Choosing the right career
The Career Test is a 15-minute questionnaire that matches your interests, ambitions, background, personality, and workplace preferences with probable occupations using powerful machine learning. After you've completed the survey, the results will provide you an overview of the types of occupations that match your personality and interests, as well as particular disciplines to investigate.
Careers advice
National Careers Service
National careers service provide careers information, advice and guidance. Help to make decisions on learning, training and work at all stages in your career. The service is available to people who live in England. Links to skills assessments, career profiles, and course searches. Visit their website for a webchat or phone 0800 100 900.
Job Help Campaign
If you are looking to get back into work and are not sure where to start, this website offers you advice and guidance of where to start, ways to improve your job application and interview performance, training and learning opportunities.
Build your skills
Learning Curve
Suitable for those who are ready to progress their career but aren’t sure where to start. They break down the barriers you are facing.
They offer a wide range of courses and apprenticeships to help you craft new skills or build on existing ones.
Most of their courses have no cost, and all are nationally accredited qualifications.
They also have a range of Level 3 and above courses which are available through an Advanced Learner Loan that doesn’t need to be repaid until you earn over £27,295 a year.
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. You'll be offered a job interview once you complete the course, the lists online provide details of the courses and locations available to eligible adults in England.
Contact the training provider to find out more information and apply to join a Skills Bootcamp.
Job search
UK careers Fair
The UK Careers Fair (free to attend), you can meet local and national employers face-to-face, and apply directly for hundreds of vacancies.
Job search websites
Hays - job search
GOV.UK job search
CV Writing, applications and interviews
Barclays life skills gives people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to work; with tools, tips and learning resources. Topics include CV writing, application forms, cover letters, interview skills, boosting confidence, returning to work, finding better work opportunities, preparing for your first day.
Access to work
If you have a physical or mental health condition, or a disability then they will help you to find work, or stay in work.
The support offered will depend on your needs, through Access to work you can apply for:
- A grant to help pay for practical support with your work i.e. BSL interpreters/Taxi fares to work, or a support worker if you cannot use public transport.
- Support with managing your mental health at work i.e. one to one session with a mental health professional.
- Money to pay for communication support at job interviews.
More information is available on the website, and you can apply online.
Local Careers Help
Find out what careers help is available locally to you within Herts, Beds and Bucks.
