Bolton: The Workshop based in Crompton Place

The Bolton Council service, which helps residents learn new skills and improve their career prospects, moved to new bespoke office space in Crompton Place.

The space is proving to be a hit with customers and comes equipped with enhanced training facilities, new meeting rooms and one-to-one support areas across two floors.

The move came as The Workshop had its Matrix accreditation renewed, in recognition of excellence in information, advice and guidance services.

Matrix accreditation is an internationally recognised marque awarded to organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance and go the extra mile to help people with their learning, career choices and life goals.

The Workshop delivers a variety of employability contracts to help Bolton residents find sustainable employment.

Current programmes include the Restart Scheme, which is part of the Government’s plan for jobs, and Future You which provides individual help and support for 18-24 years olds not in education, employment or training.

Future You helps with employability skills including CV and application form writing.

It also offers training workshops, access to exclusive work experience and job vacancies, along with health and wellbeing support.

Enquiries are welcome from anyone interested in the Future You programme by contacting the Workshop team.

Since it was established in 2010, The Workshop have helped hundreds of people into work, thanks to their experience and strong links with local employers.

Across all programmes delivered by the team, over 50 per cent of the participants go on to find sustainable employment.

In recent years, the team has also made almost 1,000 referrals to local organisations who can help with some of the other barriers to work, including language skills, financial advice, anxiety or health issues.

Among the satisfied customers is Sarah, who said: “I came to see The Workshop and had no confidence and hadn’t worked for over 20 years.

“I now have a CV, job searching skills and a Level 1 in Office Skills. I’m now looking to start a work experience placement working with my learning mentor.”

Anthony, another service user, said: “All I can say that if it wasn't for The Workshop I do not think I would have got the job I am now in.

“It provided me my own laptop and bus travel for up to six weeks, and brand new safety boots. I am truly grateful.”

The majority of The Workshop customers need to be referred by their Jobcentre Plus Work Coach before booking an appointment, however, walk-in enquiries are welcome from anyone interested in the Future You programme.

The Workshop also has an Employer Engagement Officer who works with businesses of all sizes across Bolton, offering a new way to recruit and reach out to potential employees.

Enquiries are welcome from employers who want to find out more about how the Workshop team can help.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said: "Re-accreditation for the Matrix shows that The Workshop continues to offer a vital service to our residents and this new facility will allow us to help even more people find employment.

“We are committed to regeneration across the borough and that goes beyond new buildings to include giving our residents the skills and confidence to find meaningful new careers.

“I would urge anyone looking to improve their career prospects to speak to their job coach about the support The Workshop can offer, or to contact the team directly to see how they can help you or your business.”

For more information, visit bolton.gov.uk/theworkshopbolton, or email the.workshop@bolton.gov.uk, call (01204) 338 981, or visit 27-29 Victoria Square, Crompton Place, Bolton, BL1 1RJ.