Whether you’re in your first job or further up the career ladder, there’s always an opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge. Discover how to take the next step in your career. Improve your skills and prospects. And explore alternative career options.

What jobs exist that you’ve never heard of?

There’s a world of opportunities out there – but sometimes the challenge is knowing what those opportunities are! Complete this activity on Start to find out which jobs suit your interests and style of working. You could discover a new career…

How to boost your skills with volunteering

Volunteering or taking part in social action is a great way to make a positive difference to your local community – and build your skills at the same time. Here are four reasons why you should consider it. And how you can get started.

Can I change careers if I change my mind?

Few people have a linear career path. Instead you might find yours stops and starts. Changes direction. Maybe you even take a break altogether! The trick is knowing how to pursue an alternative route if you’re unhappy or want a new direction.

Is there such a thing as a job for life anymore?

Your grandparents might have worked for the same company – even done the same role – for all their life! Yet most young people today will move between several companies – maybe even change career at least once. It’s why it’s less important to consider how to find a job for life, but instead focus on how to build a skill set for life.

Social media do’s and don’ts

When you're looking for jobs, one of the first things a potential employer will do is see what they can find out about you outside of your CV. This is usually by Googling you, and one of the first pages that will pop up is all of your social media. 

By making sure you follow simple dos and don'ts when it comes to social media, you can ensure your future employer only sees what you want them to see.

Do's

What is it you'd like not only your friends and family to see, but your potential employer too?

  • Be yourself – this is still your social media page, so a great place to show off your personality.
  • Be realistic about what people want to see – only posting about what you had for lunch could get a bit boring. Share relevant articles and videos, make thoughtful comments when you can and re-tweet interesting posts from people you follow. Employers will see you’re a rounded person – exactly what they will be after!
  • Be upbeat and positive - share things that reflect what type of person you are and what matters to you. If you care about the rainforests of Borneo share some content about it. If you’re volunteering, tell people. Even little things, like making a cake for your grandparents, will show potential employers that you’re a caring person.

Don'ts

To put it simply, just don't post anything you wouldn't want your parents or grandparents to see.

  • Be careful about the image you're portraying of yourself. If you went to a party recently, limit the number of photos and be careful of what you're doing in them. Remember, just because your Facebook profile has privacy settings doesn't mean you're invisible online.
  • If you haven’t got something nice to say, don’t say anything at all! It’s easy to have a rant about someone or something that’s annoyed you in the heat of the moment, but when you’ve calmed down, do you really want everyone knowing you’ve had an argument with your best friend? Take the moral high ground and keep it away from social media. Remember the Cyberbullying Protection Law made it a crime to harass, stalk or bully another person.
  • Sharing isn't always caring. People don’t want to know every little personal detail of your life, so while it might be funny to tell your friends how rough you’re feeling, a potential employer will only see that you might be off sick a lot. Likewise if you post photos of you enjoying life while pulling a sickie, it will get back to people.

How to take the next step in your career

Do you feel stuck in a rut or happy in your comfort zone? Applying for a new job can feel like starting all over again. But it could also be the start of a new exciting chapter in your life. Use the questions in this blog to find out whether you’re ready for the next step in your career.

How to develop your own brand

Brands aren’t just for the likes of Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola. You’re a brand too – and everything you do should communicate your own unique value. Read these ten tips to find out how to build your personal brand.

How to turn your hobby into a career

Did you know that the things you love doing most could be valued in the workplace too? Take a look at how these five different hobbies relate to roles at HPC.

The Prince’s Trust

Check out The Prince’s Trust ‘Get into’ programme.

They give young people aged 16-25 the opportunity to gain work experience and receive training in specific sectors. As well as giving you vital experience, they also focus on your employability skills to help you move into a job after the course. They run programmes across different sectors including retail, construction, logistics and hospitality where you'll get on-the-job training and gain valuable work experience in your chosen sector.

Change Your Future, grow your work & life skills – Sign up to NCS

National Citizen Service (NCS) is an experience you really don’t want to miss. If you’re 16-17 years old this is your chance to embark on exhilarating challenges, make your mark and build skills for work and life.

As an employer, we really value the skills you develop when you participate in an NCS programme. The activities are designed to grow your leadership, teamwork and communication skills, whilst also developing your confidence and self-awareness.

If you have the slightest feeling or want to do anything, then follow your feelings and go for it! I was very stable in my original job, but never truly satisfied. I was always wanting something more exciting, with greater self-fulfilment. I was at a good point in my life, made the leap and I’m already beginning to see the benefits.

Thomas, Lifting Technician Apprenticeship

Routes to employment

There are so many ways in which you are able to access your future career. From apprenticeships, through to job roles via college or university; making the right choice for you is sometimes difficult.

What we hope is that your experience as a member of Young HPC will provide you with the advice, guidance and support needed to help you make that decision.

  1. Apprenticeships

  2. Degree Apprenticeships

  3. Internship

  4. Traineeship

  5. Higher Education

Become a member

Are you aged between 16 and 21? If so, please click on the link below to register for Young HPC.

If you have any questions, please contact younghpc@edf-energy.com