Employment and learning
Employment and learning support
Many people want to work but face barriers. The reason you find it difficult to get into work might be because of where you live, caring responsibilities, your understanding of English, lack of UK work experience, or simply not knowing where to start.
We take time to understand each person’s situation and work at a pace that feels manageable. Our aim is to help people build confidence, develop skills and find stable work.
Who this service is for
If both of these things describe your situation we may be able to help you:
Understanding the barriers people face
Looking for work is not always straightforward.
Some people we support were highly qualified in their home country but do not yet know how the UK job market works. Others have spent years caring for children, dealing with housing problems, or adjusting to life in a new country.
Some people have never written a CV or completed an online job application. Others feel they have lost confidence after a long period out of work.
Sometimes the first step is simply having someone sit down with you, listen to your situation and discuss your options.
We're here to help.
How we can help
Our employment and learning team offers practical support, including:
- One-to-one employment guidance
- Help writing a CV and completing job applications
- Interview preparation
- English language classes
- Help using a computer and the internet
- Volunteering opportunities
- Introductions to employers and training courses
- Group sessions with employers to find out about different work options
- Advice about education and career options
- Help to learn new skills like accessing training programmes, college courses, or university
We tailor support to each person. Together we create a plan based on your goals and circumstances.
Thank you for all the support over the past few months. I've really boosted my confidence in interviews which is what has helped me to land this role.
AhmedSupport for parents returning to work
When children start school many parents begin thinking about the next stage of their lives.
We offer programmes designed around family life, with group workshops and one-to-one support during school hours.
These sessions can help you:
- Build confidence
- Develop new skills
- Explore work opportunities
- Meet others in a similar situation
For many parents, this is the first step towards employment after years focused on caring for their family.
Support for young people
We work with young people who want to explore education, training or career opportunities.
This can include:
- Career guidance and mentoring
- Help applying for courses, apprenticeships or university
- Support accessing grants or tutoring
- Introductions to employers and work experience opportunities
Some young people we support live in our supported accommodation. Others live in the local community and are referred to us through schools, colleges or other services.
What we've done in the last year
Last year our employment and learning team:
155
worked with 155 people
61
helped 61 people get jobs, training or work experience
25
supported 25 young people to build confidence through our life skills guidance
Working with employers and partners
Finding work is not only about submitting applications. It is also about understanding opportunities and building connections.
We work with employers, training providers and community partners to create opportunities for the people we support. This might include work placements, volunteering roles, training programmes or introductions to employers and different types of work.
These relationships help people gain experience and explore different career paths.
Our partnership with the Cardinal Hume Centre supports the creation of meaningful pathways into volunteering and, for some individuals, progression towards NHS and wider career opportunities.
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
What happens when you contact us
When you first get in touch:
- We talk with you about your situation and your goals
- Together we agree what support may help
- We continue to work with you as you build skills, confidence and experience
Some people work with us for a short time. Others stay connected with us for longer as they move towards employment or education.
Contact us
If you would like support with employment, learning or training opportunities, please contact us.
You can either call or email us to make an appointment, or drop in to the Cardinal Hume Centre to see us.
If you are currently speaking with our assessment team, you can ask them to arrange a referral to us.
Please tell us if you need an interpreter when you contact us.