Work Experience works!
Building on opportunities in the private,
public and third sectors
Leone Hill
Lorna Tang
Alan Robinson
Linda Taylor
1
Jobcentre Plus
Portsmouth
Jobcentre Plus
Worthing
Jobcentre Plus
Hove
Portsmouth City Council
June 2011 Jobcentre Plus,
Jobcentre
Hants &Plus
IW
Work Experience – a reminder
•
Aimed at people with little or no work history - mainly 18-24 year olds
•
2 to 8 weeks structured placement with a host organisation
•
Mainly with private sector employers – but also the public & third sectors
•
Commitment from many national companies and organisations
•
Participation is voluntary
•
Different from Work Trials – no end vacancy required
•
Any occupational sector - but geared to local labour market needs
•
Provides a reference and experience to discuss at interviews etc
•
Improves confidence and motivation – and may result in a job!
2
June 2011 Jobcentre Plus,
Jobcentre
Hants &Plus
IW
Adding value to Work Experience
• Offer a bespoke service – finding placements to match customer’s
aspirations
• Use a fast track system to get customers into placement quickly
• Provide a range of placements within Portsmouth City Council –
including lone parents and ESA customers not included in mainstream
Work Experience offer
• Placements with third sector organisations and small enterprises via
Community Empowerment
• Securing employment where no vacancies existed
• Working with National Careers Service following Skills Health Checks
• Don’t lose the momentum - update CV, interview technique and build
on experience to plan next steps
3
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Bespoke Work Experience
•
•
•
•
Florist 
Garage mechanic 
Gardener
Casino – dealers and
receptionist   
Baker – hopeful!
Producer / editor
Kings Theatre 
Canine Assistant 
Hairdressers  
•
•
•
•
•
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chemist 
Health food shop 
Tattoo artist
Scuba diving
Painter and decorator 
Nail technician  self employment
Library and museum 
Computer repairs 
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Where do we find the opportunities
• Employers who have used us before
• Personal knowledge
• Adviser’s family, friends and neighbours
• Contacts at events etc - partnership managers etc
• The phone book
• Labour Market knowledge
• Customer’s own ideas
• …. contacting former customer who has opened a business
5
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Fast track
• Keep CVs and generic application forms to match to Work Experience
placements and job vacancies as they arise
• Aim to get customer an interview the same day as they agree to Work
Experience or when a placement is secured
• Gaining employer’s trust that we can provide the right candidate –
rather than spend their own time interviewing
• Aim to start the placement within 2-3 days – if not sooner!
6
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Work Experience works
• Hayley had factory & waitressing experience and listed cleaning as her preferred job
– but it was floristry she really wanted to do. We phoned a local florist and
“persuaded” her to see the applicant. After 8 weeks, the employer decided she
couldn’t do without her!
• Jack has a degree in the history and philosophy of art. He needed hands-on
experience. Following his placement at the City Museum, he has been offered paid
work to help with summer events.
• Grosvenor Casino offered placements following media publicity earlier this year.
Jodie had retail experience but not worked since being made redundant. She is now
a receptionist. “Without this chance I’d never had got a job like this. I recommend it.”
Tia and Jasmine are starting work as dealers / croupiers after their placements.
• Charlie wants to be a baker. We found him a placement to learn cake & pastry skills
at a local café. He phoned to tell us he is ‘loving it’!
• Josh: “Everyone around me had money to spend – I get £50 JSA! It’s a no brainer!”
7
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
8
Jobcentre Plus
Community Empowerment –
Community Routes into Employment
• Linked with the Co-operative organisation – a charitable society for the
benefit of the community
•
Offers unique opportunities for jobseekers to improve their employability
•
Placements are bespoke - jobseekers are interviewed with an ‘open book’ and
‘open mind’ – full consideration given to applicant’s interests and ambitions
•
Placement providers are charities, social enterprises and community
prganisations providing community benefit.
•
Placements help the community and helps the organisation develop.
•
Community Centre Asst Manager, social media communications
support; Southsea Greenhouse community Co-op, Website Design
9
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Community Empowerment – case
studies
• Liam: Communications asst placement with a social enterprise
running a member’s online forum. Extra responsibility managing a
team of volunteers. Secured employment with East Hants District
Council as a Youth council support worker.
• Damien, Tim and Amy: all had design skills and produced excellent
promotional & marketing materials. Having gained experience and
confidence all three have formed Coastal Creations, a worker cooperative design & media studio.
