Tailored ‘Pathways’ to employment for Gosport’s over-50s

By Chief Correspondent Rob Thomas

UNEMPLOYED Gosport residents over the age of 50 are being offered ‘Pathways’ which will support them as they seek a job or start their own business.

The Pathways project is being run by Citizens Advice Gosport and is free of charge as it is funded by the European Social Fund and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.

The programme includes the key skills of CV writing, interview skills, and job searching, and there is also access to specific CAG courses in General Data Protection Legislation, dealing with aggression and mental health in the workplace, and digital skills.

 

‘flexibe approach tailored to the individual’

However, the approach is described as flexible so as to meet the needs of each individual including those who want to become self-employed. And while some of the instruction may be in groups, there are also one-to-one sessions.

CAG’s Pathways Project Development Officer Emily Hunt told The Globe: “I really believe this project can be of real benefit to Gosport residents due to the tailored approach we use.

“I want it to be an environment where participants are comfortable and can focus on skills or activities that will enable them to be confident in their return to work or training.”

Should a participant feel he or she would benefit from work experience or work shadowing then that can be arranged in the CAG offices.

Because it is an employability programme, the social benefits received by participants will not be affected.

 

‘more than worthwhile’

One person who joined the programme last autumn and subsequently found employment is Andy who described his experience of the Pathways project as, “more than worthwhile”.

He is now with Cancer Research UK Gosport and his manager, Hayley Duce, feels his participation in the programme helped him secure permanent employment with the store.

She says it has given Andy a lot more confidence in himself and made him better prepared for a customer-facing role.

Anyone wanting to return to employment or self-employment and who feels that – like Andy – they can benefit from the programme will need to move reasonably quickly as the website indicates it will end in June.

Further information – and arranging the very important first interview when the tailored programme can be discussed and agreed – is available by contacting Emily Hunt by email at: pathwaysdo@gosport.cabnet.org.uk; or calling 02392 520 112.

 

Image (top): logo for Pathways project. Reproduced with permission