igen’s delivery of Employability Skills Programme (ESP) in the North West has been highly successful, helping hundreds of people to progress into employment and further training.Part of this success is down to a partnership approach that ensures clients are helped throughout their journey.
igen approached In Training, Princes Trust, JHP and Connexions in 2009 to look at ways they could work together to provide a full support package to clients. A Connexions IAG Adviser now attends the ESP sessions once a week to meet with clients who are in their final 2-3 weeks of the course and a representative from the Princes Trust also comes in every 6 weeks to meet with ESP clients. Christine I’Anson, ESP contract manager in Preston said: “This approach is working really well, it’s about keeping your eyes and ears open to the opportunities available for clients.”
To further support clients, igen PAs have established links with community partnerships. This has led to a strong link with a local company that makes funds available for clients who need clothing or shoes for a job interview. This partnership helps to ensure all clients are well prepared for interviews and gives them the best possible chance of success.
The aim of ESP is to prepare clients to be job ready, improve confidence and increase skills. The programme covers ASDAN, CV writing, job searches, confidence building, communication and team working. Establishing links with partners has enhanced the service and helped to promote ESP within the regional. Feedback from employers about clients who have attended ESP have been very positive with employers commenting that clients ‘come well prepared’.
