Is this job centre worth going to anymore?

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No-Drink-8544@reddit

"I don’t want benefits I don’t want universal credit I want to get a job" You have to look for work to keep getting universal credit anyway, so you may as well claim it in the time you're looking for work.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

At this point I might

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

Your CV is definitely letting you down. So going and getting help with that should be your very first step. How do I know? Because if your post is anything to go by, it needs a bit of help with punctuation and layout. It’s an easy fix though!

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blob8543@reddit

Do you put as much effort into writing a reddit post as you did when writing your CV?

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

… yes. Don’t you?

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blob8543@reddit

Obviously not.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I don’t really punctuate etc myself on things like social media because my posts are usually very short so I don’t find the need to do so I’ll be honest but I might put my cv through like an ai generator or something along those lines and see if a work coach can take a look over and see how that goes

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CulturedClub@reddit

You got a lot of downdoots for that comment, but tbh if you dont have the literacy skills to punctuate correctly then by all means use AI to fix your CV. And a work coach is a brilliant idea. But I highly recommend embedding a new behaviour of punctuation online and irl. It will make a difference in your future. Good luck getting your driving *licence* and your dream job.

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

Trust me - if you don’t practice normal writing then it WILL slip through your CV. If you don’t sound articulate in your CV then you can’t be trusted to be articulated in your speech. That means you will be perceived as inarticulate with your team and your customers. Your CV might be simple but it must be clear and professional. Luck!!

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

In my defence I am very dyslexic and I never really had the need to write too formally or professionally as trades are about as professional as you think they are but I can trigger a professional language it just only slips out when I work on here I’m just myself if that makes sense

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

Sorry buddy but that’s not a defence. It’s an excuse. There are plenty of ways to compensate on your CV for any challenges in written writing you may have. You came here asking for advice. You’ve been given plenty of it. Now buckle up and accept that you have work to do (and excuses won’t improve your situation).

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aezy01@reddit

Just get AI to write the thing for you. There’s no excuse really.

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Mammoth_Classroom626@reddit

Dyslexic people can use punctuation. It’s not about not understanding basic grammar rules, it’s interpreting language on the page. As one of an entire family of dyslexics the irony is your way of writing makes it even harder for dyslexics to understand you lol. Running sentences are a nightmare with dyslexia. You need to practice doing it because it matters in most jobs and certainly does for applications.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Well practicing it on Reddit isn’t my top priority

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fearghaz@reddit

People that ask for help and then thumb their nose to it are the worst.

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TheRealGriff@reddit

It's polite to make your messages easy to read if you want people to help you for free.

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tlc0330@reddit

The only thing you need to learn to use is a full stop. Everything else is fine. It will probably help you when texting / emailing clients as well.

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Skylon77@reddit

As a recruiter I would second all this. Spelling and punctuation are the simplest way to reject a candidate, so they need to be immaculate. I would also recommend googling yourself and checking that there's nothing embarrassing on your social media.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I don’t really post on social media to be honest worst thing one my social media is probably a photo abroad with my family on face book but thanks anyway

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ProffesorPrick@reddit

Please for the love of god use full stops. The rest is admissible, but this is completely incoherent to read.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Must ask though what’s the beef with peas 😂

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

Disgusting vile creatures of awfulness!!!

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BarryIslandIdiot@reddit

Marry me! I'll have to divorce my wife first, but im willingnifbyou are.

