City launches job support

A comprehensive programme of free support co-ordinated by Bondholder Derby City Council will help workers facing redundancy to find new jobs, develop skills or start their own businesses.

The initiative, which includes online workshops and a virtual jobs fair, is being led by the Council as part of the Derby Economic Recovery Task Force's response to the COVID-19 crisis and will harness the expertise of partners from fellow Bondholder the East Midlands Chamber, Derby Adult Learning service, the National Careers Service, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

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Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council said: “Derby is determined not to be beaten by this terrible virus. We are working hard with our partners to support businesses, attract investment and create new opportunities. We will do all we can to ensure that talented local workers are well-placed to benefit from those opportunities.”

Key features of the programme include:

• A redundancy to employment virtual jobs fair, hosted on Twitter between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Friday 2nd October, featuring postings of hundreds of vacancies to allow participants to interact directly with employers. Sign up online.

• A series of virtual workshops, run by the National Careers Service, to help people understand how their existing skills might transfer to fresh opportunities and give advice on gaining new skills, as well as assistance with job-hunting, information on further and higher education and sign-posting to other support services. Those wanting to take part can register online.

• Virtual employability courses, delivered by Derby Adult Learning, to assist people with creating a CV, understand job adverts and person specifications, complete an effective job application and stand out in an interview. More information can be found online.

• An opportunity to register with a manufacturing, engineering and construction web portal which directly connects candidates with businesses. The web service is provided by Talent Retention Solutions and enables job-hunters not only to apply for hundreds of vacancies but also to upload their details for potential employers to view. People can register for the service online.

• A free programme of online workshops and support for budding entrepreneurs who are thinking of establishing their own companies. Delivered by East Midlands Chamber and jointly supported by Derbyshire County Council, the D2 Business Starter Programme will assist participants in establishing their business goals, understanding their customers, defining a marketing approach, getting to grips with commercial and financial planning and appreciating their legal responsibilities. People can register their interest on the website, by telephoning 01332 851289 or emailing derbyshirestartup@emc-dnl.co.uk.