These days opportunities for young people looking to get into the world of work seem to be few and far between. From banks refusing to lend money, to expensive university places, starting up a business can seem a near impossible mission.
If you have kids, particularly teenagers, and you’re concerned about their future prospects then there are plenty of ways that you can advise them on an uncertain financial future. Most of the time just taking an interest and helping them understand what’s needed to succeed is vital for opening up doors and bringing down psychological barriers.
Below are just a few methods that I consider to be good starters for young people looking towards their working futures. Of course, all children are different and what may work for some may not for others, however the chances are that one will suit and before you know it you’ll have your very own young entrepreneur on your hands.
Looking after the family budget
Even if you’re not the type of family who live within a food shopping budget or a clothing allowance, giving your children the reigns will help them to understand where the money goes and how to work within financial constraints. From writing lists to holding money in their hands to walking around a supermarket, this is an excellent method of preparing your child not only for the world of work but for a life away from home.
Volunteering at charity shops
Experience is everything but how do you get a job if you don’t have experience? Offering to volunteer at a charity shop or at a local store is an ideal way to get a tentative foot into the workplace. Start off slowly and just get used to dealing with customers and colleagues and before you know it responsibilities such as money handling, product displays and working the till will all form the backbone to a business CV.
Saturday work
Although working in a voluntary fashion may get you some experience it won’t get you much cash and the tried and tested method of working on the weekend or during the holidays provides the perfect introduction to full-time employment. Supermarkets, books stores, market stalls and restaurants all present the chance to learn new skills including: interpersonal communication, customer service and salesmanship which will all stand you in good stead when approaching an interview stage.
Create and sell products
It’s all well and good working for someone else and the chances to learn from a responsible business mentor or from friendly colleagues is often invaluable however, what about working for yourself? If you can create a product that someone else wants to buy then you’re already halfway to starting a small business. Shops are obviously expensive to rent so why not opt for an all-together more viable online version and create your own website? Site providers such as WordPress are easy to use and introduce users to the world of design, copywriting and SEO, and before you know it you’ll have customers to deal with too!
Entrepreneurial summer camps
When summer camps are mentioned it’s not unusual to think of rope swings, canoeing and camping however, these days, there are far more activities geared around the modern world than just getting wet and muddy outside. Young entrepreneur camps help children to put ideas from paper to practise and skills such as: presenting, leadership and competing against other likeminded peers all help to equip your child with the tools that are needed in the contemporary world of work.
There’s never been a better time to help young people gain a foot up on the employment ladder and down the line, when they’re rich and independent, you may be very glad that you invested your own time and start up finances into helping them get started.
Biog: Nicola has two young children who would relish the chance to attend summer camps so they can learn more about business as well as getting wet and muddy!
How To Help Young People Get Into Business
