OxLEP Skills have announced the significant rollout of the ‘No Limits’ inclusive employability support programme across the Oxford City district – aiming to remove barriers that residents might have in getting into or returning to work, education or training.
The ‘No Limits’ programme is funded in Oxford City until March 2025 by Oxford City Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by Aspire, a charity that supports people in Oxfordshire facing homelessness and disadvantage to secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.
The ‘No Limits 3’ programme will support Oxford City residents (age 16+) in finding employment or skills training, with this unique initiative offering personalised triage support tailored to each participant’s individual needs.
Experienced triage workers will meet participants in familiar community settings, focusing on their overall health and wellbeing – not just employment or training.
Participants will receive one-on-one support, which may include confidence building, personality assessments, aspiration raising, mentoring, CV writing, application assistance, and interview preparation.
The goal of the initiative is to help participants secure high-quality, long-term, sustainable jobs that align with their needs and interests.
The programme also offers support through the provision of travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship, if this is a barrier – and the provision of electronic devices, data and informal digital training programmes for individuals experiencing digital poverty.
Other barriers to employment, education or training (including green skills) – such as certifications or training requirements – can also be accessed and funded through the programme.
Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: ”OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the ‘No Limits’ programme across Oxford City, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic Aspire on this project, which aims to help local people gain skills and access resources that can support them into employment.”
“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”
Councillor Susan Brown – Leader of Oxford City Council – said: “The ‘No Limits’ programme is a great example of how we can work together to empower local people to gain the skills and resources they need to access and thrive in today’s job market.
“By delivering this initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we’re making sure more people in the city can benefit from Oxford’s economic success, get into employment, and overcome barriers to opportunity.
“I’m proud to see the ‘No Limits’ programme helping to make Oxford’s economy fairer and more accessible for everyone.”
The announcement comes following the roll-out of a programme of ‘No Limits’ support elsewhere in the county earlier this month – following the wider success of the project which initially launched in 2022.