DWP mentoring support programme for young unemployed goes online

A SUPPORT programme for young unemployed people who need a bit more support is now due to be held online.

The latest mentoring circle course, which runs for three weeks, had been due to get under way on January 12 but will now be held on January 19 on a fully virtual basis.

DWP employer and partnership manager Jane Munro said: "Due to lockdown changes, this now a virtual programme.

"It's available to all 18-24-year-olds claiming benefits, and will support our customers realise their potential in undertaking virtual job interviews – in essence, this is the world we are now living in.

"Mentoring is most often defined as a professional relationship in which an experienced person (the mentor) assists another (the mentee) in developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the less-experienced person’s professional and personal growth.

"Rather than offering mentoring on a 1-2-1 basis, mentoring circles give mentees an opportunity to share their experiences, barriers and challenges they face. The opportunity to share their challenges in a group with other young people makes the jobseekers feel they are not on their own.

"I’ve been working closely with Moray Council and Lossie Entertainment Academy to deliver a Mentoring Circles in Moray and we are now ready to deliver this virtual event."

The course will offer: An opportunity for customers to work with other job seekers and to share challenges as a group; A mix of job search help, outdoor activities and working on the perfect presentation pitch with a local employer.

Those interested should speak to their work coach in the first instance.

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