Help with employment and training
At Onward we do more than just provide a home. We can also help customers into work through skills, experience, and confidence boosting. We offer advice and a wide range of training, work placements, self-employment, and volunteering opportunities.
Whether currently employed, unemployed or looking to enhance your skills or confidence through training or volunteering. Our dedicated specialists can help you onto your career path and provide free help and support with:
- Training courses
- CV writing and job applications
- Job searches and interview practice
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Career development
Interested? Get in touch by emailing socialinvestment@onward.co.uk
The Onward Employment and Training Fund
The Onward Employment and Training Fund awards grants to people who live in Onward properties to help them access work, training or educational opportunities that support future employment, self-employment or in-work progression.
Who can apply?
To apply for a grant, applicants must be:
- Over 16
- Living in an Onward Homes property
- Using the grant to aid prospects
You can apply for a grant whether you are unemployed, employed, self-employed or are a student.
What can we fund?
The Onward Employment and Training Fund can help with any form of training that enhances skills, from functional skills, college and professional qualifications to vocational training and job-specific courses. It can also help with equipment you may need for a particular role, course or job, books, travel costs, clothing or childcare. If in doubt, get in touch and we will be happy to advise.
How do I apply?
The first step is to email us (see below) about what you would like to apply for. One of our Social Investment Specialists will then contact you to assist you with your application. Please note that as funds are limited, not all applications may be successful.
If you would like to know more about the Onward Employment and Training Fund or would like to make an application, please email Scott Brerton on our Social Investment team on scott.brerton@onward.co.uk.
Our 1st Call Service
1st Call is Onward’s flagship support programme; here to help you with employment and training support, financial support and applications and general housing advice.
Please find a list of the areas 1st Call serve below.
Accrington
Our flagship 1st Call unit is located within the Arndale in Accrington and can help you with:
- Employment and training support
- Financial support and applications
- General housing advice
- Improvements to your health and wellbeing
- Digital support
At 1st Call Accrington we take a holistic approach when supporting customers. We are very flexible and work on a drop-in basis, although we are happy to book appointments for more complex support needs.
We are open 10am – 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (closed from 12.30pm – 1pm for lunch) and 10am – 2pm on Wednesdays. Please note that whilst we are closed on Fridays, we work remotely and are available for telephone, email and online support.
Drop in to visit us at Unit 20, the Arndale Centre, Cornhill, Accrington, BB5 1EX, or contact us by calling 0300 555 0133 or emailing 1stcallreferral@onward.co.uk.
Hattersley
We’ve teamed up with Tameside Council to provide 1st Call Hattersley, which offers a work and skills coaching service to local people living in Hattersley, Tameside. More than 30 people have been supported into work over the past two years, with many more accessing training and skills development opportunities.
To speak to our dedicated Work and Skills Coach, please contact Matthew by emailing matthew.lee@onward.co.uk or calling 07718 569 970.
Preston
1st Call Preston can help you discover a life you will love by providing a range of support services through the Move Forward project.
- Enhance your skills and boost your confidence
- Find the right training and volunteering opportunities
- Get support with employment and childcare advise
Eligible for anyone living in Preston, aged 25+ and not in employment
This service is available from 10am – 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To speak to our dedicated mentor, please contact Jen by emailing jen.brighty@onward.co.uk or calling 07850 643 691.
Bolton
We’ve teamed up with the Athena Partnership in collaboration with eight other Housing Associations from within Greater Manchester to deliver support to those living in Bolton who are 19+ and not part of any current employment programmes.
The Working Well: Support to Succeed project can help you make positive changes in your life, with Community Mentors offering one-to-one coaching for people looking to make a difference in their lives and make positive moves forward.
Get in touch by emailing 1stcallreferral@onward.co.uk or calling 0300 555 0133 to start your journey today.