As a leading and trusted employability skills organisation, Inspira work with and help support employers to build inspiring, innovative and sector specific employment programmes aimed at helping more local people in to work.

These bespoke employment programmes are designed to help people who are unemployed and are keen to start the next chapter of their career find work in their local area.

Our team in Barrow are making a positive impact in their local area by supporting businesses with high profile recruitment areas, including the care sector. These skills requirements are not only beneficial for the local economy but also contribute to the overall sense of community.

Inspira is supporting Westmorland and Furness Council recruit for Care Support Workers in the Barrow and South Lakes area. A tailored employment programme has been developed where participants will gain a greater understanding of the roles available and what they entail. Additionally, guidance on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process is given to help the participants to help prepare for the interview stage. The course also includes money management skills, which can be a crucial factor in helping people maintain employment once secured.

Amy Lowry, Recruitment Manager - Care Services at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Westmorland and Furness Care Services, like a lot of providers have been affected by the challenges faced with recruiting into Health and Social Care. Working with Inspira on our upcoming employment course has enabled us to connect with a new candidate audience, that previously may have assumed a career in care, or with the Council, wouldn’t be accessible to them. It also provides us with the opportunity to work directly within our communities across Westmorland and Furness, highlighting the Council’s offer as an employer and to generate an awareness of what a career in care can look like with Westmorland and Furness Council.

The courses are running between 26th February and 5th March in Barrow, and 4th-12th March in Kendal. For more information call Inspira Barrow on 01229 824052.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for those who are looking for work and considering a new career to explore what working in care with the council could look like. It is a hugely rewarding career that can last a lifetime or open up the doors to other opportunities in care such as social work. We are delighted to be working with Inspira to help candidates have the best chance of success both before applying and whilst in the role. We encourage eligible people that may be interested to contact the number below.”

Inspira has been supported by Westmorland and Furness Council to expand the target group of The Key - an established employability programme for economically inactive adults - to include young people aged 16-25 who are not engaged in education, employment, or training.

The project was allocated up to £615,066 by the council from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Julia Winder, Area Operations Manager at Inspira said: “The team at Barrow are thrilled to be working in partnership with a diverse range of businesses and organisations in the local area to support in their recruitment needs. Our tailored employment programs serve as an excellent resource to help job seekers land the right job, while also providing the necessary support they need to be successful throughout the recruitment process. The relationships we are forging will have a positive impact now and in the future.”