Inspire 2 Independence - fulfilling potential through personal development

What is the Work Programme? The Work Programme is a Government-funded programme supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) that is aimed at individuals who are unemployed and is designed to support individuals back into sustainable employment. We recognise that looking for work is not an easy task. If you have had a break from working, finding a job can be challenging and at times may seem daunting. We will offer support that takes account of your personal needs and situation to find the right job for you. If you are referred to one of our programmes you will work with a personal adviser who will help you prepare for work. Our support will also continue while you are in work. The guidance we provide will be matched to your needs, with a focus on your strengths, not just your weaknesses or barriers to work. Our aim is to help you find a job that you are positive about and that will last, so that you can develop your career and look forward to the future.
What can the Work Programme offer you? How we can help: Finding a new job is an individual process. No two people have the same journey. Our advisers understand this and will support you in light of your individual needs. We know there could be many reasons why you have been out of work. That is why your personal adviser will work with you one-to-one to understand your job history, your present situation and the type of work that would be most suited to you. Your adviser will listen to what you have to say and recommend activities that will move you closer to finding the right job. The help that you need might include creating a new CV, writing covering letters and searching and applying for work. Or you might want to take advantage of the range of workshops we offer, which include everything from interview skills to improving your confidence and self-esteem. What you can expect from i2i: * Access to impartial information, advice and guidance to ensure you can make well-informed choices. * Staff who will identify and meet individual needs and requirements and who will offer support in overcoming challenges and barriers to achieving employment goals. * Clear targets and support to reach your goals. * Support through regular meetings on at least a fortnightly basis. * Opportunities to attend workshop-training sessions to develop jobsearch and employability skills. * Your CV reviewed and if necessary developed in order to be appropriate for the employment market. * Links with external agencies to provide additional or specialist support where appropriate. What i2i expects from you: * To make a commitment to gain sustainable employment. * To engage fully with the support and training that is provided by i2i. * To come with an honest and open mind, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills. * To behave in an appropriate manner, taking responsibility for our own actions and to treat everyone with respect. * To attend all interviews and appointments with i2i on time and ready to participate. * To maintain good hygiene levels and appearance in line with employers’ expectations. * To keep i2i notified of any changes in personal circumstances. Testimonials: Employers Working in partnership: "Staffline Group have been working along side i2i since December 2011 and between them have forged a professional working relationship. Staffline are currently recruiting contractors for 2Sisters Food Group based in Scunthorpe which i2i have been providing between 5 and 7 contractors weekly for production operatives. We are currently working together in preparation for recruiting Apprenticeships and NVQ Candidates which will help with retention with in the factory. I have attended a careers day within the i2i Offices which also showed how i2i helped their contractors find employment with companies within the area." Karen, Staffline Group "During the time we have been working with i2i, we have found them to be highly professional and accurate. The candidates put forward have always been of the correct temperament and personality to work in our industry. I would not hesitate to recommend i2i to other care organisations." Raj, 1st Hand Care "We were very pleased with the service provided by i2i. They worked with us every step of the way to determine our exact requirements and locate a suitable candidate for our vacancy." Sarah, Swift Business Solutions Ltd "I would like to take this opportunity to express how thoroughly delighted we all are with the service we got from i2i as a company and from yourself as our principal contact, you really went above and beyond to help us out and you sent us through a wonderful calibre of candidate who I have every confidence will be able to perform this role with distinction. You have been a pleasure to work with on this contract and should we be recruiting again in Coventry we will be sure to use i2i as our first point of call. On behalf of the whole team, thank you and congratulations on a job very well done!" Sam, Tallent Automotive "Over the past three years I have had a close working relationship with Inspire to Independence Manchester, and two of their employees in particular Emma and Kim. Because of this relationship this is now the only way we at Impact Security Solutions recruit Security Officers in the Greater Manchester area. We have used Inspire to Independence to recruit a high stranded of Security Officer for blue chip office blocks and retail outlets. We have never been disappointed in the standard of person that this company finds for us to interview and recruit. When we have experienced difficulty in dealing with people we have recruited we still call on the service of this company to help guide and sometimes cajole the recruited to meet the high standards that we require from them. Both Emma and Kim have helped us to recruit and retain the staff that last year made Impact Security Solutions the Great Manchester Police Security team of the year." Stephen, Impact Security Solutions "The service provided by i2i was very good and helped us to avoid timewasters, Sinead kept us informed of progress at every stage and assisted with referencing the successful candidate. The process was made much easier and enabled me to start the right candidate sooner rather than later. Sinead was also very easy to contact and always returned my calls promptly with a cheerful can do attitude. i2i provide an excellent service and