Jobseekers will be able to explore opportunities and seek career advice at the touch of a button thanks to grant funding of almost £10,000.
Following high demand for its drop-in service, a digital corner will be created at The Advice Store to enable visitors to complete referral forms, search for job vacancies and gather information quickly and easily. The pop-up shop, located in the old Party Fiesta shop by the new Basildon Market, was established in December 2018 to enable residents to update their skills and find fulfilling employment. A large part of finding employment and landing that all-important job is about the initial application itself. Having expert advice on the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter is invaluable as it will be the first thing your prospective employer reads of your application. Additionally, finding a job is about having a strong skill-set that you can show off. If you have a technical skill, like culinary or computer skills, you’re going to stand out from other applicants who don’t have as many skills as you. The Advice Store can give you the resources you need to upgrade your skills – so you can learn Multithreading in Java for that IT job, or you can learn Spanish for that job you’ve always wanted in travel.
The grant from the Essex Employment and Skills Board will be used to fund two digital kiosks, as well as the creation of a safe and confidential health and wellbeing area for career counselling and one-to-one support. Some would make use of a service like those ARC Resumes provides, but for others, they may need help discovering about such services to begin with. The counselling will cover many bases and will hopefully provide individuals with better knowledge going into applications and interviews. They will also discuss what different benefits and perks will mean in the long run and which ones to push for if they’re asked. Many people don’t seem to understand what certain benefits, like relevant life cover, mean for them or their family so they are looking to change this. You can find more information on relevant life cover here.
Cllr Andrew Schrader, Chairman of the Economic Development and Growth Committee, said: “Whilst I’m delighted that The Advice Store has proven to be so popular, it’s important that we take steps to ensure visitors aren’t turned away and have access to support when they need it. The creation of a digital corner will introduce people to a new world of employment and skills opportunities, and play a big part in the future of this fantastic community asset.
“We’re committed to creating opportunities for all, whether you’re looking to change your career and update your skills, are unemployed and looking for work or leaving full time education and need advice on your options. Easy to understand information in an accessible and welcoming drop-in space is key to helping people achieve their personal ambitions, and I would like to thank all of the providers who have helped make The Advice Store such a success.”
More than 20 organisations providing skills, training and career advice are working in the pop-up shop including the National Careers Service, Signpost, ITEC and Essex County Council.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/TheAdviceStore
