employment routes advisor handbook - careers waleswales (0800 0284844) face-to-face for individuals...

Employment Routes Advisor Handbook Version : 3 Published : March 2016

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Contents

Employment Routes Map Page 4 Introduction Page 5 Skills Gateway Page 7

Engagement Route Programmes

Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 1

§ Out of Work Peer Mentoring§ Families First§ Communities First§ Communities for Work§ Personalisation Pathfinder§ PaCE§ Active Inclusion§ Lift§ Bridges into Work§ Mandatory Work Activity§ Moving Forward Page 22

Preparing for work Route Programmes

Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27

§ Jobs Growth Wales§ Pre-Employment Contact Centre§ Work Programme§ Work Ready§ Work Choice§ Traineeships Page 29

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Upskilling Route Programmes

Apprenticeships 0 Into Work Service Page 32 New Enterprise Allowance Page 34 Access to Work Page 35 Prince’s Trust Enterprise Page 37

Reskilling Route Programmes

ReAct Page 38 Agile Nation 2 Page 39 Work Skills for Adults 2 Page 40

Higher/ Technical Skills Route Programmes

Financial Sector Graduate Programme Page 41 STEM2 Cymru Page 42 Higher Level Apprenticeships Page 43 Materials and Manufacturing Academy Page 44 ION Leadership Page 45

The Skills Implementation plan was published in July 2014, detailing the Welsh Government’s ambition for skills in Wales. The ambition remains to develop a skills system in Wales to support future competitiveness, help the country evolve into a highly skilled society whilst tackling poverty and is sustainable against a backdrop of ever scarcer resources. The primary focus will be to raise productivity, reduce barriers into work and support people into sustainable employment. The long term outlook for the skills system in Wales focuses on:

The

Skills for jobs and growth Focusing on higher levels of skills development across the workforce, ensuring that vocational routes are valued and supporting employers to work collectively in responding to their skills needs

Skills that respond to local needs Providing an integrated, streamlined and accessible skills and employment offer for individuals and employers and devolving responsibility to delivery partners to develop flexible responses based upon the needs within local communities.

Skills that employers value

Working with employers to develop adult vocational qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks and supporting them fully to utilise the skills of the workforce through developing a culture of high performance working and investment in skills alongside government.

Skills for employment Supporting individuals to enter employment through access to skills information and work experience opportunities and aspiring that all working adults have a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills to support their career progression.

Introduction

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How the Skills Gateway supports the Welsh Government ambition The Skills Gateway has been introduced to provide a consistent brokerage function for accessing skills and employment support. The support will operate online, telephone and face to face, and can be accessed by individuals and employers. For employers, the Gateway offers a Skills assessment to develop a training plan and direct employers to relevant skills provision on a national, regional or local level. For individuals, there is also an assessment of skills and job readiness to aid job matching and brokerage.

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Skills Gateway

Details: The Skills Gateway is a single engagement, assessment and referral system which provides a seamless service for businesses and individuals seeking skills support in Wales. The core function of the Gateway is to assist clients in determining their employment and skills needs and ensuring they receive the right support to meet those needs.

Specifics: The key objective is to provide a single engagement, assessment and referral system which serves to support all businesses and individuals in Wales. In doing so, the Skills Gateway seeks to improve participation in, and relevance of, all national, regional and local employment and skills support programmes.

Eligiblity:

Employers looking to recruit to and/or upskill their existing workforce

Individuals who are unemployed, work ready and wish to enhance their employment prospects, as well as employed individuals looking to upskill in order to progress within employment.

How to Access: The Gateway can be accessed in the following ways:

Online via http://www.careerswales.com/en/skills-gateway/

By telephone via Careers Wales (0800 0284844)

Face-to-face for individuals via Careers Wales, where the need for this level of support has been identified.

Ownership: Welsh Government (Access & Intelligence Branch) will manage the programme through a Service level Agreement with Business Wales and a Memorandum of Understanding with Careers Wales.

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Out of Work Peer Mentoring (25+)

Programme details: The Out-of-Work Service will support long-term unemployed and economically inactive people recovering from substance misuse and/or mental health conditions back into employment and/or education and training.

Programme specifics: To individual participants, the service will offer:

Peer mentoring sessions with an assigned peer mentor

Specialist employment support with a focus on practical aspects

Referrals and help to overcome barriers to education and/or employment as identified through a detailed needs assessment. Who is eligible:

To be eligible, people must fulfil all of the following conditions:

Aged 16-24 (youth strand) or 25+ (adult strand)

Resident in Wales

Long-term unemployed or economically inactive

Recovering from substance misuse and/or mental health condition/s

Benefits for individuals:

A dedicated peer mentor with direct experience of substance misuse and/or mental health conditions;

Employment support from the specific perspective of people recovering from such issues;

Advocacy i.e. practical support in taking up referrals which will lead to additional support (for example helping to overcome problems with housing, finance management, how to search for jobs, how to develop a support network or access existing support) and opportunities to improve education, training, practical experience of employment or voluntary work;

A focus on personal potential and development and moving towards employment.

Next Steps: For initial information please contact: [email protected]

Location: All Wales

Funding: ESF

Ownership: Lead - Welsh Government Department for Health and Social Services.

mailto:[email protected]

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Families First

Programme Details: Families First provides funding to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. It aims to help;

Working people in low income families gain, and progress within employment.

Children, young people and families, at risk of poverty, achieve their potential.

Children, young people and families are healthy and enjoy well-being.

Programme specifics: Each local authority develops a Families First plan, giving a local approach to the specific barriers in their area. Families first will work alongside other tackling poverty programmes such as;

Flying Start

Communities First

The Integrated Family Support Service

It supports these programmes in providing interventions and early identification of the different needs of families;

Prevention of issues for families with no current additional needs.

