Courses & Workshops
RBLI Skills Courses
Who: 19+, unemployed and receiving benefits
When: Various dates
Where: RBLI centres across Kent
What: The RBLI offers a wide range of vocational courses designed to help you make a start in different industries, improve your qualifications or even just get ready for employment. Click on the links for more information: Construction, Customer Service, Warehousing and Storage, Retail, Health and Social Care, Employability Level 1, Gateway to Employment, IT for beginners, IT Level 1 and Functional Skills.
Cost: Free
How to apply: Complete a Referral Form and email it to skills@rbli.co.uk . Find out more at the RBLI website or call 01634 568786.
Interested in starting your own business?
Who: People aged 18 - 30
When: 23rd - 26th September
Where: Rochester
What: Got a business in mind or want to explore an idea? The Prince’s Trust are offering a free 4 day Explore Enterprise course including HMRC, selling, marketing and book keeping. You will receive free travel, 1:1 access to an experienced business mentor to help develop your business plan for up to 3 years and the opportunity to apply for a start up loan. Find out more here.
Cost: Free
How to apply: Contact Anna on 07483991347 or anna.glascott@princes-trust.org.uk
Interested in a career in the Army?
Who: 18 - 35 year olds
When: 24th September or 21st October between 11:00 – 14:30
Where: Army Reserve Centre in Ashford (TN23 3HX)
What: Find out about the different careers available in the army, both in the regular army and in the reserves. Presentations will include vehicles, weapons and team tasks. There will be lots of opportunities to ask questions and find out more. Check out the flyer here.
Cost: Free
How to apply: Speak to your PA if you have any questions or contact 07976 563835. Come along on the day at 10:45 for an 11:00 start!
Get Into Retail with M&S
Who: 16 - 25 year olds not in employment, education or training and living in Kent
When: Taster Day: 18th September 2019; Main Programme: 23rd September 2019 - 18th October 2019
Where: Work placements available in Bluewater, Hempstead Valley or Maidstone stores
What: The Prince’s Trust and Marks & Spencer are running a four week programme for young people who are interested in working in the retail sector and gaining work experience within a large retail chain. Gain experience and improve your employability in the Retail sector and learn and develop your customer service skills. You’ll also get 6 months support after the programme to help you move on to employment, education or training and even the chance to get 3 months employment based on your performance during the work experience. Find out more here.
Cost: Free; travel will be provided throughout
How to apply: Please apply or refer via the website: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/referring-young-people Or contact Molly Ross – 07423470533 or email: molly.ross@princes-trust.org.uk
Civil Service Internships
Who: All Care Leavers (no qualifications required)
When: To be confirmed
Where: Government departments across the country, including London
What: The Civil Service offers a number of paid 12 month internships to Care Leavers. They give you the opportunity to develop some new skills, gain experience of working in central government and ultimately strengthen your career prospects in the longer term. The internships are offered at 2 levels:
- Administrative Officers work in a supporting administrative role with no line management responsibilities, and typically within a team structure.
- Executive Officers are involved in problem solving, business planning and policymaking within Government. They usually work within a supportive team structure, under the direction of relevant team leaders. They can also hold individual responsibility for pieces of work within a programme or project.
Cost: This is a paid internship - Administrative Officer (typical salary £18,000 per annum); or Executive Officer (typical salary £21,000 per annum).
How to apply: The application window opens on 29th August to 26th September Go to the website to apply. You can also speak to your PA!
Break into the Creative Arts Industry with a Mentor!
Who: 16 - 18 year olds living in Thanet
When: From January 2020
Where: Thanet and beyond!
What: Love an arts or humanities subject? Want a creative career? An Arts Emergency mentor could help you! You will be matched with an industry professional who will help by offering advice, guidance and work experience opportunities, as well as helping you to build your confidence and connections. The mentors specialise in comedy, architecture, fashion, photography and lots more! Find out more on the website.
Cost: Free
How to apply: Applications for mentoring are now open and will close on 30 September. Check out the guidance and to fill out an online form to apply. Any questions? Email mentoring@arts-emergency.org or ring on 020 7683 1077.
Ashford Retail Academy
Who: Free course to those over 19, unemployed and claiming benefits
When: Course begins on 23rd September (interviews every Wednesday)
Where: Ashford
What: Sign up to this three week course (Monday to Friday, 9.30 - 2.30) offered by the Education and Skills Partnership to learn more about the retail sector. Learn about effective communication, good team work, customer service and merchandising. Meet with local employers to find out more about what they are looking for from potential employees. Find out more here.
Cost: Free to those over 19, unemployed and claiming benefits.
How to apply: Ring 01233 632111 or email theacademy@esp-ac.uk
Apprenticeship opportunities
Who: Young People aged 16 and over looking to learn on the job!
When: Various dates
Where: Throughout Kent
What: Gain qualifications, get workplace experience and earn a wage - all at the same time! Kent Training and Apprenticeships offer apprenticeships in a variety of sectors and at a variety of levels with a high level of support. Click here to see some examples of current apprenticeships in administration, social care, digital media and more in Thanet and the surrounding areas!
Cost: Apprentices receive a wage to train
How to apply: Go to the KTA website to find out more about apprenticeships and check out current vacancies. Ring 0800 731 4297 or email KT&A@kent.gov.uk to get in touch.