• Dan: Placed with a newly formed co-operative enterprise,
Southsea Greenhouse. He gave support on the accounts
and project management. He is still volunteering there.
10
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
11
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Portsmouth City Council
•
Flexibility to work outside the JCP Work Experience rules – hours, age, benefit.
Flexible placements for lone parents etc
•
Builds on goodwill with departmental managers from FJF – they realised the
benefit for jobseekers as well as the benefits to them and their teams.
•
•
Created opportunities in a wide range of departments: eg the Museums Service,
Parking Services, Regeneration, Care Homes, Communications and admin
Bespoke opportunities for people who want a specific opportunity.
•
8 week package of support including:
–
–
–
–
–
12
On-line training on PCC policies and procedures
Access to PCC L&D for their paid staff - inc leadership & management topics.
Mentors for some customers from within the council
Onward progression - apprenticeships, work clubs
Registration on Temporary Register for paid work
within PCC and other public sector partners
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
• Lauren - single parent on IS. Children 6 and 2. Retail experience but no
work in 7 years. Attended Work Club. Placement in PCC Comms Team,
10 hrs pw for 6 mths. Supported Lauren when applying for new Morrisons
store. Offered 2 mornings and one evening pw.
“It was great being out in the real adult world again working
alongside colleagues and having the chance to learn new things.”
•
Carmen - mid 30s, teenage son. Changed from ESA to
JSA as she felt ready for work. After volunteering
running a Work Club, offered placement at PCC using
her IT skills to improve and relaunch their Jobcafé
website – a careers & jobs resource. Secured 1 yr
contract based on her performance & skills. Thrilled
with the opportunity she generated herself and being in
an environment where she could extend her networks.
"Your team have changed my life - I am heading in
an entirely new direction. My life is moving
forward and I am getting somewhere.
I hope to go to University.”
13
June 2011 Hants & IW Jobcentre Plus
Innovative Work Experience
Ch ‘ARTY’ Art Exhibition
Underpinning the
Importance of
Community Based
Work Experience.
14
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
Jobcentre Plus in the Community
• Forging links within the local community by promoting Jobcentre
Plus initiatives and achieving what is best for our customers
• Creating new ways we can work in partnership with voluntary
sectors and highlighting the resources we have access to.
• To support and create bespoke work experience opportunities to
inspire and re-engage our unemployed 18-24 yr olds.
• Creating unique opportunities to achieve inspiring work experience
15
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
Overview
• Approached 12 local charity stores pitching the idea of 4 week WE
placements, selling unsold art, pictures and prints held by the
Voluntary Sector
• Designed for clients interested in Art, Fundraising, Project and Events
Management.
• Co-ordinated by Jobcentre Plus - this involved young people working
collaboratively, managing a project from start to finish, using their own
initiative and creativity to identify audience, obtain artwork to sell from
local artists and organise donation drives, free advertising, art work
(Northbrook College ) research and selling art work on the night.
• Method – Group sessions and review meetings
16
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
The Art of Charity
Free design – sourced
Free printing of flyer negotiated
Mayor attended
Local college donated items
Local artists supported
Venue donated
Pianist
Donation drive
Logistics of transport
17
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
The benefits – Jobcentre Plus outcomes
•
8 x 4 week work experience placements created
•
The concept and participants work was so well received by the Mayor she
invited them attend a VIP reception to receive a certificate of distinction in
recognition of outstanding community work. This was held in local council
chambers and highlighted the postivite work that was achieved
•
Participants felt remotivated to enter the labour market and had improved
self esteem and self confidence.
•
They were able to test their career choices and develop significant skills to
add to their CV
•
Allowed participants to work along side a variety of people and network with
prospective employers in the community
18
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
The benefits - voluntary sector
•
The event raised the profile of each charity within the community
•
Approx £500 raised in total without any financial outlay
•
Closer working partnerships have
been made with the Jobcentre for
ongoing Work Experience
placements and future
community events.
•
Continued volunteering from
some of the WE participants
19
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
20
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
Photos
21
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
What's next ?
Use this format and success to
create more community based
work experience placements
and to inspire and motivate 1824 yr olds back into
employment.
•
Community Digital Champions
•
Worthing Town Initiative
•
Large community fashion show
to include local school/ college
input
22
W2W 2012 Jobcentre Jobcentre
Plus, Worthing
Plus
“By the Community, for the Community”
“Celebrate 2012”
Olympics & Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Themed Fashion
Show Charity Event proves Work Experience works!.
