New Deal.Is it any good?

Question

I am on the dole and about to go on the new deal i just wanted to know if its any good at getting you work?

Answer 1

After a few weeks in New Deal, they make you do a course which you have to go to every weekday to learn how to do your own CVs, interviews, group tasks etc. If after another period of time, you still don't find work, they make you attend a centre and do a maths & english test then decide whether to put you on another course which if I can remember was about 30weeks or something. If you don't find work after another period of time, they stick you on a work placement.

So bascially, you are on a timescale on which you have to do courses etc to continue receiving JCP. It's a real pain but does help push you to find work much more than you are doing at the moment.

Good Luck with your job-hunting!

Answer 2

As a retired careers guidance adviser I would say that some of the training opportunities are good and is way of getting you back to work. However, New deal will only work for you if you are willing to give it a try (you wouldn't have a choice) adn I think it is important that you need to let the job centre know habout how you feel about things. Say you bit, let them know your likes and dislikes and don't let them railroad you into something which does not interest you.

You should be proactive in your approach this way you will get all the support and help that will enable you to get back into work.

All the best and last but not least keep a flexible and open mind to new ideas. You will surprise yourself how many tranferrable skills you will have.

Answer 3

As long as your prepared to get out as much as possible then don't worry. Make it clear what you want to get out of it, with a decent placement with a local employer.

I refer customers to New Deal courses all the time although my customers as Lone Parents & volunteer to go at least it shows employers your being pro-active in looking for work & not just playing the game.

Good luck