From education to employment

Employability programme celebrates second birthday

Gower College Swansea’s employability programme – Better Jobs, Better Futures – is celebrating a second highly successful year of delivery.

Since it launched, the programme has supported over 1500 individuals seeking new or better employment – individuals like Dave, who was underemployed in seasonal roles and struggling with anxiety after a traumatic life event forced him to give up his previous career in London.

Working closely with Career Coach Angela, Dave began to build his confidence and start his transition back into the world of work. Angela supported Dave with his job search by targeting positions that were realistic to his situation, helping him improve his CV and carrying out multiple mock interviews to increase his ability to cope under pressure.

With Angela’s support, Dave made quick progress and applied for a role at Swansea based social research organisation, ORS. He attended the interview, instantly impressed the employer and was offered a position in the data capture team.

Having now been at the company for over six months, Dave is doing exceptionally well and has progressed into a research support role. He is being given increasing levels of responsibility on various projects and his progress is testament to his determination to restart his career journey after a challenging period of his life.

“The team at Better Jobs, Better Futures have been a big help to me,” he says. ”They take the time to listen to your background story and get to know your strengths and weaknesses. They match your skills to a job at a realistic level, give you direction and boost your confidence. I would definitely recommend Better Jobs, Better Futures to anyone looking for work, returning from time out or considering a career change.”

The programme has also supported Tia who came to Better Jobs, Better Futures after leaving college with a Level 3 qualification in childcare and a passion for working with young children. In addition to her qualifications, Tia had personal experience of caring for children with additional needs as she helped her mum look after her younger sisters, who have autism.

With the support of her Career Coach Becky, Tia developed her application writing and interview skills and accessed funding towards transport and interview costs. She has now been offered a full time position at Highgate Nursery and is delighted to have secured the job she has always wanted.

“I would not be in the position I am now if it wasn’t for the Better Jobs Better Futures team,” says Tia. “They gave me superb support and were always extremely kind. I have now got my dream job and I cannot believe it.”

Better Jobs, Better Futures has also helped over 230 businesses to expand and develop their workforce. Among them is leading accountancy firm, Bevan Buckland LLP.

“We enjoy a very positive and engaging relationship with Gower College Swansea, hosting work experience opportunities and recruiting individuals directly with great success,” says Managing Partner Alison Vickers. “The team has shown a genuine passion for supporting people into a placement or position with Bevan Buckland LLP.”

“It has been an amazing second year of operation for Better Jobs, Better Futures, exceeding all of our expectations,” says Director of Employability, Cath Jenkins. “With a recent investment of £6.6m EU funding, which will extend and expand the programme through to 2021, we’re delighted to be able to support even more people in Swansea to access meaningful employment through a dedicated team of experts at our Kingsway Employment Hub.”

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Better Jobs, Better Futures provides tailored employment and career support to unemployed individuals seeking work, people already in work who are seeking better or more secure employment, and young people who are at risk of dropping out of education, employment or training.

The programme can also assist businesses that are looking to expand their workforce.

For more information, please contact 01792 284450 or follow us on social media.


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