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idontlikepeas_@reddit

I accept. Assuming you also hate tomatoes. Also vile abominations of the fruit species.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

This made me chuckle 😂

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AbleReporter565@reddit

You should, universal credit is there to support people when they're struggling. I've needed it in the past, and so if my taxes are going towards supporting a 19y/o who is looking for work but having a hard time finding anything, then my taxes have been used well

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

As much as I want to I still have money in the bank I’m secure for the next 5-6 months as long as I don’t go spending like I have 6 figures but I know there’s people that need it a lot more than me I know my uc would be a drop in the ocean of money in uc but it’s always one more less fortunate person than me that needs it so until I’m desperate I’d rather keep off it I can still pay my national insurance contributions so everything’s happy here I’d rather just get back into work but I’ve got an interview in the works so I might not need it at all

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nathderbyshire@reddit

It's not about who needs it most there isn't a limit and you personally aren't going to bankrupt the country because you need some financial help, either now or in the near future. If you have over 6K, the amount paid gets depleted up to 16K anyway roughly where it stops, so they may expect you to support yourself for a few months then you'll start to receive payments if needed at that time. Or you may just get a reduced amount to help cover basic living costs. Despite what Reddit says it isn't a luxury ride for most, especially if you're getting just the basic allowance while job searching. Don't feel guilty for taking support offered when the country offering it makes it difficult to support yourself. If you know you're not a bum looking to take a ride, you shouldn't have any shame. It's a safety net for everyone, not a shame net.

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Kraile@reddit

You should. Supporting people while they are looking for work is *exactly* what the benefits system is intended for. When you sign on you will have to go to weekly (or fornightly?) meetings where you must demonstrate that you have been looking for work. They will offer advice and help you search but they may not be particularly helpful if your field is specialised. They also do CV workshops which may well be useful to you.

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JimmyJonJackson420@reddit

Some money is better than none

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CuriousThylacine@reddit

You should because if you don't you're going to have a gap in your qualifying NICs.

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Logically_Open@reddit

I'm in a tough spot too, but I'm not claiming it either lol. Dunno why, maybe I just don't like handouts, and I grew up with people constantly pushing that belief that benefits were for (not to be racist) "lazy leeching immigrants".

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Skyline2969@reddit

Jobcentre never helped me get a job I was just told to apply 10 jobs a week, didn't help me with my CV didnt help me with job interviews or help me look for work it was just ticks in boxes for them and putting you into depression because they make you feel like your scum Honestly just claim to get the money, they'll try and sanction you as much as possible to cut you off but the money helped me pay for my driving lessons

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Bigglez1995@reddit

Tailor your CV for each application you make. If you just use the same unedited CV for every application, you're going to struggle. Read what the job description is asking for, and make sure that is on your CV somewhere to say you have those skills (don't lie, they'll find out very quickly). The Job Centre will be able to offer you free support to get into work, but you will be expected to look for any work. Also worth noting that it is not just money you will get from claiming, but also National Insurance Contributions, which you'll need to get your State Pension.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I have been editing my cv and probably paid for too many cv generators that I didn’t want to the ones where you type in all the information and they put it in a fancy format but I pay all my nic every year but at this point I might have to I’m trying to get my driving licence as I wanna become a police officer but just feels like I’m taking a step forward then falling down the stairs 😂

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waskiu@reddit

Have you tried applying for the police or are you just assuming you wouldn’t get it? My force doesn’t require a DL and actively hires people without. Just show willing and they will take you. Policing is lacking numbers generally.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I haven’t I always thought it was if you don’t have a license you can’t join until you do I might have a look into it I’m not sure what police Scotland policies would be like but I suppose it’s always worth a look

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Reesno33@reddit

Just a heads up and feel free to ignore but having done both being an electrician is way better and pays a lot more than being in the police which is basically shit and pays fuck all.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I know it pays fuck all I’ve looked it’s not really about the money for me ive just always wanted to join since a kid from experiences

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JocastaH-B@reddit

Don't pay for CV help. I found the National Careers Service to be excellent

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c-ron93@reddit

Don’t expect the job centre to offer any career guidance but it’s definitely worth claiming the UC that you’re entitled to, that’s what it’s there for.

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Acrobatic-Set9585@reddit

Contact local firms (phone or email) tell them about your credentials and experience and explain you're looking for work. Ask if you can come in for a trial day or two. Also did you make any friends on your apprenticeships who work for local firms? You could ask them if they're able to put you in touch with their employer

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Throwaway199906543@reddit

No punctuations? This was a hard read. Are you sure your CV is any good?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Didn’t think I’d need to punctuate a Reddit post nor did I bother to I’ll be honest I have two languages my formal language where I’m very well spoken etc and this lmao

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my_cat_is_high@reddit

So English is your second language? Does your mother tongue not use punctuation? I'm curious as to what it might be.

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Overall_Dragonfruit6@reddit

no they mean two English "languages", one which uses punctuation and one which doesn't

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my_cat_is_high@reddit

Ohhhh. Like a "I speak two languages 'sarcasm' and 'banter'" type thing?

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char11eg@reddit

>Didn’t think I’d need to punctuate a reddit post The thing is, you don’t *need* to. But you’re on the internet, asking strangers to help you for no reward. Endless unpunctuated word vomit is HARD to read - and often very easy to misunderstand. It is, in my view, the absolute bare minimum of respect to punctuate and format your post for it to be easy to read, *if you’re expecting strangers to help you*. If you don’t even respect the people you’re asking for help enough to make them not want to tear their eyes out from reading your post, quite frankly, why the fuck should they help you in the first place? And as others have said, if you allow yourself to type without punctuation like this regularly, you’ll *stop noticing mistakes in your own grammar*. Essentially, you’ll slowly ‘enshittify’ your own writing *everywhere* just because you’re too lazy to punctuate anything. Which is what people in this entire thread are telling you.

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First-Mistake9144@reddit

I wouldn’t employ you.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Wouldn’t want to be employed by an arsenal fan tbf

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First-Mistake9144@reddit

Make sure to vet future employers, then (if any agree to see you). Maybe add to your CV “will not work for you if you’re an Arsenal fan”. Really show them your character!

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

It’s called ‘sarcasm’ I don’t care if you support arsenal still came second to us 😆

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aeroncaine22@reddit

You should always write as best you can, besides, if it's not your primary language, surely getting as much practice in is valuable? I don't know how people can't write without punctuation. I'm not perfect, but I couldn't physically choose to ignore it, or not do it, strangest thing I've heard all week!

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

It’s very easy to ignore it I’m doing it currently it’s annoying people and im all here for it

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iamNebula@reddit

You have a terrible attitude my guy. A Reddit post asking people for info is not the place to annoy people. You’ve also claimed that retrospectively, so you either are using that as an excuse for poor grammar or you’re initially purposely trying to annoy people with it when you’re looking for help. I don’t really understand either goals there. Practising my writing has helped me massively in my life. Just fucking do it.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I mean some people were quite nice offered valid advice others just commented on grammar but regardless i appreciate all feedback

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Farhannn15@reddit

Ehhhh they have a job and you don’t so I know which position I’d rather be in lol

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aeroncaine22@reddit

Some people like to travel, others play sports, and you like to write a certain way to annoy randoms you'll never know or meet. I know which hobby is more productive.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I play three different sports so I have a second hobby which takes up a lot of time for this one unfortunately

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Milky_Finger@reddit

"Didn't think" Ah.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Didn’t ask

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Throwaway199906543@reddit

Fair enough. I just pointed it out as it may be the issue with your applications.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

thank you anyway i appreciate the help regardless man

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elkingyboy@reddit

Perhaps the use of punctuation would help with your job search?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Didn’t have punctuating a Reddit post asking for help on my itinerary I’ll be honest but I’m normally quite formal for cover letters etc I just couldn’t be bothered on Reddit

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adsm_inamorta@reddit

This pretty much sums it up I bet. If you don't apply the little details that take little effort at every opportunity, how can you consistently do this when required in a professional capacity?

