Jobs scarce for young graduates
College and school leavers in Northampton are being urged to prepare themselves now for what is expected to be a highly-competitive jobs market.
Last August and September, more than 1,000 18 to 24-year-olds in the town signed on for Jobseekers' Allowance after they were unable to find employment following the completion of their studies.
To help young jobseekers get ahead of the crowd this year, the Department of Work and Pensions is launching a "21-day challenge" to help get them in the job application habit.
From tomorrow, jobseekers will be able to go to a dedicated student website which will feature a series of tips for finding work, including CV writing, preparing for interviews, using social media to find work and volunteering opportunities.
The Government is also setting up 50,000 new apprenticeships and creating the Work Programme, which will give young people flexible support to get them into work.
A Jobcentre Plus spokesman said: "We know that it takes around 21 days for an activity to become a habit so school leavers can follow these tips to get it right from the start.
"By doing something each day, jobseekers will be taking small achievable steps to their ultimate goal and maintain motivation in this tough market."
Football freestyling coach Billy Wingrove, who is supporting the challenge, said: "Looking for a job is a bit like training for a new sport or joining the gym. You need to get into a daily routine for it to become a habit.
"You also need to keep motivated by setting yourself challenges and seize new opportunities, that's what I did."
People can take part in the 21-day challenge by following the 21 Days discussions groups on The Student Room website. The website address is www.thestudentroom.co.uk/21daychallenge
Students who are disappointed with their grades tomorrow are also being offered the chance to try a distance learning course at The College of Estate Management, which offers Msc and Bsc degree courses.
Principal Dr Ann Heywood said: "A switch to in-career learning from pre-career learning would lead to greater engagement of young people and employers in higher education."
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Weather for Northampton
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
