The Copeland Skills and Enterprise Partnership, consists of 24+ local providers who deliver support to Copeland residents with training, employment and enterprise related skills. During 2023 – 2026, the Partnership is delivering a programme of support consisting of the following work streams:
This workstream will provide support to employers where there is a requirement to close skills gaps within their business and/or develop a pipeline of work ready workers with specific skill sets. The workstream will be employer driven and could incorporate sort or longer term development programmes at a range of levels.
Through wage subsidies and employee training opportunities, this workstream will enable business and enterprise to grow faster and develop employee skill-sets in line with business needs and addressing skills gaps where relevant. The wage subsidy will be available to small/medium employers based within Copeland and contribute to employee’s wage and training expenses for up to 26 weeks.
This workstream will focus on business and enterprise development, with a strong focus on addressing skills gaps enabling businesses to grow. There will be a close connection to other Programme workstreams, that will provide the necessary support to upskill potential entrepreneurs and individuals preparing for self-employment.
This workstream will equip participants at different stages on their pathway, as they prepare for either work or enterprise. Participants will be encouraged to: develop their abilities in ‘skill gap’ areas highlighted by employers such as leadership, teamwork and public speaking; access pre-employment interventions to improve confidence, motivation and aspiration; engage in work experience interventions such as volunteering to develop work related skills and qualities; engage in activities to support the development of numeracy, literacy and digital skills. Some of the interventions will be bespoke and be tailored towards specific client groups such as older jobseekers (over 50’s) or claimants with health conditions or disabilities. Activities will be designed in conjunction with partners, and encourage the pooling of resources.
This workstream will focus on addressing financial barriers faced by participants trying to progress on their employability pathway. Small pots of funding are available to: access employment related training courses; purchase equipment for online learning; or to develop knowledge and skills to support a new enterprise or business,
The latest three-year Programme is jointly funded by Copeland Community Fund & Sellafield Ltd.
Contact details for the Copeland Skills and Enterprise Partnership is: Chris Cunliffe, Copeland Skills and Enterprise Officer.
Email ChrisThis programme is designed to help candidates develop the core requirements and knowledge to support entry into Bus/Coach driving within the transport sector.
The programme is for unemployed residents. Customers must reside in the area formerly known as Copeland. All ages from 21 and upwards are included.
The programme is ideal for anyone who already has a UK driving licence and is looking to get the full category D licence and initial PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) in order to work as a bus/ coach driver. The training provided is industry recognised and will give you a head start when applying for vacancies with Bus and Coach companies.
| Delivery Description | Delivery Provider | Timescales | Dates |
| Eligibility check | |||
| Identification docs / barriers/ health / availability | Interview with Employers | 12 Weeks | |
| Pre-Programme Requirements | |||
| PCV Medical | SP Training | ||
| DBS Check & Application process | SP Training | ||
| Category D Provisional Licence Completion | SP Training | ||
| Employability skills e.g. Industry awareness / Basic English/Maths, CV Writing | SP Training | ||
| Employer meet ups | Employers | ||
| Full Category D Requirements | |||
| Module 1a & 1b Theory Test | SP Training | ||
| Module 2 – Case Study | SP Training | ||
| Module 3a & 3b – Practical Training & Tests | SP Training | ||
| Module 4 – Practical Demonstration Training & Test | SP Training | ||
| Employability skills e.g. Customer Service, First Aid, Tacograph | SP Training | ||
| Interview with Employers |
Eligibility check at Job Centre Plus, Whitehaven.
Programme activities at SP Training (Workington)
The eligibility check is to make sure candidates have all the necessary requirements to join the programme activities and be able to apply for the pre- programme requirements. An informal meeting will be arranged by DWP to meet with two Skills and Enterprise Officers to go through a brief questionnaire.
This will include:
PCV medical. As part of the provisional licence application, candidates are required to pass a routine PCV medical examination.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service ) security check, SP training will support candidates to apply for a DBS check.
Category D Provisional Licence Completion. SP training will support candidates to complete and submit a provisional licence application. This will be sent to DVLA along with their completed medical and photo card licence.
