European Social Fund in England

Ready for skills jobs

Region: London, including all 5 London LSC areas (North, East, South, West and Central)

Funding: LSC Pan-London ESF Objective 3

Target group: long-term unemployed, particularly those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

The 2-year 'Ready for Skills and Jobs' project led by Off the Streets and into Work provides an integrated programme of pre-employment support for 700 long-term unemployed individuals facing multiple labour market disadvantage, particularly people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness - but also black and minority ethnic (BME) groups, refugees, ex-offenders and substance misusers.

London-wide delivery of the project started in January 2005 and offers 'passport-to-entry' accredited basic skills and industry recognised employability awards. It focuses on three FRESA (Framework for Regional Skills and Employment Action) priority sectors where specific skills needs and shortages have been identified across the capital: construction, hospitality and information communication and technology (ICT). The project aims to remove external barriers to labour market entry in order to enable beneficiaries to enter sector-specific employment or progress to further learning. Through a learning cycle, 'Ready for Skills and Jobs' combines improved motivation, confidence and personal effectiveness within a holistic support programme tailored to each beneficiary's needs.

Natnael is a 27-year-old Ethiopian man who arrived in England as a refugee over a year ago. He slept rough for short while until he found a place in one of St Mungo's hostels in London. He was referred on, received various forms of support and in May of this year he was assessed and registered for a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) course run thanks to funding from 'Ready for Skills and Jobs'. He has already passed a number of modules and he is determined to get his full ECDL.

'Ready for Skills and Jobs' will end in December 2006 and will also pilot a number of pre-entry qualification frameworks for the construction and hospitality industries in consultation with employers and with the endorsement of CITB-ConstructionSkills and People 1st Sector Skills Councils.

For further information and contact details, see O3 website: http://www.londono3.ecotec.co.uk/projects/casestudies/0506_12a_OSW/