How to Gain Work Experience Without a Job

Even if you don’t have a job, you are still able to advance your skills. Learn how to gain work experience without a job and start a successful career.

Did you know, less than 40% of people are qualified for the job they apply for? Even if you have the qualifications, lack of work experience could stand between you and your dream job. And without a job, gaining experience is a nightmare. But that’s a thing of the past. Learn how to gain work experience without a job, and you’ll soon land the job you’ve always wanted.

Know What Work Experience you Want to Gain First

So you have your career in mind right? This will help you pin down what experience you need first. It will ensure that the experience you gain is relevant to the position you want to apply to. Make sure you gain relevant experience:

  • In the field you want to work in
  • Related to the course you studied
  • By using job posts to narrow down the skills you need

How to Gain Work Experience Without a Job

Gone are the days where you are only able to gain experience in a formal setting. With enough creativity and determination, you’ll turn your blank CV into an impressive document. Check out how to get experience without a job below.

Give Back While Gaining Skills as a Volunteer

Volunteering is much more than giving back to the community. There are a wide variety of skills you can learn depending on the organisation you volunteer for. Organisations and initiatives have a lot of projects. Become a volunteer and you will learn skills like:

  • Teamwork
  • Effective communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management

And so much more!

People working together , learning how to gain work experience without a job as a volunteers.

Nothing Odd About Odd Jobs

Odd jobs are often frowned upon, as many see it as simply taking what you can get. But it’s more than that. Imagine pursuing an IT Career, and someone asks you to fix their PC. This is a great opportunity to get practical skills. You can even take it a step further with PC Repair Courses

Be Your Own Teacher

The internet is your greatest source of information. With blogs and videos giving you the knowledge you need, you can become your own teacher. Do your research, and think of creative ways to put that which you have learnt into practice. 

Freelance Your Way to Success

This is one of the most popular ways to gain work experience. It is perfect for people who want a career in writing, content creation, graphic design and IT jobs. If you’re not sure how to get started, sign up to freelance sites to help you on your way. Some popular freelance sites are:

Step Up Your Side Hustle Game

Side hustles are a great way to start your own business. You can even turn your hobbies into a side hustle. This way you’ll do what you love, earn an income and gain experience. There are so much you can do, like:

  • Setting up documents for friends and family, teaching you admin skills
  • Looking after kids as a babysitter, teaching your child care skills
  • Plan once-in-a-lifetime events, helping you with events management 
  • Setting up photoshoots, improving your photography skills

Define the skills you need and start your side hustle.

Set Your Sight on an Internship

Internships are a great way to start your career in the field you want to pursue. This may not be a full-time job, as there is no guarantee that the company will hire you. But the exposure you get into the industry, and the people you are able to network with, makes this worth considering.

Gain the Skills With a Course

Getting a job may be hard, but our skills-based courses will make it a lot easier. Our courses are designed to help you get a job in the most sought after careers. Plus they will teach you the practical workplace skills your career needs. Courses you can study with us include:

You can also get practical workplace experience with:

As they both require you to complete a practical to pass your course.

Lenita Pikkie Marais
Lenita Pikkie Marais
Computer Course A+
Read More
Awesome service, awesome prices, and just awesome people who are there for you no matter what. They go out of their way to see you succeed in your studies
Moloi Patricia malema
Moloi Patricia malema
Occupational Health and Safety
Read More
I would like to give my compliments to all the staff who contacted me during my difficulties and more specifically to Kenneth who convinced me to enroll with skills.
Kelebogile
Kelebogile
Early childhood
Read More
Skill academy is an affordable college and a good one.
Rochel Nicolene
Rochel Nicolene
Adult Matric
Read More
They are fast responses when you need feedback or any help or support.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Geraldine
Geraldine
Professional secretary
Read More
I will strongly recommend Skills Academy! And you won't regret your choice if you would want to study or do courses through them. I'm very happy with Skills Academy, they respond very quick and are always there when you need help.
Awelani Jennifer Ramulongo
Awelani Jennifer Ramulongo
HR Management
Read More
If you want further your studies, Skills Academy is the best online college to study with. You will always feel at home and will not regret it.
Carine van der Westhuizen
Carine van der Westhuizen
Beauty Therapy
Read More
The service is very good with friendly and helpful staff. You have your time to complete your studies. Fast or slow.
Shahida Dawson
Shahida Dawson
Financial Accounting
Read More
If you want professional, efficient and friendly service, Skills Academy is the institution to go to!
Taryn Duplessis
Taryn Duplessis
Beauty Therapy
Read More
Excellent college. I don't regret signing up with Skills Academy.
Wilma Kok
Wilma Kok
Adult Matric
Read More
Skills Academy is a good college, as you get fast, efficient and brilliant service. Their staff are very friendly when they are assisting you. They always call to make sure that everything is okay, or ask whether you need help with something.
Caroline Govender
Caroline Govender
Junior Bookkeeping
Read More
Skills Academy is affordable and helpful.
Kebalipile
Kebalipile
Crime Investigation
Read More
Best academy that gives the best to their students to overcome anything and get the best out of their studies.
Kholeka Nqobile Xintolo
Kholeka Nqobile Xintolo
Child Psychology
Read More
You are fast and patient. Very resourceful as help through landlines are always available. Good learning structures with group and team classes. Very consistent and always there when you need anything regarding your studies.
Catherine Harland
Catherine Harland
Educare N4
Read More
Definitely worth it. The courses that are available are great and the service even better.
Nonhlanhla Sarah
Nonhlanhla Sarah
HR Management
Read More
Skills Academy is the best because they give you the best education and they are always there ready to help you in everything that you don't understand.
Mpho Vilakazi
Mpho Vilakazi
Child Day Care
Read More
Skills Academy is the best college to study at. They deliver on time, their staff is supportive and their fees are affordable.
Maria Mokgadi Faro
Maria Mokgadi Faro
Educare N6
Read More
Good communication, helpful when you need help and the books are delivered on time.
Zandisiwe
Zandisiwe
IT
Read More
Skills academy is very responsive, friendly and patient.
Zanele Kopo
Zanele Kopo
HR Management N6
Read More
I would say that Skill Academy is the best online college you can trust and rely on. Due to the support I got from here, I fully recommend the college for anyone else who wish to do online studying.
Sifiso
Sifiso
Interior Design and Decorating
Read More
To anyone who would like to improve his/her career, whether you do have your grade 12 certificate or not, Skills Academy is the right institution to improve your career and even your life in general. The reason is that you do everything online, and you can work while studying at your own pace.
Previous
Next

Get the Experience of a Lifetime With us

Study one of our amazing courses and lay the foundation of a successful career. Simply contact one of our friendly course experts for more details. You can: 

  • Call us on 0800 39 00 27
  • Fill in our contact form for a call back
Last Updated: 30 September 2024

SHARE ON:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: