17 year old and full time employment

[maisiemoolou]

My daughter was 17 end of May. She finished the first year of her college course and she didn't enjoy the course at all. Her tutor said she didn't have to return this September and she could get a job if she wanted. She is potentially going to be starting a full time position but I've since learned she had to be in some form of education until she's 18. I've checked the government website and it's not very clear. Can anyone clarify her options? Thank you in advance

That was terrible advice from her tutor, and you should make the college aware that their tutors are giving such incorrect advice.

It is a legal requirement for your daughter to be in education or training until she turns 18 - so until next May.

This can be college, sixth form, or an apprenticeship - or she can do any of those part time whilst working/volunteering for up to 20 hours a week.

https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/01/11/school-leaving-age-can-you-leave-school-at-16-and-what-are-your-options/

Here is the best site to look for apprenticeships. They are available in so many different fields, so whatever your daughter's interests are, I'm sure you can help her look through and find some she would enjoy.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Thank you rbe. I'll let her know

We'll take a look at the apprenticeship info later this afternoon

It's true she could get a job if she wanted, but it probably wouldn't be a fantastic one. Surely she could do another course for a year on a subject that's more likely to get her a career she's interested in.
I started working ft at 18 but was looking at 17, but the rules were different back then.

Nothing happens if she isn’t in education or training. There’s no fines or anything.

I don't see why the information was wrong, lots of people don't work or do lots of different things at that age work casual, pt, ft, apprenticeships volunteer, college and probably more

As a previous poster said aged 18 and under need to be in education or training. Their school complete stats and tell the govt where they have gone on to. An apprenticeship is obviously considered to be training and perhaps your dc would prefer that. If they have got the required level in English and Maths they continue to do these along side.
There are lots of apprenticeships to choose from. It is so difficult to make decisions at 17. Wish them luck.

Meant to say not got English and Maths

She should be in some form of education until 18. Nothing happens to you bit the employer could be in trouble if they are found to be employing a 17 year old full time. There are also restrictions on the hours and times they can work. On my sons late shift working days (he is in an apprenticeship) he has to finish at 11pm but still gets paid until the actual shift finish time of 2am.

The government website says that a 16 or 17 year old can work a minimum of 20 hours a week while doing "part time training".
This can basically be interpreted as they can work full time while doing some on the job training (which any new job would have) and it would be perfectly fine.
As said above - there's no fines. No one really cares or checks. The only thing affected is if the parents receive benefits that are related to having a 16 or 17 year old still in education (child benefit, child related UC etc). The benefits will stop.
As long as the employer is following rules (such as under 18s not working nights) then it's fine for her to be working.

From the government website....

Thanks for all your replies. She is going to complete the second year of college on a different course, which will hopefully give her more or an idea of what she wants to do. It's so hard for them.

What’s your definition of a ‘fantastic’ job?

The tutor may have meant that she could do an apprenticeship - my DC did this aged 17. Full time work but am assessor would come into the workplace from time to time and there were written modules that he had to complete . Work had to give him time to complete these within his working week. Some workplaces offering the apprenticeship scheme will give day release in college instead .

@PeachRose1986 I'd imagine it would be one that would lead into a career the person was interested in.
Employing a 17 yo in most cases nowadays would be under the assumption it was part time or casual while they studied. Unless it was a training scheme or apprenticeship.
I'm not sure of the legality of employing a 17 yo ft just on min wage. The law now is more stringent. When I was young you could work ft on leaving school at 16.