Welcome to the Access Southampton Events & Opportunities Calendar
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
South Coast Engineering & Tech Careers Fair 2019
When: Wednesday 16th October, 12pm to 4pm
Where: Solent University
Webpage: bit.ly/SouthCoast2019ExhibitorPage
Register: South Coast Engineering & Tech Careers Fair 2019 Wed 16 Oct 2019
Ever considered a career in engineering or technology? Looking for some opportunities for when you finish school or college? Or, perhaps you are already in your career and are looking for a change? We also welcome group registrations from schools, colleges and academies.
Our exhibitors will be ready and waiting to tell you all about what it is like to work for them and what you can expect from pursuing a career with them. We will also have some training providers and educational establishments to talk about how they will support you alongside employers.
EqualEngineers connects inclusive employers with diverse talent in engineering and technology.
We want to increase social mobility within the engineering and technology profession. EqualEngineers specifically targets female; ethnic minority; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+); and disabled engineers, and other underrepresented groups in the profession.
Come along and find out about apprenticeships, placements, internships, graduate and returnship opportunities from engineering and technology employers.
SAFE Choices Course
When: 16th October – 14th November 2019 – every Wednesday and Thursday for 5 weeks
Where: Southampton Voluntary Services, Kingsland Square, Southampton, SO14 1NW
Itchen College Open Evening
When: Thursday 17th October 2019 5pm-8pm
Where: Itchen Sixth Form College, Middle Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO19 7TB
Itchen College Open Morning
When: Saturday 19th October 2019 10am-1pm
Where: Itchen Sixth Form College, Middle Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO19 7TB
Get Into South Western Railway
When: Starts Monday 21st October 2019
Where: Hampshire
Age Group: 16-30
4 week work ready programme based around customer service in the railway with industry with work placements around Hampshire.
For more information please contact solentoutreach@princes-trust.org.uk
Eastleigh College Open Event
When: Wednesday 23rd October 2019 4:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Eastleigh College
Peter Symonds College Open Evenings:
When: Wednesday 23rd October, 5.30-8.30pm and Thursday 24th October, 5.30-8.30pm
Where: Peter Symonds College, Owens Road, Winchester, SO22 6RX
To add the evenings to your calendar, please click here: https://evt.mx/3n28nIXu
Our Open Evening web page can be found at www.psc.ac.uk/open where students and parents can access the online Open Evening Programme to plan their visit in advance.
Steve Willis Training Apprenticeship Open Day
When: Wednesday 30th October 2019 9am-4pm, 5pm-8pm
Where: Steve Willis Training Centre, Murrills Industrial Estate, East Street, Portchester, PO16 9RD
Work Skills Course
When: Monday 4th November – Friday 8th November 2019
Where: City College Southampton, St Mary St, Southampton, SO14 1AR
This work skills course is designed to offer you the opportunity to access a short course to support you back into employment or to develop your existing employability skills and to prepare you for work.
The course aims to build your confidence in the workplace and your personal development skills.
What you will learn:
- Produce a CV
- Interviewing skills
- Rights and responsibilities at work
- Money management
- Career progression
To apply for this course please visit: https://www.southampton-city.ac.uk/courses/work-skills-p3491920-b0349/
City College Open Event
When: Saturday 9th November 2019 10am-12pm
Where: City College Southampton
JBC Skills Training Ltd Career Builder Programme
When: 6 week course starting in November 2019
Where: Southampton City Centre
Introduction
The Career Builder Programme is a 6-week classroom-based IT Technical training programme which is designed to help those that are unemployed to return to work in any industry by providing valuable, transferrable skills that will make them very appealing to employers. Best of all, this course doesn’t cost the learner anything, it’s fully funded.
Eligibility
In order to qualify for the funding (adult education fund), the participant must meet the following criteria:
- 19 years of age or above.
- Be Unemployed and in receipt of benefits
- Have been resident in the EU/UK for at least three years
- Have indefinite leave to remain with permission to work
- Other eligibility criteria may apply
Course Structure
The Career Builder Programme is classroom based training that is delivered in a single 6 week block from Monday to Friday 09:00-16:30. Whilst we try to encourage everyone to attend every day, time away from the course in permitted for job interviews (as this is the primary goal of the programme).
What does the programme provide on completion? On successful completion of the programme, the participant will receive the following:
- City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems Support
- City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
- A free laptop computer
- Access to free Microsoft software
- The opportunity to complete Microsoft certifications (MTAs)[1]
How to apply
In order to apply for a place on the programme, please go to the website below and fill in the application form. Once this is received by JBC, they will be in touch to arrange an interview. Please ensure proof of benefits is available for the interview. http://www.jbctraining.co.uk/career-builder-application.html
Totton College Open Evening
When: Thursday 12th November 2019 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Totton College, Water Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3ZX
Full-time, Part-time and Leisure courses Open Event
When: Tuesday 12th November 2019 4:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Eastleigh College
Brockenhurst College Open Event
When: Saturday 16th November 2019 10am-1:30pm
Where: Brockenhurst College
City College Open Event
When: Thursday 21st November 2019 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: City College Southampton
Marchwood Construction & Marine Technologies Centre Open Event
When: Thursday 21st November 2019 4pm
Where: Unit A5A, North Road, Marchwood Industrial Park, Marchwood, Southampton, SO40 4BL
Richard Taunton Sixth Form College Open Evening
When: Thursday 28th November 2019 6pm-8pm
Where: Richard Taunton Sixth Form College
Eastleigh College Open Event
When: Thursday 28th November 2019 4:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Eastleigh College
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
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 sharynpeters@youthoptions.co.uk or call 07917 343846
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
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
