Employability Opportunities

Skills For Work

Learning how to get that job

Based at our office in Boscombe

For Dorset residents

Our Skills For Work course will equip you with the tools you need to obtain meaningful and sustainable employment. On our 5-week course, you will learn about how to improve your self-esteem, confidence and interview techniques. You will also learn how to identify your strengths and set yourself goals whilst gaining a qualification.  

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.

Where is it delivered?

This course is delivered at our site in Boscombe, but we also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595.

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

This course is also available as part of our Inspiring Change project for those at risk of homelessness in Exeter. Please scroll down for more details.

1624

Coaching programme for young people not in education, employment and/or training.

Based in BCP, delivered face-to-face or vitually

For BCP residents

This bespoke coaching programme combines mentoring, workshops, activities and signposting to help young people move closer to education, employment and/or training. 1624 also offers young people a fantastic chance to engage with their community, make new friends, build their self-esteem, learn life skills and develop new hobbies.

You will gain the skills to make lasting positive changes through a flexible programme covering:

• One to one mentoring to determine personal goals and perceived barriers

• Group activities such as cooking, gardening, nature trails and engaging with AFC Bournemouth

• CV building & Job searching skills

• Money management

• Communication skills

• Access to accredited learning for personal development and employability skills

• Referral to specialist mental health support

Who can sign up?

 Any young person (16-24) living in BCP who is, or at risk of being, not in education, employment or training –NEET.

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online enrolment form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

City & Guilds, Level 1 & 2 Horticulture

Based at BCHA’s Yurt at our allotment

For Dorset residents

BCHA’s thriving allotment is home to several ground and raised growing beds, poly-tunnels, apple trees, lots of wildlife and our accredited practical Horticulture courses.

We offer the opportunity to gain a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, now accredited by City & Guilds. The courses are delivered by experienced horticulture tutors combining practical activities with learning the theory behind horticulture techniques in our cosy Yurt. Each course includes sessions designed to help you develop the skills to gain your qualification and progress within the horticultural sector.

The Level 1 course is suitable for learners who are new to the sector as it provides knowledge of preparing soil, applying organic mulch, pruning, houseplant care and the skills demanded by horticultural practice. The Level 2 course builds on the existing skills developed at Level 1.

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is aged 19 and over who is living in Dorset. It is highly recommended to complete the Level 1 course before enrolling on the Level 2 course.

How do I sign up?

To sign up to either horticulture course, please  read our privacy notice then complete our online enrolment form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form  and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

How do I become a helper?

If you are interested in volunteering at the BCHA Learn New Leaf Allotment, please contact our Allotment Coordinator, Miles Mahoney on 07966 800 130 or email milesmahoney@bcha.org.uk.

Digital Life Skills

Beginners digital course

Based at our office in Boscombe

For Dorset residents

Are you a complete beginner looking to embark on your journey into the digital world? Our 10-week IT course is perfect for those who have no prior computer knowledge, who would like to build their skills and confidence in this area. We start with IT fundamentals such as turning your computer on and off, working with files, safety whilst using IT and we also go through Word processing software, emails, the internet and financial security.

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.

Where is it delivered?

This course is delivered at our site in Boscombe, but we also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595.

How do I sign up?

Please read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our  paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

Inspiring Change Exeter

Coaching programme for people at risk of homelessness

Based in Exeter

For people at risk of homelessness based in Exeter

Inspiring Change is an exciting project based in Exeter, supporting those 18+ who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, as well as those using homelessness services, to engage in meaningful activities and rebuild their lives. The personalised coaching programme combines practical activities and workshop learning to improve access to education, training, support and employment opportunities.

You will gain the tools, skills and knowledge to make lasting positive changes through a flexible programme of:

• One to one support sessions
• Optional group workshops
• Fun activities
• Employability skills training
• Meaningful activities
• Accredited qualifications (optional)

Alison Fewins, our Education & Learning Co-ordinator for this project is “excited to be working work with the people of Exeter to support them on the pathway to meaningful activity and their journey beyond!”

Who can sign up?

Anyone aged 18+ based in Exeter who has experienced or is at risk of homelessness, or is currently using homelessness services across the City.

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online enrolment form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

Want to support this project?

Partnership working will be crucial in the delivery of this project. We look forward to continuing our work with existing partners and build new connections to engage those who would like our support and to understand local apprenticeship, volunteering and training opportunities for our customers.

If you are a local organisation supporting those who have experienced, or at risk of homelessness, please call 01202 410 595 to discuss how we can work together.

Inspiring Change BCP

Coaching programme for people at risk of homelessness

Based in BCP

Running from January - March 2024

For people at risk of homelessness based in BCP

Inspiring Change BCP equips people who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, as well as those using homelessness services in BCP, with the skills to progress towards independent living. The personalised coaching programme combines practical activities and workshop learning to improve access to education, training, support and employment opportunities. 

You will gain the tools, skills and knowledge to make lasting positive changes through a flexible programme of: 

• One to one sessions 
• Small group workshops 
• Employability skills training 
• Tenancy-related training 
• Benefits guidance 
• Personal & Social development activities 

Who can sign up?

Anyone aged 18+ based in BCP who has experienced or is at risk of homelessness, or is currently using homelessness services across Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. 

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online enrolment form.  Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

At Your Service

Hospitality skills

Based at our site in Poole

For BCP residents

At Your Service is a unique learning programme offering participants the chance to learn how to cook restaurant style food with our Italian chef, as well as barista training and the opportunity to complete Food and Safety Hygiene Certificate.

Alongside cooking delicious food in our restaurant style kitchen, at the end of our 2-session programme every person will feel ready to work within the hospitality sector, in restaurants, cafes, pubs and coffee shops.

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.

Where is it delivered?

This course is delivered at our site in Alder Hills, Poole.

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form  and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

Brighter Futures

Learning how to get that volunteering role

Based at our office in Boscombe

For Dorset residents

Are you considering a volunteering role, but, have no idea where to start? Our Brighter Futures course can help you build all of the skills you need to be successful in any volunteering role.

In partnership with Community Action Network (CAN), our course will help you to navigate the start of your volunteering career, with sessions covering a range of topics including:

• Benefits of volunteering
• Effective decision making
• Productive working relationships
• Health & safety awareness

Upon completion of our 5-week course, you’ll be bursting with new-found confidence and excitement to begin your volunteering career.

Who can sign up?

Anyone who is aged 19 and over and living in Dorset.

Where is it delivered?

This course is delivered at our site in Boscombe, but we also offer outreach at community venues. If you would like to discuss a potential outreach course, please call 01202 410 595.

How do I sign up?

Please  read our privacy notice then complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download our paper enrolment form and email the completed document to bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or post it to BCHA Learn, The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AS.

Once we’ve received your referral form, a member of the BCHA Learn team will contact you to book onto our next available course.

Creating Future Opportunities

Improving Social Inclusion

Delivered by Recoop

Many of the participants we are working with have experienced multiple difficulties accessing education and training, excluding them from finding better opportunities after release. With support and collaboration from our partners within the Shaw Trust delivery framework, we provide workshops and targeted support for individuals in custody and within a number of community settings.

Visit the HMPPS CFO website to learn more about their work.