In thinking DN's career prospects are slim for now?

[NameChangeGhosty]

Niece is 19. She started an apprenticeship as soon as she left school for Business Admin - 3 months in and she quit because someone the family knows offered her a PA role - he was impressed by what she had to say for herself etc.

Her other half is away in the USA for the majority of the next year for business ressons, so she said she'd like to find something exciting in London

She was there two and a half years (her old job). She's now moved to London and wants a job here. I've advised that she won't get much and should do some further training.

I'm a PA and I think it'd be hard for her to find anything paying more than £22K. She will only have the one reference

She's very bright, and looks/comes across much older than her years

What do you think?

My brother thinks I'm ridiculous

Why has she already given up her job with her last employer?

It's all sounding a bit less positive the more that is revealed. The suggestion of faking her only reference, implying she needs to fake it as she is not going to get a positive one rings alarm bells. Also, is one of the key expectations of a good PA not that they can be available to work extra/late/irregular hours as required? How on earth is she going to manage that if other half is away and she doesn't have help close by for her baby?

My friend is an pa to directors in finance, came in from pa in another field and is now on £15 more than you're expecting...

Why is everyone stressing over the reference? She's only had one employer and she's only 19yo I'd be very surprised if any one will expect more than one reference.

Amelia so DB can make it as glowing a reference as he possibly can - hence him wanting to forge it ideally himself if she refuses to his face

Oh FFS don't fake a reference. If any new employer finds out in the future it will be instant dismissal for your DN from her new job - and the new employer will hardly provide a glowing reference so it will be a catch 22 for any future employment.

One employment reference at the age of 19 is fine.

Many do insist on two but first job you can ask your former teacher or lecturer. If she ever volunteered anywhere then a manager/leader there could too. For a first job people often use two teachers.