How do I find a job at 17 years old with only GCSE qualifications?

Question

GCSE's I have attained: Bio/Chem/Phys C/C/C; Eng. Lang. A; Eng. Lit. B; Maths B; Statistics B; Media Studies B; History C; Graphic Design C; Religious Studies C

I've tried college, but it just isn't for me, and all the jobs I think I could apply for need referees from a previous job, when I haven't even had one yet!

I'm not particulary bothered where I would get one, as long as I could do the job. I've tried online recruitment sites, but those just seem to be more confusing than anything.

Is there anyone out there who could help?

Answer 1

Your educational qualifications are quite good so Thereere should be no educational reason you are finding it difficult. The most likely reason is that with so many youngsters staying on at college or 6th form up to A level standard employers only recruit from this age as they feel the education has been enhanced. You don't say if you have a particular career or type of work in mind,and what sort of positions you have applied for. You would possibly get a job in a retail environment and although it might not be to your taste and perhaps only low paid, you would be getting that all important thing,experience.Even in a not too good job stick with it for a while. If you are pretty good at it you may get promoted to a better position when they have been able to assess your abilities but even so you will be able to get that all important reference should you apply for what you see as a job more suitable for you and you would NOW have an advantage over the other 17 and 18 year olds looking for jobs. Wish you lots of luck anyway.Wish I was an employer and could help you.

Answer 2

Just apply for all the jobs you think you could apply for, although they ask for experiences and references from a previous employer, they will understand that you probably won't have any because of your age.

There will be some that won't consider you as an employee because of this, but if you keep trying something will come up. I started at the bottom of the scale in my job at 17 and worked my way up, so keep trying!

Good on you, I hope pays off, Good Luck with the future.

Answer 3

Well im a little different from you in that i did my A levels then left but i knew that for any type of office work i would need experience - it si fustrating you need experience to work. and work for experience but there is a very effective way to do it!
While i was still at school i had several part time jobs - one in cafe and one savers. IF you find work like that for a few months, employers will be much more inclined to employ you as they see you have experience in the workind world in general - you also have references for more serious careers!
The main thing i did was volunteered in the volunteer bureau office in my town! ths is perfect becauce you can choose when you do it (few hours a week) and you get the office skills you need and experience! Whats more when you coem to getting your job, the employers likes that you were willing to do volunteer work!

Put it this way, thats what i done and im 19 and work for an accountant as secretary, payroll officer (he trained me) and vat returns, bank account analysis etc and im on on a really. really good salary and thats just starting off as an office junior!

Answer 4

I stated work when I was 17 but went through an apprentice scheme to do so. there are loads of sites which offer this sort of job and you can work towards another qualification whilst getting paid! Have a look on:

www.springboard.com
www.ttctraining.co.uk (this site is where i started, they are specific in people who want to work in travel)

you should also think about asking your school for references as a back up.
I hope this helps!
x

Answer 5

Best advice is go to interviews looking smart and tidy, go to as many as you can even if you don't think you'll get it. Try employment bureaus face to face is best. First listen to what they say and look at the interviwer when they speak. Tell them you're very willing to learn and you are not afraid of hard work. Start with anything you can to build up your record and get experience. What an amazing thing to be seventeen and have all those qualifications!!! Smile and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, you'll be surprised at what you are capable of, get out there and go for it. Love, light and peace.

Answer 6

I was like you once, thought that college wasn't for me. But when I came to relaise reality, I decided that I'd rather go through the boring and hard few few years first and live a comfortable and interesting life later. Don't get lured into what you're headed. Think! Would you settle for only 25k a year or 10 times that! It may seem unimaginable, but with the gcse's you got, I can tell that you have potential. College and Uni don't have to be boring...

Answer 7

I was in the same situation as you when i was 17, I went to a recruitment agency on the high street to help get my foot in the door. They can fight your corner for you which is useful when its your first job.

There a few to try, Adecco, Blue Arrow, Manpower, Reed, Select and a few more.

Answer 8

Firstly, get some references from school. Then go to the job centre (UK) they have a whole selection of worthwhile jobs there. Also look in your local paper. Good luck.

Answer 9

Just keep trying. Take anything from shelf stacking to floor sweeping.

Answer 10

would you not like to try an apprenticeship http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ that could be a start if your having trouble finding work xxx