nextstep West Midlands launches free NVQ training scheme

A new project is taking off in the West Midlands to help people facing redundancy get back on their feet and launch themselves into a new career.

A new project is taking off in the West Midlands to help people facing redundancy get back on their feet and launch themselves into a new career.

nextstep West Midlands is offering free training to people in the region who are unemployed or facing redundancy and are interested in working in the information, advice and guidance (IAG) sector. Funded through the Learning Skills Council and European Social Fund, the project aims to provide people who enrol on the course with a nationally recognised qualification in Advice and Guidance NVQ level 3 or level 4.

Michelle Meacham, of nextstep West Midlands who is leading the project, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to be grabbed by anyone facing difficult times with employment. “Not only is it a chance to re-train in what is fast becoming a growing industry due to the current climate, but it’s also completely free and flexible.

"Once individuals have taken advantage of the course, this time next year they could be advising others who find themselves facing the same uncertain prospects."

Students will be required to spend no more than 15 hours a week combining placement and study time. The nextstep course will provide the opportunity to develop new skills as well as improve on existing abilities, and individuals will be required to undertake a minimum of eight hours placement a week within an IAG organisation.

Michelle added: "We also need to hear from IAG organisations that would be able to provide voluntary placements for individuals – this is a very important part in the course.

"There are opportunities for people on completion of the course, and once qualified, IAG workers can take on roles in a number of organisations from colleges, universities, and careers guidance services, to employment agencies, housing associations or voluntary organisations."

If you are interested and would like to find out more about the project please make an appointment with a nextstep adviser by calling 08000 217 244.

Organisations interested in providing a voluntary placement should contact Michelle Meacham on 07736112134.