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Learning through work to boost your career

More and more, employers are looking for workers with higher level skills and qualifications. So, if you want to start work, finding a job with training will give you better long-term prospects.

You can learn through work in a way that suits you. For example, you could study part time during evenings and weekends, or through distance learning (online or correspondence).

Apprenticeships

If you want a job that guarantees excellent training, an Apprenticeship could be for you.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of employment sectors. As an Apprentice, you earn money while you learn and study for nationally recognised qualifications.

• Apprenticeships

If you’re looking for work

Entry to Employment (e2e)

If you’re not ready to start an Apprenticeship, employment with training or further education after Year 11, you may benefit from an Entry to Employment (e2e) programme. To qualify, you must live in England and be aged between 16 and 18.

e2e is intended to develop your motivation and confidence. It will also help you build skills that you can use in the workplace, known as ‘Key Skills’ and ‘Skills for Life’.

e2e is tailored to your individual needs, so it does not last for a fixed amount of time. As well as working towards a qualification, you can try out different work and learning situations.

If you are on an e2e programme, you may be able to receive money in the form of an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

• EMA
• Find out more about e2e (opens new window)

New Deal for Young People

New Deal for Young People

New Deal is a government scheme designed to help people who are out of work. You’ll get a personal adviser who will look at your experiences, interests and goals so that a plan can be prepared for you.

You can apply for the New Deal for Young People if you are aged between 18 and 24 and have had a continuous claim to Jobseekers’ Allowance for six months or more.

If you take part in one of the full-time education or training options, your course fees will be paid. Help with the costs of books, travel or equipment is also available.

• New Deal for Young People (opens new window)

If you’re in work - but there’s no training

If the job you have found offers little or no training, you could be eligible for something called Time Off for Study or Training (TfST). 

You can qualify if you are 16 or 17 and did not get any Level 2 qualifications at school. Level 2 qualifications include:

• GCSEs at grades A*-C
• an NVQ Level 2
• certain other qualifications, such as a BTEC First Diploma

TfST entitles you to reasonable paid time off during normal working hours to study or train for an approved qualification. This must be a Level 2 qualification that will help improve your future employment prospects.

The time off you get will depend on the course, your circumstances, and your employer’s needs.

If you're 18, you're also allowed to finish any qualifications that you've already started.

• More about the Time off for Study of Training (TfST) scheme (opens new window)

Where your training can lead

You may be able to use the qualifications you gain through work-based training as a route into university or higher education. This can further improve your job prospects and potential earnings in the future.

The work experience you gain could also be really useful if you want to apply to do a Foundation Degree. Foundation Degrees combine academic study with work-based learning.

• Getting into university and higher education

More useful links

• Starting work: what you should expect (young people section)
• Your rights and responsibilities at work (young people section)