask for.
How can Jobcentre Plus help me find work experience opportunities?
You can receive personalised support from your work coach at Jobcentre Plus. You’ll be assigned someone who will help you search for work when you’re unemployed and claiming benefits like the New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit. You can also get help with childcare and travel costs.
How long will work experience last?
Any work experience you get through Jobcentre Plus will usually last for 2 – 8 weeks. You’ll probably be asked to do 25 to 30 hours each week (unless you agree differently with your work coach).
How do I find work experience?
You can find work experience on your own by using the Jobpoints in the Jobcentre and searching online.
You can also ask your work coach for advice and support with your search.
How will work experience affect my benefits?
You’ll usually still meet with your work coach and be actively looking for work as required by your claimant commitment. Your employer will know this and you can arrange the best times for your Jobcentre meetings so that you don’t miss them.
You’ll still claim your benefits until you’re no longer eligible – it’s important that you talk to your work coach about things that will affect your financial support as each benefit type will be different.
If your work experience goes well, you may even get an offer to continue working with the employer part time, full time, or through a training scheme like an apprenticeship. This would be amazing for you, and it may impact your benefits as you’ll receive wages. Again, your work coach will be able to help you through the process.
Jobcentre Plus Support
See how the Jobcentre can help young people get jobs, training, work experience and other opportunities, and explore Frequently Asked Questions to understand what support you could receive.
More Jobcentre Plus Information
