want to work but no references or idea how to start.

[frustratedmom]

I was pregnant when I left uni, did a course whislt pregnant (now out of date), worked a little bit at Tesco's but fell foul of their computer work hours scheduling system - never could figure out what my hours were ment to be if I checked mon for the weeked thy'd changed them by the time we got to friday - but i digress.

I have applied to get into teacher training this year but it is beginning to indicate that my application is weak compared to other applicants. I want to work but have no references to rely on - so need a way to gain experience for references without having one already, and not lose income support as have already enquired about voluntary work and was told might lose if vol work could normally be paid? Huh? Could some body point me in the direction to start to 1) understand what they mean and 2) save me from my self by putting me in the right direction.

Help greatfully recieved as feeling more then lost on this.

I don't know whereabouts you're living but there's an organisation called Women Like Us which is great at giving advice to Mums who want to go back to work - they help with all sorts of things like CVs and applications and also have a part time jobs noticeboard - they're here

Thnaks.
Unfortunatly I am based in manchester. But london sounds suitably far away in this point of the night bedtime go back to be s@~t. I think the link will be a good place to start though as it might help to focus my mind.

I think the biggest problem is that I really want to teach but if I don't get that I have no idea what to do in terms of direction. And that is most dauntng. what sort of jobs do I want to apply? how do I narrow that down?

why not contact your local volunteer centre who can advise you

Not sure how to find my local volunteer centre - any tips?

Was motived by link mhmummy posted and looked at directgov website. Found some bits but as off on hols tomorrow decided to tackle when get back.

My post hol to do list is now almost as long as my hol prep to do list why are mummy to do lists over many pages?

www.volunteering.org.uk/WhatWeDo/Local+and+Regional/VolunteerCentreFinder.htm?county=Greater%20Manch ester

Try this-if its not one of them then call and ask for a number for your local Volunteer Centre. They will match you to a relevant volunteering opportunity! Good luck. I realise you will be away on hols now so hope you get this and pm me if you need more details.