The Future for S5 Graduates

Contents Introducing vocabulary to do with work, training, and study courses

More practice with proof-reading – tense and missing word mistakes
More practice with cloze exercises
Introducing a rewriting exercise
Writing a job application letter
Writing a diary entry

5.1 Pre-reading
You are going to read an article about the options available to S5 graduates. Which of the following are you
planning to do? Discuss your plans with your partner.
z Leave school and start work (What sort of work?)
z Study ‘A’ Levels at your school (Which ‘A’ Levels?)
z Study ‘A’ Levels somewhere else (Where?)
z Start a vocational training course (What course? Where?)
z Do something else (What?)

5.2 Reading practice (1)

Read the following article and then answer the questions.

Prospects for S5 graduates

Although the economy has been improving in the last two years, the job outlook for
S6 graduates is still not too promising, according to Ms. Lily Chan of the Easy Job Centre (a
privately-run employment agency). “Most S5 leavers look for jobs in clerical work and
sales.” she said. “The problem is, there are not many suitable jobs available. And starting
5 salaries are low, at $5,000 to $6,000 per year. So, many students are wisely planning to
further their studies rather than enter the job market.”

Another factor affecting the chances of S5 school-leavers finding work is competition

from university graduates who are also looking for a job. “In recent years, even university
graduates have found it difficult to get appropriate work, and so some are applying for jobs
10 that only require an S5 level of education. Additionally, employers are raising their
requirements for the available jobs, including demanding relevant work experience, which
S5 graduates generally do not have,” Ms Chan explained.

Five years ago, the government was so concerned about the problem of inexperienced
school leavers being unable to find work that it set up the Youth Pre-employment Training
15 Programme. The scheme provides training places for 12,000 young job-seekers. It is
targeted at school leavers aged 15 to 19 and provides a six-month course aimed at making
them more employable. Training in job-hunting techniques, general communication skills
and job-specific skills are all covered by the course. More than 25 organisations, including
voluntary agencies, government departments and the discipline services (such as the police
20 and the prison service) support the scheme.

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 An increasing number of S5 students are choosing to continue studying rather than
start work. For most students wishing to further their studies, ‘A’ level courses in Secondary
6 are the first option. For those without the necessary 14 points in the HKCEE, vocational
diploma courses are an alternative way to continue studying. Last year, 35,000 HKCEE
25 students applied for diploma courses offered by the Institute of Vocational Education (IVE),
the City University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Every year there is a rush on the last two days of enrolment for diploma courses, as
unsuccessful HKCEE candidates hurry to enrol on a diploma course. Students have to make
difficult decisions in order to be sure of getting a place. For some, this means giving up the
30 hope of studying their favourite subjects, as Rocky explained, “I’ve applied for a Hotel and
Catering course, but this wasn’t actually my first choice. I really wanted to do Building
Studies, but I probably wouldn’t have been accepted because I haven’t studied any related
subjects.” Another student, Ka-ho, said he had given up his dream of studying Pharmaceutical
Technology because there were so few places on the course and he didn’t think he would
35 get one.

Teachers feel very sympathetic towards the students because of the difficult
decisions they have to make under stress. “Students who do not get the grades they need
naturally feel terribly disappointed,” said one teacher. “Yet while they are still feeling very
disappointed, they have to make quick and very important decisions about what they are
40 going to do instead. They have to rush around Hong Kong trying to get a place for further
study. Sometimes they have to give up their dreams of a particular career. It can be a
tough time, and they need all the support of their teachers, family and friends.”

1. According to Ms Lily Chan in paragraph 1, what are the two reasons that more S5 graduates are
choosing to continue studying rather than go out to work?
a)

b)

2. According to paragraph 2, job prospects for university graduates have improved in recent years. (Tick
the appropriate box).
True False Not stated

3. What does ‘some’ in line 9 refer to?

4. What does ‘which’ in line 11 refer to?

5. What does ‘employable’ in line 17 mean?

6. What word in paragraph 4 means ‘work-related’?

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 7. In paragraph 5, Rocky and Ka-ho are two students who decided not to apply for their first choice of
diploma course, because they thought they would not be accepted. What are the different reasons
they give for this?
a) Rocky:

b) Ka-ho:

8. In paragraph 6, which word means ‘sorry’?

9. The students in paragraph 6 feel stressed because ....

1. they get no support from their families
2. they have to make important decisions
3. they have to decide quickly
4. the student placement system was badly organised
5. they are disappointed
A. 1, 2 and 3.
B. 2, 3 and 4.
C. 2, 3 and 5.
D. 3, 4 and 5. 9.

