Information for young people

Your future, post-16 options

Drop-in events

Are you are aged 16 to 18 and not currently in Education, Employment or Training?

Pop in to a library and chat to the Island Futures team:

  • Lord Louis Library 44 Orchard Street, Newport PO30 1LL 
    • Tuesdays, 2 to 4pm 
  • Ryde Library George Street, Ryde PO33 2JE 
    • Wednesdays, 2 to 4pm 

More information to help you

We have produced two booklets: 

Career ideas

eCLIPS includes a wide range of leaflets on topics relating to career choice, education, training and employment as well as information on lifestyle topics such as relationships and health.

For independent and impartial gateway to careers information, visit Career Companion.

CV, covering letters, and attending interviews

For more information on how to apply for job vacancies and be successful at interviews, visit the National Careers Service website.

If you need face to face support with CV, covering letters and attending interviews, contact the Island Futures service.

Raised participation age

Since the introduction of the government's raised participation age, the arrangements about leaving school have changed. All young people must remain in education or training after year 11 until they turn 18 years old. This could be by continuing at school, going to college, going into employment, an apprenticeship or volunteering (with part-time learning).

Child employment

The law describes how many hours young people may legally work and what type of work they are allowed to do. It also describes the requirements for businesses who wish to employ young people. For further information and guidance, visit GOV.UK website.

National minimum wage

The law states the minimum wage that young people and adults must be paid whether in work or on an Apprenticeship. Employers must adhere to this legislation. For further details, visit The National Minimum wage page on GOV.UK. 

Child benefit

For young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, Training), child benefit may stop by the cut off date of 31 August if they are not registered with the Island Futures team. It is therefore important that all young people who are NEET register with the Island Futures team to be issued with an extended child benefit claim form. View further details of the law relating to Child Benefit on the GOV.UK website.