A Better Start Southend - Work Skills

The Work Skills project began in 2017 and supports parents to get into work, training and volunteering. The parents have children aged 0 - 4 years old and live within the six ABSS wards of Southend: Milton, Kursaal, Westborough, Victoria, Shoebury and West Shoebury.

Events are delivered all year round, usually in local centres or on business premises. Each 1.5 - 2 hour event also includes a free creche service so that parents can have childcare available while they take part.

The project has 6 key areas:

1. Learning for mum and dad skills workshops

We run sessions around employability skills (such as CV writing), resilience (including assertiveness and confidence building), and accredited courses such as Emergency First Aid for Work and Food Safety.

2. Self employment business course

4 sessions are delivered by a business expert, covering topics such as marketing and finance. The aim is for parents to develop their business ideas and learn about self-employment. The final session includes a marketplace where they can get information and support from services such as high street banks and DWP.

3. Enhanced industry visits

A unique chance for parents to see behind the scenes of businesses in Southend, speak to staff, find out about the type of jobs available and how to apply. We’ve run sessions with Holiday Inn, Waitrose, Cliffs Pavilion, Southend Adult Community College and many more!

4. Industry Taster sessions

These sessions provide an insight into specific industries, with a particular focus on the growth sectors of Southend-on-Sea City Council, including Care and Hospitality.

5. One-to-one career support sessions

Parents can have an appointment with a member of our team to talk about their career aims and put together a focussed action plan. The action plan will include Work Skills events that will support their career goal, as well as signposting to other relevant services such as local colleges and community hubs.

6. Job Fairs

The first Work Skills Job Fair will take place in 2021 and will feature local employers that are looking for staff.