I would recommend this to others." Julie, Abbotsford Care Home "Chris introduced himself to me whilst I was interviewing for a large number of vacancies for our new warehouse. Chris had a few candidates who he felt were suitable for the position and asked if I could interview them to which I agreed. The calibre of applicants was surprising. It was immediately evident that Chris had taken alot of time and effort to prepare these candidates and the result was that we offered them contracts. From this point, I was immediately convinced that there could be a working partnership between us and we then agreed to set up a w hole day of interviews with candidates that Chris recommended. The result of this was a success rate of over 70%, mostly due to the commitment from Chris who spent alot of time with the candidates before interview to check their suitability to the role. "Working with Chris and i2i has made my role far easier and, I believe, has given us a better quality of employee due to his commitment and enthusiasm. Had Chris not approached me at the Job Centre, I would never have contacted i2i directly but his approach, determination and enthusiasm encouraged me to work with him. I will be working with i2i in the future for vacancies that arise within the company purely because of the trust and commitment that I have received from Chris." G W C, Music Magpie Testimonials: Partners "The partnership between Inspire to Independence and North East Lincolnshire Community Learning Service has been a great success so far. The customers have been enthusiastic and keen to learn and the liaison between our team and the advisers has resulted in courses that are tailored specifically to each customer’s individual needs. Many of them have decided to undertake further study with us and this will not only enhance their employability but also their confidence and social skills. We are looking forward to our continued success with both Inspire to Independence and their customers." Community Learning working in partnership with i2i		We will: * Work with you to find suitable, secure employment. * Work with you to identify your skills and solutions to any potential barriers to employment. * Allocate an Employment Personal Adviser who will work with you to agree an Individual Action Plan. * Provide independent and assisted jobsearch facilities. * Offer professional information, advice and guidance. * Provide access to a diverse network of Support Agencies. * You will have access to exclusive employment opportunities and guaranteed interviews. Continued support when you’re in work: Our support doesn’t stop once you have been successful in obtaining work. i2i’s In Work Support Adviser will stay in touch with you regularly and can provide assistance to you in: * Applying for in-work benefits * Dealing with work-related issues * Developing your career * Finding appropriate training i2i’s Centres: All i2i centres are well equipped with resources that will help you find the job you are seeking. In each of our centres you will find staff that are professional and welcoming. This helps to create a friendly atmosphere with a busy, positive feel in which you can focus on looking for and securing work. You will work closely with your adviser as well as being able to use the jobsearch facilities to help you find the right job. Whatever your needs, our advisers are dedicated and experienced and will do everything they can to help you find the right job for you. Testimonials: Work Programme Customers “Having taken the Employability Programme, I would like to say how useful I’ve found it. I have learned several things I never thought of before, such as using my soft skills on my CV, and things I do normally can be transferred into work skills. I was shown how to examine my skills and to see what I have to offer employers, what employers are looking for and how to improve my job searching skills by broadening my horizons, and looking in more places. Also, the importance of updating and adapting my CV to each job specification. I shall be employing the things I never thought of before this course in future searching. Paul, i2i Grimsby "When I first started coming to i2i I didn't have a job and probably didn't think I’d get one. To be honest having done similar programmes before I didn't think I’d end up currently employed. I found all the staff friendly and willing to do most things with me or for me. I looked forward to coming in for appointments which was unusual. Eventually I applied for a job, got an interview and managed to get the job. I have been working for 3 months now and it has changed my life for the better. I never thought that I would look forward to saying that I enjoyed going to work. To be honest, it has totally changed my outlook on life. My advisor keeps in regular contact with me which I’ve never had before. Even after losing contact, my advisor contacted work to make sure I was alright which made me realise that they are not just there to find you a job." John, i2i Scunthorpe "When I was sent here I had a bad impression of places like this and had a bad experience of trying to go on reading and writing courses. My Adviser Beverly has listened to everything I have said, I feel she is very understanding and I feel she actually wants to help me. I have done the English and maths assessments today and have done a lot better than I thought. This has given me the encouragement to go on to complete a course. The advice I get is helping me to see that I will gain employment in the future." Damien, i2i Scunthorpe “I would like to say that the help I have received from Marley and Martin who both work at the Cannock office, has been above and beyond their pay grade. These two individuals have gone out of their way in order to help me get the help I needed. I was able to open up to these members of i2i, and the fact is they listened and cared about me, they showed an interest in me when I was at my lowest. The truth is if the facilities were not available to the i2i team, there is no way of knowing where I would be today. I can assure you I would be in a much worse position than where I am today. I would like to thank Martin and Marley from i2i and Kate wood at Emotional well being for being there for me when I reached out for help, when so many times in my past there wasn't anyone there. From the deepest part of my heart, thank you for everything you have all done, and are still doing to help." Jamie, i2i Cannock