Protection of Families with additional needs.

Remedy of problems for families with complex needs.

The scheme aims to move families from a position of needing Remedy to a prevention stage.

Who is eligible: Families located in any of the Communities First areas in Wales.

Next Steps: Local authorities will carry details of their plans under families first. National contact is 02920 825 677 or [email protected]

Benefits to the Individual:

Help in accessing available support to address the needs of their family.

Assistance in employability solutions.

Location: Scheme operates in all the Communities First areas.


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Communities First

Programme details:

Communities First is a community focused Programme, supporting the Welsh Government’s Tackling Poverty agenda. The programme has three strategic outcomes: Healthier Communities, Learning Communities and Prosperous Communities.

Communities First Delivery Teams, funded by the Welsh Government, work with residents, community organisations, business and other key agencies in 52 areas, called Communities First Clusters. Cluster Delivery Teams are hosted by Lead Delivery Bodies, accountable for managing the performance of the Clusters they host. Much of the work is led by local people, often acting as volunteers. The involvement of local people in all aspects of this work is an essential feature of the programme. Importantly, the Communities First Programme infrastructure is also the delivery platform for the employment programmes, LIFT and the Communities for Work.

Programme Specifics: Clusters provide activities/projects/courses in each Cluster area free of charge to the most disadvantaged individuals of that area.

Who is eligible: Individuals resident within a Communities First Cluster area.

Benefits for the individuals: Each Communities First Cluster Team produces a detailed delivery plan. Plans vary according to the identified needs of each Cluster, but, under the Prosperous Communities and Learning Communities activity strands, projects focus on the skills, experience and qualifications needed to enter employment and support to find a job. Examples include basic skills such as numeracy, literacy and using IT, as well as CV writing and support with on line job searches. Training courses are provided and have included health and safety, First Aid and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) cards. Individuals can benefit from specific training matching the needs of local employers. Work placements and volunteering as a route to work have also been included in a number of areas.

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Next Steps: Contact details for Lead Delivery Bodies and Cluster Managers can be accessed via the following link which will also help to determine if a person lives in a Communities First Cluster area: http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/communitiesfirst/clusters/?lang=en Lead Delivery Bodies can provide further information, their contact details are as follows:

Jenny Whiston – Anglesey CBC [email protected]

Lynne Berry – Bridgend CBC [email protected]

Tina McMahon – Caerphilly CBC [email protected]

Rachel Jones – Cardiff City Council [email protected]

Helen Morgan – Conwy CBC [email protected]

Marianne Jackson – Conwy CBC [email protected]

Niall Waller – Flintshire CBC [email protected]

Amanda Davies – Gwynedd CBC [email protected]

Ian Benbow – Merthyr Tydfil CBC [email protected]

Ian Isaac – New Sandfields and Aberavon [email protected]

Angeline Spooner Cleverly – Neath Port Talbot [email protected]

Karen Williams – Newport City Council [email protected]

Nicola Lewis – Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC [email protected]

Karen Grunhut - City and County of Swansea Council [email protected]

Emma Cambray-Stacey – Torfaen CBC [email protected]

Bob Guy – Vale of Glamorgan CBC [email protected]

Andrew Harradine - Wrexham CBC [email protected]

Rhys Burton – The Co-operative Group [email protected]

Martin Featherstone – Gwent Associations for Voluntary Organisations [email protected]

Location: The programme concentrates on the 10% most deprived communities in Wales

Funding: Welsh Government

http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/communitiesfirst/clusters/?lang=en

http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/communitiesfirst/clusters/?lang=en





















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Communities for Work

Programme details: Communities for Work is an advisory service working with people in the 52 Communities First Clusters across Wales, to increase the employability of economically inactive, long term unemployed adults and 16-24 year old NEET’s who have complex barriers to employment. Underpinning the advisory service will be access to a suite of pre-employment training to support those with no or low employment skills. The programme will seek innovative ways to deliver packages of training in those communities where provision is restricted, based on the local labour market, working closely with the local community, Regional Learning Partnerships and employer networks.

Programme specifics: Communities for Work will provide individual support for participants through Community Employment Advisers, Youth Mentors and Adult Mentors based within existing Communities First premises, Integrated Children’s Centres or similarly appropriate venues within Communities First clusters for people furthest away from the labour market. They will provide support, encouragement, motivation and confidence, promoting training and employment opportunities as part of the individual’s journey to secure sustainable employment and in the long term lift them out of poverty. Underpinning the advisory service, Communities for Work will provide a barriers fund to overcome barriers to training or employment and will procure a shelf of training provision to provide the skills required to respond to labour market demand.

Who is eligible: Communities for Work (CfW) will target economically inactive and long term unemployed adults:

over 25 as well as

16-24 year olds who are not in employment education or training (NEET)

in the 52 Communities First Clusters in Wales

Benefits for Individuals: Individual support for participants is available through specialist Community Employment Advisers. Intensive one to one support through Adult and Youth Mentors with the objective of moving closer to the labour market. A discretionary fund to overcome barriers to training and employment as well as a shelf of training provision providing essential skills, motivational and confidence building courses and vocational courses responding to the demand of the local labour market

Next Steps: E-mail [email protected] and you will be put in touch with a local advisor.


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Location: West Wales and the Valleys and East Wales

Funding: ESF

Ownership: Department for Local Government and Communities (LGC), Welsh Government co-sponsored by Department for Work and Pensions.

