On the job experience and how it can help you

Work-based training is a hands-on way to prepare you for your career. It gives you a chance to develop skills while putting them into practice and gain confidence in a working environment.

It’s a great first step in your chosen career, a way to get experience in a new area and also just a good way to keep developing your skills.

If you’re already working your employer may be able to help support your learning and development. If you’re unemployed, demonstrating the skills gained through work experience and training can really boost your CV.

Find out some of the best ways you can do this.

Volunteering

Volunteering allows you to gain work experience, network and gives you the opportunity to explore an area that interests you or something completely different before you commit. It’s generally unpaid but some volunteering opportunities provide training that will help you to build skills that could lead to paid employment.

Read more about volunteering and search for opportunities on My World of Work or if you have been unemployed for a long time speak to your Work Coach at Jobcentre Plus about arranging a work placement for you. 

Training

Developing your skills through further training, whether that’s on the job, online or at a learning centre, can provide significant benefits for your career. Training doesn’t just provide you will new or enhanced skills, it also helps you build your network and can lead to a formal qualification too.

If you feel like you need some training to take your career to the next level speak to your employer about what kind of training your company offers. If there’s nothing available, or you’re unemployed, you might want to look at other options such as uni, college or courses with community training providers.

You might even be able to get help with funding for some courses.

• Individual Training Accounts (ITA)

This is offered at certain times throughout the year. Visit our ITA page to see if it’s available now and whether you’re eligible.

• Part-time fee grant 

If you earn less than £25,000, SAAS offer a grant to cover your tuition fees. You need to be studying an eligible part-time higher-education course or Continuing Professional Development at levels 7-10.

Visit http://saas.gov.uk for more information on eligibility and applying. 

• FutureLearn

FutureLearn has been set up to help you upskill for your current job or reskill for a new role.

• No One Left Behind

The No One Left Behind fund supports you into employment in your local area. You’ll gain real life work experience with employers near you. You can check your eligibility by contacting your local authority.     

• Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn by getting hands-on experience with an employer. There’s different type of apprenticeships you can do, depending on what stage you’re at and are not just available to school leavers. If you’re already employed speak to your employer to find out if they can support you through an apprenticeship.

Whether you’re thinking about the future, job hunting, or want to learn new skills, a Modern Apprenticeship could be for you. With a Modern Apprenticeship you learn on the job and get the experience you need. Plus, you work towards a qualification accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

A Graduate Apprenticeship also helps you build the skills and knowledge for your role. You'll work, get paid, and achieve a degree. With a Graduate Apprenticeship you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but will also be a student at a university or college.

Find out more about the different types of apprenticeships at Apprenticeships.scot