Employability Skills. Candidates will need a basic level of maths, English and IT skills and be able to take online assessments. Support will be given by to help candidates find out what level of these skills they have and provide support to develop those skills to a necessary level.
Candidates will meet up with local employers who have vacancies for bus /coach drivers. They will gain an insight into the industry, the role of the bus/ coach driver, career paths and the opportunities they can offer.
There are 4 modules of training that need to be completed.
Module 1a and 1b Theory Test, this consist of 2 parts, a multiple-choice test and a Hazard Perception test, both are online.
Module 2- Case Study, this test is made up of 7 case studies to work through on a computer. Between 6 and 8 multiple choice questions will be asked on each case study.
Module 3a & 3b – Practical Training & Tests, once candidates have successfully completed their theory tests, they commence a three day practical training course and a practical test.
Module 4 – Practical Demonstration Training & Test, candidates will be tested on their ability to load a vehicle following safely rules and to keep it secure, stop trafficking in illegal immigrants, assess emergency situations, and do a walk around vehicle safety check.
Resits are available for all modules if they are needed.
There will be a series of short courses for example Customer Service, First Aid, Tacograph. The hours taken to do these courses will count toward driver CPC requirements.
Each candidate that successfully completes all aspects of the programme will be guaranteed at least one interview for a live vacancy with a bus/coach company.
To register your interest, please email: Carol.pugh@cumberland.gov.uk
How will you benefit?
By the end of the session you will better understand what self-employment is and explore some of the things you need to be aware of if you are thinking about going self-employed or want to learn more about self-employment.
How you will benefit?
By the end of the session you will have been exposed to the key element of self-employment and what needs to go into a business plan for working from home, as well as understand what you need to do in order to potentially start your own business.
Resources
Each participant on the programme will be provided with a workbook. The workbook will be something practical and individualised encouraging participants to take ownership of their learning.
Refreshments
Lunch will be provided on the full days.
What is this programme about?
This programme is designed to raise awareness of how to access a career in the Public Sector. It will include an insight into some of the key skills and qualities required, understanding of some of the current vacancies, a chance to meet employees already working in the sector and support with making job applications.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is for unemployed residents. Customers must reside in the area formerly known as Copeland. All ages from 18 and upwards are included. The programme is ideal for anyone interested in working in the Public Sector and would like to know more about the skills required and local opportunities
Programme Outline
Date | Activity | Provider | |
Day 1 Date: Tue 11 Feb 25 10am – 3pm | Welcome / Introduction to programme -Is working in the Public Sector something you have ever considered? -Are you suited to a career in Public Services - Public Service Motivation. What type of person works in public services? -Examples of public sector jobs – Quiz? -Careers at Cumberland Council - promotional video Skills & qualities required for a career in the Public Sector -Problem Solving -Adaptability -Cross Cultural Awareness Lunch -Continuation of required skills, including: -Emotional Intelligence -Diplomacy -Reality Testing A look at other qualities and skills important for a career in the public Sector | CC Inspira | |
Day 2 Date: Wed 12 Feb 25 10 am – 3pm | Welcome / introduction to day two of the Programme Cumberland Council Employer Brand Strategy – An overview Benefits of working for Cumberland Council – An overview -Wide range of opportunities including apprenticeships -Career fulfilment -Work/life balance -Pension scheme -Incremental salary increases -Holiday & leave pay -Flexible working -Training, learning & development -Health & wellbeing support and advice -Raising awareness of the recruitment process – Application forms hints & tips -Meet with personnel from various departments. Aim to include staff from departments where vacancies are in the pipeline or where there is rolling adverts. Representatives to provide an overview of the roles and career journey. -Explore the range of Public Sector jobs available locally -Lunch -Teambuilding workshop with various activities to identify strengths, skills and qualities. To incorporate the skills and qualities from day 1. | Cumberland Council HR / Resourcing Team Inspira | |
Day 3 Date: Thurs 13 Feb 25 10 am – 3pm | -Group discussion / 1 to 1 with customers and matching them to vacancies
-Support with CV development and applications for identified roles | Inspira | |
Where will the programme take place?
Solway Hall, Civic Centre, Lowther Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7SH
Free lunch and refreshments served daily.
To book a place, email: Carol.pugh@cumberland.gov.uk
