Sometimes, you can find yourself leaving school with few qualifications and thinking that the only option is a job with no prospects for training or progress.
You don’t need to feel like you’re stuck and have no options if so. New Deal could be just the thing for you.
It is for people aged between 18 and 24 and gives those claiming benefits help and support to look for work, including training and job preparation.
It is aimed at those who have been claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) for six months or more, but you may be able to join if you’ve been out of work for less time than that.
How it works
Everyone on New Deal gets a personal advisor, who takes time to understand you, your needs, interests and goals, so that a plan can be put together to help you get a suitable job.
For up to four months, your advisor will advise and guide you, help you search for work and give you access to a range of facilities to help you prepare for the workplace.
If you don’t find a job in this time, you can take up one of the New Deal options, such as a subsidised job, work and training with a voluntary or environmental group, or full-time study for a useful qualification.
You are guaranteed at least the same amount as your JSA with each option and, depending on what you choose, you may even get other benefits.
If you take the education and training option, you will be entitled to free books and materials.
Find out more.
Talk to your Connexions advisor to find out if the New Deal programme is right for you, or visit the JobCentre Plus website for further information.
You can also call the New Deal helpline on 0800 137 177.