Centre success in helping unemployed

Monday 17 October 2005

A West London training centre, TBG Learning, has been highly successful in helping unemployed people get into jobs.

61% of unemployed 18 – 24 year olds who were referred by Jobcentre Plus locally to TBG Learning in Uxbridge Road, Ealing, have gained new employment in the last year after attending courses and receiving guidance from the centre.

“TBG doesn’t look or feel like a school or college, which appeals to many of our people whose previous experience of education may have made them fearful of learning. We’re open and friendly and the supportive environment created by our tutors really helps each individual to build their confidence and the qualification levels which employers look for”, said Lawrence Thirlaway, Regional Manager, TBG Learning West London.

The courses run by TBG Learning’s qualified tutors at the centre help improve qualification levels and confidence in areas such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), writing, maths and computer skills – also known as ‘Skills for Life’.

Courses are open to all and start every week and anyone interested should call in at the centre at 84 Uxbridge Road or telephone 0208 5665252.

The centre opens week-days, evenings and Saturday mornings to be convenient to people who work. Most courses are free to learners because they are meeting key Government priorities for improving skill levels. TBG Learning works with Jobcentre Plus, Richmond-upon-Thames College and Learndirect.

Changing lives through learning – success story
One of the many success stories from TBG Learning West London is Arachchige Edirisinghe, aged 34 from Ealing, who came to England from Sri Lanka in 2002.

““I feel like I’m at home with TBG. They are like our parents. Before coming to TBG I had applied for nearly 200 jobs and I didn’t know what to do or what qualifications I needed. I have been able to learn everything here. It’s been excellent and what I wanted. It’s also been a springboard for something further”.

Arachchige has gained qualifications in ESOL and has now been employed by TBG Learning West London as an evening security officer while he continues to gain further qualifications.