Employability Services aim to support local unemployed people aged 14 plus into employment whilst increasing confidence and overall mental health and wellbeing.

Employability Services offer a structured voluntary placement opportunity for up to 26 weeks, designed to develop occupational skills and knowledge in a professional working environment within a chosen career path. They provide a range of voluntary placement initiatives that can fit around you and your specific employability needs. These include:

Structured Voluntary Placements

A structured voluntary placement scheme is designed to support participants to develop occupational skills and knowledge in a professional environment.

• For ages 16 years plus
• Duration up to 26 weeks
• Minimum 16 hours a week

Work Trials and Taster Days

This is an opportunity to try out a potential employee before offering them a job and to ensure the role and environment are suitable for the participant.

• For ages 16 years plus
• Duration up to 15 working days

Young People’s Work Experience

This a work experience training opportunity for students with Special Educational Needs / Disabilities to gain skills, experience and knowledge within a real-life working environment.

Employability provides a comprehensive support package to the young person throughout their voluntary placement journey, including:

• A one-to-one Employability Job Coach
• A dedicated Employability Support Officer for the duration of the placement
• Regular reviews to discuss progress and identify any additional training needs

Success Story

Cariss French

Cariss was supported by her Employability Support Officer to engage on a pathway to employment;  firstly, conducting a voluntary placement to gain hands on skills, followed by a Traineeship placement to further enhance skills and knowledge, leading to a paid Kickstart opportunity.

Cariss ultimately gained sustainable employment when she was offered an Assistant Manager role within hospitality.

Cariss says this opportunity has been “really exciting and gave her the opportunity to get paid to do something she loves. It has helped her to resettle into life in England after returning home from Australia and now build a career for her future.”