I had absolutely no help at all with the job centre. When I graduated they didn't even know what a graphic designer was. They'd find me jobs that include the word design in it, so it meant they sent me infor for jobs like, electrical interface designer... duh what???

After a year of finding my own jobs to apply for they called me in for an 'interview'. One of their condescending talking down to sessions. The 'advisor' told me, that maybe I ought to start thinking of doing something else for a career.

At which point I lost it totally in the middle of the job centre, and shouted at the silly person.... look I didn't spend 4 years at university to sweep cack (insert rude word here) up off the road.
I was determind to find a graphic design job and
A few weeks later I had an interview for a design job, got it and have been a graphic designer since. The satisfaction I got from going in there to tell the 'advisor' I'd found my own job thank you very much, was brilliant.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't give up on your goal and ignore the silly twits in their ivory towers, with their I'm all right jack attitudes - you'll eventually get a job. I did join a 'job seekers club, which was the best thing about that place. It was an independant advice centre affiliated to the job centre (but away from the job centre). They were a fab bunch of people, who would advise you on application forms, and they helped more than the wallies in the job centre. What's more, they cared about whether or not you got a job. It consisted of other job seekers getting together to help each other and it was a nice network of people all trying to find a good job.

Try asking the job centre if there is a similar project, you'll get more support from your fellow job seekers than the job centre. Plus there are all sorts of courses you can attend (most free or discounted) when you are on job seekers allowances. Try making the most of those and building up your skills. That was the reason I couldn't get a job. I ended up working for 6months free at a small design place just to get the experience in.

Best of luck, and don't be down - go to the local library and ask them for info too. I think what I've been on about sounds similar to what Jeanie was talking about - I went to the similar thing about 10 years ago. If you can find out at the job centre about those, they are really supportive and encouraging to go to. Mr Red and Gareth both mentioned it, that's what it was called Job Club. Certainly the best thing and was good to go to.

I quite enjoyed my year off after university - I don't think I could have worked anyway I was so done in after 4 years slogging away at uni.