Date: 21 May 2009
Upskill in the downturn is our
message as we promote our Employability Skills course in
Sunderland.
Funded via the Learning and Skills Council,
the course helps people become more attractive to employers by
giving them vital skills to help them find and keep a job.
Held at our Pallion Centre at 53 St Luke’s
Terrace, we give people the opportunity to improve their reading,
writing, maths and computer skills.
Most importantly, clients can choose when they
go and how long they spend on the programme. Tailored to meet each
person’s individual needs, the flexible course can lead to
qualifications such as employability (ASDAN) and first aid.
We also give people advice on how to
put together a C.V, job searching techniques and interview skills.
The voluntary course, which also helps people gain confidence and
motivation, is already proving popular according to Centre Manager,
Lucy McKinven.
“It’s really important that people think about
how employable they are, what they could do to improve their
situation and make sure that, when the jobs market picks
up, they have the skills to take full advantage of the
upturn.
“Our course is very popular because it is
designed to be flexible and fit in with any obligations our clients
may have. This approach is really appreciated as everyone can learn
at their own pace.”
One former client, Francis Deacon, enjoyed the
course so much he came back in to tell other clients what it had
done for him.
“I found the whole course at Working Links
very beneficial. My Maths and English have both improved. I gained
a Level 1 Literacy qualification, a First Aid certificate and
improved my interview skills. All round, I feel more confident and
would recommend the course to anyone. A pleasant and helpful
management team made me feel relaxed and I enjoyed learning.”
Our consultants are now helping Francis to
find a position as a taxi driver.