EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION
WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE?
You don't need to have your whole future figured out. Learning what you're good at, exploring your options and taking the next step can help you build the future you want.
WHAT COULD COME NEXT?
THERE'S MORE THAN ONE ROUTE
COLLEGE
Continue learning and work towards qualifications.
TRAINING
Develop practical or vocational skills.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Combine learning with experience in the workplace.
EMPLOYMENT
Find paid work and begin building experience.
VOLUNTEERING
Develop skills, confidence and experience while contributing to something worthwhile.
NOT SURE YET?
Explore your interests and strengths before deciding on your next step.
THERE ISN'T ONE “RIGHT” ROUTE. YOUR NEXT STEP SHOULD WORK FOR YOU.
THE TRICK IS LEARNING HOW TO EXPLAIN YOUR SKILLS TO SOMEONE ELSE.
SKILLS YOU ALREADY HAVE
YOU'VE PROBABLY GOT MORE SKILLS THAN YOU THINK
Skills don't just come from jobs. The everyday things you do reflect qualities that employers and colleges are looking for.
Helping at home ➔ responsibility
Playing team sport ➔ teamwork
Gaming & technology ➔ problem solving
Caring for somebody ➔ reliability
College projects ➔ planning
Volunteering ➔ confidence
Cooking at home ➔ organization
FINDING OPPORTUNITIES
WHERE DO I START?
1
EXPLORE
Look at different jobs, courses, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
2
CHECK
Read what they're asking for and whether it interests you.
3
PREPARE
Get your CV, application and important information ready.
4
APPLY
Follow the instructions carefully and keep a record of what you've applied for.
YOUR CV
YOUR STORY ON A PAGE
A CV gives an employer an introduction to your skills, education and experience. It is your introduction to who you are and what you can do.
CONTACT DETAILS
SHORT PERSONAL PROFILE
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
SKILLS
ACHIEVEMENTS / INTERESTS
YOU'VE GOT AN INTERVIEW!
Your interview is tomorrow at 10am. You've never been to the workplace before and you're feeling nervous. What could you do tonight to make tomorrow easier?
PREPARATION WON'T REMOVE EVERY NERVE — BUT IT CAN HELP YOU FEEL MORE IN CONTROL.
Plan your journey
Check what you're wearing
Read about the employer
TELL THEM ABOUT YOU
Tell me about yourself
Why are you interested in this opportunity?
It's OK to take a moment to think before answering.
BUILD YOUR NEXT STEP
The Nexsteps Independent Living Skills Workbook explores employment, education and preparing for the future through practical activities, discussion, reflection and goal setting.
MY FIRST JOB
TURNING UP
Know your hours and arrive ready to start.
COMMUNICATION
Ask when you're unsure and let somebody know if there's a problem.
TEAMWORK
Learn how to work alongside different people.
BEHAVIOUR
Understand expectations, boundaries and professionalism.
PAY
Learn to understand your wages and payslip.
LEARNING
You aren't expected to know everything on day one.
GOT A “NO”? KEEP MOVING.
Applications may be unsuccessful and interviews don't always lead to offers. It's part of the process.
ONE REJECTION DOESN'T DECIDE YOUR FUTURE.
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Ask for feedback where appropriate
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Think about what went well
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Identify something to improve
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Keep applying
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Ask somebody for support
Activity Panel
YOUR NEXT-STEP CHALLENGE
Choose ONE challenge below and give it a go today:
What's the first thing you need to do?
Find a job that interests you
Look at a college course
Find an apprenticeship
Update your CV
Practise an interview question
Find a volunteering opportunity
KEEP YOUR JOB SEARCH ORGANISED
COULD YOU...
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Identify some of your strengths?
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Search for jobs or courses?
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Complete a basic application?
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Create or update a CV?
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Prepare for an interview?
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Plan a journey to work or college?
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Understand basic workplace expectations?
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Ask for help if you're unsure?
YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING. YOU JUST NEED A NEXT STEP.
From the Nexsteps Workbook
BUILD YOUR NEXT STEP
The Nexsteps Independent Living Skills Workbook explores employment, education and preparing for the future through practical activities, discussion, reflection and goal setting.