[mcfarfs]

First a bit of background info. My mum is currently divorcing my dad, who I havn't spoken too since Christmas 2004. Me being in full time education allows my mum to about £500 per month, £200 from my dad, £300 from tax credits and other bits like that. It also means my mum stands a better chance of being allowed to keep the family home, which is only fair as it is worth about £250K and my dad, who wants half of it, is due to inherit my grandmas house in a few years when she dies. This house was left to him in a trust when my grandad and grandma got divorced many years ago, and at a guess I would say it is worth between £500k and £1.5 million.

Right, so I spent the last year, from Sept. 04 - June 05 at my local college, doing AS levels (Geography, History, Photography and General Studies). However, I messed that up and dropped the latter two subjects before the year was out, only sitting exams for Geog & Hist, which I attained two U's in (go me!). Now, I'm not stupid, I got As in them both at GCSE, just I didn't put in the effort thoughout the year.

So last September (2005), I decided to try something different, and enroled on the BTEC National Diploma in Public Services, which is a two year course. I chose this because I have vague ambitions of perhaps one day joining the police or the fire brigade.

However this didn't quite go according to plan, as to be honest this course is a load of . For example in one lesson we made colourful posters about vunerable members of society. Also, I was getting behind with work and had two official disciplinary things. Obv. secondary education isn't for me!
This was all before Chistmas. I was due back at college last wednesday, but didn't turn up. I expected phone calls, letters, the full works. However, I didn't go in Thursday, Fri, Tuesday (I get mondays off anyway) or today. And I've heard nothing. The worst bit is my mum still thinks i'm going to college, because chances are she will kick me out if i'm not, even if I get a full time job and paid rent.

What I would like to do is get a full time job, in agriculture or environmental work or mechanics or anything like that which is relatively hands on, but I don't know how to go about it.

What advise have you guys got? Any comments welcome, Cheers for reading.

[shodan]

If you aren't enjoying it and don't believe you'll get anything out of it (sounds like you don't fancy going back) then I don't see any problem with you leaving it and getting a full time job. As long as you do get a job and don't just quit then sit around on your arse all day loafing it. Doesn't matter what the job is, just make sure you work full time.
And may I suggest you talk to your mum about it. Explain that you aren't happy there, not getting on, don't want to be there etc but emphasise the fact that you want to get a job.
Take the first job you get but remember you can always look for another job whilst in employment.

Good luck!

[la gran siete]

Have they not got a careers officer at the Jobcenter who can advise you?Worth asking I would've thought. I went to to see one some years ago and he pointed me in the direction of Meristwood college where I did a course in landscape construction, they also do horticulture agriculture and tree surgery. If you are fit and dont mind heights the latter is pretty well paid too as a skill.
You'll need to explain ot your mum you just werent ready for the course you are on or perhaps its just not for you.When I was your age I had no idea what I wanted to do and ended up getting expelled. It took me until I was thirty before deciding what I wanted and that was after talking to an oportunities guidance person( careers) at the job centre. I would seek one out if I were you and show your mum you are serious. Hope she doesnt throw you out. That would be awful
Godd luck

[mcfarfs]

I know I need to explain it to my mum, its just picking the right moment lol.

Facundo, tree surgery sounds like something I could enjoy. Do you need to have a qualification for it or can you just go ahead and do it with a company and they train you up?

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by mcfarfs

What I would like to do is get a full time job, in agriculture or environmental work or mechanics or anything like that which is relatively hands on, but I don't know how to go about it.

See if you can get a job as a farm hand, sounds right up your street!

[mcfarfs]

Originally Posted by Games Guru

See if you can get a job as a farm hand, sounds right up your street!

Do you think it is best to just turn up to random farms etc, and ask if they need help?

I can't think of any other way of doing about this tbh!

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by mcfarfs

Do you think it is best to just turn up to random farms etc, and ask if they need help?

I can't think of any other way of doing about this tbh!

I'd ring them up TBH. Wouldn't pay very well, probably minimum wage, but it is a good way of learning a wide and varied tool set, such as learning about engines, tractors, the land, animals, the environment etc etc.

It's a shame you don't live down here, I could find you loads of farm work.

[mcfarfs]

well you never know, might take you up on that if my mum kicks me out!

[flat spot]

You don't say how old you are, but if you're not in full time education and not of dependant age your Mum will have to give up the house.

[mcfarfs]

Originally Posted by flat spot

You don't say how old you are, but if you're not in full time education and not of dependant age your Mum will have to give up the house.

I'm 17.

Thats what I'm worried about, not so much if my mum kicked me out (as long as I could reasonably afford to live on my own I would be happy), but what posistion she would be in without me.

I have a younger sister who is nearly 15 who is at school, and an older brother who is 20 who is doing Dentistry and Newcastle Uni, he is in his second year. So they will obv. still be living at home, my brother when he comes back during the breaks.

[eviljohn2]

I did a bit of temp work many years ago labouring for a good mate of mine who's a tree surgeon. He studied at Merrist Wood (in Guildford) - it's a lot of fun but also very hard work. Don't kid yourself as all of the more manual jobs which you've suggested are labour intensive which may or may not suit someone who seems to have spent the last couple of years behind a computer. I'd recommend actually deciding what you might want to do and really going for it - I now work in AV, love it but perhaps surprisingly it's harder work with much longer hours than my time helping out a tree surgeon.

[mcfarfs]

Originally Posted by eviljohn2

I did a bit of temp work many years ago labouring for a good mate of mine who's a tree surgeon. He studied at Merrist Wood (in Guildford) - it's a lot of fun but also very hard work. Don't kid yourself as all of the more manual jobs which you've suggested are labour intensive which may or may not suit someone who seems to have spent the last couple of years behind a computer. I'd recommend actually deciding what you might want to do and really going for it - I now work in AV, love it but perhaps surprisingly it's harder work with much longer hours than my time helping out a tree surgeon.

