Work and Apprenticeships

How old can I be to work?

• Lots of Travellers work with their families from a young age.
• This is often seasonal work, like working at horse fairs.
• The legal age in the UK to start employment is 13.
• You cannot legally work during school time.
• If travelling for work your parent/guardian will have to:
  • Request to use the T Code from your school.
• You are legally expected to stay in full-time education until you turn 18.
  • This includes studying at college, doing an apprenticeship or training.
  • You can do part-time education/training if you work at least 20 hours a week.

Writing a CV

• Most employers will ask for a CV.
• A CV demonstrates any work or educational experience you have.
• It also lets you share your skills.
• Volunteering can really help build up your CV.
  • Find volunteering opportunities through Volunteering Matters.
• Courses and apprenticeships can also be helpful.
  • Find more information in the next section. 
• See the BBC Bitesize Career toolkit for help writing a CV.

What qualifications do I need?

• This depends on what you wish to do.
• Most universities and a lot of colleges do require GCSE's Maths and English.
• You can often retake Maths and English at college.
• Many universities will require A-Levels but not all.
  • Higher Education Diplomas or BTECs can also be accepted.
  • Open University is also an alternative pathway.
  • Find more information about applying to university through UCAS.
• Lots of apprenticeships do not require Maths and English.

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What courses can help me get a job?

University

• University degrees can help, but they are not essential.
• Information for grants for University can be found here.

Apprenticeships

• Apprenticeships can be really useful for getting straight into work.
• You most often don't need educational qualifications.
• You can find apprenticeships local to you, here.

Construction work

• You will need to apply for a CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme).
• You will need to sign up up for a course through the website.
• There are different types of CSCS cards.
• The green CSCS card is for general laborers.
• FFT also teach this course to local clients in Sussex.
  • Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

Driving

• A driving license can also be very helpful for certain work.
• The Motability Scheme can help with driving costs for people with disabilities.
• Contact FFT if you would like driving theory support and live in the Sussex area.

Health advocacy

• Doing a RSPH course ( Level 2 Award for 14-24 year olds) to become a Young Health Champion can give you useful experience.
• This trains you how to advocate for your peers around healthy living.
• Many schools offering this training or you can find accredited programme through RSPH.
• FFT also offer this training to local clients in Sussex.
  • Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

Where do I find work?

• You will find available jobs online using websites like Indeed, Reed or LinkedIn.
• Jobcentres can also help with finding jobs and writing CVs.
  • Find your local Jobcentre Plus here. 
• If you receive Universal Credit and have no limited capability for work:
  • You will have regular meetings with your work coach who can advise how to find work.
  • Your work coach can help you with writing CVs, cover letters and building interview skills.
  • They may refer you to local employers, job fairs or recruitment days.
  • They will review the progress of your work search.
  • Find more about limited capability for work under 'What if I cannot work' on our Universal Credit page.
• Ask friends and family members about any work opportunities through word of mouth or social media.

How do I start my own business?

• You may want to apply skills like gardening, carpentry or cleaning into a business.
  • Scrap metal dealing is also a common trade amongst Traveller communities.
• First you will need to register as self-employed.
• The video below is produced by London Gypsies and Travellers and describes the steps to take to becoming self employed.
  • Each step is also written out at the bottom of this page.

 

Steps to take

• You will first need to open a bank account.
  • You will usually require two forms of photo ID and proof of address.
• You will also need to have a National Insurance number.
  • This can be found on a P60, payslip or benefit letter.
  • You can call the National Insurance helpline to find it out on:
    • 0300 200 3500.
    • Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.
  • You can apply online or ring the above number.
• You will then need to fill in a CW1 form to register as self-employed with HMRC.
  • This means you can get a unique tax reference number.
  • You will then need to set a direct debt up to pay your national insurance.
• A tax return form will need to be filled in each year.
  • • You can find where to get help with this here.
    • Find more about the benefits of doing tax returns early here.
  • This means you can legally start working as self-employed.