Everything you need to know about careers events, training courses and employment opportunities coming up in Southampton. Here are just a few of the upcoming opportunities in the area that can help kickstart your career. Please contact us if you want to advertise your careers event.
Introduction to ICT – Digital Skills (Entry Level 3) Course 10 days
When: Tuesday 25th July 2017
Where: learndirect, Ground Floor, 1-8 Ogle Road, Southampton, SO14 7FB
learndirect courses are free for adults aged 19+ who are claiming benefits and have lived in the UK or the EU for the last three years and do not already hold this qualification.
Please call 0345 2412 533 to book learners in for an Information, Advice and Guidance session for this course.
Southampton Jobs Fair Local
When: Thursday 27th July 2017 10am-2pm
Southampton Jobs Fair Local is a new initiative by the Southampton Jobs Fair Partnership to give people the opportunity for face to face engagement with handpicked employers who are willing to support individuals into employment.
Employers exhibiting at the event will be announced over the coming weeks. If you would like to exhibit and showcase your vacancies for free at the event, please contact daniel.stickland@southampton.gov.uk
If you would like to attend this free event in order to find a job, you will need to book a place. To book your space, please contact daniel.stickland@southampton.gov.uk
Smart Futures
When: Summer intake starts 7th August 2017
Where: Southampton
Smart Futures is a great paid experience of work for ambitious, bright Year 12s that can improve your chance of getting a job after school or going onto higher education.
The activities in the first 2 weeks focus on developing the skills and confidence of young people, whatever career path they are planning to take (whether that is straight out to work in an apprenticeship scheme or going to university). In addition, the programme is partnered with CMI, so the sessions are tailored so young people will also achieve a Level 2 Qualification in Team Leading.
In the third week, they will get more of an insight into working with a team and getting hands on business experience. On top of this, they will be assigned a ‘mentor’ who will provide support and encouragement throughout their final year at school, helping with decisions about higher education and their career over the following 9 months. They will be more than happy to assist with CVs, interview practice and UCAS personal statements.
Smart Futures are looking for applications from those of you who are:
- Currently in Year 12 (England) or Fifth Year (Scotland)
- Eligible for free school meals at some point in the past six years
- Attending a state school
- Studying any combination of A-level/International Baccalaureate/BTEC Level 3s/Standards/Highers
- Ambitious and motivated to join the world of work
- Looking for a great paid work experience this summer or Easter* that will help you secure a job after school, or a place at university.
For more information, or to apply, please click here.
Get Started with Watersports 
When: Closing date 9th August, Taster Day 15th August, Main Course starts 21st August
Where: Taster Day in Southampton, main delivery on the Isle of Wight
**This programme is for NEET young people aged 16-25 who live in Hampshire and are able to travel into Southampton**
The Prince’s Trust’s August ‘Get Started With’ programme will be on the theme of watersports and it will be a five day residential on the Isle of Wight. Get Started With Watersports will be held at UKSA (Isle of Wight) between 21st – 25th August and is for NEET (not in employment, education or training) young people aged between 16-25 who live in Hampshire and are able to travel to Southampton.
Get Started is a personal and social development programme which uses inspiring themes to engage young people who face multiple barriers to employment who are often lacking in the motivation and confidence needed to take their first step. Get Started courses are delivered around a specific theme, such as sport or the arts and are run with professional partners.
Get Started with Watersports:
- Work with professionals to learn skills in the water sports industry
- Activities include power boating, keel boating, sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding
- Gain a RYA Level 1 Power Boating Qualification
- Enjoy a fun week away improving your teamwork, communication skills and confidence
- All food and board included
- Receive three months support after the programme to help you move into education, training or employment
Dates & Locations:
- Taster day: Tuesday15th August (Taster day will be held in Southampton at The Prince’s Trust Solent Centre)
- Main programme: 21st – 25th August (Southampton for the first day before travelling over to the UKSA on the Isle of Wight for the remaining days/nights returning to Southampton on Friday 25th August)
This programme is completely free including most travel costs being reimbursed (pending where the young person will be travelling from) for to the taster day, start of course, returning from course and the reunion day. All food and board throughout the week will also be provided.
