Employability Day 2020

“The support I have been receiving from Connecting Choices has been fantastic. I have received support to get a volunteer placement and loads of training in Children’s and Adult’s Safeguarding. [My work coach] has really helped me on my journey.” – Connecting Choices Participant (YMCA)

As part of the Employability Day #EmpDay20, the Connecting Choices partners have put together a variety of ideas for supporting employability amongst the participants on this programme. We deliberately try to work with people who are furthest from the possibility of work. We believe that everyone should have a chance to work if they want to.

We share some good news stories of successes and progress and we offer a chance to improve your employability with some online resources as well as access to job and volunteering opportunities.

Click on the links below to take you to a variety of support, information, ideas, and opportunities. #EmpDay20

Interview Techniques

• Interview techniques anyone? Going for an interview is nerve-wracking at the best of times, but now some interviews are also conducted online or by telephone, it’s even harder to know how to make a good impression.
  • Well here’s your chance! Follow this link to sign up to a 30 minute one to one interview training session with an experienced interviewer. There are a number of different time slots, so choose the one that works best for you and someone will be in touch to talk you through how this will work.
  • Video Tips There are only a limited number of slots for the training session, so if you miss booking one, never fear! Follow this link to check out some interview technique advice videos. None are more than 5 minutes long so settle down with a cuppa and see what tips you can pick up!

The Land Trust: Getting into Horticulture

• A brilliant addition to your CV if you want to work outdoors. The Landtrust are offering you a chance to complete a Getting into Horticulture Workshop which will be run twice on the day – Friday 26th June, at 11.00 am or 3.00 pm
  • Workshop One 11.00 am Book by clicking here
  • Workshop Two 3.00 pm Book by Clicking here
• Please note that booking closes at 4.00pm on Thursday 25th June

Case Studies

• Success Stories from PM Training
• Success Stories from YMCA
• Success Stories from more Connecting Choices Partners
• Ever wondered what sort of help we give to our participants on the Connecting choices Project? Well, follow the above links to find a host of personal case studies showcasing how people have been able to progress in different ways supported by our amazing partners. Whether it’s into employment, volunteering or training, the fact that people have moved on with their lives is proof that we are able to help them.

Employable Me – Genius Within

We have a number of partners working together on the Connecting Choices Project. One of our specialist partners is Genius Within. It’s sometimes difficult to fully appreciate the amazing service they offer until you take part in it.

It’s all about helping you to see what sort of person you are, what your skills are, and what sort of things you can shine at. It’s a fact that we rarely view ourselves through the eyes of others. Genius Within helps us to work through a process of understanding our strengths and tackling the barriers we place which prevent us from moving forward. View this presentation from Genius Within and then talk to your personal coach if you think this is something that could help you to move forward.

Some employability advice from one of the Connecting Choices Partners

Job Opportunities

• Job Opportunities Anyone? We always promote local jobs across Stoke on Trent and North Staffs via our partners at Ixion – follow this link to find out what jobs or volunteering opps are out there today to support you in your quest to work or learn.

The Social Hub

• Social Hubs (currently known as Virtual Hubs) A great part of the Connecting Choices project is the recognition that its not always skills that are the barrier to working. Often it is anxiety, panic attacks, poor social skills and lack of confidence. That’s why Starfish Services Ltd Social Hubs are part of the package that is offered in Stoke on Trent and North Staffs. To find out more about how we help people click on the link to the Virtual Hub page here, and follow this link to read a very moving story from one of our social hub members on what the hub has meant to him and his future.

Become a Socially Responsible Employer supporting your local community

Click here to learn more about the Connecting Choices Project and how it provides support for those furthest from the job market.