MDÍø±¬ÃÅ

Employability Projects

Each of the projects below will help you to find employment, with the opportunity to learn new skills along the way.

Learn more about the benefits and requirements for each project.Ìý

MDÍø±¬ÃÅ are pleased to offer a wide range ofÌýcourses delivered by experienced tutors.

These courses will help you develop critical skills and to get you back into work.

You could develop your existing skills, learn new skills, or improve your English, Maths or IT skills; whatever your choice it will be highly valuable to employers.

Take a look at our online brochure, and if you'd like to know more and find out if you are eligible, call us today onÌý0800 488 0378ÌýorÌýfill in our enquiry form.

Free training programmes for Berkshire and Oxfordshire's workforce

MDÍø±¬ÃÅ has been successful in securing funding to support the workforce, including those at risk of redundancy, across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The projects are jointly funded by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

About the programmes

Skills Support in the Workforce (SSW) will deliver bespoke training programmes within the workforce. Organisations will be able to work with MDÍø±¬ÃÅ to identify specific learning needs within their workforce. Course delivery will take place onsite at the organisation, within contracted work hours,Ìýso no travel or out-of-work hours are required.

Courses are available to both up-skill and provide new areas of development for the workforce. Participants who join the programme will:

  • Receive an individual learning plan outlining their expected journey on the programme and identifying where there are skills gaps
  • Be aided and coached to progress within their organisation or continue to study on higher levels of training

In addition, SSW will also aid organisations that may need to make redundancies. In this case, vocational courses are available to up-skill workers ready for the labour market.

Please read our online brochureÌýand if you’d like to know more, or find out if you are eligible, call us today on 0800 488 0378 or fill in our enquiry form.

Our Work and Health Programme is designed to give you the right support to achieve your employment potential.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel ready forÌýwork when we first meet. It is our job to help you get ready in a way that works for you.

Your journey into work

At our first meeting we will:

  • Meet at a venue that is convenient and comfortable for you;
  • Get you started on the programme;
  • Show you how to log on to your online Opportunities Hub.

Explore

Your Change Coach will help you to:

  • Explore your strengths and the type of work you want to do;
  • Look at your support needs and develop an action plan. This will set out the actions we will both take
  • to help you find a job;
  • Help you get the most out of your online Opportunities Hub.

Enhance

You will get the help that works best for you. The plan you have agreed with your Change Coach may include:

  • Using a computer for all kinds of online learning on the Opportunities Hub – from exploring self-employment to improving computer skills and learning about useful ways to relax;
  • Community-based activities – things like walking groups, healthy eating and money advice;
  • Working with our trainers on your interview skills and job search;
  • Getting specialist help if you need to overcome a problem – like substance misuse, managing anxiety or family support.
  • Your Change Coach will help you to review and update your action plan monthly to begin with. This will include exploring how you feel you have progressed so far.

Employ

We will help you to find the right job. This will include:

  • Searching and applying for jobs, and helping you to feel confident about interviews;
  • Introducing you to open-minded employers to arrange work trials and interviews;
  • Helping you to learn and manage your new work routine In work support for both you and your employer – including advice and funding towards workplace adjustments;
  • Getting you the right help to understand benefits and money advice.

Online Services

The Opportunities Hub is your very own online service. It is packed full of learning, resources and support to help you on your journey into work.
You can access your Opportunities Hub 24 hours a day to help you organise your appointments, view your action plan and check your progress towards work.

Starting on the programme

If you are interested in finding out more about the Work and Health Programme, you will need to speak to an advisor in your local Jobcentre Plus.

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The Work and Health Programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund.

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The Work and Health Programme – JETS is co-financed by the European Social Fund.

Tailored support to help you get back into work

If you have been out of work forÌý13 weeks or moreÌýand are inÌýreceipt of benefits, Work and Health Programme – Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) is designed to help you get back into employment… FAST!

Our support includes:

  • Personal assessmentÌý– support to identify goals, develop a return-to-work plan and access additional help if needed. For example, mental health, debt or housing support
  • Job supportÌý– help with job search, building confidence, virtual interview preparation, CV building and e-learning
  • Career optionsÌý– support to identify new career options, develop transferrable skills and gain sector specific training
  • Self-employmentÌý– coaching to develop business plans, set up and manage the first six months of operation.

We will keep in regular contact with you, help you to progress and realise your full potential.

Back on Track focuses on supporting young people in Oxfordshire, aged 15-17 who are at risk of becoming, or who are already, NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Support will be tailored to meet the participants individual needs, but could include:

  • 1:1 Support – we can offer participants information, advice and guidance if they are struggling with low attendance at school or are no longer engaged in education, employment or training
  • Wellbeing – help participants explore their physical and mental health
  • Volunteering and Work Experience – support to access volunteering or work experience placements
  • Summer Engagement – group engagement activities
  • Employability Support – including writing CVs and cover letters, applications, interview preparation, short courses, and exploring career pathways
  • Access to higher and further education – support with applications, access, and engagement
  • New Routes Garden Project – our garden, based in Banbury, is a safe space for participants to explore their options within a small group setting
  • Opportunity to work with our Partners; Banbury Young Homelessness Project (BYHP), South Oxfordshire Food and Education Academy (SOFEA) and TRAX. We also work with Oxfordshire County Council’s Education Employment and Training (EET) Service.

The Back on Track project is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

MDÍø±¬ÃÅ colleges, situated across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey.