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Work readiness

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Work Readiness

Before you walk out of the school gates for the last time, there are some things you need to have sorted to set you up for success.

Start chipping away at these now!

To Do List

❏  Level 2 English & Maths

❏ Driver licence
(Restricted or Full)

❏  IRD (tax) number

❏  Bank account

❏  Sensible email address

❏  A clean public social media profile
(check your privacy settings!)

❏  Work experience
(paid or voluntary)

❏  Up-to-date CV

❏  A referee
(e.g. coach, teacher or boss who can vouch for you in a job reference)

❏  One good set of clothes for a job interview

❏  endorseMe® employability skills record

❏  A plan for your next step

❏  A budget and how you’re going to fund your new life

❏  Networks/contacts to help you with your next step

Drivers Licence

70% of jobs require at least a restricted drivers licence as a minimum. It takes 6 months from when you get your learner (theory) licence to get your restricted licence, and a further 18 months to get your full licence (unless you do a defensive driving course which knocks off 6 months). So if you get your learner licence on your 16th birthday, the earliest you can have your full licence is when you’re 17 and a half years old. Moral of the story – start now! Start learning the road code before you turn 16. Ask someone with a full licence to help you with driving lessons (once you’ve got your learner licence). 

P.S Don’t break the law in the process of getting your licence (e.g. don’t carry passengers who don’t have their full licence until you have your full). No one wants to end up with fines or in court.

Work Experience

Ministry of Education research shows that work experience is one of two key factors influencing employability. (The other one is having a good set of employability skills, or ‘soft skills’. You can read more about these on our employability skills page). Be sure to record all your work experience, including people who can give you a good reference.

Voluntary work is a great way to gain experience and support your career and your community. The skills and experience you gain volunteering will add to your CV and help you stand out to potential employers. You will also meet new people who may be able to help you on your journey, now or in the future. Besides, it feels good to help others.