Government delivers 13,500 Work Coaches to boost Britain’s Jobs Army

• Government meets its recruitment pledge – putting in place the country’s biggest ever Jobs Army.
• In one of the fastest ever Government recruitment rounds – the DWP signs up 13,500 new Work Coaches to help people back into work.
• The Jobs Army will ensure jobseekers get more personalised support to help find their next role, or upskill to expanding sectors.

In one of the government’s fastest and largest ever recruitment rounds, the government has met its pledge to recruit 13,500 new Work Coaches which will boost jobseeker support in towns and cities across Britain, from Aberdeen to St Austell. Work Coaches are providing jobseekers with tailored support to build their skills, develop CVs and find new jobs in expanding sectors.

The milestone comes as the government’s Plan for Jobs goes from strength to strength, already creating 150,000 Kickstart jobs for young people, and support for 80,000 jobseekers through the sector-based work academy programme which helps people find work in new sectors.

Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:

Britain’s Jobs Army is ready to support people back into work and every jobseeker in the country will have the help they need, whatever their circumstances. With our Plan for Jobs in action we are building back better, helping families everywhere get back on their feet.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:

I have met many of our incredible work coaches this year and seen first-hand the integral role they play in our Plan for Jobs – helping people back into work right across the country. That’s why I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone today – helping more jobseekers find new opportunities, protecting livelihoods, and supporting our economic recovery.

Eugene Williams, Work Coach based in Blackburn said:

What drives me as a Work Coach is knowing the positive difference I’m making to people’s lives – and most importantly, getting it right for my customers. It’s so satisfying seeing how I’ve helped that person secure their next opportunity in life and onto a path of even more prospects.

Throughout the pandemic, Work Coaches have been providing online support. With the boosted Jobs Army now in place, and ahead of restrictions easing, the Department for Work and Pensions is also investing in temporary jobcentres for the new recruits, ensuring as many people as possible can access the right support.

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview chances and job searches, Work Coaches also improve jobseekers’ chances of success through the government’s Plan for Jobs:

The £2 billion Kickstart scheme puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The job placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

The £238 million JETS programme targets those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

Increased support for 80,000 jobseekers of all ages through the Sector-based Work Academy Programme will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training, followed by a guaranteed interview for a real job.

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