Teamwork is key to new training scheme

The challenging and rewarding development programme called Jobtrain is aimed at helping participants to become more motivated, enthusiastic and positive about finding a job.

Julia Toddington from Blackpool Job Centre Plus said the scheme was getting positive feedback.

She said: “It ran in Cumbria and was well received and now it has been rolled out across Blackpool, St Annes and Fleetwood.

“It is a slightly different approach to some of the other schemes.

“Customers have an interview with a coach to produce an individual action plan.

“There are team work sessions which aim to develop different abilities.

“It also covers financial awareness and advice about health issues so it aims to be a more encompassing approach to getting people ready for employment.”

David Leadbetter, the Jobtrain contract manager for Inspira, said: “The first set of programmes has been a great success with people getting a lot out of the course and acknowledging that they feel more confident applying for jobs.”

Over the year, there will be 32 programmes held at the YMCAs in St Annes and Fleetwood where Job Centre Plus claimants are referred by their work coaches to an initial diagnostic interview, and then are booked on to a course.

Inspira, a career management and personal development organisation, manages the contract in the coastal areas of Blackpool, North Lancashire and Cumbria on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Careers Connect delivers the programme for Inspira in the area. David Howard, Engagement and Participation Services Director for Career Connect said: “Career Connect is delighted to be working in partnership with Inspira in delivering the Jobtrain programme.

“We are committed to helping participants improve their job search techniques and their knowledge of opportunities. We believe by delivering activities that are both enjoyable and relevant we can help participants realise their potential and achieve their ambitions.”