If you are committed to finding a job your days will be filled with purposeful activity and you'll be 'fully employed' in your efforts to find work.
The University for Industry (UFI)
OK, this may sound confusing at first but stay with it a while and the picture may become a little clearer. The University for Industry isn't a university and it isn't exclusively about industry. It's located in no one particular place, although the headquarters are in Salford. So what is it? Well the government recently described it as a 'brandmark', something that is of value and easily identifiable. Still confused? OK, well think of it almost like the 'kitemark' that you see on products which have been tested to prove that they are of the right quality. In the near future, a wide range of courses with a 'vocational' flavour will be available at your local university or College of Further Education. Under the heading University for Industry, they will be courses which have been specially identified as having relevance to the workplace so they may be of use if you're thinking of changing your career, gaining additional qualifications, or returning to work after a break.
The University for Industry (CIFI)
In the UFI's own words, there are 'three tasks to be accomplished:
i. widening participation in learning,
ii. inspiring national demand for learning and
iii. modernizing the supply of learning.'
The University for Industry is still a relatively new idea and as yet, publicity and the spread of courses throughout the country is patchy. For further information and details of UFI activity in your area contact your local College of Further Education, your local public library, or visit the UFI Internet home page.
If you find being out of work a painful experience, a spot of temporary voluntary work can help you through the difficulties. Many people think of voluntary work as taking round the hospital trolley or delivering meals on wheels but this is a narrow view of what is available. All kinds of skill are required or can be learned through voluntary work. Some volunteers sell goods in charity shops, others carry out simple nursing duties. Some people keep accounts or become involved in publicizing fund-raising events, teaching, counseling or organizing activities.
Britain is very community-minded and no matter where you live there will be a range of local voluntary organizations which will welcome you and benefit from your efforts. Some organizations are charitable, others are educational, religious or even political. Some are local self-help groups, established to support people with particular needs or viewpoints, while others are local branches of nationally recognized organizations.
Each has its own particular aims and strategies but, from your point of view at least, they have common features. Almost all rely on the voluntary efforts of a wide range of people. They welcome interest and offers of help. Most are eager to put your skills to good use and, while they will not be able to pay you, they may be able to cover your expenses. Some organizations can provide training in new skill areas.
Undertaking voluntary work for an organization which you happen to believe in can ensure that you retain your sense of identity, your self- respect and a feeling of worth. You can even enhance your reputation within your community and gain a great deal of satisfaction from the process. Voluntary work keeps you in the working framework. It holds you to a routine and ensures that you have a purpose and sense of direction. At interview, many employers ask how you have spent your time while being out of work. There is no better answer than to say that you have been undertaking voluntary work for a local organization.
Lists of local voluntary organizations and local branches of national voluntary organizations are kept in public libraries.
