Inspira, Cumbria’s leading careers management and personal development organisation, has been announced as the organisation chosen to deliver the Skills Support for the Unemployed programme in Cumbria.
The programme was awarded to Inspira by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), on behalf of Cumbria LEP, and is due to start in April this year.
Inspira’s Director, Sarah Harrington, said, “Having delivered this type of work successfully in Cumbria for the last two decades, we’re delighted to be able to continue this particular programme – delivering skills support to unemployed customers, helping them develop the skills they need to secure further training or employment.”
The programme which will last until March 2021, will see over 1500 customers being given career management and practical support.
Inspira, which is a social enterprise charity, works closely with Cumbria LEP and develops and delivers work ready programmes which are informed by the Local Industrial Strategy and the Priority Sector Skills Plans which highlight the skills are required now and in the future in Cumbria.
Cumbria LEP Head of Employment and Skills Craig Ivison said, “Cumbria LEP is playing an active role in skills development and training opportunities for the county and this investment of £2.65m reflects that drive. Tackling unemployment with targeted training provision to get people into work is a key strand to our skills strategy. Our aim is to work with partners such as Inspira, employers and wider stakeholders to address skills issues and support direct training provision to help unemployed people develop new career opportunities.”
Inspira has delivered pre-employment programmes in sectors such as security, hospitality, retail, health & care including the NHS, construction and delivery.
Kelly Mahady from UPS, who worked with Inspira in Autumn last year said, “It is a great way to source suitable candidates. Employing companies are involved in the pre-employment programme process while candidates are fully aware of the job specifications and what it is like to work for specific organisations.”
“Our pre-employment programmes incorporate partnering with employers who have real time vacancies,” continued Ms Harrington. “Through our Work Academies we combine personal development and support alongside qualifications and work experience to give people the best opportunity of being selected for the live vacancies on offer.”
Inspira delivers pre-employment programmes across the county, people can self-refer or talk to their Work Coach.
