Applying to your 15th job on Indeed, in one day, is a special kind of hell.
You scroll for hours and find a job that seems perfect for you, only to realise that they require a minimum three years of experience, hyperspecific training or qualifications you don’t yet possess.
Luckily for us, there are actually plenty of ways to gain experience and training to spruce up your CV and nail those applications. So, if you’re currently on Universal Credit and are looking for some ways to boost your employability, look no further.
Here are our top 5 ways to enhance your job prospects while on Universal Credit:
1) Sector Based Work Academies
If the ‘previous experience’ section of your CV needs a little fleshing out, a Sector Based Work Academy could be perfect for you. These six week academies allow you to pick a sector to train in, and gain invaluable experience to help with future job applications. Choose between industries like construction, warehouse and logistics, the public sector, hospitality, social care and more.
You’ll get hands-on experience in a job role while picking up the skills you need to succeed. Some employers may even offer you a job at the end of the scheme, whilst others offer support in writing applications to other potential employers. You’ll need to be a recipient of Universal Credit in order to apply, so if this sounds right for you, find out more by enquiring with your work coach.
2) Get Into Scheme
Looking to get some experience in an entirely new field? The Get Into Scheme was made specifically for that! Set up by the Prince’s Trust, the scheme is designed to give you the skills and opportunities you need to thrive in a new industry.
Pick between sectors such as retail, hospitality and health and social care to get started and work with top businesses, gaining first-hand experience in a job role. Not only will they train you personally, they also provide help with writing a CV and interviewing techniques with potential for a job at the end of the programme.
3). Kickstart Scheme
If you’ve ever tried to break into a new industry with no qualifications, you know how hard it can be to get started. Lucky for us, the government’s Kickstart Scheme can help. Spend six months being trained as a paid intern with a local successful business, learning the tricks of the trade and networking with others in the field as you go. You’ll be taught all the skills you need to succeed in your job role and gain the confidence to burst into your new career path once the internship has ended.
Between Tech and digital, creative industries, engineering and manufacturing, marketing, sports, beauty, forestry and many more, there’s no shortage of options to consider. This scheme is only available to 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit, so if this applies to you, why not enquire with your work coach and begin your journey into a new pathway today?
4) Traineeships
This skills development programme is ideal for anybody who needs more experience and help with the application process, learn how to write a successful CV, get support with English, Maths and IT skills and work on a placement gaining the skills you need to begin an apprenticeship or job. Although this isn’t a paid opportunity, it’ll prepare you for the world of work and has opportunities at the end of the programme for apprenticeships and future work. To find out more, enquire with your work coach.
5) Job Fairs
For some of us, the application process is just not our strong suit. So, if you’ve been given the gift of the gab, why not ask your work coach about local job fairs?
They’re free to attend and allow you to meet with and make a great first impression on industry professionals and employers. Simply turn up in smart attire, print some CVs out to bring with you (you can do this at your local job centre if you don’t have access to a printer) and get chatting to potential employers. If you’d like to know more, reach out to your work coach and find out when and where your next local job fair is.
Hopefully this list has shown you that there are an endless number of ways to give your applications a boost while looking for work.
Good luck with the job hunt!