Types of work and training while working

Some work is paid, some is unpaid. Some opportunities will pay expenses even if they do not make any other formal payment. Unpaid work can be a stepping-stone towards paid employment in the future.

• Traditional Permanent Contract: (Paid) The vast majority of the UK working population still work in traditional employment contracts with one employer. The contract will say how many hours you must work, this can be full time or part time.
• Voluntary Work: (Unpaid) – Where you give your time and effort without payment.
• Work Experience and Work Shadowing: (Unpaid) – An opportunity to learn about a job or area of work. Typically undertaken by pupils prior to leaving school.
• Work Placements and Internships: – (Unpaid or paid) – A fixed term of work experience offered by an organisation lasting for a limited period of time. Typically undertaken by students during their course or students who have recently graduated and who are looking to build work experience.
• Traineeships: (Unpaid) – A short term course with work-experience that prepares young people (18-24) for work or an apprenticeship.
• Apprenticeships: (Paid) A combined programme of work and college-based learning, across a wide array of different work and subjects. These are paid placements and result in a formal qualification at the end of a set period of time if completed successfully.
• Temporary Agency Work: (Paid) Agency employment can offer varied short term employment assignments, where you are paid by the agency to undertake temporary work for one of their employer customers.
• Self Employment: (Paid) Where you set up your own business to make and sell things or to deliver services to other people or businesses.