Local Training Agency helps unemployed find the route to employment !

Llanelli Training Agency, Jobforce Wales have recently run a series of Routeways To Work training courses requested by Jobcentre Plus.

Routeways to Work is part of the Steps to Employment Work Based Learning (WBL) programme which is commissioned, funded and contracted out to experienced Training Providers by the Welsh Government.

The Routeways programme seeks to support unemployed adults who are work ready and career focused, and it provides intensive support to them to work towards gaining employment.

The Routeways programme is different to other ‘back to work’ schemes. The ‘need’ for the programme is generally requested by the Jobcentre Plus or The Welsh Government Department for Education and Skills. Routeways training is requested in response to a new employer creating vacancies in the area or resulting from a rise in labour market need.

The programme focuses on the need of the recruiting employer or industry and aims to provide learners with the specific skills needed for the vacancies. Employability training is also provided to ensure that the applicants have support in application and interview skills, giving them the best chance of securing employment.

At Jobforce Wales, they chose to run a two week intensive course, supporting new hospitality employers Nando’s and Hungry Horse.

Training included:

• Understanding the employers’ recruitment needs
• Understanding the employers business and the hospitality industry
• Customer service in the industry
• Health and safety in the industry
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Health and hygiene
• Application skills
• Interviews techniques

The activities were embedded into qualifications:

• C&G Level 1 Key Skill in Working with Others
• C&G Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
• C&G Level 2 Award in Food Safety in the Catering Industry

Jobforce Wales was able to secure the support of the recruiting employers early in each course. The managers of both outlets were invited to the training centre to give a talk on their business as well as their recruitment process. Learners had the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the managers. This useful insight helped applicants to formalise their interview techniques and the experience made many in the group feel really motivated to be successful at the interview.

A benefit for the learners on the programme was that all learners who completed the course and had full attendance were guaranteed an interview with the recruiting employer.

Three learners managed to gain employment with Nando’s after receiving training on the Routeways Programme with Jobforce Wales, and performing a successful interview. A further six learners are waiting to hear back from their interviews with the Hungry Horse.