Brighton & Hove City Council’s libraries are offering a range of training and resources to assist people getting back into the jobs market.
Twelve city libraries are now running Council Connect sessions to help people use computers and get on line. At these, volunteers are available to help people update their CV, search jobsites and make job applications online. There is also guidance on using web resources or finding online newspapers and magazines.
In charge of the scheme Cllr Geoffrey Bowden said:
These days, libraries have huge potential as a gateway to employment. There’s so much available either on the shelves or via our free computers. There are also staff on hand to help and many courses available. So I’d urge anyone looking for a job to start their search in a library.”
Libraries have a wide range of resources to help people brush up job-seeking skills such as interview technique and CV writing. There are also careers guides, college prospectuses and study aids – from GCSE to university level.
Other electronic resources are available via a Virtual Reference Library including E-Clips which contains information on over 1,200 jobs and career opportunities.
Free web access at libraries means users can browse for newspapers, employers and recruitment agencies. Libraries also have ‘essential skills’ collections to help jobseekers improve maths and English and develop confidence in reading.
The council’s Community Learning Team has published a leaflet and can be contacted on communitylearning@brighton-hove.gov.uk or on 01273 294287.
For further information phone 01273- 290800 or visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries
