Learners: New Deal

We also help people who do not have a degree but who are felt to be “high-flyers” by the New Deal Personal Advisors. By finding you relevant work experience and supporting you with job search we aim to get you into work as soon as possible.

Here is what you can expect from us

• An Open College Network (OCN) Workbook: Before you actually meet us we will get you thinking about your situation by starting to complete our workbook especially designed to improve your job search techniques.
• Initial Assessment: This is our chance to listen to you and find out what your hopes and ambitions are. We will help to clarify your career direction, explain the scheme and plan out an action plan.
• Practice Interview: We will give you training sessions on interview tehcnique and the chance to conduct peer-to-peer practice interviews to enhance your chances of success.
• Placement interview: Before we start you on a placement you will be interviewed by the company to ensure there is a good fit.
• Induction: If you are successful at this interview we will make sure you are prepared for the next 13 weeks with a detailed plan of what you will do in the placement and how you are going to get a job.
• Professional Discussion: As part of the assessment of you OCN workbook you will undergo a practice interview that is formally assessed by a panel - an experience many learners have found to be very useful in preparing you for any future interview.
• Surgeries: Whilst you are in the placement we will give you constant support over the phone, by email and face to face to ensure you are on track with your 13 week plan and moving towards a job. If there are any problems with the placement we want to know about it as soon as possible.
• Job: As soon as you get offered a job you leave the scheme straight away. If you finish the 13 weeks and have not found work we will continue to support you as much as we can.

What is the OCN workbook worth?

Lots! The OCN workbook is at level III in NVQ terms and would constitute several units. However it is an award not a qualification. Its true value is in helping you aquire the skills needed to get you a job which can then be applied in the workplace as well and is especially focussed towards imrpowing your interview technique.

What happens if I fail my Professional Discussion ?

We don’t call it “fail” as we will give you opportunities to do them again. We hold very high standards but will give you the support needed to help you through them.

How long will it take to get me placed?

This can vary depending on the industry and placement you are looking for, we do have a number of pre-arranged placements that might be perfect for you meaning you can start straight away, but if we need to find a specific one for you it can take up to 5 weeks. You can help us to speed this up by coming to us with your own placement so please feel free to set this up and pass on the details once it is arranged.