Futures supports 2000 customers into work and training through the JETS scheme

Through our partnership with Shaw Trust, we’ve supported 2000 customers through the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) scheme.  

The scheme, which is delivered across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, is available to unemployed DWP claimants over the age of 18 who have been out of work for 13 or more weeks.  

At the start of the scheme, participants needed help to build their confidence and overcome their barriers to work, lacked the skills needed to carry out a job search and find secure employment, and struggled to identify how their existing skills could be applied to different job opportunities.  

In Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex alone, the Futures team have been able to help over 1404 people into work. 

I love working on the JETS contract. It’s the arm around the shoulder and the parachute that our participants need to empower them to influence their own destiny. Without our arm of support and encouragement or parachute in case they stumble, many would be afraid to jump. Those who have jumped have found they land on their feet. Passion is the driver, doing the right thing is treating everyone as individuals, providing the support and guidance they need to succeed, and the difference made in people is definitely the reward. Knowing I’ve been a part of that difference is a reward money cannot even begin to buy! – Bob Flanagan – JETS Coach 

With the support given by the JETS scheme, customers have reported increased confidence and security. Here is what just some of our participants had to say:  

“Although I have only recently been enrolled on the JETS programme, I have already had several positive experiences with the coaches with whom I have interacted, which has had a beneficial effect on both my motivation and my confidence.” 

“I am now far more confident in my ability to create a CV thanks to this session. Beforehand, I was very anxious about my job prospects because of CV fears.” 

“Words cannot describe just how helpful this experience has been.” 

“I’ve become more confident. At the start of the programme I was very hesitant about the job search and how it would work out for me but with JETS programme I’m becoming more confident and comfortable with my job hunt.” 

“I have learnt so much that will help me look, apply and interview for work that I would otherwise be unaware of and now I know these things my chances of finding employment have improved.” 

The project has received £498,800 of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.