Stroud News
New drive will help the unemployed achieve skills needed for jobs
9:40am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A NATIONALLY recognised learning body has launched a campaign to get Stroud's unemployed into work.
Responding to UK unemployment recently reaching 2.67 million, Learndirect, said research conducted as part of its Make it Count campaign revealed many job seekers felt let down by the education system for not preparing them for the world of work.
Research also showed job seekers do not know what employers are looking for, with a sizeable gap between the skills that employers want and the skills the unemployed think will get them a job.
Learndirect is urging job hunters to get to know the skills needed and to retrain with one of its training centres free of charge, which includes TABS Training in Stroud.
Mike Cebryk, manager at TABS Training, based in Clarendon Court, Stroud, said job seekers need to think more about the skills employers are looking for rather than assuming they already know.
"Most people probably think they have the skills to do well at an interview and be competent in a job from day one," he said.
"What this research shows is this is just not the case.
"Employers are looking for people who can fit in and get on with the job from the very start.
"Today’s job market is incredibly tough, we all know that and people should be thinking about what they can do to stand out from the crowd.
"One crucial thing is to make sure their skills match the expectations of the employers they are approaching.
"Without those they are going to really struggle to make an impression."
Research also showed only one in ten job seekers believe strong communication and teamwork are important, despite most employers considering them to be vital.
Two out of five employers said most candidates failed to impress them during a job interview, while one in four job seekers said they did not know how to create a good impression.
For more information on the courses available at TABS Training contact 01453 753019.