Ealing Council is running two schemes to give people a push with their career. One, WEST, helps unemployed people get work; the other, Skills Escalator, helps those with a job to improve their chances of getting a better-paid one.

If you are employed…

For those residents who are already in a job but still claiming some housing benefit to top-up their wages, the council’s Skills Escalator scheme can provide tailored advice and support to help you ‘up-skill’.

By gaining additional qualifications you could improve your chances of increasing your working hours – or of gaining a higher salary or a promotion.

You can get on to a range of accredited training through the Skills Escalator – including vocational courses (such as for construction) or courses to improve your language skills. To qualify you must live in rented accommodation in Ealing, be working at least one hour a week, be receiving housing benefit and at least 25 years old.

The scheme is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Contact SkillsEscalator@ealing.gov.uk or call either Vicky on 0770 295 4486 or Kayliegh on 0795 765 8194.

If you are unemployed…

WEST (which stands for work, education, support and training) was set up in 2015 with the Mayor of London’s help and, since then, has helped almost 300 local people into jobs or training.

If you are unemployed, living in the borough and over 18 years old, WEST can help. Regular sessions are run in community centres and libraries across the borough, by appointment only.

Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet member for prosperity, skills, employment and transformation, said: “Advisors can offer personalised support on a one-to-one basis such as career advice, CV writing, job searches, filling in applications and preparing for interviews. They can also work with you to identify your career aspirations and training needs and may be able to link you up with a relevant course.”

Saeeda Khan is a qualified nursery nurse but she gave up work six years ago to look after her children. Now they are a little older, she is looking to get back into work in the childcare industry and WEST has provided her with support – including directing her to useful courses such as the first aid course pictured above.

She said: “The courses have been really beneficial. I needed to update my theory and skills and refresh my memory. The courses were held at the perfect time while children are at school and nursery.”

Call 020 8825 9302 or email WEST@ealing.gov.uk