LOST your job? Try one that helps others get back into work too.
Covid has the Government hiring thousands of new “work coaches” to support jobseekers into employment. Based in Jobcentres, they offer advice on identifying your key skills, writing CVs and even how to dress for interviews.
The Department for Work and Pensions plans to double the number of coaches nationwide to 27,000, with 4,500 new starters in place as soon as next month and a further 9,000 by March 2021.
Full training is given, and as a qualified coach, you will also advise on access to the latest training schemes and Government support.
Samantha Taylor is a work coach at Bedford Jobcentre Plus, and loves it.
Samantha, 29, a wheelchair user, says the job lets her help others while fitting in around her health needs. She says: “Being a work coach means you will change people’s lives. Nothing compares to that feeling of knowing you made a real difference to someone.
“I have been a work coach for 18 months and it is more rewarding than you could imagine.”
Employment Minister Mims Davies said: “Getting Britain back into work is key to our national recovery and our work coaches are on the front line of this effort. Boosting their numbers means we can build back stronger.
“Our work coaches deliver financial support to millions of claimants but also take time to listen, encourage, advise and ensure everyone has access to the best support available, helping those facing a tough time get back on their feet sooner.”
You can apply at jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/workcoach.
jobspot
NHS SCOTLAND is hiring housekeepers, bank drivers and porters. Find out more at jobs.thesun.co.uk.
Addict expertise
ADDICTION issues spiralled under lockdown, with a staggering 700,000 of us seeking treatment. Now thousands more addiction support staff are needed to help.
Which Rehab provides advice and support to those who need it. A new £40,000 scholarship scheme will tackle the rising cost of tuition and living for healthcare students who want to make the move into addiction support. The group’s MD James McInally said: “There is an acute shortage of skilled professionals working in addiction services.
“The scholarship is a way for us to give back to the NHS and we hope it will help increase the number of students studying in the ‘helping’ professions.”
Apply at whichrehab.co.uk/scholarships.
Set up a job swap
SWAP your job with help from the Sector-based Work Academy Programme.
An additional 40,000 places have been created on the service, which hooks up jobseekers with top local employers on work placements up to six weeks long.
Ashley Garrod, a musician from Manchester, recently took advantage of the programme to move into adult social care as the pandemic hit.
Ashley said: “I lost my main source of income as a musician due to Covid, so had to rethink my career.
“By completing the SWAP training, I gained the necessary qualification and knew it was the right job for me.”
Find out more now at jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk.
jobspot
THE ROYAL MAIL is hunting for sorters and collection drivers across the country. You can find out more now at jobs.thesun.co.uk.
Create your chance
GETTING into the creative industry is difficult. Media, film, arts and design jobs are also some of the most coveted.
Here Stef Stanley – of new mentoring site okmentor.me – reveals her top tips to break in.
- Know what you DON’T want to do. The industry is very broad. Diversify your internships, projects and volunteer work to narrow down the type of roles you enjoy.
- Understand your value – and prove it. Volunteering gets experience and often leads to paid work. But ensure the opportunity is valuable.
- Network, network, network. Join digital events. Contact the presenters after with a genuine message about what resonated with you. One in ten will answer and accept a (virtual) coffee invite.
- Join organisations in the field you want to get into and leverage their networks. Sign up and volunteer at their events too. Try Bloom UK, Women In Communications and OK Mentor.
- Be the eyes and ears of your generation. Use insights from friends when speaking to employers.
- Commit to your values and who you are. The best version of ourselves is our most honest one, not what is expected of us.
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