This is Devon --PLYMOUTH is at the centre of a Europe-wide pilot scheme to evaluate a pioneering training programme.
Key organisations, including Colebrook (SW) Ltd, Working Links, Plymouth Jobcentre Plus and work clubs, are in the process of testing the Individualized Training in Acquiring New Skills and Raising Employment Competences Programme, known as INSIGHT training.
The scheme is being driven by entrepreneur Gosia Kuklinska, managing director of Plymouth-based EuroPartnership Agency.
She successfully bid to drive the 385,269 euro INSIGHT project, funded by the European Commission under the Lifelong Learning Programme Transfer of Innovation.
EuroPartnership Agency Ltd, based at Tamar Science Park, has been leading partners in Bulgaria, Portugal, France, Lithuania, Iceland and Hungary in the two-year project to establish an innovative and free integrated training tool.
It is designed to boost the employability of jobless groups most affected by economic difficulties affecting Europe.
After research and consultation, development of the training programmes is complete with a pilot being carried out ahead of an evaluation conference at TSP in September.
In Plymouth, job seekers will be asked to evaluate training packages designed to increase motivation and self-awareness among jobless people, and equip them with skills sought after by employers.
The INSIGHT kit includes detailed handbooks for job seekers and trainers containing information and advice on job searching, interview and applications skills, CV preparation, and legal support in employment, supported by Plymouth law firm Wolferstans.
"This is the culmination of two years of rigorous research and development," said Ms Kuklinska. "Cities like Plymouth still face many economic challenges and it is hard enough for those from more stable, educated backgrounds to seek work, let alone those enduring even greater hardships.
"We believe INSIGHT training will offer them the most comprehensive and ground-breaking training tool ever produced." Reported by This is 17 hours ago.