TARGETED and personalised employment support is available to parents via the Essex Opportunities Portal and forms part of Essex County Council’s levelling up commitments to support working families and widen access to employment opportunities and encourage the uptake of new skills.

Parents can book an appointment at a time which suits them and get direct access to a qualified Employment and Skills Advisor. The advisor will provide online, telephone and outreach support, providing easy access to information, advice and guidance.

Funded by Essex County Council and Southend Borough Council, the Essex Opportunities Portal is a one stop shop for information and advice on jobs, careers, skills and training.

The Employment and Skills Advisor is expertly placed to discuss individual employment goals and aspirations, as well as having in-depth knowledge of job opportunities, careers advice and how to improve skills and access training.

They will also be able to help with interview preparations, the presentation of CVs and provide general care and support to guide and encourage parents to overcome any barriers to seeking or maintaining employment.

Even if parents are not quite ready to embark on a new venture yet, they will be able to benefit from the opportunity of a one-to-one conversation with an Adviser, who can help them plan the next steps in their career, training or if considering a return to work.

The Advisor will be working closely with colleges, training providers and businesses to ensure they have the most up to date information on those who offer flexible learning, retraining and employment opportunities.

Cllr Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence and Skills at Essex County Council said: “We want to help working parents to meet their full employment potential and have the best quality of life possible. The new Advisor will ensure that parents are aware of the range of employment and skills options that are available to them, many of which can be accessed through www.essexopportunities.co.uk.”

Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnership and Performance of Essex County Council added: “I am delighted that the new Employment and Skills Advisor is now in post and ready to offer help to parents, identifying new ways to develop their skills or approach a new job, while reflecting on their existing individual family needs and commitments.

“This fully supports the delivery of our Everyone’s Essex strategy and is another positive step in our aims to level up the County and widen opportunities and support to our working families, so that more people in Essex can fulfil their potential.”

If you would like to speak with an adviser for information, advice and guidance please call 03330 320509 or email [email protected].

To find out more about the Essex Opportunities Portal, visit www.essexopportunities.co.uk.