CFE have provided project management support to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), National Office since the inception of the Skills Coaching trials in April 2005.
The Skills Coaching trials formed part of the New Deal for Skills, a package of measures to support people moving from welfare into sustainable and productive employment.
Focusing on those receiving Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) where a lack of skills was their main barrier to employment, the trials formed a partnership between Jobcentre Plus and the LSC and were active in 21 LSC areas which included 16 Jobcentre Plus districts.
The Skills Coaching trial enabled customers to explore options and make decisions about their future, their goals, aspirations and skills development moving towards sustainable employment. Skills Coaching was a holistic service, differing to traditional Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services, made up of a customer journey with a series of interventions including; a meeting to check suitability, a skills diagnostic, development plan, skills passport, learning brokerage, in-learning health-check and progress interview.
CFE were initially involved in the development of policy specifications and elements of the service and continued to provide support throughout the extension of the trials.
Sharing of information and best practice throughout the Skills Coaching network was paramount to make the most of the trial. CFE ensured this with nationally organised training and networking events, area visits, regular meetings and production of a monthly e-newsletter.
CFE reported on progress of the trials to the LSC, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the National Audit Office (NAO) on a regular basis. Monthly and quarterly reports were also provided to the Skills Coaching Project Board which went on to inform the new Adult Advancement and Careers Service.
To date there have been nearly 30,000 Skills Coaching customers with just under half receiving learning and employment advice.