30th January 2024
Capital City Partnership is celebrating the achievement of 80 clients in Edinburgh changing career through the New Futures pilot, which supported people whose work was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to switch sector.
Led by Learning and Work Institute, funded by the Covid-19 Support Fund and delivered by Capital City Partnership, New Futures Edinburgh committed to delivering personalised career advice sessions and retraining programmes, facilitating participants in making strides towards changing career.
The program focused on empowering individuals to overcome the obstacles presented by the pandemic and chart a course towards a more prosperous future.
One such success story is Bukola. Originally hailing from Nigeria, Bukola sought a fresh start in Edinburgh after being furloughed from her Community Development role.
Through the initiative, Bukola received support in refining her CV, honing her interview skills, and engaging in recruitment events, with an aim to establish a career in health and social care. This tailored assistance enabled her to navigate the job market and identify suitable roles and companies. Subsequently, Bukola secured a part-time Support Worker position with The Action Group, which allowed her to work whilst pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Psychological Support.
Reflecting on her journey, Bukola expressed her gratitude: “Moving to Edinburgh from Nigeria filled me with equal parts excitement to build a new life and anxiousness about finding employment abroad. I faced the complex job search alone, constrained by cultural differences and visa limitations. My confidence sank along with my prospects. Connecting with New Futures proved a lifeline. My coach helped translate my international background into compelling applications and effective interview perspectives. Their guidance empowered me to secure an offer shortly after. I am grateful to New Futures not only for their coaching, but also for being trusted advisors throughout my challenging transition. At my most vulnerable, they gave me hope and direction when I had none.”
In addition to careers advice, the initiative has successfully facilitated vocational training for 125 individuals. One career changer, finding the hospitality sector had been badly impacted during the pandemic, pursued a ‘Workplace Skills in Banking’ course and was subsequently successful in securing a role as a Senior Customer Advisor with Lloyds bank.
By providing tailored support, careers advice, and vocational training, the New Futures Edinburgh initiative has made a tangible difference in the community, empowering individuals to overcome adversity, change career and build a brighter future.
CCP Quote:
“The New Futures Edinburgh Pilot gave us a unique and effective platform from which to reach out to a diverse group of talented and driven individuals in need of a helping hand. Career changers often have so much to offer, and it has been hugely rewarding to see the impact people had in switching to different sectors, bringing a new perspective and eagerness to learn to their new roles. It has been inspiring to work with people who have shown such great resolve in recovering from difficult circumstances following the pandemic. This pilot demonstrated the future remains bright for people who have access to career support”
Joe Mountford-Smith, New Futures Edinburgh Co-ordinator, Capital City Partnership
L&W Quote:
“We are proud to have worked alongside Capital City Partnership and see such positive outcomes from the New Futures pilot. Eighty people in Edinburgh have started new careers, with many more on the path to switching sectors, thanks to the tailored careers coaching and vocational training delivered by the pilot. Longer working lives and an ageing population means the need for retraining is only going to grow. We hope that New Futures can help to inform future policy and practice in helping people to make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
Emily Jones, Deputy Director, Learning and Work Institute
To find out more, go to New Futures - Learning and Work Institute
New Futures Edinburgh was a leading employment support initiative led by Learning and Work Institute, funded by the Covid-19 Support Fund and delivered by Capital City Partnership. It was dedicated to assisting individuals in navigating their career change journeys. With personalized advice, vocational training, and tailored support, the project aimed to empower individuals in securing meaningful employment opportunities and advancing their professional aspirations.
The pilot came to a planned end in September 2023.
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