A WorkCentre is a facility where local people learn new ways to find work, earn income, build their careers and add value to their community or organisation.
Individuals can access the full package of Work It Out! support - training, individual advice, ongoing mentoring and practical help - to enable them to build their income, find work and create a better future. The WorkCentres are usually equipped with computers and coffee! They are a practical and welcoming place to meet, support and help one another. Instead of sitting at home on their own (or at their desks), people have a place and a positive purpose to meet - to create their workpieces, learn new skills, develop projects and build businesses. We are currently delivering a range of local WorkCentres across the UK and the Republic of Ireland to support local people in finding work, earn income and build their careers. WorkCentres are available in three main formats: 1. To support the unemployed, 2. To leverage the expertise of the underemployed (e.g. Local communities often come together with women returners, self-employed, graduates, those recently retired, part-time employees, etc to share experience and build local capacity), 3. To develop employees (e.g. some Local Authorities and Businesses use this approach to boost innovation and creativity), |
Training and developing Young Adult Carers 14-24 - Carers Trust UK.
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Supporting the Community - Banbridge Community Club
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Leveraging expertise in the community - Clonmel Community Resource Centre, ROI. - click here
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Invest in Your Future programme for all Council Staff - Stroud District Council, UK.
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What is Under-employment?
Under-employment affects those who are unemployed, students and graduates, mothers and fathers at home, those returning to work after a break, those semi retired, freelancers, part-time workers, and yes, even those in a full-time job – who want to do more. Under-employment is not about being busy for many of us are incredibly busy. It's about our personal effectiveness and achieving all that we believe we should. So, in a way I think that we are all under-employed. We can all utilise our skills, talents and expertise more effectively to fulfil what we are capable of. We can be better if we work collaboratively to help and support each other - combining and leveraging our respective expertise, energy and experience. The WorkCentre then is an important framework whereby all of those who want to achieve more, do more, be more or create more can come together with others who are positive and ambitious. Let's talk about setting up a WorkCentre in your area ..... |
Introduction to WorkCentres (Free introductory session)
Would you like to find out how we can help you to set-up a local WorkCentre for your organisation or area. Last week in the Midlands I met with Local Authority personnel, Work Club leaders, DWP staff and the local College to explore how we could bring a fresh approach to tackling long term unemployment locally. I'm happy to schedule a presentation session with you and your colleagues if you would like to explore the possibility of setting up a WorkCentre in your area. |
Setting up a WorkCentre?
WorkCentres are set-up and supported as a franchised training, learning and working facility. We work from a proven template which means that we are not continually reinventing the wheel. There is no set-up charge and no development costs — just a modest monthly support fee. Assistance with the creation of your local WorkCentres, along with staff training, all materials and ongoing support is provided through Diversiton - a non profit making body dedicated to inclusion and the promotion of opportunity for all. If you are looking to build community capacity, increase the efficiency of your organisation, support those in need or leverage the potential of under-employment in your area then please get in touch. Numbers, Progression & Capacity Building
Numbers 12 – 20 participants per intake. It is expected that each WorkCentre can cater for around 6 intakes per year – around 100 participants. This number can be increased by running parallel sessions with appropriate facilitators. Progression Participants will be actively involved as they develop their first workpieces. Everyone succeeds at their own pace. Most people have created successful workpieces within 6-8 weeks (often much more quickly). The accredited facilitator will be responsible for making sure that no one falls through the system or fails to achieve the positive outcomes they plan. Capacity building Some participants will become the Team Leaders and Mentors for future intakes. |
Support and Cost
What Support & Help is available to those setting up a WorkCentre?
- Initial advice on setting up the WorkCentre (e.g. location, facilities, recruitment of participants, etc.). - Support in the selection and training of the WorkCentre Facilitator(s). - Work It Out training modules, delivery plans and trainer materials. - Marketing plan and promotion materials to help find participants and establish your WorkCentre. - One day induction workshop with all WorkCentre participants. - Monthly sessions to review progress of participants. - Ongoing coaching and mentoring for facilitators. - Regular updates to promote linkages across WorkCentres. - Sharing of best practice and case studies promoting participant successes. Cost Every WorkCentre is different but as a guide the all-in support cost is incredible value at around £1,000 (€1,300) per month. If you are looking to build community capacity, increase the efficiency of your organisation, support those in need or leverage underemployment in your area then please get in touch. To discuss your Pilot please contact Des McCabe on 44 7717 203325 or email for more information - diversiton(at)gmail.com A Local Partnership
It is common for a range of potential funders and supporters to come together in an area to sponsor a local WorkCentre. We can deliver an information session if you wish to explore this option.
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