UNEMPLOYED people can boost their chances of securing a job with a range of new courses launched by an Oxford college.

The new programme of classes at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College aims to help local people hit by the recession to get back into work.

College spokesman Cid Carr said: “We are getting inquiries from a public feeling the squeeze. The demand is broad but seems to fall into three basic categories — those who want to improve their skills, those who want to improve their educational attainment and those who want to change their career course entirely.

“So, in response, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College intends to rise to the challenge. We are aiming to impart the skills and training that give people the edge in a challenging climate.

“Course subjects range from the deeply practical to the downright useful. They are affordable, with many free for the unemployed, and flexible enough to fit into even the busiest schedule.”

Figures released last week showed the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire had leapt again.

In March, 9,174 people claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance, a rise of 730 – or 8.6 per cent –on the previous month and the highest since October 1996.

The college programme, called Get That Job, offers more than 100 different classes ranging in length from one day to 30 weeks. It includes a two-week course called Train Yourself Into a Job, which covers applying for jobs, advice on CV writing and training in interview techniques.

Other courses on offer are Understanding IT For Work, Assess and Improve Your Skills and Planning and Running a Business.

Father-of-one Graham Smith, of Hastings Road, Banbury, was made redundant from motorsport firm Prodrive earlier this month.

The 50-year-old, who is taking part in a five-day intensive teacher-training course at the college’s Bicester campus, said: “Teaching was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but my job was really good and I was really comfortable in it.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to teach mechanics. It is an ideal opportunity for me. It’s a big step to say goodbye to a full-time job and follow your dream.”

College principal Sally Dicketts said: “We are offering courses in areas you may never have considered before. It is an unmissable opportunity to upgrade your skills and qualifications and greatly improve and enhance your chances in the work market.”

For more information about the college courses, see ocvc.ac.uk/prospectuses.

esimmonds@oxfordmail.co.uk