I'd think I'm in good enough shape to do labour intensive work.

I'm 6 ' 1, regularly go rowing, play rugby, go running, kayaking, and climbing.

I think you are right though, it is just a case of putting my mind to something and actually doing it.

Games Guru's idea of working on a farm very much appeals to me, I spent quite a lot of my youth in the countryside, having been horse riding from the age of about 4 - 12.

If I was to move out, what sort of price should I be expecting to pay for rental? I am at the moment playing with the idea of moving to another area (such as the south west like GG mentioned) or anywhere really. Especially as I can drive now.

[Bristol Pete]

have a look at ths -

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Have you got a driving licence? You may be to young but you never know, search animals, all, and there is a farm hand job in hamsphire.

Pete.

[mcfarfs]

Originally Posted by Captain Benefit

have a look at ths -

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Have you got a driving licence? You may be to young but you never know, search animals, all, and there is a farm hand job in hamsphire.

Pete.

Cheers for the link Capt. What exactly is Jobcentreplus? Is it government run? It says I have to phone them rather than the person in question for more info on a given job.

Its thrown up some good stuff!

Originally Posted by Captain Benefit

... there is a farm hand job in hamsphire.

Not sure where you live mcfarfs, but you'll like Hampshire. Very green and pleasant!

[mcfarfs]

Originally Posted by Captain Benefit

there is a farm hand job in hamsphire.

Pete.

Just looking at that one now!

[Bristol Pete]

Cheers for the link Capt. What exactly is Jobcentreplus? Is it government run? It says I have to phone them rather than the person in question for more info on a given job.

JC+, my ex employer is the new type of Job Centre. Sadly you cannot just walk in and look for work, nor can you just amble in and look for employment or chat to an adviser as its all appointment based. It is a million miles away from the drug riddled dens of old.

Pete.

[la gran siete]

Originally Posted by mcfarfs

I know I need to explain it to my mum, its just picking the right moment lol.

Facundo, tree surgery sounds like something I could enjoy. Do you need to have a qualification for it or can you just go ahead and do it with a company and they train you up?

Yes you do most certainly. You learn how to prune trees correctly ,what gear to wear ,about pests and diseases and how to fell them. you can even go on and become an arboriculturalist which is rather more advanced ie tree surgery is a craft whereas the latter you become an expert on trees.if you are keen give it a go. Most that I have met have not regreted it. Obviously you cant be scared of heights and oyu have to be very fit.Meristwood is one of the better known colleges and is situated in Surrey not far from Guilford.There are others though like Cirencester .

[Bristol Pete]

Cannington College in Bridgewater do excellent agricultural courses. An old friend studied Tree surgery there. Look here -

http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk/index.asp

http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk/adult/co...sp?section=ARB

http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk/forestschool/index.asp

Education however, but an idea.

Pete.

[mcfarfs]

As you say, I have tried my hand at two different courses at college, both of which have gone tits up.

So if I were apply for a job through jobseeker+, is it simply a case of them putting me in touch with the potential employer? Or is it a more complicated procedure?

[Bristol Pete]

So if I were apply for a job through jobseeker+, is it simply a case of them putting me in touch with the potential employer? Or is it a more complicated procedure?

One of two ways. usually the job you have sourced online will tell you what to do, for example contact employer or it may ask you to call JOB SEEKERS DIRECT which is here

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/...ect/index.html

Quote the reference for the job usually three letters and three to five digits.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Whitley Bob]

You remind me of myself almost thirty years ago.
I found the phone to be of little use in jobseeking. It's too easy for people to say no when you're just a voice on the other end of the line.
Every job I have had has been by walking in off the street and presenting myself as available for work. Sometimes personalities just "click"
You don't have to wear a suit. Just don't turn up looking like the asbo kid.
This way you get to see the workplace and meet the boss on a fairly informal footing.
I did get turned down here and there but even then it was all good experience.
Best of luck.

[la gran siete]

Originally Posted by mcfarfs

As you say, I have tried my hand at two different courses at college, both of which have gone tits up.

So if I were apply for a job through jobseeker+, is it simply a case of them putting me in touch with the potential employer? Or is it a more complicated procedure?

Going to work for a year or two is a good idea and often recommended these days.Gives you a break from studying , work experience and, of course, pay.
I would, though, see an advisor first, before deciding which route to follow.Personally i'd stay clear of agriculture for I doint see much of a future there and you hear of so many struggling farmers. Horticulure isnt well paid but is rewarding in other ways ie work satisfaction. Landscape construction is very creative. You can do a one year skills course or two year sandwich diploma course where you would learn garden design.Arboriculture attracts a particular type of person who isnt afraid of taking some risks. It is dangerous( but then so is farming if you look at the number of accidents involving farm implements / equipment etc) involving chain saws, height of trees etc hence the good pay.Its really a matter of perception.

You could get a job in a garden centre or farm hand and do a part time agricultural course or something similar. what about doing some voluntary work for the National Trust which may give you a reference to help you get a job.

Talk to your mum I reckon she'll find out anyway but best coming from you.

[mcfarfs]

Well I finally got a job, as a drivers assistant for www.spaceworks.co.uk.

Found it on jobcentreplus.gov.uk, cheers for the link there Cap.

Probably not the most enjoyable job in the world, but better pay than agriculture (and I couldn't find any agricultural jobs in the local area), and I don't need any qualifications beyond GCSE as I would for tree surgery.

Having said that, tree surgery is something I might look into for 2 - 3 years down the line, I have spent the last week coppicing at my uncles (small) farm, and really enjoyed it.

Cheers for the advice guys.

[Bristol Pete]

Good luck....