I'm 34 with very little job experience in the last 10 years. I teach tai chi part time, volunteer in a charity shop, and maintian a very simple quickbooks file for a non-profit company.
How did you get your apprenticeship, did you just apply for it with a private company like a job?
-- Edited by Soar on Monday 26th of November 2012 06:03:42 PM
I guess studying from books and then taking exam? but which books and which exams?
To actually get a job, most ask for expleriecne, so consdiering I wont have this, will I need to get qualified in VAT, payroll, etc so what should I focus on and how do I do this?
Also, do I then need sage to practise on for computerised bookkeeping components? (I already have quickbooks pro and do basic bookkeepign for a small nonprofit company)
Lots of different people will have their own views as to the best courses/books etc.
If you are looking for practical experience (which is invariably worth more than the bit of paper that shows in theory you know what you are doing) then I would get out there and offer your services free of charge to local small businesses. Easiest way is to go round local business parks etc and approach the companies saying you are looking for relevant experience for no charge.
Do this over say 3 to 6 months and try out a few different companies to get a range of experience that will stand you in good stead. The question is can you afford to work for nothing for say 3 to 6 months?
You could also try the apprenticeship route. Study for free towards a qualification (like AAT) and get practical experience at the same time and a wage (usually small though).
I've been looking for a job for almost a year since I've completed my AAT lvl 2 and it was difficult due to lack of experience. I'm starting my advanced apprenticeship in December. It's much easier to get an apprenticeship if you are young 16-18 or at least under 25, but it is not impossible when you are older. I'm 27 :)
