Looking for vacancies

Where to start?

ask family and friends
take a look at your school or college careers noticeboard
local newspapers
company websites

Looking for a job?

Try search engines such as Adzuna, Indeed, Jobs24 or Find a job

Many of these job search sites will have apps you can download to make this process faster.

If you have an employer in mind that you'd like to work for, then look at their own website. They'll likely have a careers page to advertise vacancies. Many companies like you to apply through their own website, so you may need to create an account with them.

Social media is also a great place to start. It is free advertising for companies to put up their vacancies. Check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for opportunities.

Looking for an apprenticeship?

If you are specifically looking for an apprenticeship, then there are places to look that are dedicated to advertising apprenticeship vacancies.

You can browse apprenticeship vacancies on Help You Choose in the Opportunities section

The Find an apprenticeship website is where all vacancies are advertised nationally, but you can search by your postcode and specify how far you would be able to travel.

Apprenticeships Norfolk is another great place to look. You can also follow them on social media to get their regular updates on vacancies in Norfolk.

What is a speculative enquiry?

This is when you approach a company with your CV and a cover letter to find out if they would be interested in taking you on. Sometimes, businesses will see this as a sign of enthusiasm and will be more likely to remember you when a vacancy does come up.

If you are thinking of making a speculative enquiry, then find out who in the company is the best person to address the letter to. This will show that you have done your research and that you really are keen to work for that company.

Make sure your CV is up to date with relevant information that relates to the company you are applying to. You can create your CV in Your Account using the CV writer.

If you're in Year 11...

Don't forget that although you can leave school after Year 11, you must be in some form of education or a job with training (such as an apprenticeship) until the age of 18. Make sure when you're looking for work that the job comes with recognised training.