The Restart Scheme marked ERSA Employability Day this year by delivering a series of engaging Employability Day events across Birmingham, Coventry, West Bromwich and Cardiff, bringing together participants, employers and partners to create meaningful opportunities.
Employability Day, led by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), is a national campaign that recognises the impact of employability and skills services in supporting people into work. This year’s theme highlighted the sector’s role in helping to achieve the government’s ambition of an 80% employment rate and supporting more people into sustainable jobs.
Across all locations, the Restart Scheme delivered tailored events designed to meet the needs of local participants while showcasing the strength of partnership working.
In Birmingham, participants accessed practical support including CV development, skills assessments and Better Off Calculations. The event also brought together employer engagement colleagues and training providers such as BMet and Maximus, giving attendees the opportunity to explore live vacancies and pathways into work.
In Coventry, participants were supported through a range of employability activities, careers advice and access to local training opportunities. The event also welcomed MP Taiwo Owatemi, who attended to see the support in action. The day provided a welcoming space for individuals to gain confidence and take positive steps towards employment.
West Bromwich hosted a large-scale Employability Day event, featuring a busy jobs fair alongside workshops and support sessions. Employers, training providers and community organisations including Walsall Council, Pertemps, YMCA and Smart Works came together to offer live vacancies, skills development opportunities and holistic support, ensuring participants could access everything they need in one place.
In Cardiff, a multi partner event ran throughout the day, bringing together providers such as CAVC, 3SC, Cardiff Works and Money Matters, alongside support for self-employment, ESOL and wellbeing services. The event also welcomed two MSs; Huw Thomas and Alex Barros-Curtis, who attended to engage with partners and observe the support being delivered. Participants benefited from access to financial guidance and careers advice, highlighting the importance of a joined-up approach to employability support.
Andy Bowie, Director of Employability, Skills & HAAS said:
“Spending Employability Day at one of our offices made me proud of the teams who help support people every day. I spoke to participants who shared their unique stories and backgrounds with me. No two people have the same experience, and our staff have the skills and expertise to provide tailored support to help each individual. What they do is nothing but fantastic.”
Through initiatives like Employability Day, the Restart Scheme continues to play a key role in helping individuals build confidence, develop skills and move towards and into employment.