The sentences below are possible headings for paragraphs 3, 4, and 5. From the eight headings
(A–H) below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph and write the letter in the space
provided.
10. Paragraph 3
11. Paragraph 4
12. Paragraph 5

A. Starting salaries for S5 graduates

B. Teachers’ responses to the students’ problems
C. The effect of the economy on unemployment
D. Competition with university graduates for jobs
E. The government’s response to the problem of youth unemployment
F. The effect of low salaries on S5 students’ decision-making
G. Difficult decisions faced by prospective diploma students
H. Students’ options when choosing to further their studies

Complete this paragraph, which summarises the decisions that students must take if they do not do
well enough in HKCEE to continue studying in their school’s sixth form.

S6 graduates whose scores at HKCEE are lower 13. they expected must make
quick and important decisions. Most decide to enrol 14. diploma courses offered
by the IVE, City University or the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Sometimes students decide to

15. up their first choice of course. Instead, they apply for a place on a course which
is 16. popular or which 17. more places. They do this in order
to 18. their studies, rather than have to look for a job.

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 5.3 Reading practice (2)
Read these job advertisements and answer the questions that follow.

1. Wanted — trainee chef preparing western food 2. Sai Kung Vet’s Surgery — assistant required.
in major international hotel. Full-time position. Low We are a busy vets’ practice urgently in need of
starting salary, but professional on-the-job training an assistant to help out every weekday evening
offered. Very good long-term career prospects. (5–7pm) and Saturday morning (9–12). The job
Interest in food essential. Only 18-year-olds willing mainly involves greeting clients, updating
to work hard need apply. Write an application letter computer records, and some dirty work cleaning
in English, enclosing a cv, to Wendy Lam, Human up after animals. Applicants must be 16+ and have
Resources Officer, Emperor Hotels, 2 Gloucester a love of animals. Phone 2719 9654 and ask for
Rd., Hong Kong Bonnie Chau.

3. If you are sixteen or over and are looking for 4. Trading company requires office clerk.
a fun career in fashion, come and join us! Full-time position in modern office in Kwun Tong.
We are a chain of boutiques selling the latest clothes Duties include: processing orders, photocopying,
to Hong Kong’s most trendy young people. You talking to suppliers on the phone. Basic rate
will join a lively young team of shop assistants. And $5,500. Good written English and Chinese required.
you can buy clothes from us at a 50% discount!! Clerks with good spoken English and Mandarin will
Phone Reptile Clothes: 2334 5678. receive a higher rate of pay. Phone 9327 0878.

5. Tiny Tots Nursery, Shatin, requires a full-time 6. Are you keen on sports? We need an assistant
helper. You must be an S6 graduate with previous to help on our summer camp programme. This is a
experience of looking after young children, either temporary summer holiday job for an S6 graduate.
in the family situation or as a job. You must be able You will have the chance to work with young
to work a very long day — 8.00am to 6.00pm — people, playing as much sport as you like!
with an hour off for lunch. Good pay offered for Accommodation and meals are provided. One day
the right candidate. Call Nancy on 9076 5432. off per week. Phone Lantau Camps; 2109 4538.

1. Which job provides training?

2. Which job would suit someone who is interested in clothes?

3. With which job requires language skills?

4. Which job requires previous experience?

5. Which job provides you with somewhere to live?

6. Which two advertisements are written in an advertising style of language?

True False Not stated

7. The job at Tiny Tots Nursery is quite well paid.
8. The sales assistant job at Reptile Clothes is badly paid.
9. The summer camp job gives you lots of free time.
10. The job at the Sai Kung Vet’s Surgery is part-time.

