Our workplace taster programme is now open, an opportunity for women to learn paper flowers as well as transferable skills to help them into employment. Here, Marcia, our Training Coordinator explains more about the training and its impact.
Hi, I’m Marcia! I’ve been working with Page & Bloom for just over a year- I started off on the workplace training programme and moved into a job making flowers. Now I’m the Training Coordinator for the programme!
At the beginning I wasn’t that confident but over the time I’ve learned to put my transferable skills into the programme, to update my CV and it’s boosted my self esteem.
We’ve just opened places for year 2 of our training programme- see below for details of how to get involved. Last year was filled with lots of exciting activities. The participants have gained lots of new experiences and confidence that supports them to find new opportunities in work or education.
"I have learned so many new things and I have been practising the things I have learnt. I feel more confident now as I have got new skills. I have become more creative and organised" (Trainee, Year 1)
I would say these statistics are amazing, well done all who took part in the programme!
Sometimes starting something new is not so easy, I am proud to say that I have worked with these women, and it was a joy. I have achieved better communication with other people and using transferable skills while making beautiful bespoke paper flowers.
Most of the women left feeling more confident in the process of entering work or education on completing the program. They have achieved communicating with each other either verbally or via using technology. All enjoyed being creative and working with others during this time of Covid.
"The team here is amazing everyone has been helpful and supportive (Trainee, Year 1)"
Skills obtained in a range of organisational skills, routines, regulations and positive self-esteem during a flower making activities.
So, this year the programme is called Workplace Taster Programme and we've made a few changes based on our learning from last year and feedback from participants.
What's the training all about?
Over 4 sessions participants will identify the skills and strengths they already have that can be useful in the workplace, as well as learning new skills. And of course they will create a beautiful paper bouquet to take away at the end of the course.
We have 14 places available over the course of the programme (Nov 2021 to May 2022). We can only work with 2-4 women at a time, so it may not be possible to start immediately, but you can be booked into a slot later in the year if necessary.
"I have learnt more about what the expectation are in a workplace and that sometimes workplace may seem complicated but its more about knowing how to develop language" (Trainee, Year 1)
Who is eligible?
The programme is for women survivors of domestic abuse, who need support to move into, or back into employment. They need to be:
Over 16 years old
Not currently in paid work
Have the right to live and work in the UK
Be able to travel to our studio near Charlton/ Woolwich Dockyard in southeast London
Currently living in the London Borough of Greenwich (although there is some flexibility on this)
What will participants be doing?
Trainees will join us for 4-half day session scheduled over 2 weeks in small groups of 2-4 women. We will do the following activities:
Learn how to make bespoke paper flowers and take home a lovely bouquet
Do on the job training to learn practical skills that will help you in other jobs. For example, you could learn about dealing with customers, admin and social media.
Gain experience that will give you examples to talk about in job interviews or application forms.
Help you to identify transferable skills that you already have that can be used in the workplace.
We can help you develop your CV, write a job application or practice for an interview.
Do I have to pay?
No, the 4 weeks training programme is free and all materials are provided. The training is funded by a grant from the European Social Fund and the UK Education & Skills Funding Agency.
We will cover participants' local travel cost. You will need to provide receipts of your expenses. We will also provide you with lunch on the days you attend.
Where is it and what are the dates?
Our studio is 10-15 minutes' walk from Charlton and Woolwich Dockyards stations and is easy to reach by public transport.
The next training dates place over 4 days in November 2021: 2nd, 4th, 9th and 11th November. Each day the sessions will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
We will also be running this training programme in January, February, April and May 2022.
How to apply?
If you are interested in joining the programme, please contact us. We can tell you more information about the programme and check if you are eligible- just email Marcia at training@pageandbloom.com
"I think I've made progress in the fact that I turned up each time" (Trainee, Year 1)
What happens at the end of the training programme?
After the session have ended you can return for a 1.1 session to get help with completing your job/educational application or practicing for an interview.
We also have an optional work experience programme you can apply for at the end of your training, which is paid work. You will work with us to make flowers and be able to put some of your skills into practice.
How do I refer someone?
Local charities and community groups supporting women survivors of domestic abuse can refer participants to us.
If you have a client or service user who would benefit from this training, please email training@pageandbloom.com as soon as possible and we will be in touch to go through the details with you. We will be filling places on a first come first served basis. We will also be operating a waiting list for programmes starting later in the year.
"I feel happy and more confident now I know how to communicate with other people." (Trainee, Year 1)
I'm looking forward to seeing you at this year's training!
Marcia