A brand-new employment and skills centre has been launched at London South East Colleges’ Orpington Campus.
The ‘Good Work Bromley Exchange’ has been created through a unique partnership with the college and Bromley Council, in connection with their UK Shared Prosperity Funding, which is part-funded by the UK Government.
Also working with Local London (the GLA), Bromley Mencap and CASPA in addition to the Department for Work and Pensions, Maximus, Bromley Well, local housing associations and other local charities, the initiative is aimed at supporting people from across the borough who may be struggling to gain employment. This includes those with additional needs such as autism and mental health challenges.
Experts from the partner organisations and the college will be on hand at the Good Work Bromley Exchange to provide specialist support for anyone who needs it. There will be many opportunities on offer for applicants, including referral onto courses at London South East Colleges and progression into employment via Work Skills Programmes and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs).
Representatives from the partner organisations, together with employers and many other stakeholders from the borough attended the launch event at the new centre on Tuesday 23 January 2024.
London South East Colleges’ Group Chair, Stephen Howlett CBE, DL welcomed guests, with Group Principal and CEO, Dr Sam Parrett CBE introducing the project. Partners spoke about their involvement and attendees were given an overview of the local skills market, as well as the opportunity to meet students.
Neil Coates, Deputy Principal Adults, Enterprise and Employability at LSEC spoke to attendees about the project and the benefits it will have. He said: “This is such an exciting project, which will help people of all ages from across the borough access training and employment opportunities. This will enable them to gain the skills and knowledge needed to get into the workplace, achieve their career ambitions and fulfil their potential.
“Working in partnership with the council, the DWP, local charities and employers is a fantastic example of collaboration - together we can have a greater impact and support more local people.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “There is a high level of skill and training throughout our borough, which leads into our high employment rate and a wide range of successful Bromley businesses, which are at the heart of our local economy. Initiatives like this are so important for helping more residents access the skills needed to make the most of the employment opportunities locally.
“I thank our partners London South East Colleges, and the participating employers for delivering the Good Work Bromley Exchange, which I am sure will prove a valuable resource for many residents looking for employment or wanting to reskill.”
Among the partners attending the launch was Simon Boyle, Borough Partnership Manager (South London District-Bromley and Lewisham Boroughs) at the Department Work and Pensions. He said: “Working in partnership with local organisations to help people move closer to work and help employers fill jobs is a vital part of our work. We are delighted to be working with London South East Colleges, Bromley Council and other partners on this project, to positively impact people’s lives.”
Bach Luu Kaparia, Manager of the Health and Care Jobs Hub, added: “Our team has been delighted to collaborate with London South East Colleges and bring together our NHS employer partners to support the delivery of Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Through this project with our partners in Bromley, we look forward to building on this success to enable more local people to access good work in healthcare and help improve services for their communities.”
More information on the Good Work Bromley Exchange.
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For media enquiries, please contact Olivia Marshall, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8461 7857 or email olivia.marshall@bromley.gov.uk.