Getting experience

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 17

Getting experience

In the great job search, it pays to know where to go for help, how to help yourself, and how to face the situation

One way for young unemployed people to increase their job skills and personal confidence is to take part in a Training Assistance Programme (T.A.P.S.), run through the Labour Department. Three such programmes run at the Y.W.C.A. include 12 week courses in knitting, child care, and office skills. “They are really lifeskills courses for unemployed people,” says a co-ordinator, Pam Vincent. “They do usually give

them a better chance of getting a job, but the most important thing is that they increase their confidence and self-respect.” Pam finds that’ the courses often open up a wider range of occupations to the people who take them, who vary in age from 15 to about 30. “Once they realise they can do one thing, they see that other areas are available.” Each course is open to six people. Some groups have expanded their

activities to include keep fit classes, recreational outings, and health classes. All have the opportunity to gain work experience and spend time looking for jobs. “The difference in them at the end of the courses is quite spectacular,” Pam enthuses. “Half have never worked with people before, or they have done nothing since school. The courses have given them the impetus to look for work, or to keep meeting people and building skills.”