What is Skills Support for the Unemployed?
Our Skills Support for the Unemployed programme provides skills support for the unemployed and is aimed at improving social mobility by moving people into employment. Our areas of delivery cover Dorset, Leicestershire, the South East, including Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Kent, Medway and East Sussex, and the 'Coast to Capital' area which includes Adur, Arun, Brighton and Hove. Chichester, Crawley, Croydon Epsom and Ewell, Horsham, Lewes, Mid Sussex, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Worthing. The programme involves bespoke support and vocational training, complemented by Work Experience and Work for residents aged 16+ who seek to return to work.
How does it work?
Activities will support residents to overcome the barriers they may face when moving into work (including self-employment). We aim to help candidates into a range of positive outcomes, including employment, education, apprenticeships or traineeships.
This programme focuses on supporting participants into a wide range of employment opportunities, some of which may include:
- Advanced Engineering
- Creative, Digital and IT
- Environmental Technologies and Environmental Goods and Services
- Financial and Business Services
- Tourism (Notably South Downs National Park, Coast and Brighton)
- Food manufacture and horticulture
- Construction
- ESOL
The Learner Journey - How we help you
Referral and initial information and guidance session - Your referral may come from mental health services, Job Centre Plus and community support services. The initial session will ensure you receive impartial information, advice and guidance towards supporting your aspirations.
Learner Induction - You will take part in an initial assessment so we can understand your needs before you receive an individual learning plan setting out the learning requirements, the expected duration of learning and any additional support needed. These additional support needs will include the allocation of a mentor to assist you throughout your journey.
Start your learning - In the majority of instances, your learning will be provided in an individual or group setting, either within a Best Training learning environment or at a recognised community venue. Specialists will be assigned to deliver learning to make sure you are getting exactly what you need. You will take part in monthly learning reviews and will be encouraged to participate in learning surveys and/or forums to identify areas of improvement.
Health and wellbeing support - Your support will focus on addressing factors in your life which may contribute to finding it difficult to find work, and is aimed at helping you improve in a number of aspects including Personal problems, self-management, communication skills, motivation, self-esteem and more.
Job Planning and Career Advice - Preparation incorporates ongoing support and advice provided by each mentor and subject specialist. Ways we support you:
- In work/benefit calculations, including HMRC Advice
- Advice regarding disclosure of offences
- CV writing and support
- Using Social Media to apply for work
- Interview preparation
- Support to attend appointments
Optional work experience and vocational tasters -You will have the chance to take part in work experience opportunities lasting between two and four weeks, or vocational tasters lasting between two and five days.
Work experience can take place across a variety of industries, which may range from creative industries to financial and leisure industries and much more.
Progression - Participants who have completed all steps and are willing to progress will receive further advice and guidance support from your Mentor before confirming progress into an apprenticeship, further learning or employment.
Our delivery areas and partners
Coast to Capital (Croydon, East Surrey, mid-Sussex and West Sussex) - Whitehead Ross, Prevista & London Learning Consortium
Contact Rae McCarty to find out more
Dorset - Best Training
Contact Gabby Overton to find out more
Leicester and Leicestershire - Workpays and Derby Business College
Contact Parul Ahmed to find out more
South-East England (Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Kent, Medway and East Sussex)
Contact Rae McCarty to find out more
