Employment and South West Regional Minister Jim Knight, MP, visited Bristol on 9th September to see for himself just what can be done when universities and employment specialist Jobcentre Plus work together to help newly unemployed white collar workers.
With the government pledging more help for the unemployed executive and professional sector, Jobcentre Plus and some of the region’s universities have combined their expertise to provide specialised careers coaching courses. The three day courses, funded by Jobcentre Plus and delivered by Bath Spa, Bristol and University of the West of England universities, under the coordination of the Association of Higher Education Institutions in the South West (HERDA-SW), have seen 92 people attend the pilot schemes since June this year.
Attendees have received specialist guidance on how to achieve their full potential in the current jobs market, including new career paths such as starting a business, retraining, updating skills and taking up postgraduate study. The course explores the latest techniques in compiling executive CVs, online applications and advanced interview skills. It is also an opportunity for these professionals to network and share experiences with each other, providing understanding and encouragement at a particularly difficult time in a person’s professionall life.
Dr Deborah Watson, Deputy Executive Director of HERDA-SW and co-founder of the project said, ‘When it comes to re-entering the workplace following redundancy, existing resources and support networks are often not targeted at the executive level. This is particularly true in a recession. By combining the skills and expertise of Jobcentre Plus and the region’s universities, the project has clearly made a huge difference to people who would otherwise struggle to find appropriate support.
Indeed, this is just one example of the important role that our universities and colleges have in helping individuals and businesses respond to the downturn and form lasting profitable partnerships across the South West.’
After spending time talking to all parties involved, the Minister was visibly impressed by the project.
"Having talked to some of the people who have been on the courses they are hugely appreciative of them and their only criticism has been that they didn't have it sooner and there wasn't more of it.
"I'll be encouraging the universities and job centre plus to do more of this sort of work and to look at whether we can do it elsewhere."
For advice and information about how the region’s universities can help your business go to
www.expertsouthwest.comPhoto - From Left to Right: Adam Powell, Bath Spa University; Ros Hitchin, UWE; Linda Germon, JCP; Brian Staines, University of Bristol; Deborah Watson, HERDA-SW; Rt. Hon. Jim Knight MP; Peter Orrow, JCP; Paul Gough, UWE; Rachel Jones, JCP; and Lorraine Dowling, JCP.