DWP benefit claimants and other have been urged to check if they can apply for a support scheme. The nationwide programme is open to people on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, as well as others.
As concerns have been raised about the growing numbers of those who are classed as Neets – not in education, employment, or training – a group is looking to upskill people who are unemployed to get them into work. Strive Training provides Government-funded courses to equip individuals with the skills they need for the modern workplace, including how to use AI in your job. The group works with the DWP and Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and other groups to reach people who are out of work or on a low income, to provide them with practical, sector-based training so they can advance in their career.
People on benefits such as Universal Credit have gone through the courses and gone on to get a job. They provide a range of online courses to learners across the UK and also work with major college groups such as Buckinghamshire College Group and South Hampshire College Group.
Strive offers training in areas such as cyber security, health and social care, hospitality and business management. Many people were recommended to a Strive course through their job centre work coach, and have then gone on to get a job.
Some of these success stories were people who were unemployed for months or over a year. A Jobcentre Plus spokesperson said: “Strive’s tutor-led delivery provided structured, hands-on support that enabled participants to ask questions, test ideas, and apply tools in a practical context.
“This played an important role in helping people move from awareness to active use. We would support this provision being rolled out more widely to our customers.” Jonny Phillips, managing director of Strive Training, said it’s important to provide training for people of all ages in the latest skills such as using AI, and to ensure people have the confidence to use these skills in the workplace.
View 2 ImagesDWP benefit claimants can take part in a support scheme(Image: Getty)
He said: “The growing population of NEETs and adults out of the workforce presents an opportunity to reskill a highly motivated group of people that can make a real difference in employment. Many people are eager to get back to work and can play a valuable role in the workforce, they just need backing with the right support and training to take on a new role.
“For those who are out of work, hearing talk of AI skills can raise alarm bells, leading to unnecessary exclusion, prompting fear and hesitation over something that ought to be viewed as accessible and achievable. This is where AI training can be a practical, confidence building intervention that can make a real positive difference.”
He said that while many entry level jobs are being changed by automation, they are often still accessible to many people as you don’t need highly technical abilities or coding skills. He explained: “Many people just need the right support to access the widely available AI tools that are becoming part of our day-to-day, making the most of them in areas like written communication, structuring ideas or working independently.”
He also said it’s important to have an ‘earn and learn’ approach, where people can learn new skills while being paid on the job. Mr Phillips said: “There’s still work to be done supporting people of all ages in tackling AI with conviction. What might seem second-nature to some inside the workforce, can often be daunting for those outside of it. AI skills should be for everyone, not just those already in employment.”
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You can find out more about the courses that are on offer on the Strive Training website.