Croydon Council is reminding residents whose jobs have been impacted by Covid-19, of the wide range of employment support available to help get their careers back on track.
Figures released yesterday by the Office for National Statistics show the significant impact coronavirus has had on livelihoods across the UK, and in preparation, Croydon has been developing its work to provide enhanced support to residents whose employment, skills, and training opportunities have been affected.
As part of its emergency response, the council has been working with different businesses and providers to enable it to adapt established initiatives to create new training and employment opportunities for residents.
The council, in partnership with Croydon College has successfully secured £393k funding from the Greater London Authority’s Apprenticeships for London fund, which will be used to build on the success of the council’s 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign.
As one of only two projects funded in London, the money will enable Croydon to offer residents a high quality career pathway through apprenticeships and see the council able to further assist small and medium sized businesses to create apprenticeships across a range of sectors and social enterprises. The money will also be used to create an online apprenticeship portal full of information, advice and guidance on starting an apprenticeship.
Croydon Care Academy is another initiative launching in response to Covid-19. The academy will bring together a range of Croydon health and social care employers and sector professionals so employers and training providers can together address and fill job vacancies and apprenticeships, whilst helping residents develop the skills they need for exciting careers within health and social care.
Unemployed residents will soon be able to receive tailored one to one support to help them become work ready, and to access training through a new partnership between jobs brokerage service Croydon Works and Gateway’s Employment Support team, creating a one stop shop for local people already using the council’s Gateway service.
Furthermore the council’s partnership with London South Bank University and Croydon Creative Campus will see the town centre become home to a new campus giving residents vital access to higher education to boost their skills, employment and economic prospects in the heart of the borough.
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on employment, and in Croydon, we are more determined than ever to support those affected.
“Croydon will continue to work tirelessly to create new jobs and training opportunities for those out of work, including by working with local employers to support them to rebuild and create employment opportunities for local people.
“We will also continue to work closely with those in the training sector, promoting new and existing courses and programmes available to residents to enable them to develop the skills needed as we adjust to new ways of working. Employment, skills and training support is there for all residents and I’d encourage anyone who needs it to get in touch to learn more about how the council’s offering could help them.”
For more information on the employment and training support available visit https://www.croydon.gov.uk/training
