OxLEP Skills
Information
for Individuals
OxLEP Skills focuses on supporting the economic growth of businesses and communities, and as such doesn’t work with individuals directly. The following information might be of interest if you are looking for education, employment or training.
Skills Bootcamps
Funded by the Department of Education, Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over. They give people the opportunity to build up valuable sector-specific skills based on local employer demand and provide a direct path to a job on completion.
Based on local employer demand, Skills Bootcamps provide a direct path to employment upon completion, with a guaranteed job interview at the end of each course for unemployed individuals.
All courses are flexible and include a minimum of 60 hours of learning across a maximum 16-week period, providing learners with several positive outcomes no matter their circumstances.
Employability Service Providers Directory
Use our directory of local service providers to find organisations that can assist with employment support and help overcome barriers to employment across Oxfordshire.
From spoken English, disability and digital literacy to homelessness, mental health and loneliness, there are a range of service providers across the county offering advice and support to help individuals into employment.
Training Providers Directory
Our directory of training providers features organisations, schools and colleges offering national and local apprenticeships and courses that can help your path to employment.
Ordered by topic, location or apprenticeship level, our directory should give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future training and development.
How to talk you your employer about doing an apprenticeship
Finding a way to get further training in your chosen career can be difficult, especially if you’re already employed. But did you know that it’s possible to train via an apprenticeship while working for your current employer?
You may be unsure about how to start the conversation with your employer but don’t worry, both yourself, your employer and the organisation will benefit from the extra training, so have a look at our tips on how to approach the topic and find out about the apprenticeship support available for your employer.
Support for Jobseekers
‘No Limits’ Programme
The ‘No Limits’ Programme, delivered in partnership by SOFEA and Aspire, is funded through our ambitious Social Contract Programme. It aims to remove barriers that the Oxfordshire community might have getting into work, education, or training.
OxGROW
The OxGROW virtual mentoring platform helps people (18+) who are looking for support and guidance from a mentor on how to successfully navigate the challenging world of job seeking or looking to change career direction. People (Mentees) can choose the mentor/s they would like to engage with, communicating with them via a chat facility as often as required and for free.
Oxfordshire Skills and Labour Market Information
We aim to broaden knowledge and understanding of the local labour market for jobseekers and those looking to reskill and upskill to help them to understand where current and future job opportunities are. We have created a local skills dashboard, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, to enable people to access up-to-date and locally relevant key information about Oxfordshire’s economy and local skills landscape. The dashboard includes data such as workforce trends, skill requirements and job vacancies.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service can help with careers, learning and training choices. You can use the service to learn about what hundreds of different jobs involve and search for training opportunities local to you. They also offer a Skills Assessment to help you learn more about the careers that potentially suit your skillset as well as free help from a careers adviser.
Job Help from Jobcentre Plus
Get help finding a new job in different sectors with job search advice, CV & interview tips and support from employers and work coaches.
Find a Job
You can use the Government’s ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for part-time and full-time jobs in England, Scotland and Wales.
Support for Young People (16-18 years)
Find Your Future
Find Your Future is our online careers platform, where you can find information and inspiration about your future under one ‘virtual roof’. Explore the different employment sectors available in Oxfordshire, connect with local and national employers, research post 16/18 options including colleges, apprenticeships, T Levels and universities and discover tips on the skills employers are looking for, CV writing and how to succeed at interviews
OxME
OxME is the young people’s website from Oxfordshire County Council. It contains information about health, learning, work experience, jobs, anti-bullying, e-safety and more.
Barclays Life Skills
Barclays LifeSkills aims to inspire young people to get the skills they need for a better future. LifeSkills works with teachers, parents and businesses to help young people.
National Careers Week
National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and provides free resources in education across the UK.
National Apprenticeship Service
The National Apprenticeship Service provides information about Apprenticeships, tips on how to secure an Apprenticeship and links to current vacancies.