Careers Information, Advice & Support
We understand how valuable careers advice and support can be
to help you feel confident in your employment decisions.
to help you feel confident in your employment decisions.
If you would like to access a free and confidential one-to-one careers support appointment please contact the team today. Our Careers Advisors are available to help you:
Appointments are available throughout the week. Contact us to book your appointment today.
- Explore training and and personal development
- Explore apprenticeship opportunities for all ages
- Explore volunteer opportunities to develop your careers prospects
- Discuss career direction and routes to employment
- Provide support with updating or creating a CV
- Practise and prepare for an interview
- CV workshops
- Support with Job searching and networking
- Support with creating an action plan to enhance your route to Employment
Appointments are available throughout the week. Contact us to book your appointment today.
Specialist Advice - Benefits, Housing, Employment & Debt issues
If you have issues with Benefits, Housing, Employment or Debt Advice we can offer access to one of Citizens Advice Milton Keynes caseworkers through our Integrated Support and Advice Partnership.
Just let our Advisers know when you initially speak to them and they will arrange for a caseworker to call you.
For more information about Citizens Advice Milton Keynes services please see Citizens Advice Milton Keynes (miltonkeynescab.org.uk)
Just let our Advisers know when you initially speak to them and they will arrange for a caseworker to call you.
For more information about Citizens Advice Milton Keynes services please see Citizens Advice Milton Keynes (miltonkeynescab.org.uk)
Digital Skills - A different kind of digital
If you need help with your computer skills our friendly team can support you to improve your digital skills and develop your confidence using the internet and other online services.
We can provide you with one to one support over a series of appointments with a digital coach, or refer you to one of our partner agencies for more structured courses and training. Whatever it is that you would like to improve, our staff and volunteers are on hand to help you understand how to make technology and the internet work for you, and how to connect, shop or socialise online in a safe and secure way.
The list below gives you an idea of just some of the things we’ve been able to help people with:
We can provide you with one to one support over a series of appointments with a digital coach, or refer you to one of our partner agencies for more structured courses and training. Whatever it is that you would like to improve, our staff and volunteers are on hand to help you understand how to make technology and the internet work for you, and how to connect, shop or socialise online in a safe and secure way.
The list below gives you an idea of just some of the things we’ve been able to help people with:
- Emailing and online safety
- Online form filling
- Using search engines and social media
- Managing your money online
- Finding a job online
- Creating and updating your CV
- Applying for Blue Badge
- Energy switching
- Bus pass applications
- Patient Access/Health Apps
- Applying for Universal Credit
- Maintaining and managing your journal
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General tips on getting ready for work
Here are some links and tips about getting ready for work including how to create a CV, online resources and information that can help you with your preparation into work. https://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/cv-resume.html Online Career support: Below are some links to additional organisations who also provide career advice and service checks: National Careers Service Women like Us Prospect for graduate career paths The Skills Toolkit – Free digital courses to help you progress in work and boost your job prospects (campaign.gov.uk) Apprenticeships: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You're an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. There are hundreds of different apprenticeships to choose from. |
Hints & Tips' BlogsGo to our Blog page for some helpful tips and advice from CV building, interview prep to what employers are looking for.
Job searching
Setting realistic expectations early in the job search process is crucial for maintaining motivation and managing stress. Understanding that finding the right job can take time helps you prepare both mentally and practically for the journey ahead. Here are some key points to consider in setting your expectations: Strategies for Managing Expectations: Set a Routine: Treat your job search like a job. Establish a daily routine to include time for all activities related to your search: researching, applying, networking, and skills development. Create Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your job search activities. This can include the number of applications sent per week, networking , or hours spent on skills training. Seek Support: Engage and talk to friend and family about you wanting to find work, look online for career services. They can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout your search. Maintain Balance: Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance during your job search to prevent burnout. Regular exercise, hobbies, and social activities can help maintain your well-being |
Gaps in CVs
We’re often asked this question when helping clients to write their CV and right now at Works for Us we are seeing increasingly more clients who have been forced to take an unplanned break in their employment.
click here to read more
We’re often asked this question when helping clients to write their CV and right now at Works for Us we are seeing increasingly more clients who have been forced to take an unplanned break in their employment.
click here to read more
What type of job are you looking for?
So before you start looking for a job or to change your career, it's worth knowing what you are good at and what you are interested in doing. What skills and strengths do you have? do you have any useful hobbies? Have you had experience in a role but never worked in that environment?
These and many other questions are things we don't always give ourselves chance to think about and can end up in jobs we don't like or have the skills to do. With that in mind here are some links to sites that will allow you to answer some questions and provide you with an assessment and possible job description role that you might be interested in.
Different strengths and skills assessment tools -
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/free-career-aptitude-tests-2059813
Prospects - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/ have a good site where you can explore training, employment and they also provide details on job descriptions, the site asks if you want to study/ what level you are working at... and the provide a short quiz - This is a great site for those looking to train or graduate - you do need to sign up first and the results are then sent to you.
These and many other questions are things we don't always give ourselves chance to think about and can end up in jobs we don't like or have the skills to do. With that in mind here are some links to sites that will allow you to answer some questions and provide you with an assessment and possible job description role that you might be interested in.
Different strengths and skills assessment tools -
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/free-career-aptitude-tests-2059813
Prospects - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/ have a good site where you can explore training, employment and they also provide details on job descriptions, the site asks if you want to study/ what level you are working at... and the provide a short quiz - This is a great site for those looking to train or graduate - you do need to sign up first and the results are then sent to you.
