Posted: 16/01/14
A new start for unemployed
A group of unemployed people from Slough have just completed studies which could help them gain apprenticeships in IT.
Students from the Information and Creative Technology cours at the Vision Workforce Skills Slough training centre
The eight individuals, who have been unemployed between six months and two years, enrolled on the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 first award in Information and Creative Technology at the Vision Workforce Skills training centre in Slough after being referred by Slough’s JobCentre Plus.
Vision Workforce Skills is a national training provider and subsidiary of West Nottinghamshire College and offers apprenticeships predominantly in the areas of professional and business services, creative media and IT.
Last week the students, aged between 16 and 24, collected their certificates of attendance for completing the six-week programme at the Windsor Road-based centre.
Despite some of the learners having applied for over 300 jobs while unemployed, two of the group have now had interviews with local employers for apprenticeship vacancies, while others are working with Vision Workforce Skills to apply for other apprenticeships in the area.
Training centre manager Clare Clarke said: “These learners really embraced the course and all of its components. Not only have they created digital portfolios of work and discovered the use of technology systems and computer networks, but they’ve learnt more about how to apply these skills to job searching.
“They’ve improved their interview techniques and created professional CVs while exploring the different apprenticeship opportunities to apply for.
“Over the six weeks they’ve worked very hard as a group developing their skills and I’m very confident that it won’t be long before they are working in apprenticeship roles.”
Another employability course will be starting at the Slough training centre on 3 February 2014. People who wish to enquire about the programme should call 01753 535338 or email Clare Clarke at clare.clarke@vwskills.co.uk