Referral process:
Please request and complete a referral form and return to james.trezise@princes-trust.org.uk by Wednesday 9th August.
Referred young people will then be contacted for an over the phone assessment. Young people selected for the taster day will be sent forms to complete and return prior to coming on the taster day. The taster day will act as our final selection for the programme and if a young person is selected they will be invited to start the programme on 21st August and will need to be able to travel to Southampton.
For more information please contact James on 02380 206989 or by emailing james.trezise@princes-trust.org.uk
Employability (Level 1) 6 days
When: Thursday 10th August 2017
Where: learndirect, Ground Floor, 1-8 Ogle Road, Southampton, SO14 7FB
learndirect courses are free for adults aged 19+ who are claiming benefits and have lived in the UK or the EU for the last three years and do not already hold this qualification.
Please call 0345 2412 533 to book learners in for an Information, Advice and Guidance session for this course.
Prince’s Trust Fairbridge Programme
When: Starts Monday 14th August 2017
Where: Solent Centre, 61-64 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2NS
The Fairbridge Programme is a FREE Personal Development Programme for young people aged 16 – 25 who are currently unemployed or who lack the skills or confidence to engage in full time training or education.
ACCESS – Is an introductory week where the young people will take part in activities such as climbing, raft-building and a two night residential. Young People also have the opportunity to achieve the Prince’s Trust Personal Development and Employability skills qualification
FOLLOW-ON – is an individually tailored journey where young people pick and choose the sessions they want to attend. What kind of activities do we offer?
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Budgeting and employability sessions
- Bush craft and outdoor cooking sessions
- Conservation and community projects
1:1 SUPPORT – Throughout the programme Young People will be supported by a dedicated worker who will help them set goals and work with them to develop the skills to help them move towards a positive outcome
IN ADDITION – Young People will have the opportunity to build their skills base, developing their numeracy and literacy with the support of specialist staff
MOVING ON – When the time is right for the young people to leave the programme they are supported into positive outcomes and will received 3 months of follow up support from their dedicated worker
INTERESTED?
Contact Paul on 02380 206985 / 07717 487993 or email paul.creeden@princes-trust.org.uk to hear more about the programme and book an induction. The next course starts on 14th August 2017.
Customer Service (Entry Level 3) Course 6 days
When: Thursday 17th August 2017
Where: learndirect, Ground Floor, 1-8 Ogle Road, Southampton, SO14 7FB
learndirect courses are free for adults aged 19+ who are claiming benefits and have lived in the UK or the EU for the last three years and do not already hold this qualification.
Please call 0345 2412 533 to book learners in for an Information, Advice and Guidance session for this course.
Warehouse (Level 1) Course 10 days
When: Thursday 24th August 2017
Where: learndirect, Ground Floor, 1-8 Ogle Road, Southampton, SO14 7FB
learndirect courses are free for adults aged 19+ who are claiming benefits and have lived in the UK or the EU for the last three years and do not already hold this qualification.
Please call 0345 2412 533 to book learners in for an Information, Advice and Guidance session for this course.
Introduction to ICT – Digital Skills (Entry Level 3) Course 10 days
When: Friday 8th September 2017
Where: learndirect, Ground Floor, 1-8 Ogle Road, Southampton, SO14 7FB
learndirect courses are free for adults aged 19+ who are claiming benefits and have lived in the UK or the EU for the last three years and do not already hold this qualification.
Please call 0345 2412 533 to book learners in for an Information, Advice and Guidance session for this course.
Get Inspired Southampton
When: Saturday 14th October 2017 10am-3pm
Where: Southampton Guildhall, W Marlands Rd, Southampton, SO14 7LP
We are delighted to announce that Get Inspired will return to the O2 Guildhall Southampton on Saturday 14th October 2017.
