Bridges into Work

Bridges into Work is an exciting new opportunity for economically inactive and unemployed people in South East Wales, with a £10million grant from the European Social Fund.

The project provides a boost to individuals and companies, providing opportunities for retraining or improving skills in subjects that are in demand by employers. The aim is to help nearly 3,000 people into sustainable employment by August 2012. We also provide strategic direction, facilitation, coaching,
consultancy and programme/project delivery services.

Where is it available?

Six Local Authority regions; Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff have joined together to strategically develop and run Bridges into Work.

Who is it for ?

It is available to all residents of the Bridges into Work region who are:

• • Not in full time education


• • Either not working or working for less than 16 hours per week but who wish to move closer to the job market with the ultimate aim of becoming employed


• • Not referred to the DWP Work Programme or Work Choice


• • Aged 16 – 65 (or if over 65 willing to sign an intention to work statement)

What can it offer ?

• • Free career guidance, advice and information as well as support with job searches, CV writing and personal presentation skills to help people succeed at interviews
• • Sector skills training in Hospitality which include generic transferable skills
• • Accredited qualifications
• • Personal Support Officers and Employment Liaison Officers that can provide one-to-one support to individuals
• • Additional support for people facing barriers to working such as work limiting health conditions and childcare needs

Why is the scheme important?

The current economic situation in the UK is making finding sustainable employment much tougher. Bridges into Work is working with some of the most deprived areas in Wales where unemployment and incapacity are already high. Helping people move from economic inactivity to work can be a long and expensive process with a variety of multiple interventions required for each person.

The project partners are planning to use this last round of European money to help make a real difference for people in the region.

If you require further information on the Bridges into Work programme or you wish to take advantage of some free training and support with job searches, please ring 01685 726124/726101 or complete the Bridges into Work enquiry form.