Gloucestershire's new employment and skills hub was launched yesterday (21 September) in a bid to support the county's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hub launch is being timed as furlough ends to ensure residents in the county are well supported by providing a central place for information and support.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "As a county council we want to offer the best possible support to all our residents whether they need a new career post furlough or they're considering retraining.

"There is so much on offer from early careers advice, apprenticeships, adult education through to specialist support for those with disabilities. We're confident Gloucestershire is well placed to rebuild - with opportunities for everyone."

The county council and GFirst LEP have worked together to develop a central source of information and specialist coaches who will work with residents on their needs getting them the right information or linking them with an organisation.

A tailored package and ongoing support will be made available whether the resident needs training, a new career, advice, support, an apprenticeship and even more. The only criteria to access the service is to be a Gloucestershire resident.

David Owen, CEO GFirst LEP, said: "The new employment and skills hub is a resource for people at any stage in their career. As the government's furlough scheme comes to an end, the timing is right to now push these services. There are over 36,000 job listings currently being advertised by businesses in Gloucestershire, so these new resources will also be helpful when it comes to residents looking to reskill or upskill."

The hub officially launched yesterday to coincide with Gloucestershire Day which this year is focusing on businesses, skills and tourism.

Contacting the hub

• For a direct online referral fill out this form 
• For online information go to the website 
• Call 01452 425776 - to talk to someone
• Face-to-face appointments are also available.

Hear from Gloucestershire County Council's leader Cllr Mark Hawthorne, and Colin Chick, Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure in the videos below: