Some of you will be eager to get out in the real world and earn some of your own money. You can leave school at 16 and get a job, but there are limitations on where you can have a job because of your age.

For example, you cannot work in a betting shop if you are under 18 due to the licensing laws. You also couldn't have a job that involves driving, as you are not legally allowed to drive until you are 17 and have passed your test.

You need to think about the future, not just the present and the key thing to remember is that it's better to find a job with training, as there will be fewer and fewer jobs in the future for people that have not got any qualifications. Some types of jobs might have higher salaries at 16, but with no training, you are missing out on a qualification and you might find you can't progress in your work and it is difficult to find another job, because you have no qualifications.

When you apply for a job you need to ask what training or opportunities are available for you to gain additional qualifications whilst you work. Nowadays, it is important to gain skills and qualifications and to develop these whenever possible. One thing to note is, if you are in a job that isn't offering you training that leads to a qualification, you are entitled to paid time off for study or training during normal working hours.

If you decide to look for a job at 16, as soon as you finish Year 11, you need to be aware that there is a national minimum wage, but only for people who are 18 or over. There is no National Minimum Wage for people who are 16 or 17, in the armed forces, share fishermen and those who are volunteers or self-employed.