No leaving cert/experience.

usurptheczar

I'm looking for some advice, basically, I'm 17 and I dropped out of school when I turned 16 and I've been looking for a job ever since, I have no experience, no leaving cert and no qualifications whatsoever and I'm having absolutely no luck at all. I went to Fas when I was 16 and they told me to come back when I'm 17, I went back when I was 17 and they told me to come back when I'm 18... Anyone have advice on how to get a job in my position ?
And before anyone asks, going back to school isn't an option, anyone I have talked to has asked me is that an option and when I tell them no they still proceed to try and convince me to in a condescending manner which is quite annoying.

Tzardine

Have you looked at a job bridge scheme. When do you turn 18.

Job bridge may help you get some experience onto your CV.

messrs

it maybe quiet hard to get a job without experience , unfortunately that's what employers seem to want. Would you be in a position to ask places for work experience for a few months - as in work for free - not ideal I know but at least it may get you some experience.

mawk

I presume you are in receipt of social welfare for the last year. If so you are eligible for job bridge. Apply for internships You will get one sooner or later even if it is not a very interesting job. This gives you a base work experience and a reference.

Ask someone you know who is older and more experienced to do mock interviews with you. Interviewing is truly a skill that needs to be learned through practice.

And with no condescension at all, seriously reevaluate school. You may have had a terrible time there due to people or struggling with the work, but look into attending a different school Or spreading work over a longer time. Education is the number one factor correlating with you having a successful life.
There are schools and courses to suit everyone.

usurptheczar

messrs wrote: »

it maybe quiet hard to get a job without experience , unfortunately that's what employers seem to want. Would you be in a position to ask places for work experience for a few months - as in work for free - not ideal I know but at least it may get you some experience.

I was supposed to be doing work experience a couple of months ago, at the last minute I was told they won't give me work experience because I'm not in school, they knew I wasn't in school at the start so I don't know why they told me I can.

Gone West

usurptheczar wrote: »

I'm looking for some advice, basically, I'm 17 and I dropped out of school when I turned 16 and I've been looking for a job ever since, I have no experience, no leaving cert and no qualifications whatsoever and I'm having absolutely no luck at all. I went to Fas when I was 16 and they told me to come back when I'm 17, I went back when I was 17 and they told me to come back when I'm 18... Anyone have advice on how to get a job in my position ?
And before anyone asks, going back to school isn't an option, anyone I have talked to has asked me is that an option and when I tell them no they still proceed to try and convince me to in a condescending manner which is quite annoying.

You need to explain why you can't go back to school because the advice you need will depend on this reason.
As you are a teenager, you may think it's not an option whatsoever, and let stubbornness, emotion and pride make the decision not to return to school.
But let me tell you, that is the best thing you can do for your long term career
right now.

While there is every chance that you can have a good job with no LC or university, it is much less likely than if you had graduated. As an employer I have no problem hiring drop outs but only if they dropped out to do something meaningful like make a piece of software or travel. I would not be hiring somebody who dropped out at 16 for no good reason.

Gatling

Without finishing school you stacked the deck against yourself ,
Your applying for jobs against other applicant's with leaving cert and some experience vs no leaving cert and no experience ,

You might look into apprenticeship's other than that some sort of vtos course, what is it you want to work at

usurptheczar

mawk wrote: »

I presume you are in receipt of social welfare for the last year. If so you are eligible for job bridge. Apply for internships You will get one sooner or later even if it is not a very interesting job. This gives you a base work experience and a reference.

I'm not receiving social welfare.

Gatling wrote: »

Without finishing school you stacked the deck against yourself ,
Your applying for jobs against other applicant's with leaving cert and some experience vs no leaving cert and no experience ,

You might look into apprenticeship's other than that some sort of vtos course, what is it you want to work at

Right now I'm not looking for a "career", I'm just looking for a job to get money so I can pursue other interests that require money.

drumswan

usurptheczar wrote: »

Right now I'm not looking for a "career", I'm just looking for a job to get money so I can pursue other interests that require money.

Why would anyone give you a job? The world doesnt work like that Im afraid.

You'll be eligible for 100 quid a week off the welfare when you turn 18.

jimmycrackcorm

usurptheczar wrote:

Right now I'm not looking for a "career", I'm just looking for a job to get money so I can pursue other interests that require money.

What employer is going to consider someone who can't can't be arsed finishing school? That's the reality. If you really want to get money to pursue other interests then you need to work towards that and these days that's necessitates a basic education

Mrs OBumble

People - the OP has said s/he doesn't want the "return to school" advice, so please don't give it.

Mrs OBumble

OP, have you tried volunteer work in a charity shop, as a way to get some experience?

Have you applied to the likes of McDonalds / supermarkets / chain stores? The likes of these are hiring for Christmas now, and if you can get some experience even in a temporary part-time job, that will help you get more jobs later on?

desertcircus

Having no Leaving Cert is an enormous black mark on your CV when competing for jobs against people who have one.In the current environment, with more job-hunters than jobs, most employers will simply disregard a candidate with no LC to save time and reduce perceived risk. If school really isn't an option, fair enough, but think long and hard about it, and bear in mind that not having a Leaving Cert could make things a good deal harder for you for decades

KeithTS

You're coming across as having little to no ambition, why should somebody hire you? What have you got to offer them other than wanting to take their money?