23
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
24
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
Objective
To create a fun community based fundraising event bringing together local
employers, charities, providers, residents and activity groups.
To raise the profile of the local area and it’s businesses & amenities while
promoting Jobcentre Plus positively within the community, utilising initiatives
such as voluntary Work Experience.
25
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, For the Community.”
The plan – where to start ?
• Defined our role as a facilitator in encouraging employers and community
organisations to become involved in the event.
• Decided on a theme to attract people to the event – ‘Celebrate 2012 !
Celebrating the Olympics & the Queen’s Jubilee’
• Decided on a fashion show sourcing clothes from the chosen charities.
• Compiled list of possible local charities who could benefit from their
involvement in the community event.
• Identified local employers who might offer vacancies, work experience
placements or donate prizes.
• Investigated venues to host the event at the least possible cost.
• Contacted local singing, dancing and sports groups to provide entertainment
and showcase their interests.
26
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
The plan
• Developed marketing material and posters detailing the concept to “ hit the
streets “ and contact organisations to gauge initial interest in the event.
• Identified the roles we could create within these organisations for our
customers as work experience placements to develop skills and
competencies and improve their employability.
• Promoted the concept and objectives to Jobcentre Plus Advisers and
identified and commissioned a customer to create artwork for the event.
• Contacted local media to assist with promotion.
27
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
Outcomes
• 5 charities involved - Age UK, British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Save the
Children & Scope.
• South Portslade Community Centre provided the venue. Prizes & vouchers
donated by of local employers - meals , flowers, cakes, photo shoots &
party items. Aldi, Sainsbury’s & Tesco provided refreshments
• Local salon, Jewel, did hair and make up for the models. Local
photographer, Phase Photography, took photographs at the event.
• A face painter provided great enjoyment for the children Local artists
produced pieces of art work. Local press and radio covered the event
• The Coastline Harmony Singers performed. Local pop star, Conor
Maynard, donated signed merchandise.
• A local councillor attended and was greatly impressed!
• The sun shone down which encouraged people to attend!
28
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
Outcomes
Hove Jobcentre Plus placed 15 customers in Work Experience:
•
The charity shops, sourcing clothes for the fashion show’s theme, promoting the
event and gaining great retail experience
•
The beauty salon: hair , make up & nails. Did preparation work for the event and
helped on the day.
•
Creating the graphics for the posters - printed by a local printer free of charge
•
Event management experience, getting employers on board, obtaining donations
and distributing the advertising.
•
Jobcentre staff helped: modelling, setting up, selling raffle tickets, taking
entrance money and running the kitchen - serving teas, coffees and
refreshments.
29
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
Objective met ? What were the benefits ?
Voluntary Sector:
• Money raised - £200 distributed equally between local charities.
• Door money & refreshment money raised donated to the Community Centre
• Profile of charities raised - subsequent increase in volunteers
• The Community Centre has received an increase in inquiries and bookings of
rooms for local groups or for family events. Increased revenue for them.
Our JSA customers:
• Have developed significant skills and competencies to include on their CVs
• Improved their employability.
• Have improved their self esteem &confidence in themselves and their abilities.
• Gained references from employers or charities.
30
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, for the Community.”
The benefits to Jobcentre Plus
• 15 Voluntary Work Experience starts, 1 Work Trial & 3 job starts, including
our own Work Experience person who suggested the project initially
• She is now working for one of the companies we approached for donations
• Raised profile of Jobcentre Plus and its services
• Good feed back from employers about our bespoke, customised service
• Interest and vacancies from new companies
• Interest and awareness of our digital services including Directgov and Twitter
• New Work Experience placements created on an ongoing basis. Very much
a “ ripple “ effect from the event.
31
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, For the Community.”
32
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, For the Community.”
33
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, For the Community.”
34
Jobcentre Plus
“ By the Community, For the Community.”
This enjoyable community event was a great success for all involved everyone benefited in some way.
The benefits for Hove Jobcentre Plus:
•
•
•
•
•
•
As facilitator, engaging with the local community,
Developing partnerships with local charities & employers
Providing our customers with valuable work experience
Creating a community event which everyone could enjoy
Minimal financial cost
Raising awareness of our services and creating goodwill in the community
35
Jobcentre Plus
Leone Hill
07971 994468
leone.hill@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Lorna Tang
01903 286221
lorna.tang@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Alan Robinson
01273 368140
alan.robinson5@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Linda Taylor
023 9284 1501
linda.taylor@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
36
Jobcentre Plus