A NEW digital system will support jobseekers with access to an online learning platform, CV builder and live jobs feed.

The platform – developed by Capita – is part of the new Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme in Scotland, which seeks to help those unemployed for between 13 weeks and 12 months to find work.

Capita, the outsourcing giant, has been awarded the £21.7m contract by the Department of Work and Pensions following a competitive bid process through the UK Government’s Commercial Agreement for the provision of Employment and Health Related Services (CAEHRS) framework. The contract is for 12 months, with the option of a year’s extension.

The programme has already had early successes across England and Wales since it launched in October – with more than 40,000 jobseekers referred to the programme in its first 50 days, equating to around 800 per day.

Research shows that the longer a person is without a job, the harder it is for them to find employment. The Covid-19 pandemic has made this challenge more acute, as there is now a mismatch between the sectors losing jobs, such as hospitality, and those hiring, like social care.

Andy Start, CEO Capita Government Services, said: “We are delighted that we have won our first contract through the CAEHRS framework.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to the economy and for jobseekers trying to find new roles. We have used our extensive experience designing and delivering digital services, which support diverse groups of vulnerable people, to develop our approach for the JETS programme and support the UK’s economic recovery.

“Through expert coaching, and our new Capita-developed digital platform, we hope to support many jobseekers in Scotland make the transition from unemployment into work.”

Capita will manage its supply chain partners – including Wise Group, The Lennox Partnership and Reed – to provide jobseekers with skilled advisers who will provide specialist and local support tailored to their needs.

All jobseekers referred to JETS will meet every 10 days with their adviser who will work with them to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence, and help them identify, apply for and secure suitable job roles. Participants in the programme will benefit from interview and CV coaching, and will use a Capita-developed online portal which will give them access to:

• A learning management system with:
  • Online learning which will provide participants with opportunities to get new qualifications for sectors of the economy that are growing.
  • A skills library for participants to measure their existing skills and knowledge to help them decide which are the most appropriate online courses to complete.
• A digital CV builder to help them apply for jobs.
• A live job feed which links to their CV to help the participant find employment opportunities.
• An action plan, devised with their JETS employment adviser, and online calendar to track their progress.