In this current climate of recession and unemployment, Scout Enterprises is a non-profit making charity that specialises in helping people – whether they are unemployed, or disadvantaged in the labour market through disability or ill health.

The organisation helps local communities in other ways too, for instance – by helping to train young people so that they have more confidence in finding work, and by helping to protect the environment through various recycling schemes across the country.

Scout Enterprises has a well-proven philosophy and track record of providing people with opportunities, which allow them to achieve tasks within their capability. This enables them to discover their true potential and capacity for employment. Scout Enterprises’ skilled and professional staff have a wide range of experience, and work with customers to assess their individual needs, helping them make the best career choices. It is able to respond quickly to the needs of local businesses and customers with a number of local Training Resource Centres located throughout Oxfordshire and the South East Regions, and the charity is affiliated to Government agencies.

They offer help such as: one-to-one help and career advice; introduction to employers; work placements; interview practice; CV and letter writing help; job search support; basic IT skills; confidence building and Internet access. These are offered through various programmes, including: Basic and Employability Skills Training.

This is designed to help unemployed people to improve their literacy/language, numeracy and employability skills, with the aim of moving them into employment, or nearer to entering the labour market.

Sector Skills Support Providing tailored and personalised packages of support for unemployed or other disadvantaged people, offering routes into employment, including analysis of personal and employment needs with information, advice and guidance. It includes employability and soft skills training and the opportunity to explore different occupational areas, gain relevant qualifications and undertake work experience and work trial placements.

Routeways to Employment This part time course is for anyone aged 19+, and aims to help them to return to work. It offers support with job searching, CV writing and job interview techniques. They also offer the opportunity to gain up-to-date work experience with a voluntary placement.

Nextstep Programme This provides information and advice for the over-20s about learning and work. All of these programmes offer training to help achieve certificates in first aid, manual handling awareness, health and safety awareness, and motivation and confidence skills.

For more information, contact the helpful staff at Scout Enterprises, who are based at the Oxford Resource Centre on 01865 395544, or email them on: oxford@scout-enterprises.co.uk