Gap Year Working

Taking a gap year isn't just about travelling around the world. There are lots of ways that you can build key skills and get more experience of life working in the UK, travelling and working abroad, and through volunteering.

You might want to spend the year working in the UK and saving money for your future studies. If so, you could get a regular full-time job, or maybe some temporary or part-time work that still lets you have some time off to enjoy your year out.

Ask your careers teacher or a Connexions adviser about schemes that let you spend your gap year working in an industry related to your studies or future career plans.

You could also look into completing a 'Year in Industry', which offers you an insight into how business operates and gives you the chance to work with new people and learn new skills. Some people who take this opportunity are awarded scholarships to help them through higher education.

There's nothing wrong with treating your gap year as an extended holiday, but you can still use your time wisely. Many tour operators run gap year trips that visit as many places as possible in a year.

If you haven't saved enough to live a life of leisure, you could work your way around the world. You may need to have certain types of visa to work in some countries, so check before you go.

More information

Year In Indsutry website - http://www.yini.org.uk/students.php (external link)

Connexions Direct - http://www.connexions-direct.com/ (external link)