Teenagers To Work is a bit like work experience but better! In work experience you go somewhere and work for a period of time without getting paid, but with teenagers to work you get paid an allowance for bus fares and lunches, £10 a day and it tries to get you a placement at the work you want to do, and can lead you to full time employment.
Teenagers To Work starts when you are at the age of 14 years and it goes up to the age of 21. There are a number of placements you can go to but it just depends on what you like and what you would like to do when you are older.
The Teenagers To Work Coordinator works closely with Connexions and Positive Activities for Young People to provide a range of support and activities for young people to participate in during the school holidays
They have close links with the Leaving Care Team and Entry To Employment (E2E) so that young people can have a work placement of their choice when they go into E2E training opportunities at age 16 years.
Have you got an idea of what you would like to be when you're older?
Don't decide just yet! There is a scheme called Teenagers To Work that can help you choose which job that you want in life.
The thing that I have experienced on Teenagers To Work is if you really like doing something and you want to do it as a job, you can do that job with Teenagers To work to see if that job is for you. That's what I have found out.
E.g. If you wanted to be a car mechanic you can ask to be out on Teenagers To Work at 14 years of age to find out if that job was for you or not.
If I were you I would take advantage of this because not only do you find out if that job was for you or not, you also get an allowance for it. So, for further information please contact you're social worker or anybody who works around you.
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Have your say in what you want
"My name is Lee. I have just been to Gateshead Leisure Centre for the week working with all the members of the staff and worked very hard and enjoyed every minute of my work. At the end of my week I had got on very well with all of the staff. The employer that was with me for the week filled in my evaluation and has offered me a job when I have passed my lifeguard course. Before my work placement I was nervous that I was not going to get on with the other members of staff. I did not know how to get to the placement but after the first day you want to go again because it is very good and the staff know a bit about you so it was easier for the staff and me. Teenagers To Work is an easier way to get you to see what work is like, but it is the fun way to approach work and enjoy yourselves."
14 – 16 year old learners
Gateshead College is working with schools to improve choices and opportunities for pupils.
As part of their school curriculum, 14-16 year olds can study on a wide range of vocational courses including Motor Vehicle, Hospitality and Catering, Hairdressing, Engineering, Childcare and there are many more things that you can do that will suit you. Then just sit back and watch yourself improve.