How to get experience when you have no experience?

The classic catch 22. You’re looking for your first job, but in order to get it, you need to have some experience – but how do you get experience if you haven’t got a job? It can feel like a never-ending paradox!

Thankfully it’s a problem many of us suffered when we were first starting out. The good news is with a bit of determination and creativity, and life always finds a way!

When you start, it is essential to realise some jobs will be out of the question because experience can be vital criteria for employers. You have to accept that with some jobs employers must have an experienced person and nothing else will do. Sometimes, this is because they cannot afford the time and expense of bringing on a newcomer. However, this problem is not the same for every employer, so do not be disheartened.

Where to start? – When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!

You need to be proactive! Don’t waste time waiting around for a job to be promoted online, you have to start knocking on doors even when a position isn’t openly available.

Try to find an organisation or company that offer trial opportunities or temporary work, even on a ‘work experience’ basis. Don’t be put off if the opportunity doesn’t provide a position at the end of the programme. Any experience can be valuable. It all adds up.

If in doubt, you can always do some digging online! Find the name of someone in charge of the department or area you want to work in and write to them.

Here are a few ways you can find a work experience program:

Short term – Work Experience Placements

Work experience placements are a great way to get your foot in the door in the industry you want to work in. There are many ways to find these placements, but our traineeship program ensures you with a structured placement to aid your development and make sure you get the most out of this experience.

These placements are usually non-paid but is always a good option for school leavers over the holidays after leaving school or Sixth Form College.

However, our Traineeship programme can help you find work regardless of your previous background or schooling. If you are aged 19-24, we can help find you a work placement and develop your employability skills to make the best possible impression.

A Traineeship is an education and training Pre-Apprenticeship programme that incorporates work experience that prepares young people aged 19-24 for their future careers by supporting and helping them become ready for the workplace. The programme is designed to fit the individual learners’ needs and will last for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months, with a work placement, included. The work placement is a minimum of 2 weeks.

If you would like to find out more visit our Traineeships page.

Very often, if you show enough enthusiasm and drive,
you’ll be offered a position or at least the promise of a job when a situation arises in the future. But most importantly of all keep some contact information after you finish your placement, it always pays to stay in touch to keep your name at the forefront of the employers mind for future vacancies.

Apprenticeships & Long Term Internships

Some companies will have their own scheme for those wanting to gain work experience, often referred to as ‘internships’, whereby they take in a limited number of new people in order to let them gain the all-important insights.

Apprenticeships are usually more long term and are more of a formal commitment by the company who take you on and train you under the guidance of the company’s professionals as you work. You are therefore being trained and paid.

We offer apprenticeships across a range of key industries, which provide clear progression routes for individuals wishing to follow a work-based learning pathway. There is no upper age limit to becoming an apprentice. If you would benefit from learning new skills and earning a qualification, then an apprenticeship would be perfect for you.

If you would like to find out more about what courses we offer visit our Apprenticeships page.

Reaching out to employers directly to find your own opportunities

Finding work experience opportunities off your own back can be difficult, but sticking to it will always pay off. Use your own contacts and networks such as family, friends, previous course mates, university tutors and previous employers to see if they know of any opportunities.

Sometimes it’s all about who you know, and you may get lucky. Before you start trawling the internet, always ask around. Someone may know someone at a company of interest and pass on your contact details.

If this doesn’t work out, use social media sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with what companies are doing and, in some cases, connect directly with employers.
Always make sure your presence on these sites is up to date.

Sometimes small & medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) will advertise on social media, locally based advertising and through word of mouth. Often these companies will have an Operations Manager or Managing Director who is public-facing. These are great people to approach. By showing motivation & initiative, you never know what it might lead to.

For more tips be sure to follow us on Instagram!

@kiwieducationuk 

Get Started With Kiwi!

This summer, taking a traineeship is an excellent opportunity to gain some experience. It has also proven a great strategy for those looking to get into skilled work with little experience. So if you’ve recently finished your A-levels or GCSE’s and your unsure what to do next, Kiwi has many options to get the ball rolling.

We take pride in helping connect companies and organisations to the right people looking to gain experience and develop their skills ready for the workplace of tomorrow!

Get in touch today, we would love to hear from you!

Call us on – Tel: 02380 170380.

Or email us on – Hello@Kiwieducation.co.uk