Opportunity Hub launches in Mid Devon
Learn Devon and Devon Libraries have launched a new Opportunity Hub at The Hayridge, Cullompton, providing a programme of employability courses to help people develop their skills and get into work.
The Opportunity Hub will take place every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm at The Hayridge, Exeter Hill, Cullompton EX15 1DJ. People can join at any time. There is no need to book, they can just turn up.
The courses are free and aimed at people who are out of work. Participants will work independently on skills and qualifications according to their needs and aspirations. Courses available are:
Explore your potential – identifying skills and achievements, and setting goals to help people find work (20 hours).
Write a successful CV (9 hours).
Working with children – learning good work practice and developing an understanding of communication strategies between adults and children. Learning about nutrition, allergies and food restrictions (30 hours).
Working in retail – learning how to handle money in retail and how to project a positive impression to customers. Plus looking at expected work practices (30 hours).
Working in adult social care – the role and responsibility of the adult social care worker. Importance of good nutrition, promoting equality and challenging discrimination at work (30 hours).
Step into volunteering – finding out what volunteering can offer you, and what you can offer voluntary organisations (9 hours).
Cabinet member for Economy and Enterprise, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter says; “One of our priorities in Devon is to support people who are out of work and try and provide opportunities for them to boost their employability skills. These courses will certainly help those who need some direction and focus about their career path and I would really encourage people to come along. Other courses are more specific and will give learners the skills they need to pursue a particular vocation.”
Local Member for Cullompton Rural, Councillor John Berry says; "I am really pleased to see the opening of the Hub in Cullompton. The Hayridge is a great community resource and has been well used by lots of different groups of people from the elderly to mums and dads with youngsters and babies. This is a perfect opportunity for others to come in and see what's on offer. There's a wide variety of courses and activities to choose from and I am sure these will be of huge benefit to people in the area in need of these kinds of skills."
Though participants will be working independently, there will always be a qualified tutor to give support when needed.
The Opportunity Hub is replacing the Work Club which used to run at The Hayridge. The Work Club provided IT access for job searching and a tutor to help people with ICT skills and offer advice on job applications.
During the Opportunity Hub there will still be the chance for people to search for jobs online.
In addition, The Hayridge offers two hours free ICT access a day. They also offer one-to-one appointments on a Monday morning for help with job searching. These are free and need to be booked.
If people would like more information, please call Learn Devon on 01237 472462.
