Job Centre Plus '18-24 advisors' - sign-on

book12

After signing-on today, the sign-on clerk told me from my next sign-on onwards, all people age between 18-24 will see a '18-24 advisor' when signing-on.

What does this mean? What is the difference? Would they give me extra help/advice? Is this a new scheme?

I wanted to ask why I need to see the '18-24 advisor' for my future sign-on's. The lady was in a rush, so didn't ask.

RandomJaffa

Hi book12,

I work for Jobcentre Plus myself, and to be honest I haven't heard of this happening before, at least not in my area!
There are several pilot schemes running at the moment so it's quite likely that Jobcentre Plus offices in your area are participating in one.
In theory, 18-24's are statistically less likely to find a job than other people, so 18-24 advisors are there to make sure you do!
They should give you extra help in the form of careers advice, training schemes, organisations that can give you work placements etc. Just ask next time you sign on, someone will be able to explain the process to you.

Hope this helps

sporedude

Ive never been offered training schemes, careers advice or organisations that can help me, Its more of an in and out the door thing at the job centre =\.

RandomJaffa

Unfortunately that's the case at a lot of offices, simply because of the number of people they have to deal with.
In my office, for example, our customer register has gone from 800 to 2100 in just over a year. Bigger offices are much worse off.
Unfortunately it very much depends on the attitude of the member of staff, some staff won't tell you anything until you ask.
If you want some more info, ask to book an "ad-hoc appointment" with an Adviser next time you sign on, then you can ask for some advice or referrals to people who can help you out.

book12

RandomJaffa wrote: »

Hi book12,

I work for Jobcentre Plus myself, and to be honest I haven't heard of this happening before, at least not in my area!
There are several pilot schemes running at the moment so it's quite likely that Jobcentre Plus offices in your area are participating in one.
In theory, 18-24's are statistically less likely to find a job than other people, so 18-24 advisors are there to make sure you do!
They should give you extra help in the form of careers advice, training schemes, organisations that can give you work placements etc. Just ask next time you sign on, someone will be able to explain the process to you.

Hope this helps

Today is my third sign-on. Not yet 6 months unemployed yet, so how could they actually offer training schemes/work placements? If they force me on to one (I don't mind, as I need some sort of work experience anyway), my claim would stop, as I'm kind of 'working' for more than certain number of hours? :huh:

I will tell you more about the '18-24 advisors' when I next sign-on.

What pilot schemes are running at the moment at Job Centre Plus?

sporedude

Yah thats true, Some of the people I see at the office I go to just look like they gave up on life. Im at the sign weekly stage. Trying to find a jobs like trying to chop down an oak tree with a toothbrush.

RandomJaffa

Believe me, when you have to listen to 60 people a day giving you their life stories about how terrible everything is, you do get a teeny bit demotivated!
(Not that I'm saying you're like that! )

It's definitely a bad time jobswise for everyone, but keep on trying, and ask for help if you want it, that's what Jobcentres are there for.

RandomJaffa

It depends on your circumstances, for example if you don't have any qualifications then that would be seen as a barrier to work, so the adviser would get you some basic skills training to get you 'up to scratch'. Or say if you were looking for warehouse work, your adviser might put you on a Fork Lift truck driver's course so you stand a better chance of getting warehouse work.
It's true that some things are only open to 6 months plus, but that's more flexible now because of the numbers of people out of work.

If you are sent on a course or scheme, you will get 'Training Allowance', which is basically JSA with a different name. You'll be paid the same (probably with bus fares, meals etc added on), so there won't be any changes to your claim in that respect.

As for pilot schemes, I'm not actually sure which ones I am allowed to tell people about, but the ones that have gone public so far are things like JSA claims online, Flexible New Deal, weekly signings etc.

book12 wrote: »

Today is my third sign-on. Not yet 6 months unemployed yet, so how could they actually offer training schemes/work placements? If they force me on to one (I don't mind, as I need some sort of work experience anyway), my claim would stop, as I'm kind of 'working' for more than certain number of hours? :huh:

I will tell you more about the '18-24 advisors' when I next sign-on.

What pilot schemes are running at the moment at Job Centre Plus?

sporedude

Hah being honest I'd be the same if I was the one sitting signing people! Im gonna try the DWP the next time theyre recruiting in my area, Dont know why I didnt before.

RandomJaffa

Good idea, I'm sure they'll be needing a few extra staff before this recession gets any better

sporedude wrote: »

Hah being honest I'd be the same if I was the one sitting signing people! Im gonna try the DWP the next time theyre recruiting in my area, Dont know why I didnt before.