Considering taking a ‘gap year’? Advice from the Careers Service
Taking a year out to do something else can enhance your skills, confidence and CV.

Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service
Many people take a gap year before starting work, college or university, but you could take one at any time.
Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry, offers the following advice, “You could gain some work experience to build up your skills, volunteer at home or abroad, or see the world and learn about new cultures.
“The most important thing is that you use your gap year effectively. Gap years can be used as a way to gain relevant work experience, learn another language or improve your life skills like problem solving, resilience and communication.
“Whatever you do, taking a gap year could be a good way to help your confidence and to become more independent. It can also show employers that you are not afraid to spend time broadening your horizons and learning new skills,” he stated.
“You may want to go travelling and sample life in other countries during your gap year. Check out http://www.myinterrail.co.uk/interrail-passes/ for details of affordable public transport fares in Europe. Many tour operators run gap year trips that visit as many places as possible in a year.
“If you haven’t saved enough cash, you could work your way around the world. You may need to have certain types of visa to work in some countries, so check before you go.
“If you decide to go abroad and want to work, there is a huge range of casual job opportunities. These range from fruit picking to conservation projects; working in a sun or ski resort; on a cruise ship or acting as a camp counsellor.
“Teaching English as a foreign language is another option and careers advisers can advise on how to obtain qualifications and training in this area. If you have skills in areas such as music, dance, extreme sports or even yoga, why not consider teaching these?
He added, “For useful advice and information on how to stay safe and healthy during your gap year overseas go to https://www.gov.uk/gap-year-foreign-travel-advice or check out www.carolinesrainbowfoundation.org/”
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