Free Help and Support for all Businesses Across the South West

The recruitment process can be an arduous task, with difficulties finding the right applicants to suite your company’s needs. The National Careers Service, delivered by Prospects in the South West, aims to bring those looking for work and companies seeking new recruits together, closely liaising with both to find the perfect match.

The National Careers Service offer a free of charge service to help companies in a myriad of ways to fulfil their staffing requirements. We do this by working with you to shortlist potential candidates, as well as matching you with job seekers that are looking for new positions. By working with potential candidates beforehand we can ensure that they meet your expectations and are fully prepared for the interview process.

Should you have several vacancies you want to fill we will also run interview days which help to make the selection process as efficient and successful as it can possibly be. Tailored training packages ensure your new starters can hit the ground running, should new staff need additional skills to start work within your company

With the implementation of the new apprenticeship levy that started in May, you may also be hoping to start recruiting apprentices, or upskilling current staff by enrolling them on apprenticeship courses. The new rules mean that there is no longer an upper age limit on the funding you can receive for an apprentice. The National Careers Service can give you all the information you need to run successful apprenticeships as well as connecting you to local colleges and training providers that run apprenticeship courses relevant to your business.

As I am sure you are all aware it is important to continue to inspire the next generation to start a career in your sector. We at the National Careers Service feel the best way to do this is by linking employers directly to local schools. This allows companies to make a lasting connection with the students that may one day go on to hold leading roles. We believe that it is this direct engagement that will enable employers to inform the next generation about the careers and exciting opportunities their industry offers.

Of course, there are businesses that are in the unfortunate position of having to make some of their staff redundant. This can be a stressful time for all those evolved, we hope to help make this time a little easier by offering support to staff that are facing redundancy. We do this by holding workshops for all affected, some of which may not have had to apply for a new position for some time. Workshops include; updating CVs, job searching and interview techniques. We find that these courses help to inform staff as well as building their confidence.

The National Careers Service is a free service available to any company large or small and to any job seeker over the age of 19. For more information please get in contact by calling the National Contact Centre number on 0800 100 900, or emailing Caroline Stanmore (Team Manager for Devon and Cornwall) on caroline.stanmore@prospects.co.uk