Employability Programme

We offer three programmes to local unemployed people to assist them in gaining employment, improve skills and offer jobsearch support. The programmes are open to individuals from Jobcentre Plus, other agencies (i.e. Connexions) and self referrals.

New Deal

New Deal - Voluntary Sector, FTET and IAP are part of a Government programme that is designed to help 18-24 year olds and 25 plus, who have been unemployed for 6 months or more, back into work. New Deal is subcontracted to WCVS by A4E and based in Station Road, Ashington.The option does this by offering a 13 week placement with a local employer across the private, public and voluntary sector.

Why should I choose the New Deal Voluntary Sector Option / FTET / IAP 25 Plus?

You will gain:

  • Valuable experience
  • Help with job search
  • References
  • Skills which you can use in other roles, such as communication, time management and organisationsal skills
  • A weekly allowance (on top of benefits) and help with travel costs
  • Satisfaction from benefiting your community
  • Ongoing individual support to achieve your goals

Benefits to the Organizations

The organization/company providing your placement will benefit from your personal qualities not least your enthusiasm! In your 13 weeks, you will have a chance to make a positive contribution to the organization/company, maybe helping with special projects or events.

All of our placements aim to provide you with skills and experience that will improve your chances of getting a job. Jobseekers who have completed placements have found that the experience has helped them develop valuable personal skills (such as communication) and practical skills (such as learning to use a computer) - just the sort of skills future employers will be looking for.

Placements

A range of organizations offer placements and there are always a variety of opportunities for you to consider. If you are unsure about what you want to do, don't worry - you'll have plenty of time to think about your options and talk things through with your New Deal Personal Advisor.

Placements currently include:

  • Childcare
  • Youth Work
  • I.T. Support/ Administration
  • Health and Fitness
  • Retail
  • Kitchen Assisstant
  • Care Work
  • Community Worker
  • Animal Care
  • Wood Work

What Experience Do I Need?

No experience is required. Placements are flexible and are tailored to suit you as closely as possible, for beginners new tasks will be introduced steadily. If you already have experience in your chosen area of work, you will have a chance to put it to good use and develop your knowledge in a new environment.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

No formal qualifications are required for any placement, although literacy or specific practical skills might be an advantage for some placements, we'll make sure your skill matches the needs of the provider.

How Do I Know if the Placement Will Suit Me?

We will do everything we can to make sure your placement is successful - that is, that you get a lot out of it and enjoy it! When you come along to WCVS we will have a chat about the sort of placement that might interest you and look at what is available. We can then arrange for you to visit a number of organisations - meet the people you'd be working with, maybe have a go at the work itself - to see if the placement suits you. You can then talk it over with your New Deal Advisor before making a decision.

Horizon ESF

European Social Fund logo

ESF New Horizons is delivered by WCVS sub-contracted from A4e over across Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Why should I choose Horizon ESF?

HORIZON is an innovative and flexible approach to supporting you into employment.

Whatever your issue; debt, transport,childcare, long-term unemployed, we can provide advice, guidance, jobsearch facilities, mentoring, training and work experience.

The key to the success of this programme is flexible, individual support. You will be assigned a specific Intensive Support Worker who will maintain contact throughout your time with us.

What do I get out of it

Fully resourced and centrally located

  • Equipment and resources to enhance jobsearch activity
  • Information, advice and guidance
  • An experienced training team who can deliver an extensive range of courses
  • A wide range of specialist training & qualifications in retail, construction, hospitality, health, transport and other employment sectors
  • Range of short coursed including Manual handling, Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and CSCS
  • Employment through our continuously developing job banks

Can I get involved?

You can if:

  • You have a disability and/or health conditions
  • You are a lone parent or other disadvantaged parent
  • You are an older worker
  • You are from an ethnic minorities
  • You have no or low qualifications

Positive Steps into Employment

Who can get involved?

  • Are you claiming benefits?
  • Are you unemployed?
  • Are you 16-65?
  • Are you unwaged?

What do I get out of it?

  • 1:1 help to improve English and Maths
  • A tailor made individual programme lasting upto 26 weeks
  • Learn how to use a computer
  • Help in accessing work experience/volunteering opportunities
  • Jobsearch ie CV writing, preparing for interview
  • A new qualification eg First Aid, Foundation Health & Safety
  • Travel and childcare expenses
  • Confidence building
  • Improved chances for gaining employment

How can I get involved ?

Ring 01670 856587 or call in and meet the team at 69 Station Rd., Ashington