Workskills programme helps people secure new jobs in Nottingham

A recent Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) has helped a group of people in Nottingham get back to work. The Workskills team at Chesterfield College worked with Poundland and Nottingham Job Centre Plus, to deliver a successful programme to help people find employment at a new store in the city.

Employability Skills

As part of the programme, participants completed an Entry 3 Extended Certificate in Employability Skills. This helped them to develop interview skills, confidence and health and safety knowledge, as well as a range of other key skills needed in the workplace. The 13 participants on the programme were all interviewed by Poundland on the final day. They all successfully secured jobs.

Participants on a Sector-based Workskills Academy Programme

Getting into work

Chris Henshaw, Nottingham’s Poundland Store Manager said:

“The SWAP process has given us the opportunity to see people who are truly engaged in getting in to work. The course clearly provides candidates with a strong platform to progress in to employment from. I have had some really positive feedback from the candidates about the course.”

Developing important skills

For many of these candidates it was the first time they had been in a group situation since the start of the pandemic. Many were also pessimistic about what they would gain from taking part at the start. However, day by day they increased their social interaction and realised that they were developing important skills too. In addition, many have made new friends since starting the course.

One of the big successes of all Workskills programmes are that participants are offered a breakfast club in the morning. This means participants can enjoy a free hot drink and toast before starting the day. Something they really helps them to stay focused and engaged in learning.

Interview success and celebrations

On the final day of the programme, participants attended an interview. The best dressed interviewee won a prize and certificate. To end the day, all learners were given a celebration of achievement certificate to recognise their efforts on the programme and were treated to a special lunch.

Abbie Brown, Workskills Tutor said “The Poundland course was my first face to face delivery since COVID19 and I believe it was a real success. Learners progressed fantastically as a group but even more so as individuals. It has been a pleasure teaching this cohort.”

The Workskills team would like to wish all the learners every success with their career prospects with Poundland.

Find out more about the range of courses and apprenticeships available at Chesterfield College.