skills4you

Autumn 2012

Opportunities for you in Trafford

Skills 4 U Pg 2

Skills 4 U works Pg 5

IT courses for people with low vision

Pg 6

Skillstep to success! Pg 7

Building blocks for the future

Pg 10

Get on the career ladder

Pg 12

Take a look

inside to find

out more about

in your area

FREE cOuRsEs

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skills4you COMMITTEE SKILLS HOME & HOBBY

We are always looking at ways to help you develop your skills and knowledge whether this is through formal training or more practical skills.Following customer feedback and requests we have lots of computer training for beginners on offer including how to get started, an introduction to the internet, and sending emails.

In May, we ran a course on community blogging. Participants found this session really interesting but there was a lot to learn so we have organised a follow up session for November.

Looking for work? Our HR team are hosting a session on CV’s to help you with what a CV should look like and what employers are looking for in your applications. This will be an informative group session followed by personal one-to-one appointments where you can get advice on your CV.

This is what some of the participants said about the last sessions:

I enjoyed the introduction to Word Press. I found it hard to take it all in but it’s good that there is a learning site

All sessions were good but especially the ‘hands on’ session

My understanding about blogging is much clearer

I enjoyed the opportunity to setup our own site. I would like a follow up session. It was a very good session

The session was made fun (Committee skills workshop, July 2012)

I enjoyed the whole session. I found all the information useful (Chairs Training May 2012)

The session was very friendly and I learnt lots I didn’t know (Treasurer’s Training June 2012)

Staff and trainers have been excellent, helpful, pleasant and patient (DIY Training June 2012)

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COURSE DATE TIME COURSE DETAILS

Introduction to the Internet

Tuesday 23rd October

5pm-7pm

This workshop will introduce you to the internet and help you to find websites either directly or via a Search Engine and teach you to be able to bookmark your favourite sites so you can find them again. Drinks and biscuits provided.

How to get Funded! Thursday 25th October

5pm-9pm

This session will let you know what funding is out there for community groups, what funders are looking for, how to make their group and project fundable. If you have never applied for funding before or if you have but you would like to learn more then this workshop will help you. Sandwiches provided.

Writing a CV Wednesday 7th November

1.30pm-4pm

Looking for work? Our HR team will be on hand to tell you what your CV should look like and what employers are looking for in your applications. Information session and personal one-to-one appointments. Please bring your CV if you have one. Drinks and biscuits provided.

Writing a Blog Monday 12th November

6pm-9pm

Whether it’s a hobby for a community group, blogging is a great way to promote yourself. This course will teach you how to set up an account on Word Press, choose a theme and learn how to post simple text to get your message across. Sandwiches provided.

We are pleased to share our latest Customer Skills Calendar and hope that you will find something of interest to you.

Transport can be provided and arranged by us for all our courses.

Alternatively, if you make your own way to the venue, we will reimburse public transport costs or car mileage costs.

All the courses listed below will take place at: Sale Point, 126-150 Washway Road, Sale M33 6AG

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There are a number of ways to book on our courses:

• Visit a member of the team: Community and Partnerships Team, Trafford Housing Trust, 126-150 Washway Road, Sale M33 6AG or drop it in at any of our offices or customer access points.

• Telephone: 0300 777 7777 and ask to be put through to a member of the Community and Partnerships Team.

• Email: gettinginvolved@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

For further information please contact our website: www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

COURSE DATE TIME COURSE DETAILS

Introduction to Email Tuesday 13th November

5pm-7pm

On completion of this workshop you will be able to create and use an email account, including knowing how to send and reply to emails, use your contact address book and save and delete emails. Drinks and biscuits provided.

Introduction to Computers

Tuesday 27th November

5pm-7pm

On completion of this workshop you will understand the basics of using a computer and accessing some of the applications such as Windows, the desktop, saving options, printing, using the help menu. Drinks and biscuits provided.

Presenting a Newsletter

Monday 3rd December

10am-4pm

Introduction to page layout and design using Word, Publisher or other programmes. Lunch provided.

Introduction to the Internet

Tuesday 11th December

10am-4pm

This course will introduce you to the internet and help you to find websites either directly or via a Search Engine and teach you to be able to bookmark your favourite sites so you can find them again. Drinks and biscuits provided.

Please note all courses are subject to change or cancellation at Trafford Housing Trust’s discretion.

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skills4youSkills 4 U Works! We first met Wen as part of the Community Allotments of Broadheath committee. Wen had signed up for an allotment plot and had volunteered to get involved with the management committee. Wen speaks five languages but didn’t feel very confident with speaking English in a group setting and wanted more opportunities to practice.

