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Back to college to get back to work

Back to college to get back to work

Monday 27 April 2020

Back to college to get back to work

Monday 27 April 2020


The College of Further Education has launched a new initiative to support people who have lost their jobs because of the covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme is aimed at helping people find new work.

It's been called 'The Career Advantage Programme' and is a joint initiative between the College of FE and Guernsey's States run Job Centre.

Wheadon House

Pictured: Edward T Wheadon House. 

Staff from both are working together to "support people to clearly recognise their current knowledge and skills in order to create a portfolio of evidence"

That portfolio will be then used to help: 

  • gain a recognised qualification and/or
  • offer them coaching and CV update skills.
  • Identify skills gaps for further development, such as maths and English.
  • Explore future progression or retraining opportunities.
  • Support job application processes, eg develop CVs, letters of application and interview skills.
College of Further Education Delancey Campus
 

Pictured: The College of FE Delancey Campus. 

Staff from both the College of FE and the Job Centre will be working virtually on the programme while the college campuses remain closed during phase two of the lockdown.

The programme aim is "to give those currently out of work the best chance to regain employment either during this ongoing crisis or later".

Louise Misselke, Principal of the College of FE said they haven't set a fixed timeframe for how long the programme will run.

That will depend on the availability of College lecturers, and other States staff.

"We recognise that these are very strange and challenging times. Many in our community have found the last few weeks to be extremely difficult if they have suddenly lost their job. The team at the College are ready to work with anyone who finds themselves in this position and who needs support to recognise the years of experience and skill they have got from previous employment.

"This will help people be ready to apply for jobs as they arise. We are glad to be working with colleagues from Employment and Social Security to support our community. I would encourage anyone in this position to please get in touch to find out how we can all help," said Ms Misselke.

Anyone wanting to take part in the programme should email job.centre@gov.gg or by calling 07839 288985.

louise_misselke_.jpg

Pictured: Louise Misselke. 

There haven't been any up to date figures released on the latest unemployment figures for Guernsey, but thousands of people are known to have applied for support from the States hardship fund set up to help people suffering financially because of the covid-19 lockdown.

Speaking earlier this month, the States Chief Executive Paul Whitfield said at least 220 people had made new claims for unemployment benefits since the pandemic was declared. 

Last summer, unemployment in Guernsey was at an eight year low, with fewer than 300 people claiming unemployment benefits. 

Pictured top: The College of FE Les Ozouet campus. 

 
 

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