Vanda Bailey, Partnership Manager This project is part-financed by the European Social Fund

This project is part-financed by the European Social Fund

The Over 50’s Project Overview AIM: To support clients into the workplace and work with clients to identify their barriers to work. Eligibility Criteria: Workless residents of Luton age 50 and over actively seeking work. Delivery Time: December 2012 – January 2014

The Over 50’s Output Targets 99 participants enrolled onto the programme 26 participants entering sustainable employment 83 participants achieving Demonstrable Record of Achievement* *DRA defined as the average of 52 hrs. time of support given to a participants for an average of 13 weeks

The Over 50’s Delivery Partners The Learning Partnership Project Management and Delivery Kennedy Scott Berries Employment Step by Step Training Delivery Partner Delivery Partner Delivery Partner Step By Step

The Over 50’s Key Stakeholders Luton Borough Council, Co-financing Body Luton Irish Forum, Venue Provider Referral Agencies Luton Rights Job Centre Plus Others Training Providers: Bedford College Learning Centre Barnfield College Others: Aztek Solution, Wenta, MAPS

The Over 50’s Final Outputs 128 Enrolments129% 30 Job Outcomes115% 85 DRA102% Additional outputs: 26 more Job Outcomes as added value

The Over 50’s – How did we do it? -1 to 1 Sessions with Personal Adviser -Group Sessions (skills development) -Work Club for the Over 50’s: weekly sessions, 7 week employability skills training -Drop in Sessions for Work Club completers -Sector Specific Training: IT, CSCS, SIA, ESOL

The Over 50’s – Key Success Factors WORK CLUB FOR THE OVER 50’S: -Wide range of local vacancies carefully selected for the client group -Digital job search -Networking within the same age group -Training skills / building confidence -The same 2-3 advisers supporting the group of participants every week -Convenient location and cost of transport reimbursed

Work Club For The Over 50’s “… The Work Club at the Irish Forum has become the highlight of the week for some customers and friendship groups have been made which has given our customers even more confidence and determination to find work…” JCP 50+ Team

The Over 50’s – Key Success Factors FLEXIBILITY AND CLIENT-CENTRED APPROACH: to meet individual needs of the participants e.g., introducing individual IT sessions at JCP to improve IT skills, build confidence, encourage and use of IT in other places. IN HOUSE TRAINING: CV, Interview Techniques, Job Search, Application Forms, Covering Letters. SECTOR SPECIFIC TRAINING: where appropriate we signposted participants to specific training and re-training to meet the client’s individual needs.

The Over 50’s – Key Success Factors CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH JCP 50+ TEAM: “…The channels of communication we have established have also proved invaluable so we have truly been able to work together to help people get back to work. Also regular attendance at our meeting with detailed feedback has been much appreciated…” JCP 50+ Team REGULAR CONTACT WITH DELIVERY PROVIDERS: constant update on individual’s needs and progression

The Over 50’s - Case Study 1. Dave (54 year old) joined the Over 50’s programme after being made redundant from his trade in hat manufacturing after 35 years. Together with his Personal Adviser they identified Dave’s main barriers and agreed basic IT training, digital job searching and interview skills as part of his journey. For the following weeks Dave’s attendance was consistent and he showed a positive attitude and commitment to his learning. The hard work paid off, Dave now has skills to search for suitable online vacancies, a working knowledge of Universal Jobmatch, a new up to date digital CV and a recognised IT qualification in IT. At the end of the project Dave was successful in securing a full time permanent position as a postal worker for Royal Mail.

The Over 50’s - Case Study 1. Dave commented that this opportunity came at just the right time and is enjoying his new job and new active lifestyle. His Personal Adviser added “ Dave has been a worker his entire adult life, he was worried he would never be given another chance in life after the hat trade finished in town. I am really pleased when someone shows his level of determination and commitment gets the opportunity they deserve and all their hard work really does pay off in the end.”

The Over 50’s Project SPECIAL THANKS To ‘OUR CLIENTS’ for engagement, commitment and determination to find work To European Social Fund, Luton Borough Council, Job Centre Plus Luton, Luton Irish Forum, Berries Employment, Kennedy Scott, Step By Step and Training Providers for making Over 50’s Project so successful in supporting nearly 130 people on their journey back to employment, including almost 60 who gained employment. The Learning Partnership

Vanda Bailey, Partnership Manager tel This project is part-financed by the European Social Fund