Wen decided to come along to all of our committee skills workshops to learn more about the roles of different committee members and to build her confidence in speaking English in a group. Feeling more confident Wen then decided to learn some practical skills which she could use at home and so signed up to the Community Blogging workshop and the 6 week DIY course.

Working on the allotment Wen had become very interested in Organic Gardening and wanted to learn more. We arranged for Wen to go on a 6 week Organic Gardening course at Debdale Park where

she learnt about getting an allotment plot and soil ready for growing, planning the patch, growing organic fruit and vegetables and harvesting.

We have seen a massive improvement in Wen’s English and her confidence over the past few months and Wen will now be able to share her knowledge with the rest of the members of the Community Allotments of Broadheath.

Wen is now planning to go to college and complete a child care qualification. Wen would also like to get more involved with Trafford Housing Trust and is thinking about joining one of our Customer Involvement Groups.

I have more confidence, thank you so much THT staff!

There’s a whole world of information out there, accessible through technology and the internet.Our 12 week course will enable you to:

• Learn how to communicate with friends and family online

• Learn different ways of using a computer depending on your level of vision

• Use speech based software if you have limited vision or no vision

• Learn keyboard shortcuts and word processing skills

• Improve your job prospects by gaining an ‘entry level’ or ‘level one’ Accessing IT Course

The course is funded by the Big Lottery Fund so there is no cost to you, and is available at locations in communities across Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

To register your interest in attending any of the Henshaws courses, please call the Manchester Office on 0161 872 1234. You will then be placed on a waiting list and notified when the next course becomes available.

IT courses for people with low vision

For more information and to see if this course could benefit you, please contact us on 0161 872 1234 or email it-training@henshaws.org.uk

Registered charity number: 221888

“ Using a computer has changed my life – I can now read emails from family abroad.”

Barbara aged 80, Birkdale Library course student

“ The courses are an ideal starting point for people with low or no vision and will give you the skills you need to use a computer with confidence. Even if you have never used a computer before.”

Glynis Howard, Vision Support Services Manager

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It’s about youPeople who come on Skillstep have a range of visual impairments, from those people who have recently lost their sight to others who have always lived with sight loss. We recognise these differences and the course is tailored to each individual student.

Before you start the course, you’ll come along to one of our centres and meet our Skillstep Coordinator for an informal chat. They’ll find out where you are in terms of your confidence and skills - and what you want to get out of Skillstep.

They’ll also find out about any accessibility needs you have. If you want your course materials in Braille, large print, audio or in a colour contrast of your choice we’ll sort all this out for you before the course starts.

What will I learn?Skillstep is split into five modules. It’s mostly practical work and you’ll get the benefit of our experienced trainers and guest speakers.

Information TechnologyWhether you’ve no experience of using computers or you’re quite computer savvy, the Skillstep IT module is tailored to you.

For those who have little or no experience, the module will take you through the basics of IT. Our trainers, who are experienced in teaching people to use specialist access technology, will help you to discover what works best for you, from screen magnification to speech programmes. We have all the leading software for visually impaired people including Guide, JAWS and Zoom Text.

Where do you want your future to take you?Skillstep is a free training course. It is designed exclusively for blind and visually impaired people. If you want to move into employment, volunteering or further education - or if you just want to build your confidence and meet new people – then Skillstep is for you.

henshaws training

skillstep to success!Get the skills you need for the future you want

“I loved the IT part of the course because the trainer really understood visual impairments.” Charlotte

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You’ll learn how to browse the internet and use email, and you’ll build your keyboard and word processing skills – at your own pace.

Mobility and independence skillsThis part of the course will support you to overcome any barriers you face, from negotiating transport routes to cooking a healthy meal.

Practical sessions such as first aid provide you with important skills and are great for your CV.

The group goes out regularly to exhibitions and places of interest providing the chance to put mobility skills into practise, gain new experiences and socialise.

Personal and social development (PsD)The PSD module includes confidence building exercises, assertiveness training and interpersonal skills.

Vocational skillsThe vocational skills module takes you right through the job hunting process, from writing a CV and completing an application form to those all-important interview skills. If you’re aiming for volunteering or further education, we’ll support you with your applications for that too.

We’ll help you overcome any barriers you may be facing, with the latest information about Access to Work and your entitlements.

Work placementAt the end of each course, students have a two-week work experience placement. It’s your chance to try something you have always wanted to do - or something you’ve never even considered before.

Henshaws supports you in finding your placement, provides any necessary equipment and software, and visits you to see how you are getting on.