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Personalisation Pathfinder

Programme details: The Personalisation Pathfinder provides a voluntary, more personalised and flexible advisory approach for ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) and JSA (Jobseeker's Allowance) claimants with a health condition or disability. The pilot includes:

Personalised Adviser support through access to a dedicated Specialist Health and Disability Coach

Support tailored to claimants' specific needs

Improved links with local delivery partners.

Programme specifics: The aim of the Pathfinder is to test whether a more personalised and integrated approach in Jobcentres helps ESA and JSA claimants with a disability or long term health condition become more work ready.

Location: Only available in the following Local Authorities within Wales; Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot , Pembrokeshire, RCT, and Swansea.

Operated by Job Centre Plus.

Benefits for individuals: The benefits for claimants include:

A clearer journey through more personalised, flexible work coach support to help progression towards work

Encouragement to discuss their strengths and holistic support needs so that the Specialist Health and Disability Work Coach can provide guidance, and where possible, access to support from a range of other local agencies

Access to support provision from a range of specialist local providers with funding to purchase bespoke packages of support where needed

Access to local peer support and role models including J2E social job clubs A Community Employment Specialist will provide a link between the J2E

project and Jobcentre Plus by supporting and advising claimants with a disability or long term health condition

These specialists will work to develop stronger links with local employers to help secure work placement opportunities and help change attitudes to employing claimants with a disability or long term health condition

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Parents, Childcare & Employment (PACE)

Programme details: PaCE will support economically inactive parents into sustainable work, where childcare is their main barrier.

Programme specifics: Eligible parents will receive individualised help via a Parent Employment Adviser (PEA) in their local community. PaCE will be delivered across Wales; it will be geographically targeted to support concentrations of economically inactive parents. PaCE will target economically inactive:-

Lone parents (approx. 70% of participants) Couple parent – workless household (approx. 20% of

participants) Couple parent – one parent working (approx. 10% of

participants) PaCE will be delivered via a network of Parent Employment Advisers (PEAs) who will offer individual support and agree a plan of action for parents to undertake opportunities to help them move closer to and into the labour market. Parents will be offered advice and support which will include options for overcoming childcare barriers, help with improving employment skills and confidence to help them to enter the labour market. Parents will be able to choose which CSSIW registered childcare provider meets their needs, whilst undertaking any work related activities via PaCE. Childcare will only be funded where opportunities have been agreed in interventions with their PEA and are detailed in the action plan as the most appropriate support for the parent within the PaCE operation

Who is eligible: Parents must be economically inactive and childcare must be their main barrier to accessing work related training or employment.

Benefits for individuals: This supports the Welsh Government’s objectives for tackling poverty in Wales, by reducing the number of workless households and supporting people into sustainable employment.

Location: National

Funding: Joint ESF funded with WG

Ownership: Welsh Government are the lead beneficiary with DWP as joint beneficiary.

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Active Inclusion

Programme details: The Active Inclusion programme is managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). It is aimed at reducing economic activity in Wales and improving the employability of disadvantaged people.

Programme specifics: The programme is targeted at those over 25 who are economically inactive and/or long term unemployed. There are 2 strands to the programme;

Include – Delivers accredited training, access to further learning, volunteering opportunities and employment.

Achieve – Paid supported employment for up to 26 weeks and up to 35 hours per week.

Eligibility: The fund works with over 25 year olds who are long term unemployed or economically inactive and are also in one of the categories below;

Have low skills

Have a work limiting condition

Have caring responsibilities

Are over 54 years old

Are from a jobless household Participants will not be eligible to join any Active Inclusion project if they;

Live in a Communities First area

Are engaged on the PaCE project.

Are engaged on the Work Programme or Work Choice project.

Benefits for individuals: The benefits for participants include:

Opportunity to achieve qualifications

Access to Work experience placements.

A wage equal to the National Minimum Wage while they are learning.

Potential to progress on to full time employment.

Next Steps: Referrals from JCP and through the Skills Gateway to WCVA Location: National

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Lift Programme

Programme Details:

Lift aims to transform the lives of people living in workless households by giving then the chance to gain vital skills and get a job. Whilst giving advantages to businesses as well. Lift aims to provide 5,000 training and employment opportunities for local people living in jobless households in Wales.

Programme Specifics:

In each Lift area, employment brokers work within the local community to identify people who could benefit from the programme. The broker’s job is to establish what has been stopping the individual from finding work and then work closely with that person to overcome those barriers. Businesses are asked to offer work placements for a minimum of 16 hours per week for at least 2 weeks or actual employment.

Who is eligible:

Businesses located within one of the following areas:

Afan Valley (NPT)

Anglesey

Blaenau Gwent

Caerphilly

Cardiff

Carmarthenshire

Flintshire

Swansea North West

Taff West (RCT)

Benefits for Individuals:

Get dedicated, trained workerswith access to a personalmentor to guide them throughthe programme

Get ahead of the competitionin the search for new talent

Create a rich and diverseworkforce

Lower training and recruitmentcosts

Reduced staff turnover

Contacts:

Afan Valley – Vicky Prosser - [email protected]

Anglesey – Gary Williams – [email protected]

Blaenau Gwent – Mark McCrossen – [email protected]

Caerphilly – Andrew Griffiths – [email protected]





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Contacts continued:

Cardiff East – Natalie Pillinger – [email protected]

Carmarthenshire – Alex J Morgan – [email protected]

Flintshire – Teresa Allen – [email protected]

Swansea North East – Juliet Rees – [email protected]

Taff West – Lesley McBride – [email protected]






