| The current economic crisis has seen the number of | | | | books or courses, others will require on the job training. |
| unemployed dramatically rise in recent times, as more | | | | This is beneficial for the employee and the employer - |
| and more companies resort to job cuts as a way to | | | | the worker gets the knowledge to deal with the tasks |
| lessen their monthly outgoings. Queues at job centres | | | | at hand while the company knows that its staff is |
| are getting longer as people look for help and jump | | | | being trained just the way they like. |
| between temporary positions in order to make ends | | | | Many workplaces will offer work experience to people |
| meet. | | | | who they feel may benefit from some on-the-job |
| Even the most experienced or skilled of workers are | | | | training. Although many of these positions will be unpaid, |
| not safe at times like these as everyone finds their | | | | they can often lead to a permanent position if you |
| position under threat. While some of these will find it | | | | show initiative and a good work ethic during your time |
| comparatively easy to find work in their current field of | | | | with the company. |
| expertise, many will not be so lucky. During a time like | | | | Many people cannot afford to work unrewarded and |
| this it may be necessary to switch industries in order | | | | an alternative to this is to look for apprenticeships. |
| to survive. While this may sound daunting, it can lead to | | | | Unlike work experience, these positions are normally |
| huge benefits in the long run. | | | | paid and offer many of the same benefits as a real |
| Some changes may be straightforward with many | | | | job, such as holiday time and other company perks. |
| interchangeable skills - such as moving from insurance | | | | As an apprentice, you will be taken under the wing of |
| to banking - but in times of dire need such opportunities | | | | an expert whose job it is to train their |
| may not arise. | | | | protégé in the role they know so well. |
| Many skills will always be relevant. A decent grasp of | | | | Timeframes vary for apprenticeships with many lasting |
| language, numeracy and the ability to communicate | | | | several years to ensure you get adequate training |
| and work with others are necessary in almost every | | | | before going into the world of work on your own two |
| job and taking these basics - and improving them | | | | feet. |
| where you can - will put you in good stead for many | | | | By the end of your training course you will have |
| positions. | | | | received enough education and experience to put you |
| There will, of course, be many jobs that require a lot | | | | in a strong position in the job market. |
| more than this. While some things you can learn from | | | | |