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blob8543@reddit

What absurd logic. Why would you make as much effort with the little details when using reddit as when doing your job?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Because I work with wires not commas

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QPWOEIRUTYTURIEOWP@reddit

I'm starting to see why people won't employ you. If you're at people who are trying to help you with this attitude, I wonder whether that attitude is pulling through to your CV and interviews.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Problem is though the ones who wanted to help helped gave me solid advice from personal experiences and I appreciate everyone who’s been willing to help the ones who wanted to complain complained I’ve seen two people who complained about the grammar actually try to help yet I scrolled on this sub saw countless posts with a disregard for grammar and not one of these grammar police officers showed up for them it’s a social media and I typed that at 4am I’m not going to punctuate on my a game mate

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antlerskull@reddit

I thought you couldn’t find work

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Hahaha

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Professional-Money49@reddit

Not enough experience isnt the reason you aren't getting jobs. I'd suggest can't be bothered hints at a little bit more.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

grammar is most important at four in the morning I should put that further up the list my apologies

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Jimmy90081@reddit

Not that I care, but the issue is because your word vomit actually makes people want to rip out their eyes.

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gogybo@reddit

Basic respect though isn't it? You want to get advice from people but can't be arsed to punctuate properly to make your post easier to read. Comes off as a bit entitled.

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bourton-north@reddit

If you can present yourself and CV properly you should be able to easily get agency work.

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dbxp@reddit

By qualified electrician what do you mean exactly?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Went to college and completed my apprenticeship

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srm79@reddit

Have you joined LinkedIn? I know loads of Facilities Managers looking for electricians, they'll even help you to get on H&S courses and give you project management training once you've got NEBOSH or something similar. Just make sure it shows what you can do and put in a really good personal statement. Follow the big construction companies, and firms with big estates like housing associations, the courts & prisons service, NHS, care homes etc., I promise you they're all looking to take on. Good luck searching

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Remarkable-Shoe-4835@reddit

the job centre won’t get you a job as an electrician, just keep putting your name out there to firms. The job centre may give you links to things here and there but your job searching they expect you to do yourself and tell them what you’re doing. If you’re not working atm and actively looking for work it’s worth signing on for universal credit, even if you find a job you just let them know and they close it

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Just feels like a never ending cycle of apply ignored apply again but thank you anyway I will take a lot of this onboard

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Remarkable-Shoe-4835@reddit

apply and ignored? you should be able to open a claim online and they will book you in for an assessment

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

All good buddy that would be super useful if I didn’t live an entire country away from my family atm 😂😭poor foresight on my behalf but I might post into like Facebook and things like that asking for work and see how that goes as well

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cinnamondrop@reddit

I noticed you said your dyslexic above and I wanted to offer to help you write a strong Facebook post if you need a hand. My mum is dyslexic so I am always very keen to help people with similar difficulties!

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Thank you I really appreciate that me and autocorrect have a love hate relationship at the moment but if I need a hand I know who to message thank you

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Remarkable-Shoe-4835@reddit

Get the nextdoor app too and post on there

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Terrible-Group-9602@reddit

Ok. So have you called every single electrician within a 30 mile radius to ask them if they have any positions? Just for starters.

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Skyray101@reddit

Have you got your gold card and an ECS? The job centre used to pay for a CSCS so might be worth seeing if they will pay for another on site type test/card. Then, get on to an agency to find subby work. If you only have your level 3 inspection and testing, 18th edition and part P, you should have no problem finding work as an electricians mate and or improver

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I have everything ecs and gold card I mainly do mvhrs and hvacs but I literally can’t find squat even with agencies I even tried dipping my toes into domestics with council firms and stuff absolutely no chance

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Skyray101@reddit

I would recommend doing what I did, get some business cards printed, post flyers all over your area, ask a friend to help out with a vehicle until you get one. Are you a member of a CPS? If not, get on that ASAP. You'd be surprised how many customers ask for proof of membership to NICEIC and NAPIT. Even if you only get one job a week to begin with, word of mouth is a great thing. Ask your local authorities, letting agencies and landlords to take a business card and ask them to get in touch if they need an EICR done, give them an incentive: first one is half price, then it's £150-180 per EICR afterwards, come to an arrangement where you can lower your prices if they can give you regular work (don't forget the frequencies of an EICR in the rental market!)

