SKILL UP TO GET AHEAD Learn a new skill

Up skill to get ahead

Improve your job prospects by learning new skills and developing your knowledge. To boost your confidence and stay one step ahead!

Neelam Batool

Support is available to guide you on your journey to discover your passion and open the door to new opportunities in the ever-changing world of work.

With courses ranging from Maths and English to fashion design and enterprise, Brent Start Adult Education College courses help students unlock their potential with no time limit on learning something new.

Neelam Batool, said: “The teachers are very skilful and have helped me improve my confidence and knowledge. It proves that you can learn new skills whenever you want and there is no age limit!”

Monika, another student added, “I’ve always wanted to start my own business. Brent Start helped me develop skills and build confidence. I’ve met amazing people in the community, made new friends and made myself proud.”

With digital skills at the top of every employer’s list of requirements, the college has expanded its free range of essential digital skills courses.

New Health, Social Care and Mental Health and Wellbeing courses are now also available to help put you on the path to finding a fulfilling career in the care sector.

Course fees are dependent on your circumstances. To find our more email: brent.start@brent.gov.uk or call: 0208 937 3950 or visit www.brent.gov.uk/brentstart

Monika Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said:

“Having digital skills opens up a world of opportunities. Lockdown nudged more businesses to look towards new technologies, accelerating the shift online, and job adverts are increasingly looking for people with skills that match. “Today one in five adults in Brent don’t possess essential digital skills and many more would benefit from training to access the jobs of the future. Our borough is awash with opportunities and, as a council, we want to help local people develop the skills and the confidence they need to get out there and snap them up.” ‘‘ ‘‘

Supported internships

24-year-old Catering Assistant, Will Mathias-Smith from Harlesden, completed a supported internship at Charing Cross Hospital before gaining a permanent contract in September 2020. He said,

“The DFN Project Search Supported Internship helped me to get new skills and I loved that when I got a little bit stuck, I got help and after that I could do it independently”

If you are aged 17-24 and hold an active Education, Health and Care Plan, (EHC), you may be eligible to a supported internship transition to work programme carefully designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities gain new skills and find jobs.

The programmes are based at Brent Civic Centre, including neighbouring employers and the Charing Cross Hospital.

To register your interest or for more information, please contact Rachael.heppenstall@cwc.ac.uk, or call 0207 258 5695.

Will Mathias-Smith

Gain new digital skills anytime, anywhere

More than 6,000 people are already signed up to Springboard – a fantastic new free website – offering more than 200 zero cost online courses, including coding and cyber-security training.

The website, which launched last year, is thanks to a partnership between Brent Council and global tech leader Infosys and is perfect for anyone wanting to improve their digital skills and give their CV a boost.

Courses can be completed anytime, anywhere on your computer, laptop or mobile.

Sign up: www.infyspringboard.uk. onwingspan.com/en/login

Brent residents and community groups arrive at the launch of the Infosys Springboard digital skills platform in Brent.