Case studies: Teens Talk Back : Directgov

Success stories

Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of The Apprentice, may be a familiar figure to those aspiring to great things in the workplace. Tim wants to make sure that young people are taken seriously by employers and get a chance to prove themselves.

He says: "Young people are a key part of a healthy and competitive future for British business. But as our future leaders and innovators, they need the support of employers and organisations to make the transition to work and to be a success in the workplace. Young people can bring the fresh thinking and enthusiasm to a business that can really help it thrive and in my view that's a great return on a little investment. "

These case studies show how other young people have got into work:

Cyril Shinkfield, Cumnock

After leaving school, Cyril found work through Project Scotland for a year with the Forestry Commission. After he left, he had difficulty finding a job and was beginning to feel discouraged.

During his time with the Forestry Commission, Cyril had obtained several certificates and qualifications and came to realise that he would like to build a career in this field.

Jobcentre Plus helped set him up with an interview with K Imrie Treecare and he started work in the summer as a chainsaw operator. He's now in a job he enjoys and one he's qualified to do. He even secured funding for his driving test which will help with his career progression within the company.

Melissa Jakins, Derbyshire

Melissa had studied for a GCSE in Health and Social Care and had an idea that this was a sector she would like to work in, she just wasn't sure how to go about it. With help and funding from the Learning and Skills Council and European Social Fund, she was able to enrol on the First Base training programme in 2005 and achieved a City and Guilds Entry Level 3 certificate in Preparing for Work in the Care Sector.

Melissa says: "Since my training finished, I've been lucky enough to be employed by Enable Care Home and Support LTD as a support worker. I love my job and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world."

Robert Graham, Cumbria

Robert had a difficult time at school and found it tough to get a job when he left. He'd always had a passion for cars and had wanted to be a mechanic since he was a little boy. He managed to get two days' work experience a week at a local garage, but his lack of qualifications made them reluctant to take him on permanently.

After missing out on the job of his dreams, Robert was told by an adviser at Jobcentre Plus about a course with the training provider, Rathbone, which could help him get the qualifications he needed with funding from the Learning and Skills Council.

Robert worked hard and achieved his City & Guilds in maths and English. He also found a garage looking for a new trainee where the owner took him on for a two-week work trial. Robert impressed so much during the trial that he was offered the job. He's now even going to college to do a motor mechanics course to build up his skills further.

Sam Woodhams, Lye

The Hadley Group - the largest cold-rolled steel manufacturer in the UK - has always employed apprentices as a way of improving skills development within the company. More than 80 employees have served an apprenticeship at Hadley Group since their programme was introduced nearly 40 years ago. Nearly half are still working at the company.

Sam Woodhams is a second-year technical apprentice. He has an NVQ Level 2 certificate under his belt and is on his way to an NVQ Level 3.

Sam says: "After school I started studying engineering full-time at college, but it wasn't really for me. Getting on an Apprenticeship couldn't be better - I'm earning decent money, getting new skills all the time, and I still go to college on day release so I can pick up the theory and compare experiences with other people my age."

What kind of worker will you be???

Answer the questions below to get an idea of the kind of worker you might be.

1) At a Karaoke night with friends you are most likely to:

a) Make an excuse not to go - you find being the centre of attention embarrassing

b) Come to someone's aid with a duet - you could see they were struggling

c) Sing. It's only a bit of fun after all, nobody is expecting you to be Christina Aguilera

d) Hog the mic for the majority of the night, belting out old favourites

2) A friend receives a telling off from the teacher, your instinct is to:

a) Think they shouldn't have done it in the first place, so at least they will have learnt a lesson

b) Offer them sympathy and advice

c) Try to cheer them up with a joke

d) Laugh

3) When someone asks you for a favour, your general response it to:

a) Agree to help, even if it puts you out

b) Feel an eagerness to help, even before you know what the favour is

c) Feel pleased that they've chosen to ask you - it obviously means they respect and trust you

d) Feel irritated that they have the nerve to ask for your help - your time is precious

4) The new person at school is sitting on their own in the canteen, do you:

a) Not even realise - you're busy using the lunch hour to swot up for your next class

b) Go over and join them and say that everyone finds it difficult being new

c) Beckon them over to join you and your friends

d) Not even notice - you've got more important people to look out for

5) A friend tells you they were really just skiving when they phoned in sick yesterday, do you:

a) Secretly admire them for having the guts to do it

b) Talk to them about it - they must be unhappy about something

c) Lecture them on why it's wrong to pull a sickie when there's actually nothing wrong with them

d) Tell on them

6) During a class or training course you are most likely to find yourself:

a) Quietly scribbling notes

b) Helping the teacher/course tutor dish out all the materials everyone needs

c) Having a bit of a gossip with your pals

d) Shopping. You don't need educating - you're already on your way to the top

7) You find a tenner on the floor of the canteen, do you:

a) Leave it. The person who dropped it will probably come back for it

b) Donate it to charity

c) Ask around to see who it belongs to so you can return it to its rightful owner

d) Pocket it - finders-keepers, after all

8) When you start work the most important thing about your job will be:

a) The pay cheque at the end of the month

b) Being able to help/inspire people

c) Being popular among your work friends

d) Being successful at what you do

9) What would you say is your biggest weakness?

a) You're a constant worrier

b) You sometimes don't put yourself forward for things enough, you're too busy looking after everyone else

c) Sometimes you get to the end of the day and find you haven't done very much

d) You don't have a weakness, you're perfect.

10) Your teacher asks for a volunteer to look after the French exchange student, do you:

a) Worry that it will just be a big distraction from your studies

b) Check that no-one else desperately wants to do it before you volunteer

c) Volunteer immediately - it'll be a great chance to make a new friend

d) Consider what connections they have and how useful they can be to you before you make a decision.

What did you get?Mostly As - The Grafter You are conscientious and hard working. You tend to keep your head down and try to avoid getting involved in gossip. But don't underestimate yourself. You're the glue that holds the team together. When you're not there, things can really start to fall apart. Make sure you get credit for all the effort you put in. Mostly Bs - The Rock You're always there to help someone when they're in trouble with a shoulder to cry on and some sensible advice. People turn to you for help if they're having a rough time. But as you smooth over other people's troubles make sure you think of yourself occasionally, your future is important too. Mostly Cs - Everyone's Mate You're the life and soul. Everyone is your friend. You have a good sense of fun and try to make things as enjoyable as possible. Watch yourself though, life isn't just a social club, there will at times be some serious work to do. Mostly Ds - Power Crazy You're a natural born leader, there's only one way and it's up. You're fiercely ambitious and think nothing of trampling on those who get in your way. You will go far but remember to make some friends along the way or you may find it very lonely at the top.

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