Options for 18 yo DB

Northerner1 · 2022-08-21T22:34:23+00:00

Hello My 18 yo brother has just finished school. He got good results in his btec L3 (triple distinction) but it was a struggle. He has decent GCSEs also. University (sensibly ) has been ruled out. He had a job all set up, started a week after finishing school but the company collapsed so he was let go after a few weeks. We have all been looking at apprenticeships and he has applied for many, as well as many jobs but so far hasn't had much luck. He has OCD and anxiety, likely ASD too so is unable to apply for any and every job as he wouldn't be able to cope. (healthcare, retail, catering etc) He is physically fit and active. A family friend suggested a role in the navy / similar - a support role or similar. He is looking into this. He isn't passionate for anything in particular and doesn't have a dream job. The jobs he's applied for are IT/business/finance and tax related. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions we’d be grateful. Whilst he is okay to enjoy his summer he'd miss the structure and at risk of sinking into a depression if it goes on too long. Thanks

Pinkishpurple · 21/08/2022 23:54

He should look at jobs in the civil service. My experience is that certainly within Central Government Departments they are understanding of neuro diverse colleagues and anxiety. Just google civil service careers, start looking at the lower entry jobs. Then he can work his way up.

Lunar270 · 22/08/2022 00:23

What did he do his BTEC in?

If he's applied for IT and finance, I assume he good at maths. How about Engineering? There's a shortage and a broad range of sectors.

And I'm not being funny but engineering is quite accepting of people with conditions you're describing. It obviously depends on the role but while you need to be a team player, you can often find yourself working independently solving problems.

Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 00:38

Lunar270 · 22/08/2022 00:23

What did he do his BTEC in?

If he's applied for IT and finance, I assume he good at maths. How about Engineering? There's a shortage and a broad range of sectors.

And I'm not being funny but engineering is quite accepting of people with conditions you're describing. It obviously depends on the role but while you need to be a team player, you can often find yourself working independently solving problems.

The Btecs were business and finance and an IT one. He doesn't really like IT on it's own.

He's looking into engineering but some jobs I do think would be too difficult for him. He's mildly interested in being a mechanic, so is looking at that

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 00:38

Pinkishpurple · 21/08/2022 23:54

He should look at jobs in the civil service. My experience is that certainly within Central Government Departments they are understanding of neuro diverse colleagues and anxiety. Just google civil service careers, start looking at the lower entry jobs. Then he can work his way up.

Thanks! Some good options with the civil service

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EmmaGrundyForPM · 22/08/2022 00:44

He could look at jobs with his local council. There are often entry level jobs as Admin/Business Support and Local Authorities usually offer good structure, career progression and flexibility.

Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 00:44

He has been looking at the local FE colleges who provide a very good variety with lots of apprenticeship links. He's started a free online short course with them, linked to

His options have been categorised into:

continue to apply for white collar type jobs and apprenticeships
engineering and trade apprenticeships
enrol on a HNC / level 4 course for a year at FE college - accepting this might not put him much better qualified but it gives him an extra year
merchant navy, navy or RAF

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ChobKnees · 22/08/2022 07:43

He could apply to the top construction contractors. They offer sponsored part-time degrees whilst working full-time for them. I work in the industry and it's so versatile. There are many job options in construction - civil engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, planning, quantity surveying, estimating, construction management, design management, procurement etc. Look at Laing O'Rourke, Sir Robert McAlpine, Balfour Beatty, Kier. Career progression is great, he might be given a company car (Mercedes', BMW) within the first couple of years. Salaries can go up to £100k region when at senior level.

gogohmm · 22/08/2022 07:56

GCHQ deliberately hires neurodiverse people. Dd has a friend working that who is very obviously autistic (if you know what I mean, he can't mask like she does) and he's well supported. His skill is languages, a dozen or more now, so a valuable asset he's told!

Another thought is how about working on the land at least temporarily, farm hand, gardener, greens keeper?

BuenoSucia · 22/08/2022 08:02

Merchant Navy via NAFC. Bit of classroom based university party-stuff, but essentially paid to become a sought-after British officer. Best of both worlds.

Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 10:15

ChobKnees · 22/08/2022 07:43

He could apply to the top construction contractors. They offer sponsored part-time degrees whilst working full-time for them. I work in the industry and it's so versatile. There are many job options in construction - civil engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, planning, quantity surveying, estimating, construction management, design management, procurement etc. Look at Laing O'Rourke, Sir Robert McAlpine, Balfour Beatty, Kier. Career progression is great, he might be given a company car (Mercedes', BMW) within the first couple of years. Salaries can go up to £100k region when at senior level.

Thanks great info

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 10:16

gogohmm · 22/08/2022 07:56

GCHQ deliberately hires neurodiverse people. Dd has a friend working that who is very obviously autistic (if you know what I mean, he can't mask like she does) and he's well supported. His skill is languages, a dozen or more now, so a valuable asset he's told!