11. Some of the job advertisements mention a negative side to the job. Write down the negative points
mentioned about two of the jobs. One has been done for you as an example.
Emperor Hotels low starting salary (example)

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12. You are an S6 graduate who hasn’t done very well in your HKCEEs. (Your best subjects were
English and Chinese.) You want to start work in some kind of business. Which job should you apply
for? Give reasons for your answer.

5.4 More practice with passage completion

Choose one of the half-sentences from the list below (A–J) to complete each blank in the passage.
Write the letters in the spaces provided. You can use each letter ONCE only. One has been done
for you as an example.

School principals give tips for

Secondary Six admission interviews

Students should try to keep calm and always give an honest answer at school-
admission interviews, a principal says. United Christian College principal Dr.
David To said students should prepare themselves well. They should think a. D
about (a) . Students who looked nervous and were not prepared
were not likely to leave a good impression.

“An interviewer may ask a student why he or she wants to study a particular
subject. If you do not have enough points to study other subjects, you should 1.
say so. In other words, (1) ,” Dr. To said. “Tell the interviewer
what your favourite subjects are, even if you did not perform well in those
subjects at the exam. The interviewers know that exam results (2) 2.

San Wui Commercial Society Chan Pak Sha School vice-principal Liu Tak-him
said interviewers might ask students to compare different schools. They may
ask a question like: (3) When answering questions about schools, 3.
students should take care not to be critical of other schools. Nor should they
exaggerate (4) He recommends a neutral answer, such as: “ Your 4.
school offers the subjects I prefer, while other schools do not.”

Dr. To said students who do not get good exam results should tell the interviewer
that their applications were not accepted by the better-known schools. “The
interviewers know that the popular schools (5) .
5.
Students applying for vocational training schools should be ready to talk about
their career plans. “You shoud be clear in your mind about what career you
would like,” Mr. Liu said. For instance, some students may want only a basic
training at a vocational institute, and then work for a professional qualification
later. They should tell the interviewer (6) ” 6.

Mr. Liu continued, “Some teachers may ask difficult questions about current
affairs. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not get flustered.
“Be frank, and tell the interviewer that (7) I feel that such 7.
difficult questions are asked to see how you tackle the question, rather
than to test your knowledge. However, if you do know the answer, do not talk
(8) . Too much confidence does not give a good impression either.” 8.

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 One final piece of advice, “When looking for a Secondary Six place,
(9) . “If you keep looking at different schools, you may not get a 9.
place at all! Schools fill their vacancies very fast.”

[Adapted from an article in the ‘Student Standard’ by Teddy Ng]

A. do not accept students who have not scored highly.

B. choose a school as early as you can.
C. you should be honest.
D. the questions they might be asked.
E. the good points of the school they have applied to,” Mr. Liu said.
F. you are not familiar with that topic.
G. “Why do you prefer our school to the others?
H. that this is what they want to do.
I. like an expert on a subject.
J. don’t always reflect a student’s abilities,” he said.

5.5 The cloze exercise — more practice rewriting sentences

In Unit 4 we looked at some ways that pairs of sentences can express the same meaning though different
grammatical forms. Here are some other common ways.
Complete the second sentence so it has the same meaning as the first.

1. Adjectives having opposite meanings with too much and not … enough
a. This computer is too old.
b. This computer is not modern .

2. Comparative adjectives having opposite meanings, one with a negative verb

a. This is more difficult than I thought.
b. This is not easy I thought.

3. So + adjective and such a + a noun

a This job is taking so long.
b. This job is taking
time.

4. Determiners which can have the same meaning but having different structures (each, every
all)
a. The teacher spoke to each student.
b. The teacher spoke to the individually.

5. Sentences with if not and unless

a. I won’t be able to finish this unless you help me.
b. you help me, I won’t be able to finish this.

6. Sentences with for and ago

a. I’ve been here for three hours.
b. I got here three .

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 7. Sentences with for and since
a. I’ve been taking guitar lessons for 9 months.
b. I’ve been taking guitar lessons last January.

8. Verb clauses having the same meaning but different structures

a. Stop now. You’ve run out of time.
b. Stop now. There’s time .

