The Work Programme

Access Training is a sub-contractor to Prospects Employment and Training Services who are running the Work Programme in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Access Training is responsible for helping clients in the St Austell, Newquay and Redruth areas. If you are referred to us as part of the Work Programme, we will be responsible for helping you prepare for and find work as well as providing in-work support once you get a job. 

What happens when I am referred to the Work Programme?

Once your Jobcentre Advisor has referred you to the Work Programme you will receive a telephone call from an advisor from an organisation called The Listening Company. They will try to contact you between 8.00am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday.

During this telephone call, the advisor will ask you a series of questions to find out more about you, what you want to do and how we can help you. If we can’t get hold of you by telephone we will write to you inviting you to come into your nearest centre in St Austell, Newquay or Redruth. The Listening Company will arrange an appointment with your Access Training Advisor within 5 working days.

If you do not hear from The Listening Company within seven days, please contact 0800 088 4111 from a landline or 0303 003 3111 from a mobile.

What can you expect from us and the Work Programme?

  • You will have contact with an Access Training Advisor once every two weeks either face-to-face or by telephone.
  • Your Access Training Advisor will work with you on a one-to-one basis to help you prepare for and find work
  • We will treat you politely, fairly and considerately
  • We will keep your data secure and will not share it with any unauthorised third parties
  • We will continue to support you for a two-year period even if you change benefits or get a job
  • While you are on the Work Programme, we will arrange for you to take part in a variety of work-related activities which may include work experience, training or other support
  • We will provide you with at least one intervention each week

What do we mean by an ‘intervention’?

An intervention is any activity, workshop, group or training that you attend which helps you to tackle your barriers to work and moves you closer to getting a job. Every time you meet with your Access Training advisor, you will agree an action plan for completing an intervention that is relevant for you and your personal circumstances. Your programme will be tailored to your needs.

Prospects Employment and Training Services has created an innovative assessment tool which looks at different areas of your life and highlights areas for development. The ASCENT tool is made up of six strands:

  • Aspiration and motivation
  • Skills for the future
  • Challenges
  • Employer Desirability
  • Notable influences
  • Transferable and specialist skills

Every month, your Access Training Advisor will assess your progress on any or all of these strands and identify barriers that may need to be dealt with by attending one or more of our interventions.

What interventions are available?

ASCENT Workshops

For each of the six ASCENT strands there are six workshops which will help you to develop your way of thinking and introduce you to some new skills for dealing with different situations. Some examples of these workshops are:

  • Wellbeing for Success - The benefits of a healthy and balanced lifestyle
  • A Penny Saved - Ways to cut your costs and manage your money
  • The Time of Your Life - Recognising successes from your personal life or work achievements
  • Right Attitude, Proper Job - Exploring body language and effective communication
  • Life is a Pitch - Selling yourself to potential employers
  • Who Do You Think You Are? - Challenging stereotypes and perceptions
  • Am I There Yet? - Exploring the benefits of travelling to work outside of your local area

Well Being Groups

These groups will show you how you can improve your health by tackling weight loss, addiction, fitness, confidence, mental and physical health.

Come Dine with Me Workshops

This four-week healthy eating course will show you how to shop and cook for a healthy diet on a limited budget.

Motivational Speakers

Inspirational people from all walks of life will give talks about what can be achieved when you overcome challenges and fulfil your potential.

Achievement Projects

Boost your confidence through short activities such as taking part in a musical show, completing a craft  or DIY activity or playing a sport.

Skills Enhancement Projects

Our range of community conservation, restoration and administration based projects lasting four weeks will help you develop your skills.

Reality Camps

Spend four nights camping at a rural location learning survival basics, undertaking physical challenges and working as part of a team.

Work Trials

Your Advisor can help you to identify suitable work trials which will help you to develop new skills and impress potential employers.