Jobs and training

Our Employment and Training team offer a dedicated service of guidance, support and practical help to any Sovereign resident looking to access training or work. 

They offer a tailored service for each resident they work with, so whether you’re looking for a first job, would like to gain a qualification or are planning for the longer-term – they’re here to help! 

When you access the team, you’ll receive support from a dedicated employment and training officer who will help you to develop a plan that’s right for you. 

Some of the ways they may be able to help you include: 

• Support with your CV 
• Job searching 
• Improving your interview skills 
• Completing successful application forms 
• Online training and accreditations 
• Digital skills support 
• Help with self-employment; business start-up and business resilience 
• Resident grants to help you access training and work opportunities 

If you’d like to get in touch to see how the team might be able to help you, then please email the team or call 0300 5000 926 and ask to speak to the Employment and Training team. 

Resident grants 

As part of our Thriving Communities strategy, we’re delighted to offer four employment and training grants for Sovereign residents to give access to training, skills and employment opportunities, whatever your work goal. 

If you’re looking to starting your own business, change your career, find a job or better work, here’s some information on what’s available to help you reach your goals. To apply, email the team.

Training 

• What’s the grant for? To support you to access training and qualifications that will help you find a job or better job. 
• How much is the grant for? Up to £500 
• Who can apply? Any Sovereign resident who’s being supported by our Employment and Training team. 
• How do people apply? Please speak to your Employment and Training Officer, or  email the team.

Work 

• What’s the grant for? To help remove financial barriers for starting a new job or work placement, or if you’re struggling to stay in work due to a short-term financial barrier.  You can also apply if you are returning to work from furlough. 
• How much is the grant for? Up to £250, which can be used to fund a range of costs from travel, equipment, to work clothes. 
• Who can apply? Any Sovereign resident who’s being supported by our Employment and Training team. 
• How do people apply? Please speak to your Employment and Training Officer, or email the team.

Business start up 

• What’s the grant for? To help you launch or grow and develop your own business. 
• How much is the grant for? Up to £1,000. Before you apply, you will need a business plan.  Our Business Enterprise Officer can support you to put one together if needed. 
• Who can apply? Any Sovereign resident who’s being supported by our Business and Enterprise Officer. 
• How do people apply?  Please speak to your Business and Enterprise Officer, or email the team.

Childcare​ 

• What is the grant for? To support you with direct childcare costs (to registered childcare providers) to either start work, a work placement or complete a training course 
• How much is the grant for? Up to £750 to help cover registration and/ or direct childcare fees. 
• Who can apply? Any Sovereign resident who is being supported by the Employment and Training team. 
• How do people apply? Please speak to your Employment and Training Officer, or email the team.