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PuzzleheadedFold503@reddit

Print 500 business cards with your name and contact details on it, offering your electrical services. Walk through the posher parts of your local area, post through every letterbox. You don't need a vehicle as it is within walking distance, and if you offer small jobs (changing lightswitches for dimmers, installing a new electric cooker, that sort of thing) you will build up your client base and experience.

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PerfectStealth_@reddit

They’re there to help, they’re not great but at least it would be something until you find some work?

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xxdavidxcx87@reddit

I got my first job through work experience that the job centre were offering, no idea if they still do it but it’s worth asking, you absolutely should be claiming the benefits you are entitled to though.

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Honk_Konk@reddit

Tailor your CV for the job you are applying for. Where appropriate, include a short cover letter.

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conorsoliga@reddit

There's literally no reason to not claim if you aren't working. Even when you are working deoending on the wage you could still claim.

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Afroste8@reddit

Have you looked into the military? Not for everyone obviously, more of a lifestyle than a job.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I did a while back actually I signed up and my application got pulled no idea why they couldn’t give me a straight answer granted I was only 17 but Harrogate was an option I looked at when I was a bit younger

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Afroste8@reddit

The application process is a nightmare, and it's even worse now that it's all contracted out, as an electrician i would look at become an avionic technician in the RAF, i was a mechanical tech for 8 years and loved it, but the avionics have amazing job prospects when leaving. No harm in applying again

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Conscious-Mix-545@reddit

Are you really a qualified Spark at 19?

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X2seraphim@reddit

Join the forces raf and RN are offering some good opportunities at the moment.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Honestly I’m considering it my family is very military based with my dad uncles grandparents and great grandparents all serving the Scot’s guards so i might have a look at them

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X2seraphim@reddit

Do it, make sure you get a job that gives you qualifications though. There’s loads of decent apprenticeships going especially in the RN and RAF.

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Wise-Independence487@reddit

Go to the job centre. They can help with courses, cv writing etc. yes it might not be your forever job but it will give you funds to learn how to drive

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yawstoopid@reddit

Claim the benefits your taxes have paid for whilst you look for a job. That is their actual purpose, to not claim them is silly and hurting you for no reason. Don't let the media make you feel ashamed for claiming what is yours.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I’m not really ashamed it’s more the fact I have savings that will hold me out for a good few months and I just wanna get back to work I don’t feel the need to claim them if I don’t need them in case that money is needed to better someone else’s life

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yawstoopid@reddit

That's not how it works. Go and claim the money you have earnt. Claiming them isn't stopping you from finding a job and your life deserves them just as much as the next person. Don't be a benefits martyr of all things. Once you're back on your feet and paying taxes you'll be bettering someone else's life, til then get what is yours without guilt. You're really looking at it the wrong way, you pay taxes for exactly times in life like this. The government doesn't give you the opt out of taxes when things are tight, so don't opt out of claiming what is yours from them.

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wizard_mitch@reddit

I was on UC a while back, the jobcentre were pretty useless themselves but as I was under 24 they referred me to another organisation which was great. I had a personal mentor type person who helped me find jobs in areas I was interested, really helped boost my confidence, showed me how to express my unique skills in my applications and interviews. They would also provide grants for getting qualifications and training. My mentor genuinely actually interested in helping me. The specific scheme I was on was funded by the European Social Fund (and national lottery) so unfortunately came to the end, but it is possible there are similar scheme for young people in your area.

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Phishstixxx@reddit

Stop applying for jobs and figure out what career you want. Do courses and engage in personal projects that demonstrate interest in that career. Then apply for those jobs only.

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mcshaggin@reddit

Yes. You need to, at the very least, get national insurance credits. Even if you don't want benefits, you don't want gaps in your national insurance. You need something like 35 full years of national insurance to get full state pension.

