The Origins and Development of the Spelthorne Jobs and Skills Hub
The Spelthorne Youth Hub was established in November 2021 as a collaboration between A2 housing, Brooklands College and Spelthorne Borough Council funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Its focus was to support 18 to 24 year olds back into work.
Broadening Our Reach: Supporting All Ages and School Leavers
By January 2023 it was clear Spelthorne needed a broader service to support all residents, so funding was found to extend the offer. So, from September 2023 we supported all ages into employment and additionally supported school leavers by offering a results day service.
We became the Spelthorne Jobs and Skills Hub, though still funded to support youth from DWP.
Relocation to Our New Home and Community Impact
In April 2022 the old Decathlon store became our new home where, alongside our shop front offer of support, we hosted community opportunities from an NHS vaccination centre to an Afghan woman’s drop in as well as being the home for the Staines Business Improvement District monthly meetings.
Really great workshop. Got a lot from it. Lots of very useful information and resources. Good collaborative atmosphere. Very helpful hear other people’s stories. Good confidence booster, made me realise that I have more to offer than I had realised
RC, Aged 53 (Over 45s Employability Workshop)
Building a Strong Presence and Expanding Our Team
Our presence in the High Street impacted positively on our referrals – providing us with a place base identity.
Residents knew where to get support!
By the start of 2024 our core team of Sue, Harky, Marco, Sunny and Jennie were in place providing a united approach to our mission.
Expanding Services and Partnerships to Better Serve the Community
The charity MIND joined us to offer walk-in resident support for 5 days a week and lifelong partnership offered ‘Digital Dippers’ courses for the over 45’s, while we supported this age group with a 4 day employability course that has had rave reviews.
In August 2024 we moved into new premises next to Staines library where we hope to be for the foreseeable future. We not only offer our own support for walk-ins which is proving very popular but additionally open our venue to other Spelthorne Employment support groups such as Surrey Care Trust, Surrey Choices, Work Wise and Surrey NEET team.
This alongside developing partnerships with Brooklands Technical college and the Heathrow Academy make our Hub a unique one stop shop for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you find me a job or apprenticeship?
We are not a recruitment agency and do not hold jobs or apprenticeships. We can support you into work via CV, Interview Skills and Employment Skills & Guidance.
Do you just work with young people?
I don’t live in Spelthorne, can you support me?
Unfortunately, we are funded to support the residents of Spelthorne only. Brooklands Technical College run support for residents of Elmbridge and Runnymede aged 16-24, their contact is [email protected]. There are also 2 services in Hounslow covering all ages, [email protected] and www.hounslow.gov.uk/connexions.