Another thought is how about working on the land at least temporarily, farm hand, gardener, greens keeper?

Thanks I'm sure this would suit but a bit far south for him x

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 10:16

BuenoSucia · 22/08/2022 08:02

Merchant Navy via NAFC. Bit of classroom based university party-stuff, but essentially paid to become a sought-after British officer. Best of both worlds.

Looking into this, thanks x

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Anunusualfamily · 22/08/2022 10:22

Is he going interested in cybersecurity? Lots of entry level apprenticeships out there and Excellent career progression and salary

GetOffTheRoof · 22/08/2022 10:32

The RN and RFA (merchant navy) are not a place where they will support him with OCD and anxiety. He'll need to be capable of immediate action in extreme circumstances and pressure at all rates and ranks.

Why are these being suggested to him? How does his OCD and anxiety present and affect him?

Lunar270 · 22/08/2022 10:35

He's looking into engineering but some jobs I do think would be too difficult for him. He's mildly interested in being a mechanic, so is looking at that.

Do you mean academically, physically or just having to work in a team?

Tough one though so wish him all the best. Happy to help with any engineering queries if that helps.

doristheelephant · 22/08/2022 10:38

Would he be interested in the Met Office? They have some great entry schemes that might play to his strengths.
Details for Operational Meteorological Technician
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/careers/working-here/our-stories/operational-meteorologist-technician

Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 15:19

Lunar270 · 22/08/2022 10:35

He's looking into engineering but some jobs I do think would be too difficult for him. He's mildly interested in being a mechanic, so is looking at that.

Do you mean academically, physically or just having to work in a team?

Tough one though so wish him all the best. Happy to help with any engineering queries if that helps.

I meant academically too challenging. He is bright but it's the commitment.

Thanks for your advice

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 15:20

doristheelephant · 22/08/2022 10:38

Would he be interested in the Met Office? They have some great entry schemes that might play to his strengths.
Details for Operational Meteorological Technician
www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/careers/working-here/our-stories/operational-meteorologist-technician

Thanks - this look like a job I’d like. It wouldn't suit DB but have sent it to my friend who is very interested x

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 15:49

GetOffTheRoof · 22/08/2022 10:32

The RN and RFA (merchant navy) are not a place where they will support him with OCD and anxiety. He'll need to be capable of immediate action in extreme circumstances and pressure at all rates and ranks.

Why are these being suggested to him? How does his OCD and anxiety present and affect him?

The people who suggested it were in the royal navy and RFA but good point.

This might be too outing but as cnd members he’s hardly got it from us. It took a lot for me to consider it as an option (fully aware its not me).

He masks in the workplace / school, very few people know of his ocd and anxiety. The roles suggested to him were not frontline but he has ruled it out regardless. Thanks

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whereamu · 22/08/2022 15:57

Thinking about the job he is already applying for:
Is his cv and cover letter the best it can be? Does it stand him out?
Would be be able to drop cv in to places he is applying to personally so he can stand out from the others applying?

10HailMarys · 22/08/2022 15:57

I do not think any kind of career in the RAF or the Navy is going to be suitable for someone with OCD and anxiety. They won't make allowances for him. The armed forces are, for obvious reasons, not suitable for someone who would be in any way stressed by having to do things that make them uncomfortable. If your DB gets anxious about dealing with people, or likes to do things in the exact way that he prefers, the armed forces are 100% not for him, frontline or not.

Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 16:16

10HailMarys · 22/08/2022 15:57

I do not think any kind of career in the RAF or the Navy is going to be suitable for someone with OCD and anxiety. They won't make allowances for him. The armed forces are, for obvious reasons, not suitable for someone who would be in any way stressed by having to do things that make them uncomfortable. If your DB gets anxious about dealing with people, or likes to do things in the exact way that he prefers, the armed forces are 100% not for him, frontline or not.

Hi thanks, as I've just posted its now been completely ruled out.

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 16:17

whereamu · 22/08/2022 15:57

Thinking about the job he is already applying for:
Is his cv and cover letter the best it can be? Does it stand him out?
Would be be able to drop cv in to places he is applying to personally so he can stand out from the others applying?

Hi,

His CV has been spruced up - and reviewed by a few people. For some of the local places he has personally dropped in CV but the ones in the further cities this isn't feasible.

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Original poster

Northerner1 · 22/08/2022 16:23

To be clear we have ruled out completely the military, grateful for advice but it's completely ruled out.

He's applied for lots of jobs and apprenticeships today including in more diverse fields. He's also applied for a FD through clearing at the FE college which he went to look round today.

Whilst a FD might not really add much to his job prospects the extra structure and 2 years of learning would benefit him. It's part time and college seems good. Far better than being NEAT.

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