Employment and Training 

• Are you considering returning to paid work?
• Would you like to keep your skills up to date?
• Would you like advice and support around these issues?
• READ ON!!!

Work Club

The Work Club enables carers to receive information, advice and support to help them prepare for work. Carers are able to get access to current vacancies and use our facilities to follow up on these. There are also workshops on various topics such as preparing CVs, completing application forms, interview skills, Carers Employment Rights and Personal Development. There are also visiting speakers giving presentations on In Work Benefits, Money Management, Training for Work, and the latest government initiatives to help people back into employment. There is also 1-1 support by phone, email or appointment. The full service is available during term time, while a reduced job searching service is available during holiday periods.

Vocational Training

The Employment & Training Service works in partnership with a local training provider to offer vocational training to carers. Carers can study for an NVQ [National Vocational Qualifications] at level 2 or 3 in Business Administration, Child Care Learning & Development, Customer Services, Health & Social Care or Teaching Assistant if you are doing paid or voluntary work in that field. It is important to note that voluntary work/placements need to be in place before training can begin. Courses usually begin in September and last for approximately six months.

Computer Classes

We currently run 4 IT classes per week during term time: Mondays -10:30am -12:30pm Word Intermediate & 1:00pm-3:00pm Internet Skills; Wednesdays 10:30am-12:30pm Excel, Powerpoint or Desktop Publishing on a termly basis & 1:00pm-3:00pm Introduction to Computers. Priority will be given to carers who want to train to prepare for work.

1-1 Support

If you would like support to consider your career options, work out how to balance work and caring, or which service may be best for you. We can meet with you and help you explore your options and decide the best way to move forward. It may be able to offer a series of life coaching sessions to help you clarify and achieve your employment and training goals.

To find out more or register for any of the services listed above, call 020 8699 8686 stating which service you are interested in. We will either call you back or send you the relevant details.

You can email Carers Lewisham Please label your email Employment and Training Information

You can also get support online on our Employment and Training Facebook Group.

Our Facebook groups provide a safe environment where cares can exchange experiences and seek support when needed. The groups are closed and moderated so only carers registered with us can participate, and all inappropriate posts are deleted. You also need to be registered on Facebook to be able to participate. All posts within the group are private and will not show on your wall. There are training sessions available for carers on Facebook and Twitter, have a look at our Events page or the latest newsletter for updated dates.