The Cornwall Work Routes service has been working with Cornwall Care to fill urgent vacancies including in the care sector.

Redruth jobseeker Thomas Bone had been using the Work Routes service to gain more experience for job interviews and increase his confidence to start working.

When Cornwall Care started recruiting at the start of the coronavirus lockdown, Thomas was able to use the interview skills he’d been practising to have a successful video interview. Thomas is now working as a Healthcare Assistant – he said:

“I feel so much better in myself – I now have my own money, to save and spend, and I have more confidence which is growing each day.  

“My future is going to be with Cornwall Care and I am looking to work hard, train, and move up the ranks in my career. I couldn’t have done this without the support of Work Routes.” 

Work Routes offers Cornish people completely free, one-to-one employment support – including free skills training; job searching; interview practice; financial assistance with childcare 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 support from a 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 service is delivered throughout Cornwall by Reed in Partnership, and can be accessed online. If you are over 16 and currently unemployed, visit workroutes.co.uk for more information.

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