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Gateway to Work is a two week, motivational course for Jobcentre Plus clients entering New Deal. We cover a wide range of content, from CV preparation and interview practice to careers counselling, action planning, and certificated one day courses to provide an immediate employability boost. In addition, we have good relations with local and national employers, so clients with motivation and a job-ready attitude will be matched directly with appropriate employers and gain exclusive access to vacancies before they appear in the press.
In 1999, Kennedy Scott were given a blank template to develop the pioneering 'Trailblazer' course on the site of Vauxhall Motors in Luton. The purpose of the two-week course was to improve clients' jobsearch skills, identify and where possible address barriers to employment, assist in explaining and identifying suitable choices for New Deal options, and act as a motivational 'kick-start' to get clients thinking about their career options and planning for future employment.
Following a highly successful trial period and a commendation from social researchers Ecotec, the Trailblazer was launched nationwide by government minister Tessa Jowell from the Luton site in July 2000, under the new name of 'Gateway to Work ' . Further details of the launch can be found on the Government News Network and on Motoring Web.
Since then, we have worked on gradually improving our provisions through exploration of new techniques and content, introducing broadband internet and extensive ICT facilities to all centres to assist with jobsearch, and pioneering the use of Gateway to Work courses with New Deal 25+ clients.
Gateway to Work is a mandatory course, available within London to New Deal 18-24 and New Deal 25 Plus clients and outside London to New Deal 18-24 only. If you live in the locations listed below, you should be referred to attend our provision within the first three months of the New Deal process. People who meet specific eligibility criteria can begin the New Deal process immediately, without having to sign on for an initial period. You will need to speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser about this, but criteria to start New Deal immediately may include:
if you have a disability
if you need basic skills training or help with your spoken English
if you are returning to the Labour Market after, for example, looking after a child or other relative
if you are a lone parent
if you are subject to a large scale redundancy as designated by the SLC/LEC
if you have been in HMF and have either begun resettlement leave, terminal leave or have been continuously unemployed since discharge
if you have been recently released from prison
The Gateway to Work currently operates centres covering the following locations:
For exact locations see the findus page.
Copyright 2004 Kennedy Scott Ltd
Registered in England no. 2386247
Reg. Office: Enterprise House, Beesons Yard, Bury Lane, Rickmansworth WD3 1DS