I was in a similar situation as yourself, I left school at 16 and pissed away a good few years doing different things, I ended up going to college as a mature student and it's turned my life around. Don't be against education, it may not suit you at the moment but think of the long term plan, find something you see yourself doing in the future and work towards that.

drumswan

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Have you applied to the likes of McDonalds / supermarkets / chain stores?

None of these hire people without Leaving Certs

usurptheczar

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

What employer is going to consider someone who can't can't be arsed finishing school? That's the reality. If you really want to get money to pursue other interests then you need to work towards that and these days that's necessitates a basic education

Most people have gained "basic education" by the age of 13 years old, the majority that you are "taught" after that is irrelevant to most people and the information they are given will never be used again, for example, most people aren't going to become physicists, chemists or biologists, so why does every person have to study one of these subjects knowing full well they have absolutely no interest in pursuing it, if someone has an interest in one of them, fine, they can choose to study it, but other people shouldn't have to waste their time doing it. The education system now is outdated and irrelevant.

sunshine and showers

I'm sorry to say OP that it's hard enough to get a job with a degree, never mind without a Leaving Cert.

Have you considered the Leaving Cert Applied? If reevaluating secondary education is definitely not an option, your best bet may be trying to work for free. And to keep going back to Fas and asking.

drumswan

usurptheczar wrote: »

The education system now is outdated and irrelevant.

Its fairly relevant to you getting a job.

Squatman

desertcircus wrote: »

Having no Leaving Cert is an enormous black mark on your CV when competing for jobs against people who have one.In the current environment, with more job-hunters than jobs, most employers will simply disregard a candidate with no LC to save time and reduce perceived risk. If school really isn't an option, fair enough, but think long and hard about it, and bear in mind that not having a Leaving Cert could make things a good deal harder for you for decades

Hes looking for help to get a job, not for the reasons why he doesnt have one.

OP i would apply to Micky D's and the like. I made a lot of money working there when i was your age.

Meathlass

usurptheczar wrote: »

Most people have gained "basic education" by the age of 13 years old, the majority that you are "taught" after that is irrelevant to most people and the information they are given will never be used again, for example, most people aren't going to become physicists, chemists or biologists, so why does every person have to study one of these subjects knowing full well they have absolutely no interest in pursuing it, if someone has an interest in one of them, fine, they can choose to study it, but other people shouldn't have to waste their time doing it. The education system now is outdated and irrelevant.

Education isn't just about learning information; in this digital age we can all do this ourselves online. Education is about teaching you how to think, evaluate, critique and assess various situations. It teaches you how to formulate an argument and defend it in front of your peers.

What type of places have you submitted CVs to so far? I would spend the next week personally handing a CV into every shop, pub, restaurant in your local town. Tell everyone you, your family and friends know that you are looking for work. Be eager to learn and do basic work. Once you get that first job, it's easier to build on your skills.

usurptheczar

drumswan wrote: »

Its fairly relevant to you getting a job.

Because (barely) filling people with useless information they're never going to need in the real world is a good way to serve a purpose.

Meathlass wrote: »

Education is about teaching you how to think, evaluate, critique and assess various situations. It teaches you how to formulate an argument and defend it in front of your peers..

But It's not, the way the education system is used now is a tool for indoctrination, doing the exact opposite of what you said it does, look at how many people go to college and university after they finish school "just because it's the thing to do" because it's drilled into them from an early age that's what you have to do to get ahead in life even if they get no joy from what they are doing.

KeithTS

Squatman wrote: »

Hes looking for help to get a job, not for the reasons why he doesnt have one.

OP i would apply to Micky D's and the like. I made a lot of money working there when i was your age.

I completely agree and things should be kept on track but in fairness, the OP is showing quite a lot of ignorance and based on that I wouldn't hire them. I'm not judging, I was in the exact same situation as a kid, just an observation.

OP, you need to drop into all the supermarkets etc. and talk to them and grab applications from them. It's coming into xmas season so there should be a load of temp positions coming up too. The likes of Argos usually hire a load of xmas staff too. Perhaps focus on something more short term to get some cash and experience and move from there. As it's temp staffing they may not be as pushed with the LC requirement, especially if you impress them and can show them some evidence of you being a hard worker.

Right Turn Clyde

I too left school when I was 16. It's difficult for some people to understand how that can be a 'good' thing, but the reasons can be many and varied. Personally, my emotional well-being required me to remove myself from that environment, and I don't regret it. I also know people whose families had fallen on very hard times, and they had no choice but to leave school and start earning.

However, it's important that you fully realise the implications of doing this. Things are going to be very difficult from here on in. In my day, there were plenty of apprenticeships available, even for people with average Junior Certs. I began one when I was 18, and I was qualified before I turned 23. By then I had a yearning to study at third level, and I eventually returned to education as a mature student to study law. I've just finished my degree and my next step is to qualify as a solicitor. So there are options, but you have to want it and you have to fight for it. I didn't want to be in school, but I wanted to better myself and receive an education. If your only plan is to leave school and pick up some sort of unskilled labour, then you are making the wrong decision, and I have no reservations about saying that to you, despite how sympathetic I am toward your situation.

