Questions And Answers
What is OTES?
OTES stands for Omagh Training and Employability Support. It is a pilot programme which offers targeted support and promotes activities to assist people into sustained employment. The programme is funded through the European Social Fund, supported by the Department for Employment and Learning and match funded in kind by the two partner organisations Omagh District Council and Western Health and Social Care Trust. It offers up to 26 weeks’ unpaid work experience placements to unemployed or underemployed individuals, as well as training in employability, management and ICT skills.
What type of support will OTES offer?
OTES is dedicated and committed to creating two Centres of Quality and Excellence in its approach to improving skills and enhancing learning, to support individuals in their search for sustained employment. The Centres will operate within Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and Omagh District Council (ODC). These Centres will provide resources to help individuals consistently update and perfect their competencies, with individual growth a key focus. OTES will work with partners and experts to provide:
- Quality work placements in Professional work settings
- Leadership and Management skills to supportCareer Advancement
- Presentation, Team working and Effectiveness skills for Success in the Workplace
- Self Management, Assertiveness and Time Management for Improving Own Performance
- Job Specific Skills for Competency and Proficiency on the Job
- Employability and Transferable Skills employers are seeking, Adding Value to your CV
- ICT skills for Using ICT Effectively in the Workplace
- Mentoring and Coaching from experienced colleagues and fellow professionals Coaches with knowledge and expertise to accelerate learning, address issues that may inhibit progress and goal setting for successful career transition and progression
- Job Search to maximise employment opportunities
- Employer Engagement working in a reciprocal role to maximise sustained employment opportunities
How is OTES different from other Programmes?
OTES is designed to complement, but not duplicate, other government strategies or initiatives. It will provide ‘added value’ support that is tailored to complement the skills and attributes an individual already possess.
What other training can OTES offer?
In addition to the work placements, the programme offers Employability Training accredited by Open College Network (OCN), modules in ILM Leadership and Management and a range of IT Courses. In this first phase of the programme we also offer NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care Learning and Development and the Security Industry Authority Licence (SIA). Future phases of the programme will offer further training opportunities.
How much support will participants get?
The programme is tailored to suit individual needs. The specialist support of a Life and Business Coach, Employment Coach, Employer Engagement/Skills Development Officer, ICT Tutor and a Mentor will be available to offer as much or as little support as you require.
Will Participants receive payment while on the programme?
Participants do not receive any additional payments over and above their benefits while on the programme. OTES does cover all travel expenses to and from the work placement and/or training venues, the cost of childcare, and dependant care where applicable, and the cost of relevant vocational training. The participant should not be out of pocket when participating on the programme.
Who is eligible?
Otes is currently inviting all those who are over 18 and who are unemployed, underemployed or economically inactive, to make contact.
Closing date for applications?
The recruitment and selection for places will operate bi-monthly, therefore you should keep up-to-date with new opportunities either via the website or alternatively either telephone 028 8224 6535 or drop into the Public Service Centre, High Street, Omagh and speak to one of the Otes Staff.
From April 2012 onwards closing date for Expression of Interest will be Second and Fourth Friday of each month.
What is employability?
Employability is about having the capability to get a job, keep a job and get on in a job or get a new job. OTES will support your employability by providing the work placement to develop the experience you need and provide the skills training to meet the job requirements, and you provide the work ethic.
What is Job Search?
Job Search is about when, where and how to look for work, and how to maximise your chances of success in applying for work. OTES will help you produce a professional CV, advise you on how to complete application forms accurately, and prepare you for job interviews.
What will participants achieve from the programme?
The programme offers a variety of opportunities including guidance and support from an experienced team whose aim is to get the best out of every individual. If unsure which direction you would like your career to take you can avail of the specialist services of the Employment Coach or the Life and Business Coach.
You will have the benefit of a structured work placement up to a maximum of 6 months and will gain a Certificate in Employability as well as an additional qualification from the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM). You will be offered IT qualifications to help improve your opportunities and Job Search assistance to help with creating a CV, completing application forms and interview techniques. You can avail of team building and personal development opportunities. For those undertaking NVQ Level 3 Childcare you will be given the opportunity to complete Paediatric First Aid and Child Protection training. OTES aims to equip eligible participants with all the necessary skills for moving into employment.
What benefits do local employers get from supporting the programme?
This is a great opportunity for employers to help develop the local workforce. It is no secret that everyone is tightening their belts during this difficult period for the economy and opportunities for employment have decreased, but we still need to look to the future and prepare the workforce with the skills that are going to sustain the local economy. The programme, through offering up to 26 weeks work experience combined with a package of vocational training, ICT qualifications, employability skills and management training, will increase the skills levels and experience of those who are seeking employment.
The first phase of the programme is offering opportunities to gain experience in the allied health services, public services, childcare and the security industry but we plan to provide this support to other business sectors.
Employers will benefit from a pool of motivated people, trained in the skills that they need, and who have the competitive edge which employers are seeking.
They will have the benefit of an Employer Engagement/Skills Development Officer who is available for one to one consultations from an employer perspective, signposting to organisations and programmes that can provide support for skills development for staff and management.
Through the OTES programme employers will have the opportunity to come together in a focus group to identify common needs for the local economy; share learning opportunities across sectors and access support for their particular sector. Employers will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a cohort of OTES graduates who are highly skilled and equipped to meet employability expectations.
We are keen to hear from local employers who are willing to support the development of the local workforce by letting us know the potential employment areas within their sector, the skills gaps that currently exist, what attributes they look for in employees, and what job specific training would meet their needs.
How can I find out about the Programme and apply?
All queries should be directed to Omagh District Training Consortium by telephone: 028 8224 6535 or email odtc@omagh.gov.uk
