Welcome to the Access Southampton Events & Opportunities Calendar

**** Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, some courses and events may be cancelled. Please contact the training provider to check whether the course/event is still going ahead ****

Below is a summary of the latest careers events, training courses, employment opportunities and open days that are coming up in Southampton. These opportunities will give you the chance to develop new and existing skills, meet employers face to face, or find out about local colleges and training providers. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and times/locations may be subject to change – always contact the training provider to find out more information.

Submit details of your own training course or careers event

WEA Activities Live – Card making / Quiz / Easy to make bread / The found object

When: Wednesday 8th April 2020 12:30pm-1:30pm

Where: Virtual – computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet

We’ve a fun range of exciting FREE activities to keep you entertained and informed during these uncertain times. Join us on your computer, mobile phone or tablet! Chat with like-minded individuals, learn a new skill and have fun!

Activity Shuffles

For these activities participants take part in different activities in smaller groups before swapping so you get to try each activity.

WEA Activities Live – Quiz / Watercolour backgrounds / Untranslatable words / ABC in sign

When: Thursday 16th April 2020 12:30pm-1:30pm

Where: Virtual – computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet

Activity Shuffles

For these activities participants take part in different activities in smaller groups before swapping so you get to try each activity.

WEA Activities Live – Quilling / What do you remember? / Name that house / Ingredients for immunity

When: Wednesday 22nd April 2020 12:30pm-1:30pm

Where: Virtual – computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet

Activity Shuffles

For these activities participants take part in different activities in smaller groups before swapping so you get to try each activity.

WEA Activities Live – Famous cases in neuroscience / Military gallantry medals / Macrame leaves / Discover your character strengths

When: Thursday 30th April 2020 12:30pm-1:30pm

Where: Virtual – computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet

Activity Shuffles

For these activities participants take part in different activities in smaller groups before swapping so you get to try each activity.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

When: Starts 9th September 2020

Where: Itchen College

Wednesday Course Number: NA308

Class 1: for Level 1-2 Students

Class 2: for Entry 2-3 Students

Dates: 9.9.20 – 16.6.21

Time: 9.15am – 12.30pm

Course Fee if earning over £16,009.50: £702.50

Course Fee if earning below £16,009.50: £10*

(Government funding available depending on eligibility)

*Asylum seekers/Refugee status/those in receipt of certain state benefits; please bring photo ID and proof of address (dated within 3 months) to be discussed at enrolment interview.

Course Information

These courses are aimed at students from Entry 2/3 level to Level 1-2. This course if for students whose first language is not English and wish to study, work or live in the UK. You will learn to improve your English by speaking and listening, reading and writing, focusing on spelling and grammar. Our classes have students from different countries and cultures and contain both male and female students. These classes will help you learn about English culture and society. Please note that these classes are not suitable for beginners or those who do not speak English. You will be asked to provide residency documentation for funding purposes only. There will be a 15 minute break between 10.45am and 11am for refreshments.

Study

This course will help you to:

Feel more confident about your English
Improve your skills in reading, punctuation, spelling and grammar
Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
Improve your job prospects and fill out forms more confidently
Communicate with others confidently in a variety of situations

How will I be taught?

You will be taught by experienced, qualified staff. The learning will be tailored to your specific needs and pace of learning using a variety of teaching methods. You will receive individual support and attention within a relaxed learning environment. There will be a wide range of discussion topics. You will also be given access to our online assessment and educational tool, BKSB, which will help you progress and monitor your own progress.

How will I be assessed?

You will have the opportunity to take at least one exam to gain a qualification at the correct level for you.

Additional Costs

You may wish to buy a folder to keep your work in along pen, paper, pencil and ruler but there are no additional costs.

Where to go when you get here?

When you arrive for your first class please come to the main college reception where our staff will direct you to your room. You will also be required to have your photo taken for your lanyard which you will need to wear whilst on college premises.

Parking

Parking is available in the rear car park which is accessed from White’s Road (SO19 7NS). Please park responsibly if parking in residential areas. Please note that parking is limited during the daytime.

We expect you to aim for 100% attendance and attendance is recorded for every timetabled session. Students are automatically withdrawn if they have not attended for 4 consecutive weeks. If a student’s attendance falls below 80% their place on the course and their exam entry is at risk. We place considerably emphasis on excellent attendance and punctuality. Any health concerns will be treated sympathetically and if necessary we will consider implementing the College’s Fitness to Study Policy.

For further information and to enrol please contact: acet@itchen.ac.uk or apply online via the website www.itchen.ac.uk

Disclaimer – This information is correct at time of going to press. Itchen Sixth Form College reserves the right to alter, without prior notice, any of the advertised contents and to cancel or shorten the course where enrolment numbers are insufficient.

