Time is running out to sign up for an innovative free training programme designed to help people back on the road to work.
The Stepping Stones to Employment project, led by County Durham Housing Group and Auckland Castle Trust, is open to anyone experiencing unemployment.
It is specifically designed to help boost confidence and enhance employability by giving participants the chance to develop new and transferrable skills in a fun and easy way.
Each course runs over a 10-week period, with enrolment for the next round closing on Friday May 26.
Alison Tweddle from Auckland Castle Trust, said: “Stepping Stones to Employment is accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Each fun and informal session is steered by those taking part and is designed specifically to help people feel confident and prepared enough to re-enter the workforce or begin further training.”
Stepping Stones to Employment will run at Auckland Youth and Community Centre from 9.30am until 2.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday between June 1 and August 10.
There are 15 places available in total, with everyone taking part being given the chance to gain a wide array of skills and qualifications in areas such as health and safety, first aid, food hygiene, event planning and computing.
Crucially, the course will also focus on improving self-confidence and interview skills, both of which have been identified as key barriers to re-entering employment after a period out of work.
At the end of the programme, all participants will have the opportunity to use their new skills in a practice interview at Auckland Castle Trust.
Sean Robson, Community Training Coordinator at County Durham Housing Group, said: “Anyone who has spent time looking for a job will know that it can seriously knock your confidence. That’s why Stepping Stones places such an emphasis on growing confidence and real experience of interview techniques.
“We hope that the combination of skills training and renewed self-belief will give everyone on the course an advantage when they’re applying for jobs long into the future.”
The Stepping Stones to Employment project is funded by NE Procurement. Its inaugural course, which ran from January 2015, was attended by 15 people, all of whom are now pursuing employment or further education.
Two additional courses are currently being planned for 2017, with places for another 30 participants.
For more information, or to apply, please contact Sean Robson at County Durham Housing Group on 0191 349 7753 or sean.robson@cdhg.co.uk