Virtual jobs fair could offer way back to work for Covid unemployed
A VIRTUAL jobs fair, new skills training and hints on how to apply for new posts are being offered in Derby for people who have become unemployed due to Covid.
Derby City Council has pledged to do all it can to get people back into work.
The council is working alongside the National Careers Service, Department for Work and Pensions, Derby Adult Learning service and East Midlands Chamber.
Gareth O’Donovan, the council’s head of economic growth said the initiative was part of a redundancy dundancy and redeployment pledge ge the authority was making g to workers and employers. rs.
He said: “We want t people to know that we are with them at this difficult time and will do all we can to help displaced employees find new jobs.
“We will also work k with companies who fear ear they may have to make reductions in their head-count ead-count to understand their options and help their staff connect with new opportunities.”
Key features of the programme include:
A redundancy-to-employment virtual jobs fair, hosted on Twitter between 11am and 1pm on Friday, October 2. It will feature postings of hundreds of va vacancies and allow participants to interact directly with employers such as Network Rail.
A series of virtual wo workshops, run by the Natio National Careers Service, to h help people understand how their existing skills might transfer to fresh opportunities and get advice on gaining new skills. There will also be help with job-hunting, information on further and higher education and sign-posting to other support services.
Virtual employability courses, delivered by Derby Adult Learning, aim to help people with CVs, understanding
We want to ensure there is expert help available. Derby is determined not to be beaten by this virus.
Councillor Matthew Holmes
job adverts and job specifications, completing an effective job application and standing out in an interview.
An opportunity to register with a manufacturing, engineering and construction web portal which directly connects candidates with businesses. The web service is provided by Talent Retention Solutions and lets job-hunters not only apply for hundreds of vacancies but also upload their details for potential employers to view.
A free programme of online workshops and support for budding entrepreneurs, delivered by East Midlands Chamber and jointly supported by Derbyshire County Council, the D2 Business Starter Programme. It will help participants work out their business goals, understand their customers, and get to grips with commercial and financial planning.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council said the authority and its partners wanted to give practical support. He said: “We know people losing their jobs because of the economic downturn caused by coronavirus will be concerned about the future.
“But we want to ensure there is expert help available. Derby is determined not to be beaten by this terrible virus.
“We are working hard with our partners to support businesses, attract investment and create new opportunities.
“We will do all we can to ensure that talented local workers are well-placed to benefit from those opportunities.”