“The Job Centre suggested Skillstep to me. I was attracted to it as it is a bespoke course for blind and visually impaired people. Although you get a qualification through Skillstep, I didn’t need this element - I just needed to get out of the house. I didn’t want to be tied in for twelve months and I wanted options along the way. After just five weeks I found myself re-writing my CV and hunting out my old certificates.” Simon

“After just one day at my placement I felt like I was part of the company. Henshaws set up a computer for me with speech software. When it came to the end of the weeks, my employer took me out for a meal – and said that the door was always open for me if ever I needed a job.” Dot

“I really enjoyed the mobility and independence skills module. We never knew what we’d be doing! One week it would be cooking, or visiting an art gallery or a museum. Everything we learned was useful and practical; I’d had sight for 24 years so I didn’t need to be taught to cook - I needed to know how to cook without chopping off my fingers or burning my hands!” Charlotte

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Each course runs for twelve weeks, with three full day sessions every week. The courses run three times a year in each location, starting in January, April and September.

Gain a qualificationOn completing the Skillstep course, you will achieve a nationally recognised qualification, accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). You will work at Entry Level/Level One with the opportunity of moving on to Level Two - equivalent to A*-C grade at GCSE.

The Henshaws differenceYou will never be in a group of more than six people - which means real, hands-on support.

Why not drop inWe have weekly drop in sessions for those who want to practise their IT skills, use the web, send emails, and meet like-minded people.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch today:To register your interest in attending any of the Henshaws courses, please call the Manchester Office on 0161 872 1234. You will then be placed on a waiting list and notified when the next course becomes available.

Henshaws Manchester CentreAtherton House, 88-92 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 OGST: 0161 872 1234E: manchester@henshaws.org.uk

“I finished Skillstep feeling really positive and signed up for a course at Liverpool Community College. I’m now in the process of becoming a massage therapist. Skillstep has given me the determination to succeed.” Dot

“Skillstep is about starting out- it’s not about jumping into any job. It makes you realise you can do exactly what you want to do. And that might be something you’ve never considered before.” Simon

henshaws training

Building Blocks for the Future

Local communitiesWe work with the local community to complete building projects, which provides participants with valuable work experience. It will allow community groups to complete building projects more cost-effectively and allow participants to make a sustained contribution to the local community. It is not possible for training providers or colleges to provide this level of work experience, and it is not practical for employers to allow members of staff to attend training courses which would mean they will be unavailable for work for several days.

Vocational trainingOur combination of vocational training and work experience dramatically increases both confidence and employability. It is intended to be the first step for all participants. We work very closely with local training providers and recruitment agencies to identify suitable progression routes for all participants. We will ask participants to agree to attend for three days each week, but they can arrange which days are suitable, and they can also arrange start and finish times to ensure the programme is accessible.

We are a Social Enterprise based in Trafford Park and we are currently in a position to offer free places on our building skills training programme with the help of Trafford Council. We offer a combination of vocational training and work experience which is both unique and revolutionary. Participants can complete a four week course which will provide experience of all areas of building including tiling, bricklaying, plastering and joinery. All participants will work in small groups which will allow us to meet the needs of all participants.

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contact detailsTom McManus or Terry Bergin

Tel: (0161) 872 9880

E-mail: communitybuilding@hotmail.com

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supportWe have received support for our work from several influential individuals and organisations. There is one quote which demonstrates the value of our courses:

In helping people increase their current skills and experience of work, and then successfully identifying career opportunities, people are finding the work done by CBSS to be pivotal in terms of their own chances of finding and holding employment for the longer term.

Chris Davies MEP

We are keen to discuss the benefits of our training programme with potential participants and to identify potential community development building projects in Trafford.

claiming benefitsIt will be possible to continue to claim benefits during the course. Details of our courses and programmes can be found on our website:

www.communitybuilding.biz

About the courseThe course has been designed to be suitable for both experienced builders and beginners, and there are no entry requirements. It is available to all adults in Trafford regardless of experience or qualifications. Participants who complete the course successfully will achieve the following:

• They will complete the CSCS Card test which is included in the course

• They will be provided with a portfolio of supporting evidence

• They will have a new CV

• They will have increased their employability

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The National Careers Service has been working closely with Trafford Housing Trust over the summer as part of their annual roadshow. The roadshow travelled across Trafford offering impartial advice and information to residents and partner agencies.

The National Careers Service managed to enage with over 500 members of the community and, where appropriate, booked tenants into the face-to-face meetings as well as offering support with their online lifelong learning account service.

The National Career Service has been very supportive to tenants who are struggling to maintain their tenancy due to barriers affecting their employability and have referred such cases direct to a venue suitable to the individual across the Trafford Borough.

If you would like help or advice relating to your career, you can contact the National Careers Service in one of the following ways.

• Free phone by telephoning 0800 100 900

• Face-to-face meetings booked through the 0800 100 900 telephone line

• Online by visiting www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk allowing people the opportunity to open a Lifelong Learning Account.

Alternatively, you can visit a THT Customer Access Point where National Careers Service literature is available.

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