Time to get Off The Bench

2012 kicked off with a great start for Brighton company The Learning People.

Alongside e-learning provider Skillsoft, The Learning People supported the Off The Bench project, organised by totaljobs.com and Queen Park Rangers FC.

The scheme involved 12 jobseekers, living within the W12 postcode who had been unemployed for six months or longer and were aged at least 35, taking part in a 12 week course.

Activities ranged from CV advice, presentation skills, interview techniques and motivational seminars, all with the aim of helping the jobseekers back into the workplace.

The Learning People backed the project by giving the participants their pick of Skillsofts wide range of online training programmes. Courses chosen varied from Microsoft Office packages to full project management certification.

Five out of the 12 students have since gained employment and all other participants have interviews over the coming weeks.

Off The Bencher Lyndsay Purtle chose the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) course, “After The Learning People gave their presentation, it wasn’t long until I was taking my CAPM certification.”

“Studying the CAPM course meant I was able to include it on my CV and gave me confidence in knowing I had up to date industry knowledge. All this played a significant part in gaining my new role as Localisation Project Manager with Canon Europe.”

“Thank you so much to everyone at The Learning People for the help you have extended to me and to the other participants on the Off The Bench scheme. It has been invaluable.”

The project culminated with a Graduation ceremony at Q.P.R’s Loftus Road stadium on Tuesday 24 January. Chris Hayward, Director of The Learning People commented “It’s great to be here tonight to see the end results of a project that has provided many positive outcomes for everyone taking part.”

“As a young company it gives The Learning People great pride in being able to give a little something back and help people take those first steps back into full time employment.”