Group Information Session Meeting

Terpsichorean Master

Hi all, this is my first thread - so here goes!

I received a letter from the DSW/Intreo last week and have to attend a "Group Information Session" tomorrow morning, "under the Department's Activation process".

It says that I "will be provided with information on the range of supports and services that are available to help you find employment", there is also a mention that I "may be requested to attend a further interview to assist with my job-seeking efforts".

I did a little online digging and found a few, mostly now closed, threads about this from a few years ago. Does anyone know what the current departmental/SW approach to these meetings is - perhaps someone who has attended one of these sessions this year - and could you help me out with what exactly I should expect when I get there?

And also during any further meetings?

Any and all information and insight will be very gratefully received, thanks in advance!

January

My partner went to one about 3 months ago, he was then referred to the Local Employment Services centre and assigned someone to help him with researching courses/cv work etc... She got funding sorted for renewal of PSA licence and he applied for a CE scheme and started that last week.

Terpsichorean Master

That, at least, sounds helpful.

Were they insistent that he apply for the CE scheme, or was that on entered into on his own initiative though?

Just trying to get a handle in advance on what their attitude might be; whether or not they'll be looking to actually help people out or just get them on courses/schemes, regardless of suitability.

Terpsichorean Master

Anyone got any further information or insights to offer?



As I said above, all and any responses will be very gratefully received!

BowWow

There are numerious threads on this. Reading them should give you a good sense of the value of these meetings.

Terpsichorean Master

Well, as I said in my initial post, I'd already found a few, mostly now closed, threads about this from a few years ago.

But that I was interested right now in getting a handle on what the current departmental/SP approach to these meetings is at the present time, considering that these things tend to be influenced by a different set of rationales, depending on contemporary factors and influences etc.

But thanks anyway, appreciate your input.

January

He wasn't forced into applying for it anyway he was encouraged to do different courses but he didn't feel confident enough to go back to studying.