AS the number of those claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Alton drops again, Jobcentre Plus has said there are plenty of opportunities knocking around.

“We have lots of jobs available at present, especially as employers are now starting to put plans in place for their Christmas recruitment,” explained Hazel Prior from Jobcentre Plus.

“The amount of claimants we have at Alton Jobcentre is now relatively low and we are finding that many of those who claim Jobseekers’ Allowance or Universal Credit only do so for a short period of time before finding work.

“We do have claimants who find it more difficult to gain employment as they may have various barriers and we are working hard to help them overcome these barriers and take a step nearer to employment.”

As such the Jobcentre is now offering various free training courses and programmes to help claimants.

A free basic computer course at Alton College, on Wednesdays from 4.30pm-6.30pm, will be starting on October 26. This has been described as “an ideal course for absolute beginners” and will cover all the basics of getting online.

“Working closely with Mike Jackson House in Aldershot, we are able to offer unemployed veterans one-to-one support with employment-related matters. This could be CV writing, job applications, or work placements,” added Hazel.

“In partnership with National Careers Service and the Gurkha Welfare Centre, we are offering an advice and guidance session for the Nepalese community starting on September 30. Those needing any advice are able to book an appointment to see a careers adviser who will be able to create a CV from scratch and deal with any employment-related queries. An interpreter will be provided to help translate and a friend can be brought along for support.

“The Vine Day Centre in Aldershot are again offering a four-week catering training programme where those attending can gain a food hygiene certificate, health and safety training and help with mock interviews, work experience and volunteering, as well as applying for jobs.

“The Prince’s Trust have been visiting Alton Jobcentre to promote their 12-week programme for unemployed 16 to 25 year olds which starts October 3.

“The aim of the programme is to encourage young people to think about their futures, uncover their talents, and develop team working and communication skills.

“Basingstoke College will be offering our claimants the chance to brush up on their English skills and gain a qualification equivalent to a GCSE. This is an eight-day course from 10am to 2.30pm each day and travel costs will be reimbursed.

“An interview skills workshop is being held on November 8 which is always well attended and National Careers Service will be offering a Christmas recruitment workshop on the same day which will help our claimants understand which employers are recruiting for the season and how to apply for those vacancies.

“We also have an Armed Forces event at Alton Jobcentre on September 27, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Those who would like to find out more about a career are welcome to come along.”

In Alton, the number of people claiming JSA are:

In the 18-24 age group, there are 95 claimants, a six per cent drop on year; and in the all ages group, there are 435 claimants, a one per cent drop on year.

To find out more about any of these events, call Hazel Prior on 01252 356511.