If the main thing between you and getting a job is education or training, this new government organization may be able to help. Remember those TV ads which advertised cheap car insurance by telephoning the insurance company direct rather than using a broker? Well, this government organization works in the same way. Learning Direct has been specially set up to help answer every type of question you may have about learning. Anyone can phone this number for impartial information and advice on learning and careers. It's completely free and confidential. Advisers are also able to give you details of support services for childcare, financing and job hunting, and can point you to local advice agencies if you need more detailed help.
One of the best things about Learning Direct is that it doesn't simply work office hours. The Learning Direct help-line provides information for England, Scotland and Wales, and is open 52 weeks of the year, 9 am to 9 pm Mondays to Fridays and 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. There are also minimum facilities for anyone with hearing difficulties. So if you're unsure or worried about what learning entails, give them a call on 0800 100 900. For more details, speak to your local TEC. You can get the number from Learning Direct.
If you live in Northern Ireland you should speak to the training and employment agency which is responsible for training and enterprise schemes.
Leisure learning
Leisure learning classes take place in a variety of locations. Some are based in colleges, others in local schools and community centers. They can be a key factor in getting a job. Don't be put off by the traditional view of evening classes as nothing more than 'macrame' or 'machine knitting'!
Throughout July and August a wide variety of colleges and other institutions advertise their programs of classes and courses which begin in the following September. Many are recreational but a significant number are of interest to anyone wanting to build on their range of workplace skills. A few years ago Computer Studies was a favorite course. Our understanding of technology has since developed and you are now more likely to find courses dealing with specific applications and types of software. Many typing classes have also been replaced by courses in word processing, usually leading to RSA qualifications. Some course programs also offer shorthand or speed writing. Tuition in languages is another major area of activity and many organizers try to ensure that they are able to offer a reasonable range of GCSE and A level subjects.
Most courses have to cover the cost of tuition out of enrollment fees, so every effort is made to ensure that they take place in locations and at times convenient to the maximum number of people. For this reason the largest part of a local course program will be scheduled to take place between 7 and 9 pm on Monday to Thursday evenings. As well as the planned annual course program, there may also be short one- or two- day 'taster' classes which often take place at weekends.
If you are out of a paid job short part-time courses can offer a lifeline. The support you receive from others in the same predicament can be a significant factor in helping you through your difficulties. Many centers offer reduced rates for people who are not in receipt of a wage.
If you are in work, courses can help you to update your skills and cope with changes in technology. Let your boss know that you are attending evening classes to increase your work-related skills - he'll probably be impressed. Who knows? He may even contribute towards the cost of the enrollment fee.
To discover the range of courses available in your area contact Learning Direct, get prospectuses or leaflets from your local college; keep an eye on the local newspaper for advertisements of new classes and look out for course information displayed in your local library.
Libraries
These are the job hunters' most valuable resource. In the reference library you will find trade directories which will list companies, their activities and their interests. You can use them to compile lists of organizations you intend to target in your job search or to gain useful information about a company before you write your application. Many libraries also hold telephone directories and Yellow Pages which give you access to addresses and telephone numbers of companies nationwide. British Rate and Data will give you the names and addresses of trade magazines which may carry advertisements for the type of work you seek or, alternatively, you may decide to use it to discover a suitable publication in which to place an ad of your own. Libraries also carry copies of local, regional and national newspapers so you can scan the columns every day for free. They also have photocopying facilities and the inter-loan service enables you to order specialist books to keep you up to date in the area of work where you are hoping to get a job. In some libraries you can get access to word processors and, occasionally, the Internet. Above all, libraries are warm, dry and quiet - perfect places for making an application without the constant distractions you get at home.
