Available help
THE Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has highlighted a range of services available to help people into work.
n DWP officials say the Work Programme provides tailored and specialist support that gives jobseekers the training, skills and help they need to get into work.
It is a major new payment-for-results welfare programme that launched in the summer.
Providers use local expertise and partnerships to give people the help they need to get into and stay in a job.
n The Department is also working with employers to offer work experience to give 18 to 24-year-old jobseekers an opportunity to take up work experience placements lasting two to eight weeks.
n The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) helps unemployed people to start their own businesses.
n The Work Together scheme encourages unemployed people to consider volunteering with organisations to improve their job prospects.
n The DWP’s Work Clubs are a way of encouraging people who are out of work to share skills and experience.
Work Clubs vary according to local need but could range from sessions focused on CV writing and job applications to meetings that might focus on interview technique and basic IT skills.
n Enterprise Clubs give jobseekers help and advice to become self-employed or set up their own business.
n Sector-based work academies give people the training and skills that are relevant for the type of work available in a particular area, focusing on a specific sector, such as retail.
n Apprenticeships mean young people can earn while they learn by taking up an apprenticeship to get training, develop skills and gain qualifications on the job.
More details about apprenticeships can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/OptionsAt16/DG_4001327
For other employment advice, visit www.dwp.gov.uk, www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/ContactJobcentrePlus/DG_186347 or www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/jobs
Young people aged 13 to 19 or disabled people aged up to 25 can contact Connexions Direct: 080 800 12 2 19 or visit www.conxjobs.co.uk.
CARL Crossman, Access to Employment co-ordinator at the Wharton Trust, has offered some top tips to help in job searches.
n Don’t be blinkered – be prepared to branch out from the type of work you are qualified for.
He said: “If you are a plumber and can’t get a job plumbing why not look at retraining in, say, business administration.
“Then instead of being a plumber you are a plumber and business admin person and there are two jobs you can apply for.”
n Get voluntary work to gain experience.
n Make sure your CV is up-to-date – Carl said: “Your CV sells you.
“Somebody once told me a good CV is one that embarrasses you. It is where you have sold yourself that much it’s all true but it embarrasses you to admit it.”
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Weather for Peterlee
Friday 24 May 2013
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