Introduction
Welcome to SomersetWorks – we are an independent service. We are not connected to colleges, training providers or employers, who give advice and support with the aim of enabling young people to maintain or access a place in education employment or training post 16.
We are funded through the European Social Fund (ESF) to deliver the Somerset NEETs Project – SomersetWorks.
The project works to provide access to a range of provision available to young people on their journey from education to employment. We will also provide new opportunities for young people in school years 11 to 13 – people aged 15 to 18 – who are, or at risk of, finding themselves, Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
It covers three key areas:
- Year 11 provision – Talent Academies – a sector-based programme of ‘meaningful engagements’ with employers in key sectors; and Transition Courses – short vocational programmes identified through existing Transition Panels.
- Years 12-13 provision – additional resources for young people who are not in employment or training and would like to take part in a range of opportunities.
- Support for young people who are at risk of becoming NEET
Make a referral to SomersetWorks
After a referral someone from SomersetWorks will be in touch.
Here is a short careers talk video with young people. Learn about different routes available after leaving education from a range of inspiring youth voices. These also raise awareness of roles of the young people and the businesses they work for.
SomersetWorks drop in hubs
SomersetWorks supports young people aged 15 to 18 into employment, education or training
We understand how important it is for young people to be able to access information and support to help them with their next steps, whether this be employment, education or training.
We can help with
- Access to full time courses, apprenticeships and traineeships
- Functional skills – including Maths and English
- Job searching and interview techniques
- Job applications and writing a CV
- Employability skills to help prepare you for the world of work
- Skills development
We also provide support for young people moving from school into further education.
Come and see us in one of our Hubs located across Somerset. No appointment is necessary. You will be met by one of our friendly advisers to discuss your support needs and next steps.
SomersetWorks drop in hubs
| Day | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Minehead Eye, 1 Mart Road, TA24 5BJ Williton (By appointment only) | 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm |
| Tuesday | Bridgwater – Somerset Skills & Learning, Churchill House, Robins Drive, TA6 4DL | 10am to 1pm |
| Wednesday | Frome – Somerset Skills & Learning, 15 Palmer Street, BA11 1DS | 10am to 1pm |
| Thursday | Taunton – Somerset Skills & Learning, Courtenay House, Blackbrook Park Ave, TA1 2PX | 10am to 1pm |
| Friday | Yeovil – Somerset Skills & Learning, 2nd Floor, 21 Hendford, BA20 1TQ | 10am to 1pm |
Check it out
Looking to gain an insight into the world of work? Then check out one of our Talent Academies. Our Talent Academies provide the perfect opportunity to find out more about working in a range of different sectors as well as the chance to develop your skills and experiences.
Opportunities available
Traineeship – Work prep followed by Work Experience – this course can last up to 6 months, ends as soon as progression is achieved – for people close to being ready for work who want to get an apprenticeship or paid employment. FS Maths and English will also be taught. There are multiple start dates for these programmes with a bespoke approach to individual need.
Weston College Innovate – 3 days a week with a work coach. For people who need a more wellbeing-focused course to get back into learning. Referral is through SomersetWorks. 12 weeks online – develop your personal wellbeing, employability and digital skills.
Somerset Skills and Learning
Traineeships and short courses (for example, retail)
Also GCSE English and Maths, enrolling only at the start of AY with Higher Level 1 Grades achieved.
Online English and Maths. Functional Skills with an online tutor through Somerset Skills and Learning – use the SomersetWorks referral form.
West Somerset Opportunity Area
Short access courses in vocational areas delivered by Somerset Skills and Learning.
AONB
Taunton and West Somerset Area land-based training and work experience based on the Quantocks AONB. Ability to gain Health and Safety qualification and tickets for safe use of machinery and tools, employer links and tickets for use of machinery and equipment
Ark at Egwood
Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), is a land-based day facility at Egwood, near the village of Merriott in South Somerset. On 12 acres of land, it comprises animals, horticulture and communal buildings, and offers a range of activities, experiences and support services to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for all.
Seed Project Wincanton
7 week programme – female participants.
The programme will consist of experiential workshops, homework, and cross-generational mentoring, focusing on developing creative skill and self-confidence building – delivered by Lynne Franks.
The workshops will be teaching how to use imagination and visioning skills along with the practical means to transform them into building a sustainable future for the participants and their community.
SomersetWorks Hubs
Monday – Minehead morning and Williton afternoon
Tuesday -Bridgwater 10am to 1pm
Tuesday -Street 2pm to 4pm
Wednesday -Frome 10am to 1pm
Thursday – Taunton 10am to 1pm
Friday – Yeovil 10am to 1pm
All based at the Somerset Skills and Learning centres with staff on site.
English and Maths
Online Tutor package Functional Skills – referral through SomersetWorks, delivered by Somerset Skills and Learning.
Young Somerset – 7 week programme
Half-day programme – up to 12 learners – engagement and activities based around needs and interests. Initial one-to-one meeting, then with a small group to work in sessions that could be music, mechanics, Hair and Beauty, countryside management or bespoke.
Youth Unlimited
To provide advice and self-guided support through small group interventions with young people – helping them overcome issues affecting their wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and to build the relationship through mentoring to support them in engaging in their next steps into education training and employment. To also provide young people with advice and support through the provision of specialist resources, and signposting to a wide range of other local community services and those available through SomersetWorks. This can be walk and talk, and group work where required.
Princes Trust
Princes Trust Short courses and vocational courses.
2-week programme – areas to be decided
Mentoring offers
3-month programme – Weston
Our programmes – Help for young people – The Prince’s Trust
Hitz
Looking to next year.
New Sports Education Faculty – Bristol Bears Hitz Somerset – based in Taunton
Full time course with English and Maths delivered in a partnership between Bristol Bears, their training provider and SomersetWorks – 3 days of study with a day of work experience