We are continuing our partnership with Springboard (Cheshire Learning Partnership) to make sure customers in East Cheshire have access to high quality employment and careers support.
Springboard runs weekly East Cheshire Work Hubs in libraries in Crewe, Macclesfield and their head office in Congleton, and delivers government funded courses and qualifications. These include Functional Maths and English, Essential Digital Skills for Work and Health & Safety in Construction (CSCS).
Our Strategic Partnerships Manager Usman Ashiq said: “Our relationship with Springboard goes from strength to strength. We have seen great benefits over the years supporting customers to gain qualifications and find new employment opportunities. We’re really pleased with the partnership and what it delivers for our customers, and we want to encourage more customers in the Cheshire area to make use of the service in 2024.”
Adele Cook, Managing Director of Springboard, said: “We have been working in partnership with Plus Dane for a number of years now and have supported over 200 customers, helping them to achieve qualifications and gain sustainable employment. We have qualified careers advisors available to support and mentor tenants and help them find the right path to enable them to achieve their goals. Our services are free to all adults, and we can provide impartial advice in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
One Plus Dane customer, who has recently benefited from our referral scheme, is Robert Postles (pictured above).
Robert had spent the last 21 years working in security. Despite not having any formal qualifications, he had progressed in his career through hard work, loyalty to his employers and by acquiring the required mandatory training. When his employment came to an end in August 2023, he faced new and unfamiliar territory. In order to access the job market and update his latest SIA license, Robert had to access the digital world to book his test and appointments and apply online for available job roles.
Springboard Careers Advisor, Beth Roche said: “Robert was a highly employable individual, but it was evident that his digital skills posed a barrier. Our intended outcome was to get Robert back into paid employment and his chosen profession as quickly as possible.”
Roberts support package included help to rewrite and update his CV, support to complete his SIA test, and financial assistance for transport and license fee renewals. A member of the Springboard team also accompanied Robert off-site to ensure that his SIA application documents were processed accurately. Once he had met the criteria for this, we helped him register for his online digital training. He completed his learning in our IT Suite and attained a 100% pass mark.
With the support of Springboard and Plus Dane, Robert has subsequently secured employment. He has access to a full-time role with a permanent contract offering a substantial benefits package and provision for further training and development.
Beth continued: “It is a testament to Robert that he accessed the support available to him and continued to move forward despite digital adversity. We will continue to support him to ensure success in his new employment.”
If you are a customer interested in employment or training support, contact our engagement team at engagementandpartnerships@plusdane.co.uk
