How do you get a reference if you've never been employed before?

[IrianofWay]

DS is 17 and he's looking for work. Never had a job before. All the applications want a referee preferably one who employed you before. He has had the odd casual job - should he include those or his college tutor?

His college tutor is the best one, plus a personal reference from someone who's known him for a few years.

Teacher/tutor/Head of Year/ boss from casual work role/ neighbour he walks the dog or feeds the cat for, anyone is fine (as long as they'll be nice about him but he must ask the person first if he intends to put their name.

People don't tend to respond favourably being asked to give a reference for someone who hasn't had the courtesy to check it's OK with them.

Thanks

Tutor it is then - he likes DS and gave him a glowing report this year so that should be OK.

The man who gave him the casual work is also a family friend so he would give a personal ref.