The event is aimed at young people and their families and free to attend. We want students – their parents and even grandparents – to get a real understanding of the broad and exciting career paths that the diverse businesses in and around our City have to offer. We will inspire the students and their families about local firms, employment, future career choices and opportunities.
It will be an interactive day that inspires people to consider areas of work they may never have thought of, and which helps them to understand how they might get there.
Get Inspired Southampton is vital to raise aspirations in Southampton and create a positive image of the City and travel to work area, and the opportunities it presents.
To maximise its impact, the Get Inspired Southampton event will focus on the 10 to 16 age group and their families. There is however, no doubt it will reach out to a wider audience.
COME ALONG AND GET INSPIRED! #GIS2017
Ongoing Opportunities
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
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
Wednesdays – Central Housing Office, 100F St Mary Street, SO14 7FL, 1pm-3pm
Thursdays – Central Library, SO14 7LR, 3pm-5pm
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
Greenhouse Supported Volunteering Opporunities
When: All the time
Where: Citylife Volunteering venues across Southampton
The Greenhouse Programme by Citylife is a new initiative to support people into volunteering opportunities. Supported placements take place at a variety of locations including:
- Aldermoor Farm
- 286 Events and Maintenance
- Windows Café
- Scratch Charity
- Basics Bank
- Woodworking and Gardening
For more information, please contact greenhouse@citylife.org.uk or visit their drop in session every Tuesday 10am-12pm (term time) at 286 Burgess Road, Southampton, SO16 3BE
Stepping Stones Welfare Reforms Support
When: Ongoing
Where: Wheatsheaf Trust
Have you been affected by the recent Welfare Reforms? Wheatsheaf Trust new service “Stepping Stones” provides support for families or individuals in the Southampton area who have been impacted by the benefit cap and the Universal Credit roll out.
They can provide 1:1 support with budgeting and helping to overcome barriers to employment as well as support people to explore funding options and tools to support with financial independence.
For more information about Stepping Stones, please call 023 8023 7662 or email t.barrett@wheatsheaftrust.org
Vicky Country Park Heritage Youth Group
When: Evenings, Weekends & After School
Where: Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park have set up a heritage youth group and are looking for 12-16 year olds who are interested in history and their local area. The group will have the opportunity to run events, design activities and help the team at the park to bring alive local heritage and history. This is an opportunity to:
- Get involved and make a difference
- Help run events
- Design activities
- Challenge yourself
- Help bring local heritage and history alive
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Jo on 023 9224 4064 or email joanne.basham@hants.org.uk
Supported Internships for young people with education, health and care plans at Southampton City College 
What is a Supported Internship?
The Supported Internship enables young people to combine a work placement with a work skills programme at college along with working on Maths and English skills.
Our personalised supported internship is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who have a or an EHC plan and who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so.
It is not so much a college course as an employment programme designed to get the intern into work. This internship programme will give young people the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.The programme is designed to assist disabled young people to achieve sustainable paid employment by giving them the skills they need for employment through learning in the workplace.
What will I be doing as part of an Internship?
- Developing skills valued by employers
- Improving work skills through a work placement
- Developing confidence at work
- Building up experience for a CV
- Completing a range of work ready qualifications
- Getting personalised support from a Tutor and work coach while you learn
- Improving English and maths skills
Who can do a supported internship?
Anyone aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care plan can do a supported internship.
Will I get paid?
Supported internships are unpaid, but equip you with the skills that employers need in order for you to move on to paid employment.
How do I find out more?
Contact the admissions team at City College Southampton on:
Tel: 023 8048 4848 Email: enquiries@southampton-city.ac.uk
Make Our Rights Reality (MORR)
When: Dates and Times are flexible
Where: No Limits, 13 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2DF
MORR (Make Our Rights Reality) MORR is a national project for people ages 15-25 which teaches young people about their rights and gives them support to solve everyday problems and give them a voice to challenge injustice equipping them with a new set of skills to help prevent and deal with everyday problems that may arise.