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Bridges into Work

Programme Details: Bridges into Work 2 will address economic inactivity across 5 Local Authority areas in South East Wales (West Wales and the Valleys). Through a collaborative approach, the operation aims to engage, support and prepare the economically inactive, including those who are long-term unemployed, in the most deprived areas outside of the Communities First clusters, to acquire the appropriate skills to become job ready and to gain sustainable employment. The changes sought through the delivery of the operation are:

Reducing unemployment amongst those at risk of poverty and discrimination

Reducing economic inactivity, worklessness and number of workless households

Increasing social inclusion through sustainable employment

Reducing barriers to sustaining employment and full time working

Programme Specifics: Eligibility and Assessments will ensure participants will be assigned a case worker for appropriate level of support. Case worker will act as an advocate and refer to specialist provision where necessary. Specialist Health and Wellbeing Officers within the team for low level Mental ill-health and stagnant lifestyles.


progress participants through a series of interventions to bring them closer to employment

Access to a range of activities to build confidence, raise motivation levels and develop knowledge to engage in the job market.

Equip participants with skills and qualifications.

Encourage participants to actively take part in job search activity.

Working in partnership with other professionals and operations to maximise the impact of Bridges into Work 2.

Support participants by providing childcare and transport solutions.

1:1 bespoke support

Free courses in Personal and career development

Work experience placements and work tasters.

Continued support if/when the participant starts work

Who is eligible: Long term unemployed or economically inactive, aged over 25 do NOT live in a communities first post code.

Ownership: Torfaen is the lead accountable authority

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Next Steps: [email protected] (Torfaen only) other contact details are available for other areas if required.

Location: Regional – 5 Local Authorities - Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend


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Mandatory Work Activity

Programme Details: Mandatory Work Activity helps jobseekers who have demonstrated a need for additional support to gain work related discipline. JCP can place Job Seekers in to a work placement for a short period to help develop skills and confidence, to become more employable. Job Seekers who do not attend their mandatory placement lose their benefits for a period of 3 months. Failure to attend a second work placement would then see their job seekers allowance. The placements will be with local business or third sector groups organisations and are an opportunity to create a good impression with a potential employer.

Programme specifics: Jobseekers are given a 4 week placement for up to 30 hours a week. The period of work is designed to build work related skills and re-engage the individual with the work environment. The placements are sourced through contracted providers. Job Centre plus does not specify what the placement should be, but expects all placements to be of value in terms of skills and benefiting the local community. Reasonable travel, childcare and additional support costs can be paid during the term of the placement.

Who is eligible: Individuals in receipt of Job Seekers Allowanced can be referred to the scheme by their Job Centre Plus adviser. People cannot be referred if they are already taking part in the Work Programme, or any other contracted provision.

Benefits to the Individual: The programme provides;

An opportunity to develop workplace skills

Work experience to bolster a CV

An opportunity to work with a local employer.

Location: National Ownership : JobCentrePlus

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Moving Forward

Programme details: The Symud Ymlaen / Moving Forward project works across Wales to engage NEET 16-18 year old care leavers, and/or those who have offended, or at risk of offending to enable them to undertake a six month paid, supported work experience placement. The work experience placements last for six months (25 hours per week paid at National minimum wage)

Programme specifics: Following an initial assessment a Personal Development Plan is drawn up in partnership with the young person, detailing what support the participant needs in accessing and maintaining a work placement. Participant salary costs are covered by the Symud Ymlaen / Moving Forward budget

Who is eligible: NEET 16-18 year old care leavers, and/or those who have offended, or at risk of offending

Lead Contact: [email protected]

Location: National Funding: Funded until September 30th 2016 through the BIG Lottery fund using dormant bank account money.

Ownership: Consortium made up of Llamau (Lead) CBSA, SOVA, Construction Youth Trust and Gisda

Benefits to individual:

The opportunity to receive mentoring support

The opportunity to achieve an OCN accreditation

The opportunity to achieve City & Guild qualifications in Essential Skills

Access to a 6 month paid work experience placement

Improved employability skills

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Jobs Growth Wales

Programme Details Jobs Growth Wales (JGW) provides ‘job ready’ young people aged 16-24 with a 6 month job opportunity paid at or above the National Minimum Wage for between 25 and 40 hours per week. The Programme supports young people into job opportunities within Private and Third sector organisations. The intention of the programme is that young people will be sustained in the job opportunity after the 6 months has been completed.

Programme specifics:

The European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government (WG) will subsidise the cost of a 6 months job opportunity to an employer for a contract of between 25 and 40 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage.

Who is eligible:

Job ready young people who are based in Wales aged 16-24 and who do not hold a contract of employment. Young people will need to evidence that they will meet the eligibility requirements prior to being appointed in a job opportunity through JGW. Private and Third sector organisations will be eligible to apply to provide a young person with a sustainable job opportunity (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria).


Individuals will be employed and have their wages subsidised for the first 6 months. They will receive o the job training and have the opportunity to progress to a more permanent position at the end of the period.

Next Steps:

Individuals can view vacancies online through the Careers Wales website https://ams.careerswales.com/Public/Default.aspx?mode=vacancy There are management agents that help with the recruitment process, and will ensure that vacancies are filled openly and fairly.

Location: All Wales

Ownership: Welsh Government

Funding: Part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)

https://ams.careerswales.com/Public/Default.aspx?mode=vacancy

https://ams.careerswales.com/Public/Default.aspx?mode=vacancy

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Pre-Employment Contact Centre Programme

Programme Details The Welsh Contact Centre Forum provide a training package to aid employers in the sector to recruit staff and to get individuals retrained or upskilled to move into the sector. The Forum supports 200 employers, and these businesses will guarantee interviews for individuals that successfully complete the programme. The Forum work with trusted employment agencies including; Remploy, Prince’s Trust, The Shaw Trust and Job Centre Plus. A selective vetting process and comprehensive training is designed to get people into the workplace.

