The North West of England is a large and diverse region, with a population of around 7.3 million, it is the third most populated region in the UK after London and the South East.
The region is well connected to the rest of the UK and Europe by road, rail, sea and air. These excellent transport links between big cities provide easy access to a range of job opportunities.
The region has seen a growth in employment opportunities in the digital technology sector, particularly in Manchester, which is rapidly becoming one of the biggest digital hubs in Europe.
The construction sector continues to create jobs throughout the region, with health and social care careers also on the rise.
Local organisations supporting people to find a job
Here are a selection of local organisations that could help you find a voluntary position in your area. Taking a voluntary position can be a great way to build up your CV and learn new skills.
Manchester community central website
Lancashire volunteer partnership website
LCVS volunteer hub website
Volunteering in West Cheshire website
Cumbria volunteer centres website
This page helps you find some of the recruitment exercises that DWP are aware of. We’re not recommending a particular employer, just letting you know about some of the jobs available. It’s always a good idea to check out an employer first, and always be careful about sharing your information – find out more at the Safer Jobs website
Training and Events
Cheshire
Winsford Youth Hub
Winsford Youth Hub is a one stop shop where young people aged 18-24 can get one-to-one support on a range of topics.
Whether you’re unclear on your career goals, need interview advice or help with your CV, specialist advisers can get you the personalised support you need.
For those who need extra help, there’s further tailored support to meet any skills gaps and requirements you need to help you find a job.
If you are a Jobcentre Plus customer, speak to your Work Coach to check your eligibility and register.
Cumbria
Allerdale Community Learning and Skills – Free Employability courses
Allerdale Community Learning and Skills have a variety of Employability courses available from Building Confidence and, Using Zoom and Garden Design.
Take a look at their website here (external link)
Skills 4 You courses – Cleator Moor
Skills 4 You specialise in social isolation and people who are living day to day.
They are able to offer 8 week programmes around personal social development, employment, woodworking skills, crafts and upcycling, Courses are person-centred around their needs. Currently a large amount of their work is 1:1 due to covid restrictions. They are also sending out resources for mindfulness and crafting at home.
Their therapeutic practitioner offers a wide range of services concentrating on mental health and wellbeing, coping strategies, stress and anger management, yoga, learn to relax and a host of person-centred holistic therapies.
Referrals can be made over the phone 01946 814576. or by email team.skills4you@gmail.com.
The only criteria is the person is aged 18+ and not working.
Self-referrals also welcome.
Eden – Community Learning and Skills
Check out Eden’s courses which cover employability through to Arts and Crafts for Cumbria including:
- Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Taster
- Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 1
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Beginners Abstract Art
- Intermediate Acrylics
To find out more access link here (external link)
Steps into Care
If you’re interested in a career in adult social care this is your opportunity to gain qualifications and work experience that could help you get a job. Completion of the course will give you:
- Level 1 award in Mental Health Awareness
- Level 1 award in Stress Awareness
- Work experience in a care setting
- Preparation to work in adult social care
- A guaranteed interview
If you’re interested, please contact
Sheila Turnbull – Telephone: 079 1723 3866 Email: sturnbull@wea.org.uk
Rehana Mohammed – Telephone. 078 1368 6080 Email: rmohammed@wea.org.uk
Cumbria Community Learning & skills
Free courses in Carlisle to help you to get back into employment, with courses covering building confidence, communication skills, preparing for employment, CV writing, job search and interview prep.
To find out more, call: 01228 227304 or email: clasc@cumbria.gov.uk.
Greater Manchester
Wigan Youth Hub
Wigan Youth Hub is a one stop shop where young people aged 18-24 can get one-to-one support on a range of issues.
Whether you’re unclear on your career goals, need interview advice or help with your CV, specialist advisers can get you the personalised support you need.
For those who need extra help, there’s further tailored support to meet any skills gaps and requirements you need to help you find a job.
Due to current restrictions the Youth Hub is only available through online support.
If you are a Jobcentre Plus customer, speak to your Work Coach to check your eligibility and register.
Healthcare Training Courses for aspiring Care Workers
Release Potential have a suite of training programmes for people aged 19+ who are keen to start off or progress in their chosen career
Qualifications at Level 2
- Working in Mental Health
- Equality and Diversity
- Food Safety
- Manual Handling
- Infection Control
- Health and Safety
- Safeguarding and Prevent
Find out more on the Release Potential website (external website).
Lancashire
Raising Aspirations – Lancashire Women
Lancashire Women are working to improve resilience and overcome barriers by developing a range of personal skills to support positive futures.
Find out more about Lancashire Women here (external link).
To take part email TalkToUs@lancashirewomen.org or call 0300 330 1354
Merseyside
Be More – Be An Apprentice
The Be More website (external link) hosts apprenticeships all over Merseyside.
They also have a specialist support service if you have been made redundant. They will help you look for new employment or training opportunities.
Youth Employment Opportunities
Take a look at the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor’s list of youth employment opportunities here (external link) for training and development opportunities that you could take part in
Construction Training
If you are currently unemployed and would like to work in the construction sector, regardless of whether you have experience or not, Jobcentre Plus have training available here in Merseyside.
We are working alongside major developers in the city to ensure that we are meeting the skills demands required by their contractors.
An example of the type of training available is;
CSCS, Fire Marshal, Face Fit, Asbestos awareness, First Aid, CCDO, PASMA, IPAF MEWPs, Plant operators to name just a few.
Training will be available for unemployed customers living in Merseyside aged 18 +.
To be registered on the Merseyside construction database, please contact Jobcentre Plus recruitment team in Merseyside on 0151 443 6640.
Follow your local Jobcentre on Twitter
Keep up to date with jobs, events, career advice and opportunities in your local area. ‘Job hours’ run regularly and are a great place to hear from employers recruiting in your area.