You talk about pursuing 'other interests.' My advice to you would be to make sure those other interests are training and/or education, or you're going to have a hard life ahead of you, or the increased possibility of a hard life.

Best of luck.

Meathlass

usurptheczar wrote: »

Because (barely) filling people with useless information they're never going to need in the real world is a good way to serve a purpose.

But It's not, the way the education system is used now is a tool for indoctrination, doing the exact opposite of what you said it does, look at how many people go to college and university after they finish school "just because it's the thing to do" because it's drilled into them from an early age that's what you have to do to get ahead in life even if they get no joy from what they are doing.

We'll agree to disagree on the nature of the education system!

Can you tell us what kind of steps you've been doing to get a job and we may be able to give additional recommendations?

greilly123

usurptheczar wrote: »

Most people have gained "basic education" by the age of 13 years old, the majority that you are "taught" after that is irrelevant to most people and the information they are given will never be used again, for example, most people aren't going to become physicists, chemists or biologists, so why does every person have to study one of these subjects knowing full well they have absolutely no interest in pursuing it, if someone has an interest in one of them, fine, they can choose to study it, but other people shouldn't have to waste their time doing it. The education system now is outdated and irrelevant.

What do you have a interest in ?

Right Turn Clyde

usurptheczar wrote: »

Because (barely) filling people with useless information they're never going to need in the real world is a good way to serve a purpose.

But It's not, the way the education system is used now is a tool for indoctrination, doing the exact opposite of what you said it does, look at how many people go to college and university after they finish school "just because it's the thing to do" because it's drilled into them from an early age that's what you have to do to get ahead in life even if they get no joy from what they are doing.

Says who? You? Speculate all you want, but it's your future that hangs in the balance, not ours.

Bostitch12

usurptheczar wrote: »

I'm looking for some advice, basically, I'm 17 and I dropped out of school when I turned 16 and I've been looking for a job ever since, I have no experience, no leaving cert and no qualifications whatsoever and I'm having absolutely no luck at all. I went to Fas when I was 16 and they told me to come back when I'm 17, I went back when I was 17 and they told me to come back when I'm 18... Anyone have advice on how to get a job in my position ?
And before anyone asks, going back to school isn't an option, anyone I have talked to has asked me is that an option and when I tell them no they still proceed to try and convince me to in a condescending manner which is quite annoying.

Hi OP,

You are a difficult situation. Most employers these days look for an employee to have completed the leaving cert atleast but this does not mean that there is not an employer out there that will be willing to give you a job and a start up. So keep applying to anywhere you can. Try meet people to talk to them face to face instead of just leaving in a CV and waiting for a call that might never come. There is competition for jobs out there so you will need to make that extra bit of effort to try leave an impression with a potential employer.

What sort of an area are you living in? Is it a city area or a rural area?

Not2Good

Ask yourself what skills do you have. Are you any good at gardening, computers, DIY? If you have skills it is never too found to start to work for yourself. Even if this bout of self employment get you minimum wage. Self-starters, self motivated people ARE sought by employers and might tip a job in your favour. Setting your own hours gives you flexibility to do interviews and look for part-time work which you shouldn't rule out. at an interview telling them that you do gardening as a sole trader or web design or whatever will help. If you go down this route you have to keep the self motivation going and potential employers know that self-motivation is a trait in short supply these days… just some thoughts from a happily self-employed person (financial) who started working since 12 with 'milk rounds', gardening, petrol stations etc and who did later continue with education but it was the motivation etc that helped me most I think.

Mrs OBumble

drumswan wrote: »

None of these hire people without Leaving Certs

So how do people who are still at secondary school get jobs there?

usurptheczar

usurptheczar wrote: »

Because (barely) filling people with useless information they're never going to need in the real world is a good way to serve a purpose.

But It's not, the way the education system is used now is a tool for indoctrination, doing the exact opposite of what you said it does, look at how many people go to college and university after they finish school "just because it's the thing to do" because it's drilled into them from an early age that's what you have to do to get ahead in life even if they get no joy from what they are doing.

The sad thing is you are obviously an intelligent and articulate person, you are cutting your self off from so many opportunities by rejecting education, however that is your choice.

The world is not going to change for you....you have no experience or formal education so that make it very difficult to get a job all the raging about education as indoctrination wont change that. Did you ever think to yourself why would and employer take you above someone with a leaving cert.

I think the best you can hope for is that you get on a good fas course with good work experience included.

Mrs OBumble

Right Turn Clyde wrote: »

Says who? You? Speculate all you want, but it's your future that hangs in the balance, not ours.

Give it a rest.

Every society ever has some young people for whom formal education simply is not a good fit at that point in their lives. Many of them get back into education later on - when their head is in the right place for it. Pushing education of people who aren't open to it is purely a waste of time.

Yes, their future hangs in the balance - they could get involved in something pro-social (a low wage job, healthy hobbies) - or something anti-social (illegal activities, no hobbies). But really it's no different to other young people.