5.6 Rewriting a passage so that it has the same meaning — practice

Here is an advertisement for a job that Chris Wong is interested in. Read the advertisement, and then look
at the two versions of the job application letter that Chris is planning to send. Version 1 is more formal than
Version 2. Version 2 has some missing words.
Read Version 1 and then fill in the blanks to make Version 2 have the SAME meaning. You should
make sure that your answers are grammatically correct. Use only ONE word for each blank.

Job advertisement

Teen Focus Magazine

We are looking for a part-time reporter on school affairs,
to start in September.
z Applicants should be starting S6 and should have a strong interest in making journalism
a career.
z Write a letter, giving details of your education and your career hopes. Outline any
journalistic experience you have had, and mention any relevant positions of responsibility.
z List topics that you would be interested in writing about.
z If possible, enclose copies of work that you have had published.
z Supply the name of someone, such as a teacher, who can be contacted for a reference.
Apply to: Mr J. Lau, Teen Focus Magazine, York House 6/F, 275 King’s Road, Quarry Bay,
Hong Kong.

Application letter
Version 1 Version 2

Dear Sir Dear Mr. Lau

With reference to your advertisement in this I (1) your advertisement in

week’s ‘Teen Focus’ magazine for a part-time this week’s ‘Teen Focus’ magazine for a part-time
reporter on school affairs for your magazine, I reporter on school affairs for your magazine, and
would be interested in applying for the job. I would like to (2) for the job.

I am attending Shatin Commercial Secondary I am in Form Five (3) Shatin

School, and am in Form Five, studying Humanities Commercial Secondary School studying
subjects for my HKCEE. My intention next year Humanities subjects for my HKCEE. Next year
is to further my studies in Form Six, doing ‘A’ I (4) to further my studies in
Levels in English, Chinese Language and Form Six, doing ‘A’ Levels in English, Chinese
Economics. Language and Economics.

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 I have been interested in journalism for as long as I have (5) been interested
I can remember and I hope to make it my career. in journalism and hope to make it my career. I
I have already had some experience of writing have already had some experience of writing
about school affairs. I have contributed to our about school affairs. I have been a regular
school magazine on a regular basis for the past (6) to our school magazine
three years, and have produced a number of for the past three years, and have produced a
articles for it. These have included an article about number of articles for it, (7)
the School Sports Day and another about a Form one about the School Sports Day and another
Four camping weekend. This year I also wrote a about a Form Four camping weekend. This year
fictional short story which was published in the the school magazine also published a fictional
magazine. short story of (8) .

I’m enclosing copies of my work which have been I’m enclosing copies of the work that I have
published. This year I have also been acting as an (9) published. This year I
assistant editor for the magazine. I found this have also been involved 10)
fascinating and hope to continue with it next year. some of the editing work for the magazine.
In fact, it is my ambition to be appointed editor of I fo u n d t h i s f as c i n a t i n g an d h o p e t o
the magazine in my final year. (11) on with it next year. In
fact, I (12) to be appointed
I am very interested in contributing to ‘Teen editor of the magazine in my final year!
Focus’. I read the magazine every week and enjoy
it very much. I particularly like the articles on I would very much like to (13)
contemporary music and the interviews with show a contributor to ‘Teen Focus’. I read the
business personalities. One of my main interests magazine every week and enjoy it very much.
outside school is film, especially films from the My (14) articles are the
mainland, and I would enjoying writing reviews of ones on contemporary music, and the interviews
such films if I had the opportunity. In my opinion, with show business personalities. I spend a great
most Hong Kong teenagers do not appreciate the (15) of my free time
high standard of many of the mainland films, and I watching films, especially films from the
would very much like the chance to bring the latest mainland, and I would love to write reviews of
releases to the attention of the ‘Teen Focus’ them if I (16) . I think
readership. most Hong Kong teenagers do not appreciate
(17) good many of the
I hope you will consider my application favourably, mainland films are, and I would really like to be
and I look forward to hearing from you. My English (18) to introduce the latest
teacher, Mrs Ann Chan, has kindly agreed to act releases to ‘Teen Focus’ readers.
as my referee.

Yours faithfully, I hope you find my application interesting. I am

(19) forward to hearing
Chris Wong from you. My English teacher, Mrs Ann Chan,
has kindly agreed to write a reference for me.

