Training

The New Deal is designed to help young unemployed people aged 18-24 who have been unemployed for six months or more to get back into work. It offers four options, all of which can last for up to six months and include education and training towards a qualification.

The options are:

• A job with an employer;
• A placement in the voluntary sector;
• A place on the Environmental Taskforce in your community;
• A full time education course related to work which is not more than one academic year (or 52 weeks in certain circumstances).
  

If you are over 18 and have been registered unemployed for 26 weeks or more, you may be eligible for Training For Work - vocational training with a possibility of qualifications, which might include training at a local college or training centre plus work placements with local employers. Training for Work is available in a variety of other circumstances, for example if you have a disability or want to start your own business.

OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Bridge Training Resources in Gloucester provides help with literacy and numeracy, key skills, social skills, basic I.T., clerical skills and woodwork. Contact Mark Harrod on 01452 411112.

Apprenticeships are work based training programmes. They combine 'on the job' training with achieving National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Employers value young people with NVQs because they prove you can actually do a job to a recognised standard. There are five levels of NVQ ranging from Level 1 covering basic work to Level 5 for senior management. Your NVQ will depend on what job you want to do and the level of training you choose.

You will work towards other nationally recognised qualifications that are linked to your job, such as a BTEC National Diploma or the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. These link together and form a Technical Certificate. Apprenticeships are available in over 75 work areas and you will also develop Key Skills such as IT and Communications.

e2e gives you the chance to develop and train in a supportive and friendly environment. Help and practical support is available for any personal difficulties as well as additional support to improve reading and writing skills. You also have your own Personal Adviser who can help you look at what jobs might suit you and help you gain work placements or job tasters.

e2e gives you the chance to try out new skills through outdoor activities, drama, music workshops and residential courses. You may be able to progress onto an Apprenticeship.