Programme specifics: The course itself takes place in 2 phases. Phase 1 is an initial introduction to the nature of contact centre work. This allows the participant to see if it is the right area for them before the progress to the next stage. Phase 2 is a week-long course which covers everything from excellent customer service to conflict management. The Courses are delivered by industry professionals and are supported by training tool “Phone Coach”.

Who is eligible: Individuals can be referred to the programme by any of the agencies involved in the programme (Prince’s Trust, Remploy etc). Individuals would need to be resident in Wales. Businesses using the programme would need to be based in Wales.


Individuals can get a taster of the work involved. If they complete the programme they will be guaranteed an interview with a sector business. An opportunity to increase skills.

Next Steps: More information on the programme can be obtained from the Welsh Contact Centre Forum on 02920 709 800 or [email protected] Alternatively individuals engaged with any of the agencies mentioned can speak to them about the potential for taking part in the programme.

Location: National


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Work Programme

Programme details: This programme provides personalised support for claimants who need more help looking for and staying in work. Service providers have freedom to decide how best to support Work Programme participants while meeting minimum standards for delivering the service.

Programme specifics: Work Coach will determine a claimant’s eligibility for the Programme and, where claimants have the option to volunteer, will determine whether the Work Programme is the most appropriate option for that person. Referral for Employment Support Allowance claimants will depend on how quickly it is deemed that they will be fit to return to work and are within the Work Related Activity Group.

Who is eligible: The Work Programme is mandatory for Job Seeker Allowance (JSA) claimants who are 18-24 and have been in receipt of JSA for 9 months, or 12 months for those aged 25+. Eligible claimants will be claiming:

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).

Pension Credit

Universal Credit

Benefits for individuals: A wide range support in order for claimants to gain sustainable employment.

Next steps: Participants will be referred by their local Jobcentre Plus Work Coach at a Work Programme referral interview, where they will be given information about their rights and responsibilities and the minimum service standards that they can expect from a provider. Jobcentre Plus will randomly allocate Participants, according to market share arrangements, and will supply providers with information about each participant.

Location: National

Funding: Non ESF

Ownership: DWP/JobCentre Plus/ Providers - Working Links and Rehab Jobfit

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Employer Work Placements

Qualifications and Credit Framework Qualifications

Next Steps: Referrals from JCP and through the Skills Gateway

Work Ready

Programme details:

1. The current Work Ready Programme contains 2 distinct strands; Learning for Work and Routeways. Learning for Work incorporates:

identification and addressing of a learning barrier (or barriers), including Essential Skills, that prevents the learner immediately participating in employment, further learning, and/or Routeways;

Use of employer work placements as well as community projects and voluntary work to confirm an occupational focus and provide learners with the breadth and flexibility of skills they need to enable them to participate in the workforce; and

Delivery of the Qualification and Credit Framework qualifications (where the

duration of the programme allows) to allow the learner to progress, at the earliest opportunity, to employment, further learning and/or Routeways.

2. Routeways encompasses:

working with an identified employer or group of employers in Wales to deliver a bespoke programme of learning and sees the individual a guaranteed job interview upon completion of learning.

Programme specifics: Individual gains new skills and qualifications, renewed confidence and receives extra support along with help with travel and childcare support.

Who is eligible:

Individuals aged 18 years and over and in receipt of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits/allowances.

Additional eligibility requirements apply to individuals who are claiming or actively seeking work benefits and who could be subject to a mandatory referral to the Work Programme at a future point (JSA and ESA Work Related Activity Group (WRAG).

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Work Choice

Programme details: This programme provides a voluntary, tailored, coherent range of specialist employment services which can respond more flexibly to the individual needs of disabled people and their employers and make better use of resources.


Work Choice is delivered by different providers across the country. They offer 3 levels of help.

Level of help What you get How long it

lasts

Work Entry Support Advice on work and personal skills to help find a job

Up to 6 months

In-Work Support Help to start work and stay in a job Up to 2 years

Longer-term In-Work Support

Help to get on in a job and work without support

Long-term

Work Entry Support can be extended by 3 or 6 months in exceptional circumstances and when there is a clear prospect of a job.

Who is eligible: To be eligible, a customer/claimant must be of working age, resident in the UK and disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010. To qualify for Work Choice you must: • be of working age • need support in work as well as to find a job • be able to work at least 16 hours a week after Work Entry Support • have a recognised disability that means you find it hard to get or keep a job • need specialist help that you can’t get from other government programmes or schemes - eg workplace adjustments, suppliers working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus or Access to Work You can apply if you have a job but are at risk of losing it because of your disability. This also applies if you’re self-employed.

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Benefits for individuals: Support to help find, keep and get on in a job.

The type of help you get depends on what you need - it’s different for everyone. For example, you might get help with:

training building your confidence finding a job that suits you interview coaching developing your skills

You’ll have an interview to see what support you need when you join Work Choice.

Next Steps: To find out how to join Work Choice, speak to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre

Location: National

Funding: Non ESF

Ownership: DWP/JobCentre Plus

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Traineeships

Programme details: Traineeships give young people aged 16-18 the skills they need to get their first job or progress to further training. They’re very flexible. But mainly include work preparation training, English and Maths - for those who need it – and high quality work experience.

Programme specifics: The Business designs a programme that’s right for them and the placement. Together with a training provider, they work out a timetable for work and how the training is delivered. The length of the traineeship varies depending on the individual learner. All trainees receive a training allowance.