Yours (20) ,

Chris Wong

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COMPOSITION

5.7 Task 1 (100 words)

Today was the first day of a new job. It was not what you expected. It is now evening and you are writing
your diary, describing the day’s events. You have already written the first paragraph and shown it to a
friend, who has suggested some corrections. Correct your diary by writing the correct word next to
the mistake (they are all tense mistakes or missing words.) One has been done for you. Then complete
the diary entry using the headings as guides.

a
I have being looking forward to today for long time. Because today was first

day of my new job! When I wake up this morning I feel really excited. I wondered

what the day will be like. I got up at once and have a shower. While I was

clean my teeth I suddenly noticed that it getting late, so I rushed down to

MTR. When I was on the train I realised that I have left my lunch behind. It

is still sitting on table in the kitchen. This was beginning of very surprising day!

What happened when I got to work

Why the job was different from what I expected

How I feel about the job now

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 Tips about proof-reading missing words
z The missing words are usually:
articles
determiners (e.g. some, each)
auxiliaries (e.g. is, do, did, have, can, would, etc.)
parts of the verb to be
prepositions
z When a missing word is a ‘content’ word (e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives), be careful to choose the
right part of speech, and make sure that it ‘agrees’ with the rest of the sentence (e.g. check
singular and plural)

5.8 Task 2 (250 words)

Complete ONE of these tasks. Look at the notes and the model answer. Write about 250 words.

1. Write a story which contains this phrase. I was on my way to the interview when suddenly...
The phrase can occur at any point in the story.

Tips for this composition

z Think about the setting — Where are you? Are you with someone? Are you late/early/lost?
z Decide what the interview is for? Is it important? Why/Why not?
z Describe how you feel about going for this interview (excited? fearful? depressed? not interested?)
z Use dialogue to make the story more real.
z Think of a good ‘twist’.
z Decide where the phrase will come in your story (it could even come at the end!)
z Do not forget to include the phrase in your story somewhere!

2. Write a letter responding to the job advertisement below in last week’s ‘Teen Times’ magazine.
(Sign your letter Chris Wong — do not use your real name or address.)

Are you young, enthusiastic and interested in travel?

If so, we may have the job for you!

We are a travel agency which organises tours of Hong Kong for overseas visitors, and also
tours for Hong Kong people to China and many other countries in Asia.

We are looking for young men and women aged 16-20 to work in our office and learn the
travel business. Initially the work will be mainly clerical, but enthusiastic young people will be
rapidly promoted. In a year’s time you could be accompanying tourists around Hong Kong,
or flying off with a group of tourists to an exciting destination in China, Indonesia, Malaysia or
Thailand!

Successful applicants will have good basic computer skills, and should be good at communicating
with all kinds of people. The ability to work under pressure as a member of a team is very
important. A knowledge of tourist locations in Hong Kong and around the region would be
useful, but is not essential.

If you are interested, write to Maria Chan explaining why you think you can do this job, and
giving details of someone who has agreed to act as a referee.

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Tips for this composition
z Follow the format of the model application letters in Exercise 5.6

Paragraph 1 — state the job you are applying for, where and when you saw it advertised, and say
you wish to apply for it.

Paragraph 2 — give relevant details about yourself — age/school year, name of school, subjects
being studied.

Paragraph 3 — briefly say why you are interested in the job. Describe relevant experience/
knowledge/ opinions that you have.

Paragraph 4 — give more details about your skills, and any positions of responsibility you have
had, with reference to the skills required for the job (e.g. basic computer skills, good at
communicating, ability to work under pressure, member of a team, knowledge of tourist
locations in Hong Kong…)

Paragraph 5 — close: say you hope they will consider your application favourably, give details of
your referee.

z For this exercise, you can invent some relevant experience and skills, if you do not have them.
However, do not make yourself sound too good!

z Describe yourself in a positive way. Do not say directly how wonderful you are, but list the skills,
awards and experience that show that you would be good at the job.

z Do not mention any negative things about yourself, or any doubts you may have about the job.

