With JETS coming to an end, commentators and experts have been asking what the future looks like for employability provision.
At Shaw Trust we have experience at every level of employability support so we are ideally placed to recommend innovative new approaches based on our experience of what works, not just on what we think might work – and backed up by evidence of our best and most innovative approaches.
Our greatest successes happen when we collaborate with other providers in our communities. Take our Thrive into Work contract where we help people get back into work alongside NHS clinicians. The contract is informed by local need and commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority. This approach ensures people get health support and employability training to enter jobs in sectors needed locally that build on regional growth strategies.
We also collaborate with employers. This means we can highlight the benefits of flexibility when recruiting and retaining their workforce. Our experience shows many people we support are keen to return to work but their need to work flexibly can prevent them from applying, getting an interview or securing a role. By including employers in programme design, and sharing insights, we can help shape new approaches.
Flex in employment and recruitment could help the UK overcome acute skills shortages, supporting economic growth and making it easier for individuals, families and communities to progress and flourish.
Currently there are one million fewer people in the labour force than pre-pandemic. If we want to get Britain back to work, we need to offer support to everyone who wants to work.
One approach could be to make it easier for people to access programmes such as the Work and Health Programme.
Shaw Trust are change makers: we recently set out potential solutions at the Learning and Work Institute and ERSA conferences as well as at a roundtable with the Employment Minister last week. This work is already leading to conversations with DWP and other commissioners on how we can work together to support more people into work.
Find out more about our current Employability and Skills contracts here.