Who is eligible: Individuals between the age of 16-18 years old who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). For the purpose of this definition, Part time work of no greater than 15 hours per week is classed as non employed. Businesses of any size, in any sector, as long as they’re based in Wales, and can provide a substantial and meaningful workplace experience.

Benefits for individuals: The Traineeships Programme supports 16-18 year olds to gain confidence and motivation, and improve work-ready skills (e.g. interview techniques, CV writing). It also aids transition into employment or further learning through the delivery of generic soft skills, NVQ vocational training and qualifications in a chosen occupational area as well as valuable work experience (Interaction with Employers) and, where appropriate, Essential Skills Wales qualifications. The Programme will also help tackle any complex barriers or issues that prevent a young person entering employment or learning. The learner will also receive a training allowance of the following:- Engagement Strand - £30 a week (which is non-means tested) Level 1 or Level 2 (Bridge to Employment) - £50 a week Both allowances are reduced proportionately for part-time attendance.

Next Steps: Individuals can access the programme through Careers Wales and the approved network of providers.

Location: All Wales

Funding: Traineeships is part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government

Ownership: Welsh Government via a procured Network of Providers.

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Apprenticeships

Programme Details:

Apprenticeships are designed around the needs of employers. In fact they cover more than 150 different business sectors. The training is always directly relevant to the business – and the employees reach a high level of competence and performance. Better still apprentices continue to be productive in the business while they learn. And often go on to hold senior management roles, resulting in a significant return on investment.


The Welsh Government funds a group of approved training providers to allow them to offer funded places on apprenticeship courses. The business covers their wages but we pay for most of their training.

So you earn while you learn. And work towards nationally-recognised qualifications at one of three levels: Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2), Apprenticeship (Level 3) or Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4).

Individuals can use the Apprenticeship Matching Service from Careers Wales. They can view the opportunities that exist in their area and for their preferred career path.

Who is eligible:

Apprenticeships are for people aged 16 and over, who are living, and or working in Wales. The funded apprenticeship frameworks can be undertaken by a new starter or used to develop the existing skills of an employee.

Benefits for Individuals

Training that's tailored to the type of work so they learn the skills the business needs.

An opportunity to gain a formal qualification while earning.

A work placement with an employer, with potential to progress to a full time employment after the apprenticeship is complete.

Next Steps:

Individuals can explore their options with Careers Wales

https://ams.careerswales.com/Public/Default.aspx?mode=vacancy&type=ams

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Location: All Wales

Funding: Apprenticeships are part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Ownership: Welsh Government via a procured Network of Providers

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Into Work Service

Programme details: The Into Work Service provides free help and advice for Cardiff residents searching for work, or for people who are looking to upskill to improve their chances of employment. The Into Work Service team can assist with:

CV Writing Application forms and covering letters Universal Job Match Job search Using email and the internet Job Clubs Access to drop in computer facilities Work skills training Computer training Digital inclusion/help with getting online Volunteering

Programme specifics: The Into Work Service is available daily from The Advice Hub @ Cardiff Library Hub, 3rd Floor, St Mellons Enterprise Centre & Ely & Caerau Hwb, there are also outreach sessions in 10 other locations around Cardiff: The Into Work Advice Service also provides a variety of short job-related training courses free to Cardiff residents. Accredited courses such as

Food Safety

Retail & Customer Care

Health & Safety

First Aid and also non-accredited courses such as

COSHH Awareness (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Interview Skills

Cooking on a budget Also provided are short training sessions on the Universal Job Match website; a half day course which helps teach learners the basics of the UJM website, from logging on to applying for jobs.

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Who is eligible: Residents of Cardiff only; people who are unemployed and searching for work, or those who are looking to upskill to improve their chances of employment.

Benefits for the individual: To become more job ready through a tailored Into Work programme, including help online, CV writing and Work Skills training course.

Next Steps: Into Work Advice Service – Tel: 029 2087 1000 or [email protected]

Location: Cardiff only

Funding: Non-ESF; core funded from Local Authority budget

Ownership: – The City of Cardiff Council

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New Enterprise Allowance

Programme details:

New Enterprise Allowance can provide money and support to help an individual to start their own business if they're getting certain benefits.


A Jobcentre Plus Work Coach can refer to the scheme as soon as a qualifying benefit is in payment. A specialist will assess the business idea. If it has potential it’ll be signed up to the scheme and get a business mentor. The claimant will be able to claim financial support if:

the business plan is approved

the claimant has started working at a business for 16 hours or more per week

Who is eligible: Must be aged 18 or over, have a business idea and get one of the following benefits: • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income Support as a lone parent • Employment and Support Allowance, if you’re in the work-related activity group Do not qualify if part of the Work Programme.

Benefits to individuals:

A weekly allowance paid for up to 26 weeks (up to a total of £1,274)

Apply for a loan to help with start-up costs

The loan has to be paid back, the allowance doesn’t. Any money received doesn’t affect Housing Benefit, tax credits, Income Tax, Universal Credit or Access to Work grant A business mentor who will:

help to develop the business idea

support the business to start trading

Location: UK wide

Funding: Non ESF; funded from the central government Ownership: Department for Work and

Pensions DWP – Provider A4E

Next steps: Contact a Job centre work coach – they will explain how the NEA scheme could help the individual. They will also give information about the support volunteer business mentors offer in the early months of trading.

https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

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Access to Work

Programme Details: Access to Work is a specialist disability service delivered by Jobcentre Plus, which gives practical advice and support to disabled people, whether they are working, self employed or looking for employment. Access to Work is provided where someone needs support or adaptations beyond the reasonable adjustments which an employer is legally obliged to provide under the Equality Act. Access to Work grants are only available if the employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales.


