Looking for Work

Work or Train? Why not both?

Whether you've just left school, are returning to work after a career break, are looking for a change or have been out of work for some time its best to approach the task of looking for a job in the same way.  The first thing you need to do is to decide whether finding a job is the best option or whether it would be better if you looked at training or educational opportunities to increase your employability.  Of course, there are so many opportunities available that fit in with everyday working patterns that there's nothing to stop you undertaking some form of training or qualification in the evening.

Training Advice

Our work skills can need updating for a number of reasons - a lack of experience, moving into another area or even advances in technology that have considerably changed the area you are hoping to work in.  The Government's Worktrain Website (External Link), as well as helping you look for a job, also lets you look at the training opportunities available.  You may also want to have a talk with someone at your local Learning and Skills Council who will be able to tell you about the opportunities and courses available in your area

Looking for a Job

There are now more and more ways of finding that vacancy with your name written all over it.  While reading through your local paper will still let you keep track of the current vacancies on offer in your area, the internet means you can look for jobs up and down the country at the touch of a button.  If you don't have internet access at home, a trip to your local library will normally reveal internet access available to borrowers.  Most jobsites focus on national vacancies, but Northwestworkplace (External Link) is a website designed specifically to promote vacancies in the North West and lets you search for both jobs and training opportunities by area.  Other popular jobsites include the Government's Worktrain Website (External Link), The Guardian (External Link) and Fish4jobs (External Link). 

Of course, you might find the perfect job for you advertised amongst the Council Vacancies

You can find help and advice on looking for work through the Employment Service (External Link).