If you are already in a job but still claiming some housing benefit to top-up your wages, the council’s Skills Escalator is a proven scheme that can help you increase your chances of earning more money. Just ask swimming instructor Sally (pictured).

By gaining additional qualifications to help you ‘up-skill’, or simply being given the right guidance with job applications, you could improve the likelihood of raising your working hours – or of gaining a higher salary or a promotion. To qualify for Skills Escalator you must live in rented accommodation in the borough, be working at least one hour a week, be receiving housing benefit and at least 18 years old.

Sally Campbell, of Hanwell, was a lifeguard at a swimming pool. She wanted to become a swimming instructor but did not see how she could afford the training. That is when Sally’s mum found out about Skills Escalator in Around Ealing and told her to get in touch.

Skills Escalator helped Sally to get on to two courses – which led to her gaining swimming teaching qualifications, the perfect way to up-skill. She was also given advice.

She said: “I enjoyed working in the industry but I wanted to find a way to earn more and thought teaching lessons would be perfect. Gaining swim teaching certificates have helped me to get better paid jobs and more hours’ work. My advisor was extremely helpful and friendly. And without their help I would not have been able to afford the courses, which have made a big difference to what I can now earn. I received support during and after my courses and I recommend it 100%.”

MORE INFORMATION

• Contact SkillsEscalator@ealing.gov.uk or call either Diana on 020 8825 7855 or Kayliegh on 0795 765 8194
• Read another Skills Escalator success story.