Functional Skills Maths

When: Starts 16th September 2020

Where: Itchen College

Wednesday Time: 7.00 – 9.00pm

Start Date: 16.9.20

Course Number: NA306

Course Fee: £10 (regardless of income or benefit status)

Course Information

This is a functional skills Maths class that offers levels from Entry 1 to Level 2. You are able to join classes at several times throughout the year and will have the opportunity to take at least one exam to gain a qualification at the correct level for you. Achieving a Level 2 in this subject is the equivalent to a C/4 grade at GCSE level which is accepted for entry by most universities and employment purposes.

This class will help you to:

Feel more confident about Maths and improve your skills
Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
Achieve a personal goal
Improve job prospects

How will be taught?

You will be taught by experienced, qualified staff. Learning will be tailored to your specific needs and pace of Learning. You will receive support and individual attention within groups that are friendly and relaxed.

Additional costs

You may wish to buy a folder to keep your work in along with paper, pen, pencil and ruler but there are no extra costs.

Where to go when you get here

When you arrive for your first class please come to the Student Centre which is next to the Sports Centre Reception and a member of staff will show you to your class.

Parking

There are car parks that can be accessed via Middle Road and Whites Road (SO19 7NS). If you park using the Middle Road entrance you will not be able to access the college via the main reception as this is closed at night, and should walk down to the Sports Centre.

We expect you to aim for 100% attendance and attendance is recorded for every timetabled session. Students are automatically withdrawn if they have not attended for 4 consecutive weeks. If a student’s attendance falls below 80% their place on the course and their exam entry will be at risk. We place considerable emphasis on excellent attendance and punctuality and ask you to respect and adhere to these value to ensure success in your exams. Any health concerns will be treated sympathetically and if necessary we will consider implementing the College’s Fitness to Study Policy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO ENROL PLEASE CONTACT US ON 023 80446156, OR EMAIL acet@itchen.ac.uk or apply online via the college website: www.itchen.ac.uk

Disclaimer – The information in this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press. Itchen Sixth Form College reserves the right to alter without prior notice any of the advertised contents. The college reserves the right to cancel or alter the course where enrolment numbers are insufficient. Days/times/dates and fees are subject to change.

Ongoing Opportunities

TEEM Work Clubs

Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Team runs several work clubs across Southampton every week as part of their TEEM Project (Training, Education, Employment, Motivation). The works clubs are open to Council Tenants and two of the work clubs (Central and Bitterne) are open to everyone. The work clubs are an opportunity to gain employment advice and support from the Employment Support Team’s dedicated employment officers. For more information contact Francesca on 023 8091 7585 or Francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk

When: Every Week

Mondays – Bitterne Library, SO18 5EG, 10am-12pm

Mondays – Weston Community Library, 1pm-3pm

Tuesdays – Maybush Local Housing Office, 43-45 Irving Road, SO16 4EG, 10am-12pm

Wednesdays – Northam Community Centre, Kent Street, SO14 5SP, 10am-12pm

Thursdays – Central Library, SO14 7LR, 3pm-5pm

Self-Employment Support

Who is the Self-Employment Project for?

People aged 18 and over

You might have an idea for a business, be in the process of getting started, or you may want support with your existing business

People living in Southampton Council Housing

Must live under the Southampton City Council Boundaries

What can the project offer?

IAG to help you start your own business

Advice on how to access funding and training

One-to-one support

Access to Work Clubs around the city

Signposting and referral to any other appropriate provison

How can I refer?

To make a referral, you can either drop in to a work club or download a referral form and send it to Francesca Prior, Senior Employment Officer: francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk

What happens next?

You will be allocated to one of 3 employment officers working on TEEM

You will be directly contacted to arrange an initial meeting

What happens in the first meeting?

Your employment officer will complete the initial paperwork with you including an assessment form and a consent form

You will work with your employment officer to create an action plan and set goals that you want to achieve

Your employment officer will discuss the support that is available and encourage you to explore different opportunities that are available

Leonard Cheshire Discover IT

When: Ongoing

Where: Across the South

Help Getting Online

When: All the time

Where: Across Southampton

With many services moving online including housing benefits, college and apprenticeship applications and even online shopping, it can be very daunting for people who don’t know how to use computers and IT systems. Southampton City Council have put together an interactive IT map which shows information about a wide range of IT facilities, training and free WiFi that is available in Southampton to help support people to get online. The map is designed to be used by advisers, family and friends or a user themselves to find the most appropriate IT training/facilities to suit them.

