Training
Would you like to access online training (some of which is free) which improves your skills and can help you into employment? If the answer is yes, then look no further than Ashfield Voluntary Action. You can access the training at a time and place to suit you. What if you don't have a computer? No problem, use one of ours.
We offer many courses through Flick; all of which help to improve workplace based skills and knowledge and can really help you to take those first steps into work or to help you to learn new skills for that perfect job. Contact Simon HIlton on 01623 555 551 or email s.hilton@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk to find out more about courses including; safeguarding, first aid, food hygiene, health & safety and lots more.
You can go at your own pace and each course lasts around 30-90 minutes. If you have dyslexia, or find reading a struggle, the sessions can use audio, so you can be asked the questions rather than have to read lots of information.
What We Offer
Ashfield Voluntary Action provides a number of routes into training, targeting both individuals and VCS groups across the district.
Our Community Engagement Officer works closely with the DWP and has a regular presence (twice a month) at the Job Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. We liaise very closely with the DWP who refer their clients to us for training and volunteering opportunities. Providing access to training and volunteering has a positive impact on health and wellbeing, and build the skills, self-confidence and knowledge necessary to improve employment prospects.
Whilst we promote AVA’s own volunteering opportunities (via the DWP) we also act as a broker for other VCS groups throughout the district.
AVA tends to direct the volunteers referred to us by the DWP into our own volunteering opportunities (typically working in our kiosk, making sandwiches, gardening and reception / administrative duties). The rationale behind this? We have an excellent reputation of working with volunteers with additional needs. Typically, many of those who come to us through the DWP benefit from a more supportive environment.
The Community Engagement Officer speaks regularly at a progress group which showcases the benefits of volunteering and the function of AVA in its capacity as volunteer broker. Our Community Engagement Officer also works closely with the disability and neuro-diversity team. As referenced, we have an excellent track record of working with volunteers with additional needs as we can provide an extra tier of support, when needed.
Over half of our current staff initially joined us as volunteers and many more have transitioned into other employment opportunities outside the organisation.
As well as this close work with individual volunteers, we also work more widely with the VCS in Ashfield. This allows us to upskill and empower community groups. AVA provides a wide range of training opportunities (through Flick learning) to ensure that VCS groups are appropriately prepared when working with service users. This training may include safeguarding, food hygiene, fire safety, health & safety, equality and diversity, GDPR and awareness around mental health. Training is offered to members of staff, current and new volunteers, and established volunteers working with other VCS groups in the community.
To reduce any barriers to access, AVA offers the use of equipment, IT access and an appropriate space for learning. AVA can also offer one-to-one support for learners and potentially loan devices (such as iPads) to those wishing to take part in training.
If you would like to talk to someone about training or find out more about what AVA has to offer please ring 01623 555 551.