Useful words and phrases

With reference to your advertisement in (date of newspaper/magazine) for a (name of job)…
I saw your advertisement in (date of newspaper/magazine) for a (name of job)…
I would like to apply for the job/post
I am interested in applying for the job
I am attending (name of school)
I am studying (Humanities, Sciences, etc) for my HKCEE
Next year I plan to/intend to…
I have been interested in (area of job) for/since…
I have done (experience)
I am currently/ Last year I was (position of responsibility, e.g. class monitor, class representative,
secretary of a school club, etc.)
I am enclosing copies of (documents/your work requested by the advertisement)
I hope you will consider my application favourably.
I look forward/I am looking forward to hearing from you.
(Name and role of person) has kindly agreed to act as my referee.
(Name and role of person) has kindly agreed to write a reference for me.

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 3. What do you plan to do when you have graduated from Secondary 5? Describe your hopes and
plans for the future, and explain what you have decided to do.

Model answer

My plans after I graduate from Secondary 5

What I will do after I graduate from Secondary 5 depends entirely on my HKCEE results. If
I get the results I need, I want to stay on in my school sixth form and study ‘A’ Levels in
Economics, Geography and Computer Studies. I want to study these subjects because I am
very interested in them. These subjects will also be a useful foundation as I hope to do a
degree in Economics after I have completed my ‘A’ levels.

However, at the moment I’m not sure if I will obtain enough HKCEE points to stay on in my
own school. I’m particularly worried about the Mathematics and Chinese Language papers.
I’m going to evening classes to revise these subjects but I’m finding them quite difficult.

If I am not accepted by my own school’s sixth form, I intend to apply at the last minute to
study ‘A’ Levels at another school. My older brother had to do this two years ago and it was
a very stressful time for him. He had to rush from one school to another, and in the end he
was unsuccessful. He was very disappointed because he had to give up his dream of becoming
an engineer. Eventually he decided to do a vocational course at City University, leading to a
diploma qualification as a Laboratory Technician.

If I am also not accepted to do ‘A’ Levels at another school, I will not follow my brother’s
example and take a diploma course. Instead, I will repeat S5 and retake my HKCEE
examinations again next summer. I do not mind spending another year in school, if it allows
me to take the ‘A’ Levels I want.

Tips for this composition

z Follow the plan of the model composition

Paragraph 1 — say what you intend to do next year; say how that fits into your long-term plans;
give reasons for your decisions.

Paragraph 2 — say what the problems with your plan might be.

Paragraphs 3, 4 — say what your options would be if you can’t do what you want. Mention the
options you wouldn’t choose as well as the one you would. Give reasons for your decisions.

z Use will to express intentions and doubts, e.g. I will repeat S5… I’m not sure what I will do…

z Use First Conditional sentences to express possible future outcomes, e.g. If I get the results I
need … I want to stay on.., or If I am not accepted at another school, I will not follow…

z Use the verbs want to, intend to, plan to, hope to as synonyms in order to provide variety.

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Useful phrases
(My future) depends on (my exam results)
do well/badly in an exam
be successful/unsuccessful
be a useful foundation
apply for a course/apply to do a course
be accepted for a course/be accepted to do something
repeat S5
retake HKCEE
do a degree in (a subject)
a vocational course
a course leading to a degree/a diploma
follow a dream/give up a dream of (becoming an engineer)
follow someone’s example
Instead,..

5.9 Vocabulary checklist

Check that you understand these new words and phrases in this unit.
Words to do with study Words to do with work
be accepted on a course/by a school apply for job-hunting
degree (from a university) applicant job-specific skills
diploma application on-the-job training
do well/badly in an exam be promoted position of responsibility
enrol on (a course) clerk recruit
enrolment clerical referee (sponsor)
highly-qualified cv (curriculum vitae) reference (written by a referee)
humanities subjects inexperienced starting salary
qualification internship trainee
repeat a year (un)employable work experience
retake an exam (un)employed work under pressure
vocational training course employment agency work as a member of a team
unemployment workload

General vocabulary

accommodation enthusiastic
ambition jump the queue
career mutual benefit
catering neutral answer
challenging outlet (e.g. shop, restaurant)
coincide with outlook (prospects)
current affairs peak time
discard promising (improving)
dissatisfied stock (supplies)
the economy tactful
enclose (sth with a letter) youngster

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