Young jobseekers helped to increase their employability and confidence

Proud to Care Gloucestershire recently hosted three mentoring events with the Department for Work and Pensions, to increase young jobseekers’ skills and promote career opportunities in the care sector across the county.

The aim of the Mentoring Circle events, which took place over the course of three weeks, was to engage with jobseekers aged 18-24 to help them to gain employability skills and grow their confidence.

The mentoring team included representatives from three local care providers, Blue Bird Care, RehabilityUK and Lilian Faithful.

Proud to Care, which is part of Gloucestershire County Council, promotes careers across care and health, and its website includes a dedicated jobs portal. Like many counties Gloucestershire has a shortage of people working in social care, yet there is a huge variety of roles available with real scope for development.

A career in care is incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding, where every day is different. Most people don’t realise that the skills they’ve developed and the values they hold, can be successfully transferred to a career in care.

The first session focused on building peer support and was a chance for attendees to share their experience of applying for jobs. The second session focused on CV building and applications, to increase awareness of what to expect when applying for a job. The last session covered interview skills and a practice interview, which was particularly popular.

Feedback from the young people who attended the events was very positive. One has spoken with a care provider about joining the sector, another is in discussion about doing taster shifts in a care home and a third is working with their job coach to apply for a support worker role.

Here’s what the young jobseekers thought of the sessions:

“The 121 interview showed me what I have to offer.”

“It gave me confidence and opened my eyes to new opportunities.”

“It made me realise how many qualities I actually have.”

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “The mentoring circle events were a great success, and proved beneficial for the young people who attended and the local employers who are keen to run more sessions with a mixed age group.

“There are lots of opportunities across the health and care sector in Gloucestershire and I know from my own personal experience working in health, what a rewarding career it is. Whether you’re just starting out, returning to work or thinking of a career change, there are opportunities which could suit you.”

The next Mentoring Circle events will take place on 15 October, 22 October and 5 November. Anyone interested in taking part, should speak to their Job Coach at their local Job Centre.

Browse vacancies and apply today at Proud to Care.

Visit proudtocareglos.org.uk