More than 50 people have started jobs in industries or sectors that are new to them, after receiving support to reskill in four localities across the UK as part of Learning and Work Institute’s (L&W) New Futures programme. Local partnerships in Belfast, Edinburgh, Wales and Tees Valley are providing training and support to give people a chance to change career, while meeting skills demand in their local labour markets.
In Tees Valley, career coaches working on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority are supporting people to access training, helping them with costs such as paying for professional equipment and offering on-going coaching to get a new job. Working in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations has been key to the pilot’s success.
Paul from Tees Valley lost his job during the pandemic and had since been working on and off as a labourer. He was referred to New Futures via the Jobcentre, wanting to move into the asbestos industry. New Futures funded the New Operatives course, as well as the masks that are needed to carry out asbestos work. After completing the course, Paul went straight into work via an agency, and the employer will be taking him on permanently. Career coaches will continue to provide monthly telephone contact to ensure Paul is sustaining employment.
