Connexions Bolton is the information, advice and guidance (IAG) service for 13-19 year olds (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities).
We are part of Bolton Council’s Children’s Services Department.
Our aim is to help young people realise their full potential and overcome any obstacles that are stopping them from progressing into education, employment and training. We work with every teenager in Bolton whatever their ability or background, providing extra support to those who need it most.
The Connexions Service grew out of the Careers Service and we remain the only specialist statutory service providing careers advice and guidance to young people.
Careers Education is also delivered by schools to pupils in Year 7 until Year 11.
Are you 13-16?
You will be introduced to a Connexions Personal Adviser in school who will support you with the decisions you need to make about your future. This will help you make well informed and realistic decisions about:
- Learning pathways including Year 9 options and options after year 11
- Career plans
- Getting a job including apprenticeships
- Training opportunities
- Higher Education
- Making the most of your spare time through personal development opportunities
- Lifestyle issues including family issues, health, housing, money and transport.
- The Information, Advice and Guidance you receive will be independent and therefore tailored to meet your needs.
You will have the opportunity to meet your Connexions Personal Adviser in your school on a one-to-one basis or through group work sessions. You will be encouraged to express your opinions and we will listen to what you say. The support we give you will be open, friendly and reliable. We will not judge you.
Already left school?
If you have left school and are at college, sixth form or doing some form of Work Based Learning Connexions is still here to help you.
If you think you may have taken the wrong course or you are finishing your studies and would like help on what to do next you can still see a Personal Adviser. Our advisers are available to meet you at colleges and sixth forms or you can call in to one of our Access Points – see our website for addresses and opening times.
Looking for employment?
Connexions Bolton works with local employers to find vacancies for young people and encourage them to make sure they provide training. All vacancies are advertised on Cnx2jobs.
Cnx2jobs is a job search website devoted to job vacancies, apprenticeships and personal development opportunities for 16-19 year olds in Greater Manchester.
Apprenticeships.org.uk is the National Apprenticeship Service website. It provides information on the range of apprenticeships and enables you to search, view and then apply for Apprenticeship opportunities that you are interested in.
Connexions staff can assist you with developing your CV, completing applications and preparing for an interview. You can find lots of useful information in the Work and Training Section of our website.