Since November 2020, our employment advice team has been working in partnership with Job Centres in Derbyshire, Daventry and Northamptonshire to run specialist mentoring circles, helping customers to consider their options and engage with a range of local employers.
The sessions are designed to give an employer perspective on recruitment, providing the inside scoop from the people in the know about what they expect from an applicant, how they got their start and what working in their sector is like. For Futures, this has included an overview of housing associations and information about how work experience and volunteering can help to build the skills and confidence you need to work in the sector.
Jenny and Sylvia from our employment advice team are also taking the opportunity to provide advice about navigating the virtual job space, with hints and tips about everything from online applications to video interviews. They’ve even supported people with finding technology for those who need it to take part in the sessions, and future interviews of this nature.
The participants left feeling positive and encouraged, having benefited from meeting a variety of people who might be sat on the other side of a (virtual!) table at an interview. Since taking part in the circles, several of the group have already had interviews for apprenticeships in the housing and local government sector, which really shows how impactful these sessions can be.
The employment advice team is continuing to run mentoring circles throughout February and March. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 16 who needs support on their employment journey and are run through JobCentre Plus. If you’re interested in joining one of the sessions, please speak to your work coach.
For more information about the employment advice service at Futures click here.
