nextstep

Introduction

  • nextstep offers adults information and advice on learning and work.
  • It can give you information on local work and training opportunities.
  • If you’re looking for a career change, nextstep can help.
  • If you have few qualifications, nextstep can give you in-depth advice.
  • Looking for a job, or deciding which direction to take your career in, can be complex, so using the services of professionals is often a good idea.

nextstep is a nationwide organisation which can help. It offers free information and advice on learning and work to people over the age of 20 (or people aged 18 and 19 who have been referred to nextstep by Jobcentre Plus).

It can be useful if you:

  • are just starting your career
  • are looking to retrain
  • have no idea what job to do next
  • are not sure what your skills are
  • want to know what type of jobs are out there
  • have been made redundant
  • are returning to work after having a family
  • want to know what courses are available
  • need general help in job searching.

What can nextstep do for me?

nextstep provides a range of services to help adults with work and training, giving information and advice on a wide range of career-related issues. Its professionally-trained advisers can identify what your needs are and how to meet them.

Some of the information and advice it offers includes:

  • local work opportunities
  • ways to search for jobs
  • how to plan your career
  • local study options
  • how to write a CV and present it well
  • tips on filling out application forms
  • interview skills and techniques
  • financial support
  • where to go for specific information, such as benefits
  • the services available if you’ve been made redundant.

nextstep can also tell you about different types of jobs and areas of work. For example, if you’re interested in doing something different but have no idea what it involves, nextstep advisers can provide information on what it is like to work in that area, and what skills you will need to enter that career.

A lot of people aren’t really aware of their skills, so nextstep can help identify yours and match them to appropriate careers. This can help generate new career ideas – perhaps some you had never even considered. If there is training involved, nextstep can suggest what this is and where you can do this. They may also be able to offer information on financial assistance.

nextstep can also refer you to other organisations which can provide further information and advice that may be necessary for your needs.

If you don’t have many qualifications, for example, fewer than 5 GCSEs or an NVQ level 2, you may benefit from extra support and more in-depth advice and information.

Where can I find my nearest nextstep?

You can find your nearest one by:

  • looking in a local services directory, or by
  • visiting the nextstep website: www.nextstep.org.uk