 FACING THE FUTURE….. Future Jobs Fund (FJF) With a Little Extra Help from ETEC
VOLUNTARY and community sector organisations can get a little extra help from ETEC, thanks to a new programme aimed at helping the unemployed.
ETEC Development Trust is looking for organisations to take Future Jobs Fund (FJF) candidates on long-term work placements.
Placements last up to 26 weeks for up to 25 hours per week. Placements enable candidates to gain up-to-date work experience as well as gain on-the-job training and effective work place skills.
It won’t cost voluntary and community organisations a penny to take a FJF candidate – and financial incentives are available to providers, who take candidates on placement.
Chris Wilson, ETEC’s Employment Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “There is no obligation to employ an FJF candidate past their time on programme. However, voluntary and community organisations may find this a useful way to recruit staff.
“ETEC pays FJF candidates’ wages throughout their time on programme – and even takes the strain of the initial recruitment, interview and induction process.”
Future Jobs Fund is a Government programme aimed at giving the long-term unemployed - particularly those aged 18 to 24 - experience and training in a bid to improve their chances of finding work.
ETEC was the first employer in Sunderland to interview FJF candidates and offer them employment as a result.
The £2million programme is being managed by Sunderland City Council as part of a larger, £22million Tyne & Wear city Region programme.
For more information on FJF placements, call either Jim Nesbitt, FJF Manager, or Chris Wilson on (0191) 514 6150 |
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). - Latest News
Attached is the latest update from the VBS (Vetting and Barring Scheme) in December and the latest PowerPoint presentation from Children's Services HR. Both reflect some changes made since Sir Roger Singleton reviewed the scheme. Some other elements are still under review, for example 'controlled activity' and hopefully some clarity will be gained following the upcoming series of road shows. In the attached presentation, the main changes are reflected in slides 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. It is also very important to note that the 'Duty to Refer' outlined on slide 10 came into effect last October and therefore anyone failing to refer is committing a criminal offence.
The information has come from the SCN Delegates. If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of the ISA and its implications to you and your organisation, please see http://www.isa.homeoffice.gov.uk/ or contact Pauline Tsentas on 0191 5537417 or Tracy Morgan at tracey.morgan@svsyf.org on 0191 5655144.
 Home Access - Next Generation Learning
Home Access is the government programme which will help to ensure that more children in state-maintained education in England have access to technology at home to support learning. Evidence shows that home access can engage and motivate learners and support parental engagement. More recent evidence has suggested that learners who use a computer at home for schoolwork are more likely to gain over five GCSEs and one A-level, and improve the grades attained. Following on from a successful pilot in Oldham and Suff olk local authorities, the Home Access programme begins its full rollout across England from January 2010. Initially the programme will target learners in years 3 to 9 inclusive. The programme aims to benefit more than 270,000 households by March 2011. One of the key innovations of the Home Access programme is the choice of equipment. Low-income families who meet set eligibility criteria can apply to a central body for a Home Access Grant to purchase a compliant computer and internet package from a range of approved suppliers.
Asylum Seekers, who have a child who is attending school in England between years 3 - 9 and the parent has an ARC Card, they are also eligible to apply for a Home Access laptop and Internet connectivity.
If you think you are eligible please call 0333 200 1004†
for an application pack.
You can find out more about Home Access at
www.homeaccess.org.uk
|
Date for your Diary -
Volunteer Training Session 
Northern Learning Trust, in partnership with Sunderland Family Adult & Community Learning, - are running free, accredited English and Maths short courses in venues across the city and surrounding areas.