By Eni Timi-Biu | Women into Work
Update summary - Women into Work programme, August - October 2015
Since the appointment of an Education, Employment and Training (EET) Worker in August 2015, engagement in the Women into Work programme has increased by over 50% in the last three months. The programme enhances skills, confidence and facilitates opportunities that lead to real and meaningful jobs.
One of the first challenges many of the women face is a lack of English language and computer literacy skills. The programme helps its clients overcome this by providing an English (ESOL) study programme (at three levels), literacy support and an Introduction to I.T. course.
Service user engagement for Aug - Oct 2015
August 2015:
Women into Work Programme
Women benefitting from 1:1 careers advice sessions, skills workshops, site visits: 28
Total Attendance: 31
Women on Work Placements
Land Securities Hospitality Programme: 4 women
Ready for Work Programme (Business in the Community): 6 women
Groundswell Project Homeless Health Peer Advocacy: 3 women
Total: 13 women
Job outcomes: 4
September 2015:
Women into Work Programme
Women benefitting from 1:1 careers advice sessions, skills workshops, site visits: 35
Total Attendance: 52
Women on Work Placements
Beyond Food Foundation: 1 woman
Job outcomes: 1
October 2015:
Women into Work Programme
Women benefitting from 1:1 careers advice sessions, skills workshops, site visits: 35
Total Attendance: 57
Women on Work Placements
Beyond Food Foundation: 1 woman
Job outcomes: 4
Meet some of the women who have benefitted from the Women into Work programme in recent months:
SKILLS: Anna
Anna has been supported by the project for a year now. She has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and a passion for the catering and hospitality industry particularly through her engagement with Munch – a catering programme run by the project which equips women with training, skills and food knowledge in a professional kitchen environment. Over the eight months Anna volunteered with Munch, she developed her leadership skills, inspiring others to get involved by acting as a mentor.
The Women into Work programme facilitated an opportunity for Anna to take part in a Community Employment Programme in Hospitality hosted by Land Securities and Westminster Kingsway College, where she was able to gain qualifications as well as work experience in various high-end restaurants.
Anna is now working part-time and hopes to set up a food business in the near future. The Women into Work programme will support Anna in her ambition to do this. This support will include a Self-Employment short course in the New Year.
CONFIDENCE: Dorothee
Three months ago, Dorothee was very eager to get a job but felt held back by no work experience in the UK, recurring health issues and confidence at an all-time low.
After many one-to-one sessions with the EET Worker - drafting a skills resume, discussing education and career options and building confidence, Dorothee was referred to the Ready for Work Programme with Business in the Community. This led to pre-employability training and a two-week work placement at major retailer Marks & Spencer.
Dorothee has now secured part-time employment at Marks & Spencer and is studying for an extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. She hopes to continue working at Marks & Spencer until she has qualified to start her career in the health industry.
OPPORTUNITY: Zoe
Zoe first engaged with the Women into Work Programme when she needed her resume updated. On discussing career options with the EET Worker, it was suggested that she attend an ‘Introduction to Construction’ workshop hosted by the project, in collaboration with Laing O’Rourke.
The introductory workshop was followed by pre-employment training, as well as a construction site tour, during which Zoe showed a keen interest.
A job came through the Women into Work Programme that matched Zoe’s skills and experience. The EET Worker supported her in applying for the position and gave her a mock interview (a service provided by the programme to all clients before an interview).
Zoe has secured employment as a Business Administrator with a world-leading construction company. The Women into Work programme will continue to support Zoe in training, skills and workshops to ensure she has a long and successful career.
3-Month Projection
Based on current statistics and positive results, by February 2016 the Women into Work programme aims to see an average of fifty women a month engaging with the programme, with an emphasis on maintaining employment through day and evening workshops and events.
The programme is also being developed further to incorporate client satisfaction feedback and exit surveys for continuous monitoring. However, we will continue to mentor with the hope of allowing the same clients to peer mentor or give talks to those at the beginning of their employment journey.
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