Job sites and networking
Useful job website links (please click on links below):
Here are some links to useful job websites which might be of interest to you. Some you have to sign up to, others you can upload your CV, don't forget to also join Linkedin and create a profile on there too!
Jobhelp is a DWP government website run alongside the Job Centre to help you get started with accessing employment. You can also find hints and tips on applying for jobs and ideas about jobs you may never have thought of. For the latest vacancies, check their Latest jobs page or search the Find a job website.
MK Jobs
Total Jobs
Indeed Jobs
Reed Jobs
Charity jobs
Monster
www.jobsite.co.uk
www.cv-library.co.uk
www.careerbuilder.com
https://jobs.emss.org.uk/
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm
Jobs | LinkedIn
NHS:
The NHS needs you now more than ever. They are hiring now in a range of roles including cleaning, reception and engineering. To apply now, send your CV to [email protected] or visit their website here
HMGCC:
HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre) is a UK government base for national security engineering, creating the tools and technologies needed to help keep the country safe. HMGCC is made up of hundreds of world-class engineers, technologists and scientists who work with cutting edge equipment to deliver operational technology (OpTech). They research, innovate and create amazing solutions to help national security and defence remain at the forefront of rapid global advances in technological capabilities.
You can find further details about HMGCC here:
https://hmgcc.gov.uk/about-us
They also provide transport from Milton Keynes Central station to their office in Hanslope Park so you don't have to drive there.
To find out about their latest job vacancies and to apply, click here
https://hmcgcc.gov.uk/jobs-and-roles
Milton Keynes City Council:
Interested in a career at Milton Keynes Council? This organisation takes great pride in our community and are always looking for people that can help them grow and share their vision. You can find out more about Milton Keynes City Council, what they do and the job opportunities by clicking on the link below.
https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers
Milton Keynes University Hospital:
MKUH sits at the heart of the city of Milton Keynes, one of the fastest-growing places in the UK. The hospital prides itself on delivering excellent care to their patients and believe that the way to do this is to provide the best possible working environments for their staff.
MKUH are constantly looking at ways that they can evolve and improve services and staff are crucial for driving this innovation forward. Every single member of staff has the opportunity to shape this transformation, from simple tweaks to improve the experience of patients to large-scale programmes of work extending over many months, and in some instances, years.
You can find out more about job vacancies provided at MKUH by clicking the link below:
MKUH Jobs – Working at Milton Keynes University Hospital
Red Bull Racing:
If you are a fan of Formula One and are interesting in working for the motor sports industry, Red Bull Racing have job vacancies available in the Milton Keynes.
Click on the link below to find out more.
www.motorsportjobs.com/en/company/red-bull-racing-formula-one-team
Join Davina:
Join 20 million others earning a second income.
One in three working aged people in the UK now earn more than one income, and UW is at the forefront of that movement. Hear from some of their Partners who are Multi income individuals (Miis), and if you like what you see, get in touch to find out more. Davina is a member of local networking group Collaborate MK (there's an interview with Tim Lee on the landing page), and is keen to meet up with any Works For Us clients who would like to explore Utility Warehouse as a way of growing their confidence and their income. Click on the following link for more details.
joindavina.co.uk/
Starting a business
Rebel Business School:
Get the support and knowledge to help you test and launch the business you always dreamed of through the Side Hustle Experiment provided by The Rebel Business School. This is a virtual 10 week programme which runs every Monday from 8-10pm and is presented by experienced coaches, graduates and special guests.
Below are the topics which will be covered in each session.
To find out more, click on the following link;
The Side-Hustle Experiment - Virtual Rebel Business Course
Business Support
Invest Milton Keynes https://www.investmiltonkeynes.co.uk/business-support-and-partners
Trading standards in Milton Keynes https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/trading-standards/business-advice-we-can-give
Federation of Small Businesses https://www.fsb.org.uk/join-us
South Midlands Growth Hub https://growthhub.southmidlands.org.uk/
Business advisors based in Milton Keynes - Reid and Co https://www.reid-co.co.uk/
Rebel Business School:
Get the support and knowledge to help you test and launch the business you always dreamed of through the Side Hustle Experiment provided by The Rebel Business School. This is a virtual 10 week programme which runs every Monday from 8-10pm and is presented by experienced coaches, graduates and special guests.
Below are the topics which will be covered in each session.
- How to Build a Side-Hustle & Choosing an Idea
- What are you Selling? & How Much Does it Cost?
- Who are you Selling to? & Taking Care of Your Customer
- The Rebel Guide to Tax, Legal & Business Setup
- Getting Customers to Notice You
- Using Social Media to Find Customers
- Power of Purpose: What Are You Doing This For?
- Money Mindset: Take Control of Your Finances
- Tech to Drive Traffic: Get Ready for Artificial Intelligence
- Launch: Productive Steps & Action Roadmap
- Q&A Session Every Thursday
To find out more, click on the following link;
The Side-Hustle Experiment - Virtual Rebel Business Course
Business Support
Invest Milton Keynes https://www.investmiltonkeynes.co.uk/business-support-and-partners
Trading standards in Milton Keynes https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/trading-standards/business-advice-we-can-give
Federation of Small Businesses https://www.fsb.org.uk/join-us
South Midlands Growth Hub https://growthhub.southmidlands.org.uk/
Business advisors based in Milton Keynes - Reid and Co https://www.reid-co.co.uk/
Free distance learning courses
If you are looking to improve your English, Maths, Digital Skills, Personal Development or Professional Development now is a perfect time to upskill, as well as Works for Us training courses/workshops which can be found here there are plenty of free courses available online. For more information and links to some of these sites please visit our Free Distance Learning Courses page.