I’m going to share my thoughts on what to do when you step out of the school gates, and embark on a new phase in your life! Whether you're about to start college or looking for your first job, it's an exciting time filled with opportunities and possibilities.
Here are some pieces of advice to help you GET READY!
Determine your goals
What do you want to achieve in your career or college journey? Choosing a career can be a daunting process, especially if you’re just starting out. Take some time to reflect on your interests, skills, and values. Consider what you want to achieve in the short and long term. This can help you identify which colleges or jobs align with your goals, making it easier to make decisions that move you closer to where you want to be.
We can help you explore different career options, understand the requirements and qualifications needed for different industries, and make informed decisions about your future.
Develop your skills
Whatever you decide to do next, honing your skills and knowledge will be part of your journey. You could embark on an apprenticeship or take courses to help you develop the skills required for your desired career. If you're looking for a job, seek opportunities to acquire new skills. Consider taking online courses, volunteering, or taking on work experience to boost your skills.
Developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, and leadership is so important. We can help you to gain a better understanding of these skills are important in real-world situations. We’ll help you to become more confident, capable, and effective.
Keep a record of your accomplishments and build a portfolio to showcase your talents to potential employers or use in your college applications.
Ask others what worked for them
We all have different goals, and our journeys are all different. But I hear time and time again it can be really useful to hear from others who’ve been in your shoes!
Two of our learners told me the support we’d given them had been so helpful – and helped them get jobs! “It helped us to build confidence and gain good experience. We took part in fun activities that helped us work on making new friends and try activities we wouldn’t normally get to do. We started off at M&S just to gain some experience and see what it would be like in a job. This worked out really well as we both have jobs from it now.”
Gain work experience
Work experience can enhance your CV, making you more employable, and providing you with essential skills and knowledge. We can help you find opportunities to gain work experience in a variety of industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality. We’ll help you to explore different career options, gain practical experience, and build your professional network.
Seek out support
Find someone who can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your next steps. Someone like a tutor, job coach, a more senior colleague at work or an older sibling or friend.
Seek out individuals who have experience in your field of interest and can provide insights into career paths, challenges, and opportunities. They can help you develop your skills, provide constructive feedback, and offer encouragement as you work towards your goals.
They can also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve them. They can help you stay motivated, focused, and on track towards your learning and career goals.
Embrace new opportunities
Be open to new experiences. Take advantage of opportunities by experiencing new things, taking risks, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. We’ll get you trying things like rock climbing, abseiling and kayaking – or get you working in teams or pairs. You never know where a new experience may lead you or what you may discover about yourself along the way.
I’m Hayley Davies, Youth Engagement Manager at COPA. I’ve worked with thousands of young people in my time, helping them to explore and reach their learning and career goals.
Get Ready is funded by the Welsh Government and is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to succeed in college, the workplace, or sixth form. This programme offers a wide range of benefits that can help you achieve your goals and build a successful future. It is flexible and tailored, and designed to help you reach your personal goals.