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MathematicianOnly688@reddit

If you need the money please don't choose not to claim benefits you are entitled to. I understand why you feel the way you do and it's commendable but benefits are there for people in your position. There's been periods in my life when I needed help and I was grateful for it. That there's a stigma attached to it is immensely frustrating Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it.

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Anon28301@reddit

It very much is if you’re serious about looking for a job. They can let you know when job fairs are about in your area, they can give you decent clothes for attending interviews if you can’t afford them. They send you links to jobs hiring and can give you CV advice. If you’re on universal credit you get about £300 a month which could go towards driving lessons.

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Voodoopulse@reddit

You should still sign on while looking for a job.

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OmegaRider@reddit

I put off signing up for the same reason and I was right in putting it off. Been there for about 2 months now and only helpful things I've had is some job site suggestions and referring me to someone they knew in NCS to help with my CV. Had family suggesting I use JSA to do a course for free, but the few places I asked said I need to be on Universal Credit, which kinda seems stupid and makes JSA feel even more pointless.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Well I spoke to a lady on the phone today she was really helpful up in Scotland where I live currently if you live up here they are quite helpful helped with my cv and everything gave it a check over and got in contact with a few companies on my behalf and within 3 hours I’ve gotten an interview with a firm so I suppose it is very much luck based on who you catch on the day but keep putting yourself out there man

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Captain_-K@reddit

How to get experience - volunteer work and whilst I'm volunteer work apply for other normal jobs, other companies will see you are hard working and are more likely to hire. Also nothing is stopping you getting an electrician apprenticeship right now, you don't necessarily need a driver's license. Look on Find a Job or Apprenticeships.gov

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Im qualified I’ve completed my apprenticeship last year I have a lot of volunteer work under my belt while I was in college I helped out teaching children things like cpr electrical dangers recovery position etc with the fire service and St John’s ambulance service

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stabdarich161@reddit

If you really go stick in the mud and refuse to reskill or 'expand your horizons', they will eventually take their finger out and start recommending you jobs within your chosen trade. You just got to refuse their matalan contract.

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zonked282@reddit

The job centre is nothing but a benefit office, they care about finding you beneficial work or work you are trained in, they just want you to apply for 15 care worker jobs each week or they will dock your benefits.

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-TheHumorousOne-@reddit

You're a qualified electrician with little experience. Didn't you become an electrician through an apprenticeship or am I missing something?

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Rough_And_Ready@reddit

I don't mean this to sound shady, but your post is written without even the smallest scrap of punctuation. If you're writing a CV or job applications in an even slightly similar way, then that can put potential employers off. Maybe the job centre can help you brush up on some essential skills.

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Martipar@reddit

You should claim, they can help you and give you access to free training schemes. I've been on and off benefits a few times, I've had JSA when the jobcentre were not useful and would sign off my job searches also being quite happy to sanction me. I've been on UC when it was mean and cruel and I'm on it again and the staff have been fantastic, checking up properly on my job searching, helping me with my CV and sending me on a CV course and in due to go onto a different course soon. I've got a job interview in the morning and had i still had my old CV i wouldn't have.

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

The free schemes are largely pointless. Anyone who has been on one of their IT ones will attest.

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VerbingNoun413@reddit

They exist to funnel taxpayer money to people's mates.

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Ok_Condition3954@reddit

Good luck with ur interview

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yiddoboy@reddit

Sadly this is a common tale and the reason is that the govt does precisely nothing to incentivise employers to take on people like you. In fact since this new Labour govt arrived they've made it even harder. When I was young there was no minimum wage so a youngster starting out could offer their services for very little just to get a start, while still being supported by their parents. There were also youth training programmes where the govt would subsidise your wages for 2 years. Like it or not, it worked.

