Work Routes has helped 400 previously unemployed people to start work after enlisting the support of a free service that received funding for the European Social Fund.

Nearly 10,000 people in Cornwall were recorded as being unemployed in figures released in June 2017 ¹.  ‘Work Routes’ has been helping some of these people to find and start jobs after it was launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in November 2016.  Many of them have overcome significant barriers to employment, including long-term unemployment, issues with their health and parental responsibilities, and their stories provide inspiration for other jobseekers.

Works Routes Cornwall
James has been helped back into employment.

James Dennis, Camborne, 24, recently started working at Hayle’s new Home Bargains store, thanks to the support he received from Work Routes.

He said: “I have been unemployed for two and a half years, but I’ve  taken good Work Routes courses to boost my personal skills and help me get past my barriers.  Now I am employed, I can look towards the future with a smile and be proud of what I have achieved.”

 

 

 

 

 

Work Routes Cornwall
Following the helpful Work Routes courses, William is back in work.

William Gates, Camborne, 51, also found work with the new Home Bargains store, having only worked a few short paid contracts since 2009 and finding himself in a rut with applying for jobs; despite regularly applying for roles online, he was not getting any interviews.  After several confidence building courses and intensive interview practice with the Work Routes team, William started work in October:

William said: “I enjoyed it and found the people very helpful, and they sorted everything out for me.  I enjoyed everything – I loved the courses, especially the interview course and tips. Everybody has been helpful.”

 

 

Work Routes Cornwall
Jade’s confidence has grown and now she is back in employment.

Jade Rickard, 24, Falmouth had been unemployed since 2013. Jade has a learning disability which she felt was acting as a barrier to becoming employed. She was unsure of which jobs to apply for and was suffering from low confidence.   With the help of the Work Routes team, Jade’s confidence grew immensely and she was offered her first ever paid role.

Jade said: “I have enjoyed my time [on Work Routes]. It has helped a lot – it built my confidence and without the team I wouldn’t have passed the job interview.  They helped a lot with the interview practice by preparing me for questions they might ask in the interview. The confidence course helped a lot, too.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Dew_Work Routes
Steve found employment after 14 years out of work thanks to Work Routes

Steven Dew, 62, from St Agnes, had been out of work for 14 years before approaching the Work Routes team in Truro. Steven had significant confidence issues and felt that his age and length of time out of work made him unemployable, leaving him feeling very low.

The Work Routes team rallied around Steven to build his confidence and get him feeling positive about his prospects. With the team’s support, Steven secured paid employment as a cleaner for Mitie at Treliske Hospital in Truro.

He said: “The Truro team has been a great help. The one-to-one support has given me clear direction and the training has been related to my needs, enabling me to train and grow.  The positive atmosphere and support has been amazing.  Work Routes has enabled me to have more financial freedom now that I have a sustainable job. Also, my social life will increase – I really enjoy meeting new people and making friends.”

Free support for you or someone you know

ESF funded Work Routes offers Cornish people completely free, one-to-one employment support – including free in-house skills training; job searching; interview practice financial assistance with child care and travel; and support in dealing with other potential barriers such as housing or lone parenthood.

As well as a one-to-one Employment Adviser, ESF Work Routes offers participants an in-house Skills Trainer and a Health and Wellbeing Adviser to help them address employment barriers such as mental and physical health issues, diet, mindset and a lack of skills.

The programme is set to support almost than 6,000 jobseekers in Cornwall over a three year period.

The service is delivered throughout Cornwall by Reed in Partnership, with offices in Falmouth, Redruth, St. Austell, and Truro; as well as a range of local partner organisations covering Bodmin, Bude, Saltash and Redruth.

If you are over 16 and currently unemployed, visit workroutes.co.uk for more information.

Free to attend Jobs Fair in Truro

Why not sign up for a free Work Routes Jobs Fair?  Work Routes are helping local Cornish people find employment.  Come and meet employers, apprenticeship providers, recruitment agencies and training organisations. Lots of vacancies available on the day. Plus help applying, CV advice and interview preparation.

Work Routes has helped thousands of people into work. We can help you too!

Book your place now

About Work Routes

Work Routes is delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and funded the European Social Fund.

1 – https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157349/report.aspx#tabempunemp

 

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