Gloucestershire College is looking to help people across the county get back to work with its successful JobSmart programme.

The range of free course is designed to help jobseekers aged 19 and over prepare to re-enter the workplace, whether they are long-term unemployed or have recently been made redundant with a focus on transferable skills.

JobSmart courses are generally short and concentrate on developing personal, social and work-related skills such as building confidence, writing a CV, how to apply for jobs, preparing for interviews, self-assessment, communication, goal setting and basic computer skills, including using the internet, emails, cloud storage and Microsoft Office programs.

Available courses include:

• Using Employability Skills
• Computer Confidence for Work
• Confidence for Work
• Customer Service
• Interview Skills
• Personal Development for Employment
• Principles of Providing Security Services
• Professional Employment Toolkit
• Warehousing and Storage
• Working as a CCTV Operator

While some courses have start dates in August, most start from September and are free for anyone aged 19-plus and in receipt of certain benefits or working and earning less than £16,009.50 annual gross salary.

All Level 1 courses are free for adults if they are meet those criteria while Level 2 and 3 courses can be free to study for those aged 19-23 if the course is their first qualification of that level (Level 2 is equivalent to five GCSEs and a Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels).

Head of commercial Amie Nutbrown said: "Now is an uncertain time for those who have been long-term unemployed or may soon be made redundant in a job market that has become more competitive than ever before.

"Our dedicated JobSmart team can help jobseekers choose the right course for them, whether they want to retrain for a career in a new industry or brush up existing skills to feel confident in their job search and themselves as a candidate.

"We have courses to suit any age or ability, including short courses, intensive courses and professional courses, in addition to our full-time and part-time options, with funding available to those who need it.

"Our team can support you every step of the way on your journey to getting your next job."

The college's range of career-focused courses covers everything from construction, catering and counselling to business, engineering and computing with full-time courses requiring on-campus attendance for just three or four days a week to fit in around home and work commitments.

See the full range of courses and apply online at gloscol.ac.uk/jobsmart and you can find more information from the JobSmart team on 01452 563278 or email jobsmart@gloscol.ac.uk