Life skills
You’re never too young to start building your life skills. It is likely at some point, that you will be leaving your home and moving on to University, to work away or to move in to your own place. We want to help you build your confidence to take the next steps in life and this page should complement the skills you already have:
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Money
Visit the Malvern Youth Projects website to find out more or follow @MalvernYouthy on Facebook and Instagram.
More support can be found at:
- Money Advice Service – offers a budget planner to help you work out your income and outgoings and lots of advice on managing your money.
- The Money Charity – provides information and advice on money matters to young people. It also produces the Student Money Manual with essential info on managing your finance as a student.
- Young Enterprise - Learn about the importance of saving money with activities which will help you understand financial jargon, plan for the long-term and spot impulse buying.
- Banks and building societies – you could speak to whoever your parents bank with or search online, but most offer advice and support for young people. An example is Barclays Lifeskills with tips on being money savvy as well as help with creating your CV and gaining valuable work experience.
- Citizens Advice – providing free advice and support if you are experiencing money worries. They also provide a budget planner.
Next Steps
If your time in school is coming to an end and you haven’t decided what to do next, then there are a number of options open to you, including:
Employment
Check out the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Mercia Support for school’s team pdf hints and tips blog (1.18 MB) for writing a CV and preparing for interview or watch their video on our YouTube channel.
For help or support with:
- CV’s and covering letters
- Information about Apprenticeships
- Interview preparation and skills
- Information about the world of work
Email the
More support can be found at:
- Skills4Worcestershire - This is a careers website designed to provide young people, parents and schools with all the information required to understand the career opportunities and pathways available in Worcestershire. This website aims to signpost you to useful resources, careers and employability advice and important information about Worcestershire's economy. pdf Career Choices leaflet. (6.30 MB)
- Seek and Reach – Support and mentoring scheme for young people in Worcestershire, aged 16 – 24 who are not in education, training or employment.
Apprenticeships and Training
Check our our Future Workforce webpages for more information on the range of options available to you when finishing school.
Apprenticeships can offer you the skills and qualifications you need whilst earning a wage. They are available to anyone aged 16 or over. You can continue your education up to degree level, receive paid for training, earn money and gain skills that employers want. pdf Read about one of our own apprentice's experience here. (154 KB)
University
Starting University can be daunting but it can also be hugely rewarding. Visit UCAS for more information on how to apply and write a personal statement. pdf Check out these top tips from an Ex-Fresher (908 KB) to help calm your nerves in the run-up to leaving home (or watch the video on our YouTube channel).
Unemployment Support for 16-24 year olds
pdf Worcestershire County Council has produced a helpful guide (576 KB) for anyone who has been made unemployed during the Covid-19 crisis, the information is also relevant for anyone who is or is facing unemployment. There are a number of free and impartial advice and support services available locally to those who are 16-24 years old including:
Moving out
There are lots of things to think about when you move away from home for the first time. Making a list of things to do and items you need can help the move go much smoother, visit Really Moving for a handy guide.
Other useful skills
Cooking
The following were produced as part of our Futureproof 2020 campaign and both are quick, cheap and easy recipes, a good starting point if you are just branching out on your own and want to build your cooking confidence.
- A tasty bacon and pea risotto recipe from The Octagon, St Andrews and All Saints Churches - read the pdf bacon and pea recipe (1.12 MB) or follow the risotto cookalong on YouTube.
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A cheap and easy vegan banana pancake recipe - read the banana recipe or follow the pancake cookalong on YouTube.
Please note: Any external links on this webpage are provided as a convenience and for information purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Malvern Hills District Council of any of the products, services or opinions of the organisation. Malvern Hills District Council bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.