Portsmouth training academy offers free employability courses to those out of work
PEOPLE out of work have been urged to sign up for training on the back of rising unemployment rates.
Richard Hipkiss, founder of The Learning and Training Academy based at Gunwharf Quays House, in Gunwharf Quays, said that despite unemployment being its highest for three years, they still had availability on their employability course.
And he said people on benefits could receive the course for free.
Richard said: ‘We are a small, very experienced team, dedicated to helping people find work. With the onset of lockdown earlier this year, we put all our resources online and were expecting an avalanche of requests, but the referrals have not been coming through.
‘We contract with Havant & South Downs College who make sure we work to their very high standards and working with them, allows the course to be fully funded if someone is in receipt of a benefit.’
The employability course is unique in its format, and has been designed to launch people into the world of work.
Holly Hayward, one of the trainers, said: ‘We give everyone as much time as they need one to one online, on the phone and sometimes in person, helping them with units including writing and updating your CV, job search goal setting and interview practice, initial assessment and careers advice, your rights and responsibilities, along with sector specific insights.
‘Once all of the units are completed, they are awarded an employability certificate level one and they will have all of the practical skills that will help them with their job search.'
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The Learning and Training Academy also offers courses for people with learning disabilities or additional needs, as well as business consultancy work and other business training.
For more information go to chalktalk.org.uk/ or call (023) 9216 0974 or 07933 928 532.