Residents can continue to get free careers advice, training and employment support, with some services now easier to access without an appointment.
Changes to the way careers support is delivered nationally mean there are some changes to the Adult Careers Service in North East Lincolnshire, but one thing is staying the same – local people can still get free, friendly support to help them take their next step.
One-to-one careers advice
The Adult Careers Team will still be available for careers advice at the Careers Café in Freshney Place, opposite Next.
There is no need to book an appointment. Residents can simply come along and speak to the team about their plans, whether they are looking for work, thinking about a career change, or want to find out more about training and learning opportunities.
The team also understands that finding work or changing career is not always straightforward, and some people may need help building their confidence, finding childcare, improving their wellbeing or overcoming other challenges.
That is why the café brings together different organisations and services, making it easier for residents to find the right support in one place. TARGET NEL CIC, who also run the café, are there every day, as well as different local organisations who visit throughout the week.
CareerShift is continuing
The careerShift programme will continue, helping local people build confidence, improve their wellbeing and explore new employment opportunities.
Delivered over six weeks, careerShift takes a wider approach to helping people move towards work. As well as employability sessions, participants can access support with self-evaluation, wellbeing, finances and personal development. The programme also provides opportunities to meet local employers and explore what jobs are available in the area.
For young people aged 18 to 24, careerShift BOOST offers four free sessions over two weeks. It is designed to help young people feel more confident and prepared when taking their next step into work.
Volunteering and placements
The Adult Careers Team will still be delivering programmes across North East Lincolnshire, including through local Family Hubs.
This includes volunteering opportunities where residents can gain experience while supporting other families in their community. Volunteers can get involved in areas including infant feeding peer support, parent and infant relationship support, and helping to deliver play groups and activities.
The team also works with counselling students at Grimsby Institute, providing placement opportunities across North East Lincolnshire where students can offer free counselling to local people.
Support if you receive benefits
The Youth Hub, based at the Careers Café, will continue to offer one-to-one support for people aged 18 to 25 who receive benefits and are supported by Grimsby Jobcentre Plus. The service helps young people build their skills and confidence and find opportunities in work, education and training.
Following the changes to the way careers support is delivered, there will now also be an increased presence of careers advisers at the Jobcentre, providing information and guidance to people already working with a work coach.
Wendy Trask, Operations Manager for Employability at North East Lincolnshire Council, spoke about the support on offer: “While the way some of our services are delivered is changing, our commitment to helping local people achieve their goals stays the same. Whether you are looking for your first job, thinking about a career change, returning to work or simply unsure about what you want to do next, our team is here to help.
“Come and have a chat with us at the Careers Café and we can help you explore your options and find the support that is right for you. We have helped thousands of local people take their next step and we want residents to continue coming to us for the same high-quality advice, guidance and support.”
Councillor Samuel Grice, Deputy Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills, said: “We want everyone in North East Lincolnshire to have the opportunity to build their skills, improve their prospects and achieve their ambitions. The changes to the way careers services are delivered nationally are significant, but our commitment to supporting local people remains firmly in place.
“By keeping support services in the heart of the community, we can help more residents find the right opportunities and continue to build a stronger borough. I would encourage anyone who is unsure about their next step to come along to the Careers Café and speak to the team. You do not need to know exactly what you want to do – that is what our advisers are there to help with.”
The Careers Café is based in Freshney Place, opposite Next, and is open Monday to Friday.
For general careers advice and support, contact North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team at [email protected] or complete the form for a call back: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/6WsvPasQPb.
For more information about adult learning in North East Lincolnshire, including upcoming events, training and local providers, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning.
Share this article