Help for 24yo DS

[Allfurcoatandnoknickers]

DS is 24 and after graduating in an arts based degree, has done a number of zero hours contracts roles.
He lacks confidence in his abilities, and is so unsure about what he wants to 'do' with his life.
He's still living at home and has a lovely girlfriend who graduated this year who he's been with for a number of years.
He's had a bit of a meltdown this morning as he can't see anyway forwards - he doesn't know what he wants to do in terms of work- he had thought about doing a trade but has got nowhere with getting an apprenticeship and now has given up on this idea.
Has anyone got any advice? I've suggested speaking to the National Careers Service as a starter for ten.

Hi

Reassure him, people often expect to 'know' like a flashing neon light, but it is much more likely to be some vague thoughts on, 'enjoy doing these tasks' and 'not sales in a blue moon'. Armed with these thoughts then some active exploration against his criteria. However this is likely to all feel too much if he's feeling depressed, which is where a careers consultation, or maybe a few, comes in. Yes National Careers Service is one possible; also his university careers service. They generally tend to see people for up to three years after you graduate, sometimes longer. Even if he's out of time, might be possible to pay for a slot with them. The benefits here are they will know his sector, might have additional schemes, and will be able to support him to network with graduates in the field he'd like to get into.
Alternatively the www.thecdi.net/Professional-Register- has quality assured careers practitioners.

If he's getting benefits he'll be eligible for the Kickstarter scheme. Local firms offered subsidies to help young people gain quality experience during these hard times. Needs to be referred though via his work coach.

Lots of people find the transition after full time education challenging. This isn't how it will be for the rest of his life, but some support will help.

Thanks for your reply that’s really helpful- he’s acknowledged that some careers advice /guidance would be a good idea. I was the same as him- and retrained at 25 and now doing something completely different to what I started doing, so can empathise with him!