A co-ordinated network of employment and skills support is being rolled out across Somerset to boost existing provision in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative, involving Somerset County Council, the four district councils and partners, is designed to support young people just starting out as well as those who may have lost their job or anyone looking for training and skills for a change of career.
The pandemic and lockdown affected business, employment and opportunities across the county, so steps are being taken to increase support.
A new website www.stepupsomerset.org.uk will go live on 14 September and is a one-stop shop for those seeking help, advice and information available in the county. Further help can also be provided via a single phone helpline: 0300 790 6275.
There will be one to one support available in all four of Somerset’s district council areas from Sedgemoor – through the Under Construction HQ; Somerset West and Taunton; Mendip; and South Somerset.
People will be able to get help and advice on looking for a job, writing or updating their CV, interview preparation, apprenticeships, and skills training. The support can be tailored to specific needs.
The public computers in all Somerset County Council libraries are now accessible for anyone looking for new opportunities – pre-booking is essential. This is especially useful for jobseekers who may not have the digital technology at home.
The wide-ranging project is being funded through the business rates retention scheme that allows councils in Somerset to retain a proportion of the rates income locally to invest in developing the economy.
Anyone looking for their next job, starting a new career, working on employability skills or just starting out in the world of work, will find information and support to help them on their work journey, check out all the useful information at www.stepupsomerset.org.uk