By the end of the training it is hoped that young people would:
- Know more about their rights
- Know how to find information and support they need
- Have learnt useful ways to minimise stress caused by everyday problems
- Have the confidence and skills to challenge unfairness
- Realise they have power to change situations
MORR is a 9 hour course that is spread across a number weeks with flexibility with young people’s availability.
The MORR project is fun and FREE!!!
To find out more, there is an information flyer which can be downloaded here
For more information please contact No Limits on 023 8022 4224
Carillion Apprenticeships Open Days
When: Every Friday 10am-2pm
Where: Unit A, B & C First Avenue, Millbrook, Southampton, SO15 0LJ
Carillion are currently recruiting people aged 16-18 (in August 2017) for their Levels 1-3 Apprenticeships in Bricklaying and Carpentry/Joinery with the support of employers in the construction industry.
In order for you to find out more about this opportunity, Carillion’s Southampton Centre is running drop ins every Friday between 10am and 2pm.
Apply online in the first instance at www.carillionapprenticeships.com
If you require further information pleases contact Lin Seikus on 07989187322 or email me at lin.seikus@carillionplc.com
No Limits Work Club
When: Every Wednesday 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 Wednesday.
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
Youth Forum Champions Opportunity
Southampton City Council are currently recruiting for Youth Forum Champions!
By becoming a member of the Youth Forum, young people will have the exciting opportunity to make a real difference not only to their own lives, but also the lives of other children, young people and families across the city.
Young people can become a member if:
- They live in Southampton
- Go to school or college in Southampton
- Are in training in Southampton
- Work in Southampton
By becoming a member, it is completely up to that young person how much or how little they want to be involved. By signing up, we will keep in touch (via email) by alerting them to the latest information, events and opportunities to have their say. Equally, if a young person has an idea such as a project, campaign or issue that they would like the Youth Forum to help with, then we want to hear from them.
We are also looking to recruit 30 Youth Forum Champions (aged 13-25), who would meet in person and be the face of the forum. We really want this group to be full of young people from variety of backgrounds, abilities and life experiences. The role is currently adaptable to meet the needs of the young people who may like to volunteer. We really want this to be their group- an opportunity for them to shape it as and how they like- with the support of the Youth Forum
If you are interested in the Youth Forum opportunities, know someone who might be, or would like further info, email youthforum@southampton.gov.uk or sign up directly via this link: https://southamptoncitycouncil.researchfeedback.net/wh/s.asp?k=147326230244
Westquay Jobs and Training Opportunities
When: Ongoing
Where: Westquay
Hammerson Plc, the developer and owner-manager of Westquay Shopping Centre is committed to training and employing local people. Westquay Works has been created to support you find the right job in the new restaurants and cinema in Westquay South and the existing retailers in Westquay North.
The extension at Westquay will be an exciting place to work with a state of the art cinema, top leisure and catering brands and new public space with year round entertainment. There will be a range of job opportunities available in sales, customer service and management.
As part of their commitment, Hammerson are providing advice and free training (subject to criteria) covering management, food hygiene, customer service and key skills to secure a job at Westquay.
There are many job vacancies being advertised with lots of the new restaurants at Westquay including:
- Bill’s
- Byron
- CAU
- Cabana
- Hollywood Bowl
- Showcase Cinema
- Franco Manca
- Cosmo
- Five Guys
- Red Dog Saloon
- Wahaca
- Zizzi
- Thaikun
To see the full list of vacancies at Westquay and to also find out about training for the new development, check out Westquay Works
Totton College Job Club
When: Every Wednesday 1pm-4.30pm
Where: Forest First Nursery, Heather Road, Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1DZ
To book a place at the Job Club, please contact the Projects Team at Totton College on 023 8042 7353
Weston Homework Club
When: Every Wednesday 3.30pm-5pm
Where: YMCA Weston Community Library, 68 Weston Lane, Southampton, SO19 9GH
Southampton University have recently set up a homework club that takes place at Weston Library. The sessions are for secondary school age pupils and run every Wednesday at Weston Library . The sessions are on a drop in basis, so there is no need to book in advance.