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MundayMundee@reddit

You seem illogical. You don't want to be on benefits (Fairs) but you also want money, while also being rejected from the job you want all the time and continuing to be unemployed. Do you live with people?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I do not no I live alone I have my own apartment

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MundayMundee@reddit

Right, get on benefits while you are looking for employment. There should be no reason not to when you are long term unemployed. They are there to ease the barrier of getting into the (horrific) job market via offering basic CV skill workshops, training and some other things. Don't let the middle aged *"if you need benefits you are lazy, a loser, don't work and exploit our system"* people persuade you to not take the opportunity. Note - There are people on benefits and also have a job.

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OctaviousBlack@reddit

There's no shame in going. As long as you're actively applying for jobs then you're entitled to the benefits.

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LinuxMage@reddit

Just an FYI - jobcentres don't advertise jobs anymore. Its ALL online now, including the UC claims system. The jobcentre is now no more than an admin office for face-to-face interviews and nothing else. So, you need to trawl indeed.com as they are the largest job site in the UK by a long way. If you want to claim UC, go to the government website, set up an account and start a claim.

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oh_walkaway@reddit

I actually find it hard to believe a qualified electrician is struggling to find a job 😱 Why not put yourself out there and go self employed?

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I used to be self employed but almost got bitten by hmrc for a incorrect tax return paid what I owed of course but realised I either needed an accountant or just go employed but also on the same note I don’t have a license yet so my scope is very much limited at this point in time

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oh_walkaway@reddit

🤔 so you're 19, finish school at 16, 3 year apprenticeship, 1 tax year for hmrc... somethings fishy here. A decent sparky should have no issues finding work. Im sorry to say that, but it's true. There is a significant shortage of this skill across the uk. If you cant find a job locally, consider relocating. There's very good money to be earned. And get yourself on the CPS.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

no not a full year about 4 months of a tax return leading up to the end of the tax year but I forgot to keep my invoices so I just guessed it so I went back to being employed a lot easier I finished college last year I started a year early in college cuz my secondary had a program of some sorts so I could do my GCSEs while learning a trade my first year in college was hard doing GCSEs and first year sparks in niceic certified there’s just not much work round here as I live in the middle of nowhere in Scotland where I moved too and without my license I can’t go out and get work travelling with all my tools would be out of the question as I have too many I have some old clients who would tax me on in industrial work but it’s about getting there I probably should’ve held off on moving so quickly before getting that and a van which is my fault I won’t deny that

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Terrible-Group-9602@reddit

move to a city

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Wonderful_Fun_2086@reddit

You can use the resources of the job centre no matter if you are claiming anything or not. Nowadays the jobs they have are all posted online tho and you don’t need to be there in person. I would personally find out your local job centre phone number & ring. That way you can find out if they can help from the horse’s mouth rather than 2nd hand. Say you’re not claiming first off but looking for help finding work. They might be able to help by directing you to local resources for young people.

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cankennykencan@reddit

Walk onto building sites and ask about. It's very odd you are struggling for work Post your CV on here but hide any private parts

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GT_Pork@reddit

Copy and paste your cv into chat gpt and ask it to rewrite it using professional language

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DoingItWellBitch@reddit

If you haven't already, I would recommend signing up to your local council's and neighbouring councils' newsletters. The local council email newsletter usually has info about training and opportunities for young people. They usually have fully funded courses in a load of different industries. As well as highlighting local apprenticeships that are available.

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Matt_Wolfe@reddit

Sign up to a recruitment agency. Warehouses always need people with little to no experience

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RhubarbSalty3588@reddit

I have a good friend who works at the Job centre,his words-" The job centre is where people who don’t want to work come".

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

So job centres not the way to go? 😅😂

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RhubarbSalty3588@reddit

A bit of inspiration here mate for what it’s worth,an electrician friend of mine was approached by a youngster straight out of school wanting to do an apprenticeship.The lad offered his services for free (I appreciate not everyone’s circumstances allow this).The young lad impressed from day one, was paid and he also received a supplement from the government I believe. Fast forward 5 years,the young lad Is now working as a sparky at Hinkley point,and now employing his former boss,they are both making 6 figures and by all accounts very happy.All the best with your future mate.