If you are aware of any other free training or online help we can add to the list, please contact tenant.involvement@southampton.gov.uk

Construction Work Experience on a major development site

When: Ongoing

Where: Major development sites within the Southampton city boundary

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to gain experience of major development construction sites on a 2 week work placement in Southampton. Placements are agreed locally with the placement organisation and placements are a maximum of 30 hours per week.

Commitment to completing the work experience and an understanding of its value in gaining employment should be clearly demonstrated by the prospective participant. Clarity on which trade / profession within construction they would like work experience of is required.

To access this opportunity, you need to be:

Aged 18 and over
Fit for manual work
Qualified to at least Level 1
Not currently in paid employment
A resident of Southampton
A holder of a current CSCS card or recent pass certificate (within 60 days)

If you are interested in this opportunity, please speak to your adviser or support worker. To make a referral or for more information, please contact Tim on 023 8083 3737 or email tim.naylor@southampton.gov.uk

Prince’s Trust Fairbridge Programme

When: Every 2 weeks from 19th August 2019

Where: Southampton City Centre

Construction Training

When: Ongoing

Where: across the whole of Hampshire

The Construction Skills Fund is new funding that is provided by the Department for Education (DfE), and administered and implemented by CITB. The government recognises there is a shortage of workers in the construction industry and employers will need to recruit skilled and unskilled labour to fill their workforce. The scheme aims to support innovative ways of training new entrants and retraining adults in areas for which public funding is not available.

We will be working collaboratively with JobCentre Plus, local community groups, training providers and through the construction supply chain, to design training programmes and employment opportunities for those wishing to enter the construction industry. The training provides both on and off-site learning and experience focusing on the skills and requirements as stated by employers in the local area. This funding is available across the whole of Hampshire and runs until March 2020.

For more information or queries on the project, training or how you can refer/signpost your customers, please contact Gemma.Conway2@hants.gov.uk or email CSF@hants.gov.uk

Saints Street FC

When: Every Tuesday 1pm-3pm

Where: Goals Soccer Centre, Millbrook, SO15 0JZ

Are you aged 16-25 and not in education, employment or training?

Join Saints Street FC for free Street Football sessions. There will be training, matches, tournaments and employability support.

Street Football is a fast paced four-a-side version of the 11-a-side game. Street Football is easy to learn for players with different amounts of football experience. It’s also exciting to watch and play, with rules favouring the attacking team.

For more information and to sign up, please call 07388 949398 or email dwarnes@saintsfc.co.uk

Earn a Bike scheme

When: 2019

Where: Monty’s Bike Hub, Sholing, Southampton

Through the My Journey to Employment Community Grant scheme, Monty’s Bike Hub (in Sholing) are running an “earn-a-bike” programme for local adults seeking employment.

Participants receive 5 weeks of 2 hour sessions (normally on Weds evening or Thurs afternoon). They start by choosing a bike that suits them from the donations store. They then work on it on a 121 basis with experienced and qualified mechanics over 2-4 sessions learning bike maintenance skills in the process. The remaining weeks include on road cycle training so participants feel confident making journeys in their local area and for journeys they may need to take for work or training. Participants will also receive free accessories such as lights, locks and helmets for their bike.

Eligibility criteria:

18+

Unemployed & seeking work

Resident of Southampton, Hedge End, Totton or Eastleigh

Please signpost any of your clients who may benefit from this scheme to email bikes@montys.org.uk or message https://www.facebook.com/MontysBikeHub/.

Free Bike Scheme

When: Ongoing

Where: Southampton

Are you Volunteering, in Education, Training or Employment (0hrs)? Saints4Sport can help you with transport via a FREE BIKE plus Helmet, Lock, Clothing and Light.

Saints4Sport has recently been awarded ‘MY Journey to Employment Community Grant’ from Southampton City Council. The grant is provided to deliver grass-roots interventions within the ‘Southampton Travel to Work Area’, promoting positive active modes of travel.

The grant is to help those supported by services to purchase a Re-Cycled bike, helmet, lock, clothing and lights for those who are regularly and actively involved in employment, volunteering, training or education. The fund can also provide basic bike maintenance and cycling skills training, route planning from the ‘My Journey’ website and a volunteer to cycle the proposed route with you, if it is required.

Southampton City Council are committed to improving air quality, reducing congestion on our roads and empowering people to make informed travel choices, which can have a positive impact on their health and well-being.

