NEW COUNTY WIDE CONTRACT BENEFITS UNEMPLOYED

31 July 2006

Unemployed people living in Chesterfield and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance are set to benefit from new training courses that will prepare them for the most promising job sectors locally. As well as specific training for different trades there’ll be basic skills help to improve areas such as literacy, numeracy and Information Technology.

The new opportunities to train in areas such as warehousing, construction and retail sales all lead to recognised national qualifications and are available to people living throughout the county. They are the result of a new partnership between Jobcentre Plus in Derbyshire and independent company TBG Learning, a leading provider of market led training and employment support for hard to reach groups.

To make the training easily accessible TBG Learning opened a new centre in Chesterfield this week. The company has a proven track record in the county, having helped thousands of unemployed people to gain new qualifications and employment, in particular those who lack confidence and have poor basic skills.

The new contract awarded to TBG Learning by Jobcentre Plus started on 3rd July and makes the training courses and practical help available to over 15,000 unemployed people in Derbyshire who claim Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Keith Burn, District Manager for Derbyshire Jobcentre Plus said “We welcome the opportunity to work closely with TBG Learning and hope that this partnership will be a benefit to both jobseekers and employers across Derbyshire”.

The contract for the whole of Derbyshire, awarded for the first time to a single training provider in the county, ensures that people participating in the Government’s ‘New Deal for Young People’ and ‘New Deal for 25 Plus’ have the opportunity to train, gain experience and receive advice which is focused on job sectors that are most buoyant in the county.

“TBG Learning has won respect from the community, local colleges and employers for helping people improve their lives through learning. We are delighted to win this new contract with Jobcentre Plus and look forward to fulfilling its requirements, giving job seekers the training and employment advice that will help match them with the emerging opportunities in Derbyshire”, said Adrian Downing, Regional Manager, TBG Learning.

The key occupational areas in Derbyshire are currently Business Administration, Retail and Customer Service, Hospitality/Catering, Transportation and Construction. Most training courses are for 13 weeks and lead to National Vocational Qualifications. Individual assessment and guidance on job search and interview skills are part of every course.

For information either contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or call into TBG Learning’s new training centre in Chesterfield at Block A, 1st Floor, St Mary’s Courtyard, St Mary’s Gate S41 7TD or telephone 01246 207500. Alternatively call the Derby centre on 01332 202828.

TBG Learning opened its first Derbyshire training centre in Gower Street, Derby, in 1994 and has developed credibility with a wide number of employers who it works with closely to secure work experience placements for learners. Another new centre will be opened in Alfreton next month.