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RhubarbSalty3588@reddit

Not anymore,most of the local companies seem to prefer social media.Personally Ive found the best approach is to contact employers/companies directly.

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PrinceOfAntioch01@reddit

Stick to being an electrician, contact any local firms see if they'll take you on etc or even self-employed. Electrician is a top trade dont waste it

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

I only really got it as a back up m for after the police for retirement etc so I don’t end up lazy and can keep myself moving and keep a paycheque going

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TheRimz@reddit

I would just claim universal credit while you look for it. Your entitled to it. It would be a waste not to

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Very True but there’s always someone who will need it more I’ve got enough in savings to keep me above water for a while so I don’t want to claim it until I desperately need it

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Nearby_Impact6708@reddit

Fuck yes, they help out a hell of a lot

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Agitated-Ad2423@reddit

They can help but they'll force you to take jobs you don't necessarily want

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Milam1996@reddit

As a qualified electrician can’t you just like, do that? What do you need an employer for? Sure it takes time to build a reliable client base but some work is better than non and your work will speak for itself. As someone currently trying to get an electrician, if you’re decent you’ll be booked up for months. Word of mouth will feed your mouth. Deliver quality work and you’ll be getting work non stop.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Some people just like the idea of not having to stress about clients go in do the job invoice get paid I’m nic certified got my ecs and gold card I just need my license and I’m golden fingers crossed anyway I might need to start linking my indeed because I have so much work posted there it’s ridiculous

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Moppo_@reddit

Was it ever?

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BellamyRFC54@reddit

If you have no sort of income you’ll need to claim universal credit so you have at least something to help live on

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suspiciouspixel@reddit

I would get on universal credit and then get job centre to put you in contact with growth company. GC can offer you free courses, guidance, skill workshops to better prepare you and help you look for work much better than the bots at Job Centre staff. Use the UC allowance and take any additional things they offer such as travelling expenses, interview clothing etc.

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JocastaH-B@reddit

Definitely claim UC as you will get national insurance credits. They can give you advice and put you on courses to help with your applications for example National Careers Service courses which are really helpful

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_LV426@reddit

You’ll want your national insurance stamp for your pension later in life so it’s always worth signing on

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MikasaAckerman0977@reddit

Still apply for Universal Credit, some money is better than nothing. I did the same when I left college, I was on UC for about 5 months until I found a job on my own. My work coach did send me to a few job fairs, but it was always factory work that was way too far for an everyday commute. They also have a few specific jobs that they tell you to apply for before your next session, my work coach would sometimes get in touch with employers directly to ask for any vacancies too. It all depends on the type of work coach you get. But I can’t see them helping you find a job to do with being an electrician. But I would say start claiming UC until you find something to keep you stable.

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

Might have to go down there when it opens tbh

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MikasaAckerman0977@reddit

You have to make an account online first, but Yh no shame in it, as long as you’re not abusing the system and using the money for ridiculous stuff, it’s completely ok to claim UC for a bit. Don’t worry I’m sure something will come up, good luck!

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Jealous_Necessary684@reddit (OP)

To be honest it would just go towards my flat and driving lessons like I have enough in my savings to hold me through for a bit but I don’t wanna go spend half of it on getting my license until I have something concrete if that makes any sense but thanks for the advice anyway

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BusyBeeBridgette@reddit

it's free money to tide you over until you get a job. It's win win.

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BaldyBaldyBouncer@reddit

The Job Centre has never been worthwhile. It's a tick in a box at best and a way for shady companies to recruit vulnerable people at worst.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

The jobcentre exists to get people off benefits and back into work, so if you're not claiming benefits, they won't be able to help you. I'd suggest claiming, as then the door will open and they can help you, including with courses and training.

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