APPLICATIONS are open in St Helens for roles as a work coach as part of a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recruitment drive.

Job centres across Merseyside are recruiting for more than 50 new work coach vacancies, as the DWP enters its final round of recruitment for 9,000 positions nationwide by the end of March 2021.

Applications are open from today (Wednesday, November 25) across St Helens as well as in Southport, Liverpool, Wirral and Runcorn and Widnes until Wednesday, December 2 at 11.55pm.

This follows a successful initial phase of recruitment which saw 4,500 work coaches hired as part of DWP’s response to the pandemic.

The Government is doubling the number of jobcentre Work Coaches available to support people to 27,000 by March 2021.

These new recruits will be vital to ensuring that people in St Helens have access to expert mentoring and jobs support. More expert work coaches means more personal, tailored support for jobseekers who are looking to get going with a new career or to move on from a struggling sector.

READ > St Helens' £54m Glass Futures project already building its workforce

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said: “Any Work Coach will tell you just how rewarding their job is. Helping someone back into work is really fulfilling and knowing the positive difference you’ve made to someone’s life is a real boost.

“If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to support your community, put yourself forward for what is a crucial role at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.”

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview and job search skills, work coaches also help arrange more structured support including:

• The £2 billion Kickstart scheme which puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

• The £238 million JETS programme targeting those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

• A mixture of work experience and training through SWAPS (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes), which received a £17 million funding boost this summer and will help people move into new sectors.

Apply to become a work coach here.