Careers advice

It's never too late to learn and pick up the skills you need to get a job.

Training courses and skills sessions

Thurrock Adult Community College runs courses all year round. If you receive an income-based benefit, you may get a reduction in the course fees. Some courses are even free for anyone.

South Essex College runs courses to help unemployed adults into work, including part-time courses, evening and weekend courses, as well as work-based learning.

Free computer sessions at Thurrock libraries can help you get back into work. You can also get help with writing a CV, searching for vacancies and applying for jobs.

Gingerbread is a charity that works with single parents to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to get back into work.

Careers and skills advice

National Careers Service can offer one-to-one sessions with an adviser at your local children’s centre. Ask the children's centre staff at your for more information or to book an appointment.

TCHC (The Consultancy Home Counties) – part of the National Careers Service network – offers free careers and skills advice, including help with job profiles, job hunting, CVs and interviews.

Choosing between employment and further education

The advantages of starting employment rather than going into further education include:

• financial independence
• regular pay, no student debt
• no more full-time study
• the chance to work towards relevant, job-related qualifications
• the security of having a job now, rather than the chance of a better one in the future
• the chance to get established early in your chosen career

Disadvantages include:

• it may take longer to qualify in a job
• you may end up earning less than a graduate over your working life
• you may not be able to reach the same level in your job as someone with a degree
• you may still need to study after work to get qualifications to progress in your career
• a degree or diploma is needed to enter some professions

More help and advice

If you are aged 16 to 19 years-old, or up to 25 years-old with special educational needs, go to pages on career support for young people.

If you are 20 years-old or older, contact the National Careers Service.