Aim
The West London EQUAL programme aimed to tackle the key challenges facing the adaptability of disadvantaged communities and skills needs of local employers in West London. The project aimed to improve recruitment and progression practices for the target groups within the local labour market and to raise the achievement levels of the beneficiaries, in particular their vocational, life skills and soft skills.
Objectives
The project delivered three interlinked projects piloting new ways of tackling discrimination in access and progress within the workplace at sub-regional level. The projects promoted both inclusive work practices and workforce development training by:
- Engaging with London West companies to address diversity and equality practices and policies.
- Establishing an integrated training and support programme for unemployed local residents.
- Co-ordinating a job trial & up-skilling training programme for both unemployed people and existing employees of West London companies.
Background
The West London EQUAL Programme was led by a partnership of local authorities, colleges and voluntary organisations from Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, led by London West LSC and managed by LB Hammersmith & Fulham
Target beneficiary groups
The target groups were ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women, young people and older workers.
Main Outcomes
In total, over 500 clients benefited from the Accelerate into Work project with nearly 400 participating in the training. According to the evaluation report the clients experienced a high level of satisfaction with the tailored training - 74% rated the support ‘good’, for example. The mix of core skills and employability training also met with approval from beneficiaries as 85% said they had found it relevant for employability. CV writing, preparation for interviews and developing skills awareness were consistently highlighted as ‘useful’ and the mock interviews and presentations, such as with employers, were considered especially effective as a teaching method. Importantly, this combination was also thought to be useful for people with ESOL needs.
