BACKGROUND The JobMatch Project, which has been operating in Bleanau Gwent for the past 3 years, was set up to help the economically inactive back into work. It has proved to be an extraordinary success. Following the success of the project in Bleanau Gwent, JobMatch is now being extended to cover large areas of Torfaen County Borough, Caerphilly County Borough, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

By 2012 JobMatch aims to help 10,000 people in the Heads of the Valleys area in to work Help with training and gaining new qualifications Linking people with suitable job opportunities & encouraging self employment

Outreach / Client Advice

Main Roles & Responsibilities To create effective links with the local communities to encourage priority groups to access the project To provide ongoing support & guidance to help more beneficiaries into sustainable employment To identify training & development needs and assist with any training, mentoring & guidance requirements

Client Advice Service Client advisors will be able to offer a tailored package of support to beneficiaries which may include: Job Search Careers Advice Benefit Calculations Confidence Building & Motivation Help to source Childcare Work clothes Rickter Scale Assessments Basic Skills Assessments Tools for Self Employment Transport to Training Career Development Supported Employment Sourcing suitable training

Employment Liaison Team

The role of Employment Liaison A Central tenet of the JobMatch project is to help to address the mismatch between employers’ needs in terms of skills and labour market supply Developing recruitment solutions which match beneficiary skills to job opportunities

Employment Liaison Support Work with employers to identify skills shortages & potential job vacancies Work with Client Advisors to identify JobMatch beneficiaries suitable for vacancies Identify training that may be required to enter into/sustain employment

EL Support continued £1000 training budget, accessible pre/post employment 12 months mentoring support during time in employment Scheduled visits at work during weeks 17, 34 & 51 to offer further support and identify additional training to help sustain employment

Employment Routes

Identify needs of the local job market Bridge for people with multiple barriers Providing beneficiary with a wage while they gain experience and up skill Can run for up to 12 months Target of 38 into programme by March 2009

Some of the Qualifications Gained NVQ Level 2 in relevant area Health & Safety in the workplace Team building & Personal Development Communication Skills Certificate Training needed for chosen industry Basic Skills

Current Performance RCT (Manpower) Blaenau Gwent Merthyr Tydfil CaerphillyTorfaen Job total: % on target Job total: % on target Job total: % on target Job total: % on target Job total: % on target We are currently the top performers out of the 5 Unitary Local Authority Areas (Stats as of 02/02/09)