Confused about work prog

LisaB85

I have been unemployed for over a year and in April was referred to Ingeus who have been generally good, I am doing an online course and had some mock interviews.

Today I had my appointment with a new adviser who has referred me to F1 training for 18 weeks but didn't really tell me what it was about; however he mentioned voluntary work placement where I could get work experience.

Now I am worried and confused, am I going to be forced into doing unpaid work?

I would like to do voluntary work for a day a week if it may lead to a job or to get it on my CV/reference but I am not happy to be forced into a 30 hour week for £71 a week. I have been told I will have to discuss my needs with my adviser when I get my appointment but I'm worrying about what this will mean. The letter does not mention any mandatory work placement just that I could get work experience or update my skills such and health and safety.

If they wanted me to do unpaid work could I do this at my local stables as my end goal is to move from office work into work with horses?

My CV is good and feedback from interviews are good I seemed to be pipped to the post each time I feel like I'm being treated like one of these who can't be arsed to work and who has never worked.

Forgot to add- I am 27 and have never been unemployed this long before.

greenberet1990

hi there,

the job market is hard right now, but keep your head up. its great your getting interviews.

Regarding work placement, yes some work programme providers ask their customers to do a up to 30 hours a week placement to improve their chances of gain work. for example, at reed customers can find there only placement and in some cases launch and travel costs are covered.

Whilst some providers force customers into areas where the customers has no interest in. 18 weeks is a long time, and some critics say its a form of cheap/salve labour.

best of luck

green

MissSarah1972

OP - have they not got any real job inteviews for you?

LisaB85

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

OP - have they not got any real job inteviews for you?

Nope, all my job interviews are those I have found myself.

Donaway

On a side note what happens if you have not found a job after the 18 week work experence programme ?

pickpocketlocket

LisaB85 wrote: »

I am not happy to be forced into a 30 hour week for £71 a week.

Why does this make you unhappy? Many working people have less than £70 after housing and travel expenses.

DCFC79

OP go in with a positive attitude about it, dont read too much into the letter.

LisaB85

pickpocketlocket wrote: »

Why does this make you unhappy? Many working people have less than £70 after housing and travel expenses.

Please stay on topic, you are not answering the question you are simply trying to provoke a response to cause an argument.

LisaB85

DCFC79 wrote: »

OP go in with a positive attitude about it, dont read too much into the letter.

Just have no idea what is going on, suffering with depression at the moment incl panic attacks and having to be a carer so although I would do vol work to prove myself to get a job at the end I don't want to be forced into something unsuitable or not get anything out of it.

Feels like I've been pushed from pillar to post despite doing what Ingeus required of me and still getting interviews on a regular basis x

LisaB85

Donaway wrote: »

On a side note what happens if you have not found a job after the 18 week work experence programme ?

God knows, considering there are currently places round here making hundreds redundant I don't fancy my chances x