The level of grant will depend on:

Whether the person is employed or self employed

How long they have been in their job, and

The type of help required Grants of up to 100% will be considered for:

Self-employed people

People who have been working for less than 6 weeks when they first apply for Access to Work

The Mental Health Service

Providing support workers

Additional travel to work and travel in work costs, or

Communication support at interviews

The employer may have to share the cost with Access to Work if the person has been working for them for more than 6 weeks when they apply for Access to Work for:

Special aids and equipment

Adaptations to premises or equipment Who is eligible: It is the actual employee who receives the support and to be eligible for help, that person must:

Have a disability or health condition that has a long term substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out their job

Be in, or about to start paid employment (including self employment).

Normally live and work in Great Britain and,

Not be claiming Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance once they are in work

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Access to Work can help:

An employee who develops a disability or long term condition remain in employment (keeping their valuable skills and saving both time and money recruiting a replacement)

Support employees who have a mental health condition. The type of help that Access to Work can offer:

Special aids and equipment

Adaptations to equipment

Travel to work

Travel in work

Communication support at interviews

A wide variety of support workers, and

The Mental Health Support Service Access to Work does not provide the support itself, but provides a grant to reimburse the cost of the support that is needed.

Next Steps: For more information about Access to Work: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0345 268 8489 Textphone: 0345 608 8753 Website: www.gov.UK

Location: UK Wide

Funding: Non ESF

Ownership: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/ Jobcentre Plus


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Prince’s Trust Enterprise

Programme details: The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme supports unemployed young people aged 18 to 30 to work out if their business idea is viable and whether self employment is the right option for them. It is targeted towards those young people who;

Have a business idea they want to explore

Are aged 18 to 30

Are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week.

Programme specifics: There is a 1 hour information session and then a 4 day course to attend. Participants can get financial support of between £1,000 and £5,000, in the form of a loan.

Who is eligible: The following people are NOT eligible for the programme;

Gap Year students

Recent graduates (last 6 months)

Those with a post graduate degree


Participants will receive ;

Training to show them what they need to know to start their own business.

One to One support to explore their business plan and test their ideas.

Mentoring to help develop their business or access alternative opportunities (education, training work, volunteering etc).

Next steps: Contact [email protected]

Location: National

Funding: Non ESF

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ReAct

Programme Details:

The ReAct 3 programme offers funding for individuals to access training to get them back into the job market, and an incentive to employers to recruit an eligible redundant worker.

Programme specifics: ReAct 3 can provide:

a contribution of £1,500 towards training costs.

Assistance with travel and childcare costs to support the training.

A wage subsidy of £3,000 towards the wage of an eligible worker paid to the new employer. Who is eligible:

Individuals who have been made redundant in the last 3 months, or are currently under notice of redundancy.

Benefits for Individuals ReAct 3 can:

Hep someone back into work

Allow someone to change career paths.

help with the cost of job-related training

Next Steps: Individuals would need to go through the application process with Careers Wales. The Welsh Government ReAct team can answer programme specific queries on 01792 765 888

Location: All Wales Funding: Part funded by ESF

Ownership:

The programme is run by the Welsh Government, working in collaboration with Careers Wales and Jobcentre Plus

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Agile Nation 2

Programme details: The programme is designed for women from all backgrounds, ages and stages to gain the knowledge, confidence and skills to support their career development. The programme offers

Support in identifying goals.

Advice on overcoming barriers.

Institute of Leadership & Management qualifications at levels 2,3 & 5.

Access to mentoring services

Opportunities to network with other individuals on the programme and share experiences.

Programme specifics: Fully funded programme. No cost to the individual or their employer

Who is eligible: Women age 16+ working in one of the 9 priority sectors as identified by the WG Economic Renewal Programme.


ILM Qualification

Career development support

Mentoring

Additional training allowance (criteria applies)

Opportunity to become a mentor

Next steps: Interested individuals can contact Chwarae Teg. Contacts [email protected]; [email protected] www.cteg.org.uk

Location: National

Funding: ESF

Ownership: Chwarae Teg



http://www.cteg.org.uk/

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Work Skills for Adults II

Programme details:

Supporting employed individuals to increase their skills levels, including work relevant skills, so that they are best placed to progress while in employment.

Programme specifics: Through a series of initial assessment, support and training, WSFA 2, through community based provision, will focus on supporting people to engage with learning opportunities outside of the workplace and will offer a range of provision, including literacy, numeracy , ICT and other generic transferable skills.

Who is eligible: Residents aged 16+ who are employed; including self employed and have no formal qualifications or are qualified up to level 2.

Benefits for individuals: Through community based outreach, WSFA will engage with employees at a time and place most convenient to them. WSFA 2 will improve the skills levels of employed people.

Location: WSFA 2 is led by Torfaen and operates in Torfaen, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr. Funding:

Led by Torfaen County Borough Council the project is part funded by ESF with match funding provided by Welsh Government.

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Welsh Financial Sector Graduate Programme


Graduates will undertake 4 x six month placements across the organisations on a fixed term contract and study for a part-time Masters in Financial Services Management.


2 years high quality work experience, on the job training + competitive salary. MSc in Financial Services Management Project Management of the Welsh Financial Services Conference Opportunity to apply for employer vacancies as they arise.

Programme details:

The Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme is a collaborative 2 year full-time programme of work, training and academic study unique to Wales.

It was designed by leading financial services organisations and aims to create a talent pool of industry professionals.

Participating employers include Admiral, Atradius, GM Financial, Optimum Credit and the Principality Building Society.

Next Steps:

Contact Rowena O’Sullivan, Project Manager for further information. E: Rowena.O’[email protected] Tel no: 02920 824022

Funding: ESF

Location: South East Wales Ownership: Welsh Contact Centre Forum Ltd

Who is eligible:

Welsh graduates with a 2.1 degree.

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Stem Cymru 2

Programme details: Stem Cymru 2 will build on the work of the current Stem Cymru project to develop STEM skills in 11-19 year old pupils through engagements with a range of exciting practical activities. The activities raise awareness of the opportunities in STEM careers and develop a range of employability skills. All participants are encouraged to enter for CREST awards and the 6th form students can gain part of their Welsh Baccalaureate qualification through involvement with the industry related project. The project will target the following groups:

Young people aged 11-14 prior to their GCSE choices

Young people aged 15-16 prior to their Level 3 choices

Young people aged 17-19 prior to their further or higher education choices

Females aged 11-19 at all key stages of education


Through consultation with schools groups of pupils are identified to engage with a range of STEM activities

Who is eligible: Eligibility criteria for individuals (i.e. age, employment status etc.) Pupils/students aged 11-19 in schools and colleges in Wales

Benefits for individuals: Improved understanding of opportunities in STEM careers. Involvement in exciting and worthwhile activities to improve STEM skills and improve numeracy, literacy and digital literacy. Improved employability levels

Next Steps: Contact - [email protected]

Location: Pan Wales

Funding: ESF

Ownership: Engineering Education Scheme Wales Ltd

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Higher Level Apprenticeships

Programme Details: Higher Level Apprenticeships allow employees to develop their careers further and contribute to filling higher level skill gaps for Welsh businesses. Higher apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, from the equivalent of a foundation degree to a bachelor’s degree. They provide individuals with the skills to make the step up to more technical or managerial roles within the workplace.

Programme specifics: In keeping with the Welsh Government ambition to increase the skill level of the Welsh workforce, the network of funded Work Based Learning providers can offer places on NVQ Level 4 frameworks to allow individuals to progress in their careers. Individuals can access these frameworks and gain the qualifications alongside their day to day work.

Who is eligible: Individuals living, and or working in Wales can access funded, or part funded places on Higher Level Apprenticeship courses through the Welsh Government’s network of approved Work Based Learning providers.

Next Steps: The Careers Wales course search carries details of the available frameworks. http://www2.careerswales.com/coursesinwales/default.asp?page=LCD_WBL&menuid=4&namevote=

Location: All Wales

Ownership: Welsh Government through an approved network of providers.


Increasing their range of qualifications.

Gaining the tools to carry out more technical roles

Gaining the tools to perform at a more senior managerial role.

Career progression.

http://www2.careerswales.com/coursesinwales/default.asp?page=LCD_WBL&menuid=4&namevote



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M2A - Materials & Manufacturing Academy

Programme details:

The Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) is a demand led, industry focused operation that will produce 124 high calibre individuals trained to masters and doctoral level to go on and lead our advanced engineering and materials sector This operation seeks to increase the number of people with higher-level skills engaged in research and innovation in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector. The M2Awill provide a pipeline of high calibre individuals who are furnished with technical, leadership and management skills critical to the success of the Welsh high value manufacturing and materials sectors

Programme specifics: Companies involved in materials or manufacturing are able to put forward one year masters or four year doctorate research projects based on a their business processes or products. Graduates are recruited to undertake the industrially led projects under the joint supervision of an academic and an a representative from the sponsoring company. Doctoral researchers are paid an annual stipend of £20,000 and have their fees paid by the M2A. The partnering company is required to make a £9,000 annual contribution towards these costs.

Who is eligible: Students enrolled on the M2A must have a residential address in the Convergence area of Wales, must have a UK passport or permanent right to stay and have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in a science or engineering subject.

Benefits to Individual An opportunity to work with an established business in the sector, and demonstrate suitability for further employment.

Next Steps: Contact - Dr Ian Mabbett [email protected]

Location: Based at Swansea University or at the partner company (if within Convergence area of Wales)

Ownership: Swansea University


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ION Leadership

Programme details: ION Leadership helps develop leadership, management and business skills across Wales. It is an agile Leadership development programme solution, capable of bespoke delivery relevant to a diverse range of industry sectors. The programme has 4 main elements; Interactive Master Classes present delegates with theory and best practice around four major themes: Leading Self, Leading People, Leading Organisations and Leading Growth. These are designed to build the delegates’ knowledge, skills and confidence. Action Learning Sets allow delegates to discuss organisational development and growth challenges and opportunities. The sessions give time to develop action plans and discuss ideas with a group of constructive peers. Workplace Implementation allows delegates to develop a Personal Development Plan and a Business Growth Plan. The programme places emphasis on the implementation of ideas generated on the programme. Time is given for delegates to plan and implement changes to their leadership behaviour. Assignments encourage delegates to capture and articulate their individual leadership development and detail plans for their organisational development strategy. Delegates can complete between 1 and 3 modules as part of the programme. Programme specifics: The programmes are mostly run over an eight month period for one day per month (apart from the initial event which is for two days). This is subsidised through the European Social Fund. Individual contributions could depend on the size of their organisation. The team at Swansea University can provide further information.

Eligibility: As a minimum;

The business should have been operating for 12 months.

Individuals must live or work in a Welsh convergence area and have line management responsibility.

Programmes are designed for business owners, directors and leaders.


Enhanced knowledge and skills

Access to a Leadership Network

Development of a business

Growth of turnover

97% of delegates report the programme has had a significant impact on them and the way in which they work

Next Steps: For further information and to apply, please contact the ION Leadership team on 01792 606733

Location The programme covers the convergence areas of Wales.

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