If you or you have a client who is interested in this grant then please contact, Ashley Christopher ashley.christopher@ssj.org.uk 07833474492

Youth Options Individualised Support

When: Ongoing

Where: Southampton

Youth Options offer individualised key worker support for youth people who need assistance returning to employment, education or training.

They will give one to one support to identify a young person’s needs and design a personalised plan to develop areas such as social and emotional development, skills and qualifications and improve aspirations by sign posting, activity days and group activities.

They can offer support through home visits or by meeting in the community as an individual requires.

For more information, or to refer, please contact NEET@youthoptions.co.uk or call 01794 525510

Skills2Achieve 19+ Functional Skills

When: Ongoing

Where: Southampton

Townhill Helping Hub

When: Tuesdays 10am-12pm

Where: Townhill Park Community Centre, Meggeson Avenue, SO18 2FH

Learning and Skills Solutions

When: Ongoing

Where: Hampshire

Learners can sign up every week and the duration varies, the shortest courses are 3 weeks long, the longest 3 months.

ESOL – 5 levels, intensive 4 week course or once a week 2-3 months

Functional Skills English and Maths 3-15 weeks depending on an initial level

CSCS card with Health & Safety Level 1 – 3 weeks

Contact izabela@learningandskillssolutions.com or call 07786 042128 for more information

www.learningandskillssolutions.com

DA Training and Consultancy Traineeships & Study Programme

When: Ongoing

Where: Hampshire

DA Training and Consultancy Online Courses

When: Ongoing

Where: Open to people from Southampton and Surrounding Areas

No Limits SEE for your Future

When: Every Thursday 2-4pm

Where: No Limits Advice Centre, 13 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2DF

The No Limits Work Club is a drop in work club for young people every Thursday.

It delivers practical support to all young people (16 to 25 years old) wanting to get into full time and part time work, apprenticeships, training or voluntary work.

For more information, please visit nolimitshelp.org.uk/get-help/work-club

Level 1 Certificate in Caring for Children

When: Ongoing (Term time only)

Where: Workshops are run in Poole and Southbourne

Level 1Caring for Children FAQ’s

What does the course involve?

4 days’ a week (Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm), term time only.

3 days’ work experience, one day practical workshop (workshops are run in Poole and Southbourne)

Days/times can be flexible depending on individual circumstances.

How long does the course last?

There is 2 parts to a level 1 qualification and individual requirements and timescales can be varied to suit individual needs. We aim to complete the course between 4 and 9 months depending on how many units you are doing.

Do I have to find my own work experience?

No, we can arrange a work placement for you. Please let us know if you have a particular childcare setting in mind. We consider where you live and your travel and can arrange work placements to suit your needs.

What areas of childcare will I learn about?

We cover a wide range of topics within childcare including, communication, child development, craft activities, music, healthy eating and most importantly how play encourages a child to learn. We also cover interview skills and CV writing to help you when apply for future jobs.

Will there be others on my course?

Yes. The workshops are run in groups.

How do I join the level 1 course?

All you need to do is contact Becky to arrange a chat to discuss your individual requirements and available options

Are there any entry requirements?

No, you do not need any qualifications or previous experience for this course

Do I need a police check (DBS)?

A free DBS check will be provided for you at the start of your course before work experience takes place

When can I start?

Workshops can start straight away but all students must have a returned DBS before starting work experience. You can join the course at any point in the year.

How much will I be paid?

This is a voluntary course so there is no wage involved, however we do offer an attendance bonus which is £50 in the middle of your course if your attendance is above 80% and another £50 on completion

How will I get to the course if I have no money for travel?

We can reimburse your travel costs up to a certain limit depending on how long you are on the course with us. This is usually £104.

What do I need to wear?

We will provide a t-shirt that is to be worn with black trousers and comfortable shoes.

No leggings or flip flops.

Is there opportunity for me to update my English and Maths?

Yes, as part of the level 1 Caring for Children course we provide Maths and English functional skills at a level suitable for each individual.

What can I do once I have finished the level 1?

Throughout your course we will be looking at upcoming vacancies for apprenticeships and working with you to apply or help you move forward into further education, training or employment of your choice.

Out of Area Support

Do you need support finding work but live outside of Southampton? Check out these job clubs and support services from elsewhere in Hampshire

RCS Job Clubs

When: Various times and days in the week

Where: Basingstoke and Andover

Get free one to one help to find work at one of four RCS Job Clubs

Tuesday: Basingstoke Discovery Centre 9.30am-12.30pm

Wednesday: Longmeadow Centre, Andover 10am-2pm

Wednesday: Basingstoke Discovery Centre 9.30am-3pm

Thursday: Oakridge Hall for All, Basingstoke 9.30am-12.30pm