Work Focused Training

Bedford College is pleased to announce a great new initiative designed to give people in long term unemployment the opportunity to train in sectors which currently have a shortage of staff.

If you are struggling to find employment opportunities, then this scheme could be right for you. We have worked with Jobcentre Plus to identify five key sectors where there are current opportunities for employment:

• Care
• Catering
• Construction
• Security
• Telesales / Customer Service

Work Focused Training is not only designed to train you in these sectors, but to also give you support and guidance in applying for jobs. The training is broken up into three stages of skills development.

Three stages to help you find employment:

Stage 1 – Connect

Stage 1 is designed to allow you to confirm the employment sector you wish to train for. You will then be offered information, advice and guidance on the training you will need to find employment in your chosen sector. You will also research current job vacancies.

Stage 2 – Prepare

The second stage is an additional six days over two weeks, designed to put the skills you identified in Stage 1 into practice. For example in construction you will need health and safety skills and a Construction Skills certification Scheme(CSCS) card. In care you may need moving and handling skills, whilst customer service skills will be essential for telesales staff. You will also be able to choose from a range of other more general skills such as compiling a CV, increasing self-confidence, improving IT competence or developing team working skills.

Stage 3 – Train

The final stage is a continued training programme, giving you the opportunity to start a recognised vocational qualification such as NVQ or a Technical Certificate. You also have the option to continue developing more general skills such as literacy or numeracy. You will continue to receive one-to-one information, advice and guidance. Should you find employment whilst studying Stage 3 you will be able to continue studying either by visiting the College or via training in the workplace.

Whilst we obviously can’t guarantee that undertaking this training programme will lead to employment, the skills you will gain will no doubt increase your chances of finding work as employers will see you actively developing your skills and knowledge.