Learning Links, a charity in South East Hampshire is one of the charities with a major sub-contracting role in delivering the Work Programme.

Chairty Starts Work Programme

Learning Links, a sub-contractor for A4e, started the Work Programme in Portsmouth and Isle of Wight on June 13^th 2011. They saw their first customer on Monday 20^th June 2011.

Learning Links Skills and Learning Director Clare Ashley said, ‘This is excellent news for us, especially as we are a local charity with a clear focus on communities and local people. We have a lot of experience in delivering Back to Work programmes alongside end-to-end support.’

‘We have worked with A4e on previous welfare to work programmes and we are pleased to be able to work with them on the new Work Programme.’

Sam Ashton, Project Coordinator from Learning Links saw the first customer on Monday and said, ‘It was good because he really appreciated the extra help from the Work Programme. He thought he was only skilled to do cleaning jobs but we talked about up skilling and broadening his search for employment.’

Learning Links Partnership Manager George Gallop said ‘Learning Links’ role as a community and third sector organisation puts the interests of our clients in the forefront, recognising the challenges and barriers inherent in breaking the cycle of long term benefits dependency. We know there may be challenges ahead and welcome these.’

The Work Programme is structured to offer individuals an end-to-end service to get people into sustainable work and continue to support them whilst they are there.

‘We believe the Work Programme is a real chance to help individuals back into long term employment as it offers individuals the tailored support they need, wherever they are in the job market.’

To help customers find and sustain employment, Learning Links is offering a fully funded job brokerage service, giving the customer a holistic service. Businesses are provided with a free cost value opportunity to advertise their vacancies directly to their target audience. Businesses will reach pre screened and pre-qualified applicants, saving businesses time and expense in traditional recruitment.