Sometimes, a little support goes a long way...
Many people encounter challenges on the path into and through employment. Whether you're trying to get that first job, or coming back to work after a career break, it can be hard to know where to start. Others are in work, but feel stuck in a role which doesn't fulfil their potential.
Our commitment to being a caring council, as a core part of our Shared Values, means that here at B&NES, we are actively working to ensure that no local resident is excluded from opportunities. In this section, we have training, application tips and information about partnership programmes to suit your needs, whatever's stopping you from landing a new role that's perfect for you.
Get into work
If you're not sure what tools you need to be job-ready, or what to expect when you apply for a vacancy on this site, we've put together some information on how we recruit, and check out our support for jobseekers? We've even got a special page for college and university leavers, to help you take the next step after study. If you're looking for work with some additional training and a recognisable qualification, you can learn about apprenticeships. Or for jobseekers with special educational needs or an Education and Health Care Plan, there are supported internships that can lead to permanent job opportunities, via Project Search.
Get help from the Employment and Skills Pod
The Employment and Skills Pod is a free service available to all residents of Bath and North East Somerset.
They can offer help including:
- reviewing your CV
- changing career
- upskilling in your current job
- finding work
- improving your job prospects
To book your one-to-one job coaching session visit the Achieve in Bathnes website or call 01225 395010.
Kickstart Scheme
We are proud to be part of the Governments new Kickstart scheme, this is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs which hopes to create thousands of new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales. The Kickstart Scheme provides government funding to create new, high quality job placements for young people aged 16 to 24, receiving Universal Credit and who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
We are one of the largest local employers, so we will be involved in taking on young people into meaningful work placement programmes. We are also a gateway organisation for small local employers, supporting SME’s create placements. We are always looking for ways to Improve People’s Lives in our community by helping to support the local economy, so we are delighted to announce our involvement in the Kickstart Scheme.
The Scheme is a 6-month paid job placement, up to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Employers will be helping young people get into work and bring jobs and funding to the area or sector at a difficult time. It provides the opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience, which could then lead to apprenticeships or other employment opportunities. Training and developing employability skills is also part of the offer.
Kickstart is specifically aimed at this group of 16 to 24-year olds providing a stepping-stone into their chosen employment sector, very worthwhile when it comes to finding employment during and beyond the current pandemic.
Young People on Universal Credit can access the scheme and find out about local Kickstart job placements via their local Job Centre Plus. They can also contact their job coach for support.
For more information about the scheme check out the Governments webpage: www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme or visit your Job Centre Plus office.
Get on at work
If you're an adult already in paid work, but topping up a low income with benefit, you could qualify for Future Bright. A collaboration by the councils of WECA (the West of England Combined Authority), this free programme funds training and support to help you to gain skills and qualifications to progress your career.