JobCentre Plus is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)-funded employment agency. Its purpose is to help people find work, while also providing financial support to eligible job hunters to help remove barriers to work. The Centre runs a range of programmes to include people to get back into work, including sector-based work academies for the unemployed. 

The sector-based work academies provide a short period of pre-employment training, work experience and in some instances guaranteed job interviews to support people into work via a specific job role or job sector opportunity.

These academies are delivered regularly across a range of job sectors, such as:

• Hospitality
• Security
• Construction
• Business Administration
• Social & Adult Care

To support participants, JobCentre Plus can provide reasonable travel costs.

Please contact your Work Coach or Jobcentre direct for current opportunities.

Find your nearest JobCentre Plus  Contact JobCentre Plus  Find a Job

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service, supported by qualified careers advisers, offers free and impartial information, advice and guidance to help with decisions about careers, courses and work. 

Visit the National Careers Service website
Get in touch with the National Careers Service
Email: NationalCareersServiceNCC@futuresforyou.com  
Phone: 0800 100 900
Contact: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/contact-us or 

Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme is a six-month paid job with a local employer, funded by the Government. It provides a fully funded opportunity for 16-24-year-olds, who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long term unemployment, to get experience of working in one of the UK’s most exciting companies.

Find out more on the Kickstart scheme website.

Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices

This service is for apprentices who have been made redundant or think they might be made redundant in the future. The support helps apprentices to find an employer to continue their apprenticeship with. Once registered, apprentices will receive the details of potential employer and opportunities each week, so they can contact them directly. 

Find out more on the Government website.
Phone: 08000 150 400

Job Help and The Skills Toolkit

jobhelp is a JobCentre plus initiative. The website shows current vacancies, offers advice for job seekers and shares local support available. Visit the jobhelp website to find out more. https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/

The Skills Toolkit contains a range of free online courses to help users to learn new skills or change jobs. Take a look at the courses available on The Skills Toolkit Website.

Bedford Jobs Hub

Bedford Borough Council's Jobs Hub supports people of all ages who live in Bedford Borough to find work and training opportunities. From individual helps with CVs to weekly jobs bulletins the hub offers a range of services. Take a look at the Bedford Borough Council website to find out more.

Email: the.jobshub@bedford.gov.uk
Phone: 01234 223510

Find Your Future: Central Bedfordshire Council

Find Your Future is Central Bedfordshire’s careers guide and portal, where you can find out about the great career opportunities in the local area. The site links to reliable sources of information to help you with important decision-making and to find the right job for you. Visit Find Your Future to find out more.

Email: ncs@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk 
Phone: 0300 300 8110

Luton Passport to Employment

Luton Adult Learning aims to make learning accessible and relevant while being an enjoyable and stimulating experience for all of Luton's citizens, communities and employers. The Adult Learning website hosts a range of employment information; Whether you are looking to find an apprenticeship, a new job, gain a promotion or improve your confidence they have something for you.

Email: info@lutonacl.ac.uk
Phone: 01582 490033

South Northamptonshire Council Job Club

The South Northamptonshire Jobs Club offers confidential advice and support on a wide range of topics to help residents find their way back into work, training or education. Visit the South Northamptonshire Jobs Club website to access the latest vacancies, webinars and support.

Email: jobclub@southnorthants.gov.uk
Phone: 01327 322087

Directory of Employment and Skills Support

Whether your experiencing barriers to work or seeking a career change, we've collected the national, local and regional employment support available. Visit the Employment and Skills Support Directory and select your employment status to see the support available to you.

Are you thinking of starting a new business? One in 27 new businesses in England are started within the South East Midlands, with the business survival rates being above the UK average. Our prime location naturally places us at the heart of where key innovators and markets come together.

SEMLEP's Growth Hub offers fully funded business support and advice. Visit the SEMLEP's Growth Hub website, or get in touch with the Growth Hub team to talk through starting your own business today.

Starting your own business  Contact SEMLEP's Growth Hub